Labella: Cash aid for Japan, Bohol, Tacloban legal

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Edgardo Labella said there is nothing illegal in the appropriation of P3.6 million as city government’s financial assistance to the victims of disasters in other places including Japan.

Labella, chairman of the committee on laws, ordinance, public accountability and good government, said that even if the intended beneficiaries are not residents of Cebu City but the law allows extending assistance to other government units.

Councilors Rodrigo Abellanosa and Roberto Cabarrubias earlier sponsored a resolution appropriating P3.6 million as financial assistance to Sierra Bullones, Bohol; Tacloban City and Japan.

Cabarrubias and Abellanosa want to charge the amount under the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

The Local Government Units of Bohol and Tacloban City will receive an assistance in the amount of P300,000 each to provide maximum care, assistance and services to individuals and families affected by the flood in their respective areas.

An amount of P3 million was also appropriated as assistance to the government of Japan.

Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, provides for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (LDRRF) of not less than five percent of estimated revenues from regular sources to support disaster risk management activities such as, but not limited to, pre-disaster preparedness programs of LGUs.

But Labella said that even if the law does not cover the territorial jurisdiction, it can still be disbursed under the aid to other government units.

"It is the opinion of the Committee that while the statute does not cover, the financial assistance can still be legally effected and disbursed through the local appropriation under Aid to Other Government Units of the city's annual budget," Labella said in his report.

While some may find it amusing that a local government like Cebu City is extending financial assistance to Japan, which is a developed country, Labella said the token of goodwill cannot be underestimated.

Labella said that a calamity may strike any country regardless of whether they are rich or poor.

"No amount is too little or too big, to express either sympathy or gratitude.

After all, goodwill knows not of such classification," Labella added. – (FREEMAN)