The idea to form a nationwide organization of councilors emerged in 1989. In July that year, the
Metro Manila Councilors League (MMPCL) was formed. They then encouraged councilors outside Metro Manila to form
regional and
provincial federations. In September 1990, the existing organizations of councilors held the first Philippine Councilors League (PCL) congress in
Manila. Guillermo C. Altuna of
Quezon City was elected as the first national chairman, while Ponciano D. Subido of Manila was elected the first national president. That same month, the PCL was accredited by the
Department of Local Government and registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. In 1991, the
Local Government Code established that each provincial legislature would allocate one seat for the president of the province's PCL chapter. On February 27, 2020, the outgoing national board declared a failure of elections after the automated election system contracted by the organization to conduct the election of its national officers failed. Competing for the top position were councilors Danilo Dayanghirang from
Davao City, who was handpicked by President
Rodrigo Duterte, and Jesciel Richard Salceda from
Polangui,
Albay. == Leadership ==