The BIDANI Virtual Conversations (VirCons) season 2 was launched through a special webinar episode entitled Mandanas Ruling and Its Implications on Local Government Unit (LGU) Governance and Budgeting on 26 August 2021. Dr. Aser Javier, international governance consultant and Ms. Jonalyn , Local Government Operations Officer from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) served as resource speaker for the special webinar. The special webinar aimed to provide the BIDANI Network State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in seven regions and their partner M/BLGUs about the Mandanas Ruling and what the M/BLGUs should prepare in light of the Ruling.
Ms. Magcayang showed an audio-visual presentation from the DILG that tackles the updates and salient features of the Executive Order 138 which details the functions of the executive branch to be fully devolved to the LGUs. The AVP showed the decision of the Supreme Court in favor of Mandanas-Garcia to change the basis for the computation of the just share of LGUs to cover all national taxes including the collections of customs duties. It also featured the salient features of EO 138 which include the delineation of National Government and LGU roles, preparation of devolution transition plans, creation of committee on devolution, establishment of growth equity fund, capacity building for LGUs, and options for affected personnel.
Dr. Javier provided insights on what the LGUs should prepare in relation to the Ruling and the full devolution. He emphasized that the windfall investments and increased budget will now be allocated for the devolution transition plans (DTPs) and enhancing capacity development agenda. He had four suggestions where the LGUs should allocate funds in relation to the Ruling. The suggestions include strengthening local development planning through evidence-based and targeted planning; public financial management focusing on local economic development for the marginalized members of the community; project management through performance and place-based development; and community engagement by increasing stakeholder participation, especially the role of the poor in economic development.
The special webinar was launched via Zoom and Facebook Live. It was participated by the Network SUCs implementing the BIDANI extension program, partner LGUs, and other stakeholders from the academe, non-government institutions, and other government organizations.
The special webinar can still be viewed via the BIDANI’s Facebook page at facebook.com/bidani.np.
– Arnold T. Abuyog, BIDA Coordinator