President Ferdinand Marcos assured local government units (LGUs) that his administration will help them in their devolution plans through the setting up of support and equity funds as the Mandanas ruling takes effect this year.
Mr. Marcos, speaking before the newly elected officers and directorate members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) in Malacañang, also urged local leaders to welcome innovations and new ideas, which could include partnerships “to maximize the service that we bring to the people.”
The Chief Executive said this will include pbbm…prospects in infrastructure and digitalization in preparation for the full devolution of localities this year.
“Let me assure you that this national government will do, to the best of our ability, to help you meet the demand of this devolution, including the realization of your respective transition plans,” Mr. Marcos said.
He added that “the provision of the local government support fund growth, equity fund, is to ensure that no LGUs shall be left behind in the implementation of full devolution.”
The Mandanas ruling by the Supreme Court in 2018 entitles LGUs to a share of all national taxes.
LGUs previously got their internal revenue allotment from 40 percent of the national internal revenue taxes gotten by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
“With the SC ruling, LGUs are projected to increase the IRA by 27.61 percent,” Malacanang earlier said.
The Department of Interior and Local Government said LGUs this year received 30 to 35 percent more national tax allotment, adding that the complete devolution under Mandanas ruling will be completed in 2024.
Malacañang said the President has formed a team to look into the devolution plans of LGUs, which will be led by the DILG.
The President also asked local leaders to “improve their performance by adopting the latest technology trends and taking new approaches.”
“In seeking and employing the best solutions for our people, let us be open to all the latest innovations, new ideas, and fresh perspectives,” the President said.
Mr. Marcos also advised LGU executives to welcome partnerships with the private sector to attain the government’s bid for infrastructure development and digital transformation.
He also reminded them of their role as “just and morally upright” leaders who aim to give their constituents a comfortable life.
La Paz, Abra Mayor Joseph Bernos is the new president of the LMP, succeeding LMP President Emeritus Luis Singson of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur who served from 2019-2022.
Meanwhile, the President discussed with a group of Filipino-Chinese business leaders the goals and initiatives to fast-track the recovery of the Philippine economy amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr. Marcos, in a Facebook post, said he met with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) at Malacañan Palace in Manila.
“We thank our friends from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. for meeting with us and for sharing their ideas to speed up our country’s economic recovery from the pandemic,” he said.
Marcos also thanked the FFCCCII for heeding his call to take a “whole-of-nation approach” to accelerate the country’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are pleased they have eagerly responded to our call for a whole-of-nation approach to addressing this immense and arduous task,” he said.
