Hamodyong 1st Quarter 2021 Vol. X Issue 1

HAMODYONG Vol. X Issue 04
Vol. X Issue 01
The official newsletter of DILG-V

A nurse in Legazpi City Hospital inoculates fellow health worker with What’s Inside:
COVID-19 vaccine as part of the A1 priority group.
02 DILG V trains LGUs on VIMS-IR
Bicol achieves 99.79%
Vaccination Rate 03 BIATF conducts dialogue with LCEs
amid surge in COVID-19 cases
By Juvy Andrew C. Hedia
04 DILG V LGRRC conducts Q1
The Regional Vaccination Operation Center (RVOC) meeting & business planning
Bicol recently reported a total of 21,355 persons
have been inoculated with the first dose of either 05 Bicol LGUs fully implemented road
Sinovac or Astra Zeneca as of April 8, 2021. This comprises clearing 2.0
29.86% of those in the A1 priority health workers totalling
to 71,510 for all the provinces in Bicol and representing 06 Bicol crafts 1st Volcanic Eruption
99.79% consumption rate of the 21,400 vaccines allotted Manual
for the region. For the 2nd dose, a total of 1,998 priority
health workers or 2.79% have been vaccinated. 07 Usec. Jonathan Malaya joins DILG V
in its 1st Monday Convocation
continuation on page 2
08 LGUs in Albay obtained high road
clearing average score

16 Mandanas-Garcia case ruling
favours LGUs

1

January - March 2021 HAMODYONG

continued from page 1 EDITORIAL BOARD

Currently, Bicol has already received three ATTY. ANTHONY C. NUYDA, CESO III
(3) batches of vaccines totalling to 41,400 doses of Regional Director
Sinovac and Astra Zeneca. RVOC has also reported
the functionality of Local Vaccination Operation ATTY. ARNALDO E. ESCOBER, JR.
Centers (LVOCs) in all cities and municipalities in Assistant Regional Director
the region. Except for the province of Masbate which
has a 3:1 ratio of the number of vaccination team per JUVY ANDREW C. HEDIA
vaccination site, the rest of the five (5) provinces, MA. GRACE JOY TANGO
namely Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,
Catanduanes and Sorsogon each has a ratio of 2:1 Editors
vaccination team per vaccination site.
LYNN C. OLIQUINO
The high vaccination rate contributed to the Photographer/ Layout Artist
protection of health care personnel of Bicol although
minimum public health standard must always be Content Providers:
observed in eradicating COVID-19. Designated Information Officers and Focal Persons of

DILG Regional & Provincial Offices & Divisions

HAMODYONG is the official newsletter of DILG
Region V, with Editorial Office at 2nd floor, DILG

Regional Office V, Rizal St., Legazpi City

DILG V trains LGUs on VIMS-IR By Eden S. Lanuza

The Interagency Task Force for Management developed by the DICT. This system will automate
of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) the process of immunization administration to
through its Resolution No. 85 dated November include data capture, master-listing of LGU eligible
26, 2020 created the Data Resiliency for Ease of candidates for vaccination, storage and analytics.
Access and Management (DREAM) Team chaired by
the Department of Information and Communications To carry out this task, the DILG V in
Technology (DICT), with the Department of the coordination with DICT Luzon Cluster, hosted and
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department conducted one of the series of trainings on VIMS-IR
of Health (DOH), Department of Science and User’s Training in two (2) batches for all the platform
Technology (DOST), Philippine National Police users in Bicol on March 16, 2021. The training aimed
(PNP), 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army (PA) to provide LGU users with the technical knowhow
and Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) on the operation of the systems and the process
as member agencies. data upload through the secure file transfer protocol
(SFTP) client. More importantly, the training aimed to
The DREAM Team is tasked to capacitate, ensure that all LGUs, health facilities and vaccination
monitor and provide level 1 IT support for various sites would be able to complete the uploading of
COVID-19 solutions to local government units data/records in the system.
particularly on the use of the Vaccine Information
System-Immunization Repository (VIMS-IR)

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Vol. X Issue 04

BIATF Chairperson & DILG V RD Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda presided the dialogue meeting with local chief executives

BIATF conducts dialogue with LCEs amid
surge in COVID 19 cases By Juvy Andrew C. Hedia

T he Bicol Interagency Task Force (BIATF) LGU is placed under high risk classification when
chaired by DILG V Regional Director Atty. such records more than 200% two-week growth
Anthony C. Nuyda presided the consultation- rate (2WGR) with 1-7 average daily attack rate
dialogue with governors and Naga City Mayor (ADAR) which is the number of cases per 100,000
Nelson S. Legacion on March 6, 2021 to discuss population. The high risk category may also arise
prompt actions to deter the rising COVID-19 cases when an LGU records more than 0% to 200% 2WGR
in the region. with more than seven (7) ADAR.

