Duterte favors bigger LGU take in national tax collection
By Manuel Cayon
DAVAO CITY—President Duterte said he favors a bigger national revenue share for local government units (LGUs) to allow them wider elbow room to meet the needs of their respective constituents.
The President’s statement came on the heels of a Supreme Court ruling in July last year that entitled LGUs to have an expanded share of national taxes.
“Tutal magamit ninyo [anyway you can use it] for anything. It is to your advantage,” Duterte told the 69th National Executive Board Meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) here on Friday. “Tama siguro talaga ang Supreme Court that you deserve more and from our sources ang inyong share [The Supreme Court is right after all that you deserve more and from our sources of your share].”
He lauded the effort of city mayors to guarantee the delivery of appropriate government services to their constituents. “With your dedication to serve your respective constituents, I am confident you can address the growing needs of our people and provide them the opportunity to lead meaningful lives.”
The President said his administration was working on other key reforms to bring down poverty in the communities by pursuing an aggressive infrastructure program and maintaining peace and order at the local level.
He encouraged city mayors to continue working with the national government “by crafting and implementing local policies that will benefit their constituencies.”
As former mayor of this city, Mr. Duterte has made bold decisions like imposing a ban on mining activities in the city. As chairman of the regional development council, he also asked the national government to refrain from granting permits to foreign mining companies to exploit the gold in Diwalwal, Monkayo, Compostela Valley. He said all the benefits of the gold mines in the area should go to Filipino small miners.
At the meeting of the League of Cities, he expressed his gratitude to the LCP’s National Executive Board “for reaffirming your commitment to uphold good governance, serve with integrity and accountability, and strictly observe judicious spending of public funds.”
Source: Business Mirror