The Quezon City Council was named the top-performing legislative body by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday, 5 December 2023, during the Local Legislative Awards (LLA) held in Pasay City.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos lauded the efforts of the Quezon City Council led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto as the presiding officer.

Abalos congratulated Sotto and the 36 council members for passing ordinances that shape the social, economic, and environmental landscape of their city.

"Your commitment to legislative excellence has not only set a standard for others to follow but has also significantly contributed to the advancement of our communities," Abalos said.

"Congratulations and may you continue to be beacons of inspiration for local governance," he added.

Sotto, who received the award, felt elated and expressed his gratitude to the Almighty, DILG, and LLA for recognizing the efforts of the city council.

"It is all by God's grace, strength, wisdom, and guidance that we are able to lead the QC Council to get the National Most Outstanding Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Council) Award in the Country," Sotto said.

"Simula po nung unang term natin, lagi ko na pong ipinagdadasal na, as Vice Mayor, ma-Lead po natin ang Quezon City Council as the Best Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) in the Country. Thank you so much po sa lahat sa tiwala at higit sa lahat sa prayers po ninyo! God is Faithful!," the Vice Mayor added.

Quezon City was also cited as a highly urbanized city (HUC).

The city councils were assessed based on their responsiveness to the legislative agenda, availability of legislative documents, effectiveness, efficiency, legislative citations, and awards, and capacity development for legislators and staff.

Among the local legislative best practices cited for the city council are Quezon City's free bus ride and anti-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The LLA is a joint initiative of the DILG, the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP), and the PCL to advance local governance and recognize grassroots legislative champions whose efforts significantly impact public service delivery.