During the meeting, the Regional After the consultation meeting, the BIATF
Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) reported issued an Advisory dated April 8, 2021 stating that
the increase of cases from March 29 to April 11, provinces agreed to require a negative RT-PCR or
2021, categorizing the region as moderate risk for negative antigen test result except the province
COVID 19. The level of risk per province were as of Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Naga City which
follows: Masbate – minimal risk; Camarines Norte require only a negative RT-PCR test result. Also,
and Catanduanes – low risk; Albay and Camarines the provinces of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes
Sur – moderate risk and Sorsogon – high risk. and Naga City will still maintain quarantine control
Notable in the report are LGUs categorized as checkpoint (QCC) in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur
high risk, namely Legazpi City (Albay); Bombon, currently manned by PNP PRO5. In the case of the
Camaligan, Canaman, Caramoan, Pamplona, province of Camarines Norte, the QCC is based in
Pasacao, Sagnay and San Jose (Camarines Sta. Elena.
Sur); Bulusan, Casiguran, Matnog, Sorsogon City
(Sorsogon). It was recommended that the cities of
Sorsogon and Naga be subjected to the Bicol
For those LGUs classified as high risk, DOH- COVID-19 strategic target testing immediately in
CHD V recommended to place these LGUs under order to track cases involving health care workers
modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) and front-liners to further contain the spread of the
and undertake immediate preventive actions virus.
relative to the recommended classification. An

3

January - March 2021

LGCDD Chief Ma. Ruthel Gigantoca presided the LGRRC Q1 meeting and business planning

DILG V LGRRC conducts Q1 meeting &
business planning By Sheena Mae P. De la Cruz

The DILG V in its effort to fully strengthen
and institutionalize the operation of its Local
Governance Regional Resource Center
(LGRRC) conducted series of activities for the first
quarter of 2021. These include the conduct of the
Q1 LGRRC meeting on March 2, 2021 and Business
Planning on March 3, 2021.

During the Q1 meeting, LGCDD Chief and
LGRRC Coordinator Ma. Ruthel Gigantoca presented
the results of the 2020 LGRRC Performance
Assessment conducted by the Local Government
Academy last December 10, 2020. With a numerical
rating of 63, the Bicol LGRRC levelled up to Capable
Status. The LGRRC Manual of Operation and
Strategic Plan was likewise revised and finalized.

On the 2nd day, the members of the
LGRRC collaboratively worked and finalized the
LGRRC Business Plan. Workshops and focused
group discussions were undertaken by the five (5)
facilities of the LGRRC to complete the Business
Plan, integrating therein the activities identified by
the Local Government Academy to address the
LGRRC’s weak points.

RD Anthony C. Nuyda, CESO III and ARD DILG V Regional Director Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda
Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., CESO, V provided delivered his message during the LGRRC Q1 meeting and
overall supervision during the two-day activity. business planning.

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Vol. X Issue 04

Bicol LGUs fully implement road
clearing 2.0 By Luningning Brazil
In support to the government’s policy in ensuring of Validation of LGU Compliance to Road Clearing,
that roads remain safe, accessible and free from 120 validation teams were able to validate 120
illegal and potentially hazardous encroachment LGUs from February 16, 2021 to March 2, 2021.
especially during this pandemic, all LGUs in Bicol
complied with the implementation of Road Clearing Validation Teams had been cross-posted
2.0. to promote impartiality in the validation process
according to the indicators and scoring system

The implementation of the road clearing indicated in the guidelines.

lasted for 75 calendar days for all provinces, cities Below is Bicol Region’s Road Clearing
and municipalities in Bicol that started in November Validation Result as submitted to DILG-Bureau of
16, 2020 and achieved significant results. Local Government Supervision (BLGS) last March

Governors were tasked to monitor the 9, 2021:

compliance of their City and Municipal mayors, Rating Range Number of LGUs (C/M/P)
ensure that provincial issuances and ordinances
are in harmony with the road clearing directive 96-100 61
concerning provincial roads and coordinate with the 91-95 34
mayors to discuss implementation of said directive 86-90 7
and formulation of strategies for the improved and 81-85 11
continuous conduct of road clearing operations in 76-80 5
the LGUs. 70-75 2

Mayors as well were directed to monitor the According to DILG Memorandum dated 02
implementation of road clearing in the barangay March 2021 issued by Undersecretary Bernardo
level. They were enjoined to craft strategies C. Florece, LGUs with unsatisfactory rating, after
which may include among others the turnover of deliberation of compliance results and determination
the maintenance of cleared roads to the barangay of final list, shall be issued individual notices of
government to ensure the compliance and “Areas for Improvement” and will be given additional
cooperation of the Punong Barangays (PBs). thirty (30) days to comply and will be re-validated.

