"What we are giving the barangays right now is not simply money, but full fiscal autonomy and responsibility. You decide on what to do with your money, but we also expected a check and balance on your part," Belmonte said in his speech during a simple turnover rites at the Bulwagan Hall.
Barangay Ugong Norte in District III received the biggest share with P1.2 million. Belmonte said the payment of Nawasa of its back taxes to the city government jacked up the share of Barangay Ugong Norte.
Second and third biggest share recipients were Barangays Socorro with P1.1 million and Kalusugan with P.8 million
Belmonte reminded all barangay chairmen to spend their money on worthy projects that will benefit the people.
He also noted that the barangays received a smaller share during the second quarter as compared to the P256.9 million transferred to them by the city government during the first quarter.
"We must remember the bulk of collection came from the first quarter when the city government gave 20 percent discounts to real property owners who settle their tax obligations on time," Belmonte said.
However, the mayor is optimistic that the barangays’ shares will increase during the third and fourth quarters once the treasurer’s office will be able to collect all tax delinquencies from errant real property owners.
The Local Government Code of 1991 provides the barangay with a 30 percent share in the collection of real property taxes. However, poor fiscal management from previous administration has hampered the distribution of the barangay share. – Pamela Samia