History and Profile of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)
A Legacy of Legislative Excellence
The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) traces its origins to the movement for local autonomy and the empowerment of local legislators during the late 1980s. The idea of forming a national federation of councilors was first conceived in 1989, when the Metro Manila Councilors League (MMPCL) convened the First National Capital Region Councilors Assembly on July 15, 1989, at the Quezon City Sports Club with the theme “Local Autonomy: Key to National Progress and Stability.”
Inspired by the success of that assembly, MMPCL officers encouraged councilors from across the country to organize their respective provincial and regional federations. These efforts culminated in a meeting held in Manila to elect the Interim Officers of what would become the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) and to plan its First National Congress.
The First PCL National Congress was held on September 7–9, 1990, at the Ninoy Aquino Memorial Stadium, Malate, Manila. During this congress, the PCL Constitution and By-Laws were ratified, and the first set of National Officers was elected, led by Hon. Guillermo C. Altuna of Quezon City as National Chairman and Hon. Ponciano D. Subido of the City of Manila as National President.
The PCL was officially accredited by the Department of Local Government on September 3, 1990, and subsequently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 17, 1990, granting it formal recognition as a national local government association.
A landmark development followed with the enactment of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which institutionalized the federations of elective local officials, including the PCL. Pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 92-03, issued on January 16, 1992, the League was reconstituted in accordance with the Code’s provisions. National Chairman Guillermo C. Altuna then convened the PCL National Council on August 22, 1992, at the Asian Institute of Tourism, Diliman, Quezon City, to amend its Constitution and By-Laws, which were later adopted and ratified during the Second National Congress on October 17–18, 1992, at the San Andres Sports Complex, Malate, Manila.
PCL Today
35 Years of Leadership and Service
Now celebrating its 35th Founding Anniversary, the PCL proudly upholds the theme:
“35 Taon na Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran: Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas” (35 Years as Partners in Progress: Towards a New Philippines).
This milestone highlights the League’s enduring commitment to strengthen local legislation, empower local legislators, and advance participatory and inclusive governance in line with the national vision of a Bagong Pilipinas.
Today, the PCL stands as a dynamic and respected organization representing more than 17,000 city and municipal councilors nationwide. It continues to champion the professional growth, welfare, and legislative excellence of its members through programs and advocacies that enhance their competence, integrity, and public service values.
Advocacy and Milestone
Over the years, the Philippine Councilors League has been instrumental in achieving major policy and institutional reforms that benefit local legislators. Among its significant advocacy milestones are:
Salary Step Increment for Councilors
On salary step increments, it is not just for councilors but for all elective officials. It is PCL which vigorously pursued this benefit but the final memo circular issued by DBM-CSC included all elective officials.
Civil Service Eligibility for Three-Term Councilors
On Eligibility law, it is not just for the benefit of councilors but for all ” sanggunian members ” ( Vice Governor, Board Members and Vice Mayors)
Institutionalization of Continuing Legislative Education
Through its Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) and PCL Presidents Academy, the League institutionalized capacity-building programs that elevate legislative standards, governance ethics, and leadership skills among local legislators nationwide.
The PCL Legislative Academy
Advancing Academic and Professional Excellence
One of the League’s most transformative initiatives is the establishment of the PCL Legislative Academy, a flagship institution dedicated to the academic and professional development of local legislators.
In partnership with leading universities and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Academy has produced thousands of graduates through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), allowing councilors to earn formal academic degrees based on their legislative and professional experience.
Many councilors have since advanced to earn Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Public Management, Leadership, and Governance—affirming PCL’s commitment to cultivating scholar-legislators who blend academic expertise with practical governance leadership.
The CLLEP
An Innovative Learning Approach
The Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) remains one of PCL’s most impactful platforms for professional growth. Through continuous revitalization, CLLEP has become a data-driven and interactive venue for learning and legislative innovation.
It features breakout sessions, visioning workshops, and policy dialogues led by seasoned practitioners, experts, and governance leaders who contribute concrete solutions to real policy challenges. This innovative approach ensures that learning is practical, applied, and results-oriented, bridging the gap between legislative theory and actual community impact.
The lessons from these revitalized CLLEP sessions are now being translated into measurable local governance outcomes—forming the foundation of PCL’s latest milestone recognition program.
Gawad Galing Lokal na Batas
A New Milestone for 2025–2028
The current term (2025–2028) marks another significant chapter in PCL’s legacy through the introduction of the “Gawad Galing Lokal na Batas.”
This award aims to honor exemplary local legislations passed during the 2022–2025 term, showcasing the application of knowledge and insights gained from the revitalized and innovated CLLEP. It seeks to recognize high-quality, outcome-based local laws that have made a tangible impact on the lives of people and their communities.
By launching this program, the League affirms that the measure of legislative excellence lies not only in the passage of ordinances but also in their effectiveness, inclusivity, and long-term contribution to local and national development. The Gawad Galing Lokal na Batas embodies PCL’s vision of transforming local legislation into a true instrument of social change.
Current Interim Leadership (2025–2028 Term)
At present, the Philippine Councilors League is under its interim national leadership, which shall serve until the conduct of the formal National Election in March 2026:
Hon. Atty. Raul A. Corro
National Chairman
Hon. Samuel G. Huertas
Interim National President
Their stewardship ensures continuity, stability, and innovation in advancing the League’s advocacies, capacity-building programs, and recognition mechanisms for local legislators.
Looking Ahead
Under the visionary leadership of National Chairman Atty. Raul A. Corro, the Philippine Councilors League continues to elevate its role not only in the national arena but also across the international community. The Philippines, through the leadership of PCL and Chairman Corro, now proudly serves as the headquarters of the newly established Asian Council Forum (ACF) for Asia and the Pacific — a regional alliance of legislative leaders and institutions dedicated to promoting participatory, innovative, and ethical governance throughout the region. This new international role positions the PCL as a central hub for inter-parliamentary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and policy innovation among local legislators across Asia and the Pacific, reinforcing its stature as a global advocate of democratic leadership and local empowerment.
As the PCL celebrates three and a half decades of service, unity, and progress, it reaffirms its mission to remain a steadfast partner in nation-building — empowering every councilor to be a catalyst for inclusive governance and sustainable development.
Guided by the theme “35 Taon na Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran: Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the League continues to uphold its vision of Public Service Above Self, promoting legislative excellence, professional growth, and ethical governance in every local government across the nation.
