DAVAO CITY – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he is open to exploring options for the local governments to avail of their share of the national revenue as ruled by the Supreme Court entitling local government units (LGUs) to have an expanded share of national taxes.

SC’s decision favored the petition of Batangas Gov. Hermilando Mandanas urging the national government to release this year the “just share” of local governments in all national taxes, thereby expanding the internal revenue allotment (IRA) for the local government units.

“Tutal magamit ninyo for anything. It is to your advantage na maski utang, wala naman talaga na…not strictly in a sense that it’s an obligation to everybody and a burden to the people or constituencies,” President Duterte said as he graced the 69th National Executive Board Meeting of the League of Cities of the Philippines in Davao City last Friday.

“Tama siguro talaga ang Supreme Court that you deserve more and from our sources ang inyong share,” President Duterte added.

The Chief Executive said that his administration is keen on working towards other key reforms that will fulfill the government’s commitment of reducing poverty, promoting infrastructure developments, and maintaining peace and order at the local level.

The President also expressed his full support for the city mayors who guaranteed 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,” he said.

He also encouraged city mayors to continue working with the national government by crafting and implementing local policies that will benefit their constituencies.

At the same time, he expressed his gratitude to the LCP’s National Executive Board for reaffirming its commitment to uphold good governance, serve with integrity and accountability, and strictly observe judicious spending of public funds. PND

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