Bigger share of nat'l budget assures local gov't compliance with SDGs

MANILA – Local government units (LGUs) are assured of a bigger share of the national budget in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to allot more for projects that are crucial to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDG is a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations (UN) for "peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future."

In a nutshell, the 17 SDGs are no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; clean water and sanitation; affordable and clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace, justice, and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals.

"Ang utos ng ating Pangulo: gawin lahat ang nararapat at kailangan para makinabang ang inyong mga komunidad sa pag-unlad ng buong bansa," House Speaker Martin Romualdez told officials during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) general assembly at Marriott Hotel in Pasay City on Tuesday.

(The directive of our President: do everything that is appropriate and necessary to benefit your communities in the development of the country.)

The LMP gathering, headed by Mayor Joseph Bernos of La Paz, Abra, carried the theme, "Sustainable Development Goals' Localization: Pathway to Sustainable Municipal Development."

Romualdez said the House is allocating more funds for LGUs in acknowledgment of the Supreme Court's Mandanas-Garcia ruling which augments their share from national taxes.

"This ruling signifies a transformative shift, aimed at enhancing the fiscal autonomy of LGUs, thereby empowering you to better address local developmental needs. The 2024 budget reflects this change, ensuring a larger portion of the national tax allotment is directed to local governments," he said.

The House leader pointed out that the Executive department, in conjunction with Congress, is committed to working collaboratively to identify and harness additional resources necessary for LGUs to effectively realize their development goals.

In 2018, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas and then Bataan congressman Enrique Garcia challenged the computation of the just share of the LGUs in the national taxes.

The landmark case strengthened financial decentralization where the LGUs have a just share of the tax collection of national government agencies. (PNA)