DBM assures IRA release through automatic appropriation

Dir. Carmencita Delantar DBM

STARTING this year, the local government units will receive their share in the IRA with or without the approval of the annual General Appropriations Act of the national government.

Director Carmencita Delantar announced in behalf of Sec. Andaya that the IRA shares of the LGUs for 2007 will be released on the third week of January.

On a positive note, she also told the governors, during the general assembly last January 12 that IRA shall be automatically appropriated as provided for by Section 4 of R.A. 9358 or the Supplemental Budget for 2006.

She said the IRA will no longer be subjected to Congressional deliberation and approval, thus, even if Congress fails to approve a national budget for 2007, the LGUs will get their IRA shares under the automatic appropriation provision expressed in the law.

On the other hand, the share of the LGUs in other special taxes is still within the premise of the GAA.

Relative to this, Gov. Joson suggested that the League must pass a resolution to put a moratorium on the addition of new provinces in order to secure better IRA shares for the 81 provinces, although Gov. Magsaysay pointed out that the expansion of communities and the creation of new provinces cannot be hampered.

Instead, Gov. Tet Garcia suggested that the creation of new provinces would be allowed if Congress will give new appropriation for such. (JSA / AJS)

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