The Buzz for LGUs

Here are some of the latest development affecting LGUs:

- The Supreme Court has recently affirmed its earlier decision declaring as unconstitutional the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities. This would mean that this unfortunate 16 will revert as municipalities, giving up their IRA shares as cities. For the existing cities, this is a long awaited welcome news as they stand to reap a windfall in terms of IRA adjustment. For the municipalities, this SC final decision is a sad reality for they will be giving up part of their IRA shares in favor of the 16 which will soon be back in the fold.

- The DBM is set to release the financial assistance (FA) to LGUs whose IRA shares last year suffered a reduction due to he adoption of the 2007 Census of Population. Said FA shall be charged against the Kilos Asenso Support Fund. A total of Php 1.4 B has been set aside for the purpose corresponding to two (2) months share. Per DBM's policy guidelines, LGUs with computed share of less than Php 100T will receive the amount without need of further request. Those with Php 100 T or more will have to accomplish a prescribed form (KA Form No. 1) which will then be submitted to DBM as basis for the release. For Region VI, provinces, cities and municipalities will received a total of Php 113.248 M.