The president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines thanked Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) for reassuring municipalities that he will support them in implementing their respective devolution plans.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Pangulong Marcos sa pahayag ng suporta. His reassurance to help municipalities will go a long way toward ensuring that no local government will be left behind as we chart our path to recovery and further development,” Quirino Governor Dax Cua said.
Cua has repeatedly appealed to the national government to help empower local government units so they could fulfill their expanded role after the Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia ruling.
The President gave his assurances before the newly-elected officers and directorate members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) in Malacañang, as he urged local leaders to welcome innovations and new ideas in governance.
“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,” said Marcos.
Cua has repeatedly appealed to the national government to help empower local government units so they could fulfill their expanded role after the Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia ruling.
The 2018 ruling, which took effect this year, increased the share of national government tax revenue to which LGUs are entitled.
Cua expressed concern that LGUs might have difficulty in utilizing the added funding due to the lack of technical knowledge and proper infrastructure.
The President gave his assurances before the newly-elected officers and directorate members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) in Malacañang.
“Underspending is a real prospect as many LGUs might not have the capacity to absorb these additional funds and responsibilities,” he said.
He added that among the foremost things LGUs must address are weaknesses in planning and coordination, including the digitalization of their processes.
“Kaya nga’t lagi nating hinihikayat ang ating mga kapwa-LGU na mag-invest sa digital infrastructure at sa training ng kanilang mga officer. I’m glad that the President also shares our belief in the value of innovation,” said the governor, who is also the chair of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.
