Reverted cities sign MOA to retain IRA until yearend

CEBU, Philippines – The manifesto for the retention of the 2009 Internal Revenue Allotment of the three cities in Cebu reverted back to towns by the Supreme Court was formally signed yesterday and due for delivery to the office of President Gloria Arroyo.

The manifesto asked Arroyo and other concerned agencies that if and when the decision of the SC, declaring as null and void the cityhood of Bogo, Naga and Carcar, shall become final and executory, its implementation shall not be done this year but at the start of the incoming year 2010.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said that the budget already imposed is the one that should be followed.

“Let the 2009 budget be respected and follow and operationalized until the end of 2009,” Garcia said during the signing yesterday at the Capitol building.

“It is a very logical, simple and concrete action. If implemented they can continue their programs. Other employees and contractors can continue with their job,” Garcia said.

Signatories noted that the three cities like other local government units had already passed, approved and are already implementing their respective budgets for this year based on their projected revenues as cities.

And these projected revenues as cities are said to be higher than if they were just municipalities.

The reversion of the said cities to municipalities, according to the manifesto, will certainly affect not only their organizational setup but more importantly, the delivery of basic services to their respective constituents.

“Moreover, the implementation of said decision would surely cause great confusion and havoc in the budgeting process of all LGUs in the entire country. Especially so if done within this year,” the manifesto further read.

This is because the decision is believed to “necessitate and entail the recomputation, readjustment and re-allotment of the IRA shares not only of the parties in said case but also of other LGUs”.

If the three cities go back to their status as municipalities, they must add to the number of municipalities who shall share for the IRA intended for municipalities. It would mean that IRAs of other municipalities shall also decrease while the IRA of cities may increase.

Offices newly established are likely to be dissolved which would mean the lay off of newly hired employees. Ongoing projects may also be stopped.

“The LGUs should be given time to prepare and adjust their respective budgets so as not to hamper the delivery of basic services to their respective constituents,” the manifesto stated.

The Department of Interior and Local Government-7 and the Civil Service Commission assured that they are ready to assist the three municipalities.

Bogo Mayor Celestino Martinez said that the manifesto has summarized what the three cities have been doing themselves for months. “I believe that the help of the governor will add more weight to our efforts,” Martinez said. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP (THE FREEMAN)