Also, PBs were in charge of the conduct of DILG 5 RD Atty. Anthony C. Nuyda had a coordination
road clearing operations in barangay roads as well
as turned over by the city or municipal government. meeting with BFP 5 RD Renato B. Capuz and PNP PRO5
They are also tasked to harmonize barangay
ordinances with the road clearing directive, PMaj. Bonn Billy Timuat to discuss the strategies relative
collaborate and coordinate with the Mayors relative
to road clearing operations, undertake information to the implementation of Road Clearing Operations in the
dissemination campaigns in their barangays and
submit monthly road clearing report to DILG through Bicol Region at DILG Regional Office 5 Conference Room
their respective C/MLGOOs pursuant to DILG
Advisory dated 08 January 2020. on Thursday, February 4, 2021. 5

Road Clearing Validation

Per DILG Memorandum dated January 19,
2021 with the subject: Guidelines for the Conduct

January - March 2021

A write-shop session on the Development of Disaster Preparedness Manual for Volcanic Eruption for Bicol Region at the DILG 5
Training Hall on February 3-5, 2021.

Bicol crafts 1st Volcanic Eruption Manual

By Sheena Mae P. De la Cruz

The Department of the Interior and Local valuable inputs to come up with said Manual during
Government (DILG) V spearheaded the the 3-day workshop.
writeshop session on the development of the The Manual was finalized and packaged
Disaster Preparedness Manual for Volcanic Eruption on February 9-11, 2021 and February 15-16, 2021
for Bicol Region on February 3-5, 2021. The Manual by technical writers from DILG V and DRR-CCA
aims to institutionalize the protocol in providing focal persons of Albay and Sorsogon, the output
communities at risk with valuable information that will of which was the final draft. This will be presented
serve as guide in performing proactive preparedness and submitted to the Local Government Academy
actions. (LGA) which shall form part of the Operation L!sto
Manual for Volcanic Eruption. The contents of the
Participants to the activity were representatives Manual were also presented and discussed during
from partner agencies, namely Dr. Cedric D. Daep the 1st Quarter meeting of the Regional Disaster Risk
and Mr. Abundo Nunez of the Albay Public Safety Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC)-Disaster
and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO); Preparedness Cluster on March 26, 2021 and for the
Engr. Raden D. Dimaano, Michael Tayam, Jocelyn Council’s subsequent adoption.
Gallanosa and Fritzie Riva L. Michelena of the
Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and LGOO V Sheena Dela Cruz facilitates the write-shop session
Management Office; Dr. Paul Karson L. Alanis and
April Dominguiano of the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS); Mr. Neil D.
Dianela of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD); MPSG
Danilo Marcaida, Jr. and PAT Melanie M. Madelar of
the Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Regional
Office V; FCI Rico Brizuela and SFO1 Franklin
Tomindog of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) V;
Bernard Mongo of the Department of Health (DOH)
V; Lloyd S. Lara, Loribeth Rodriquez and Jimilyn O.
Gerobin of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) V. Collectively, they provided

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Vol. X Issue 04

Usec. Jonathan Malaya
joins DILG V in its 1st
Monday Convocation

By Juvy Andrew C. Hedia

DILG Undersecretary for Plans and Program Usec. Jonathan Malaya delivers his message during
Jonathan Malaya briefly joined the DILG V the first Monday convocation of DILG Region V
personnel during its 1st Monday Convocation
for the month of March 2021 held at the DILG Region based on the criteria set by the WHO; (3) necessary
V Training Hall. In his message, he congratulated all manpower for health care service and (4) they must
personnel and officers for all the efforts done in this have a cold storage chain for vaccine. Usec. Malaya
time of pandemic that are very well appreciated by further said that the national vaccination program of
the people and by President Duterte himself. the government aims to attain herd immunity allowing
the Filipinos to return to the normal way of doing
He said that the government is now things and revitalize the economy.
undertaking the largest public health program in
history by inoculating 75 million Filipinos in order to The 1st Monday convocation is held every
achieve herd immunity. However, the government is month to allow all operating Units and Division to
faced with so much difficulties due to false information report its monthly accomplishments and its plans for
going around thereby creating so much confusion the succeeding month.
and hesitancy among large number of the citizens.
The challenge now is in convincing all Filipinos to be
vaccinated. Usec. Malaya said that DILG again plays
a major role in getting the LGUs ready for the roll out
of the vaccination program. DILG V has to determine
the readiness of the LGUs based on the following
requirements: (1) LGUs must have a pre-identified
vaccination site; (2) list of eligible beneficiaries

DILG Usec. Jonathan E.Malaya with the DILG Regional Office V staff during its first Monday convocation for the month of
March 2021.
7

January - March 2021

DILG V monitors locally funded projects,
provides technical assistance to LGUs

By Sheila Mae V. Ragos

In the past decade, the Department implemented LGSF-Support to Barangay Development Program
various social protection programs and projects (SBDP) held on May 10, 11, and 15, 2021 in the
aimed at improving and bringing basic services closer provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate, and Camarines
to the community. Under these programs, capacity Norte, respectively. The orientation activity was
development interventions and technical assistance participated in by the representatives from the
were provided by the Department to local government concerned Provincial Planning and Development
units to assist them in the planning, implementation, Office and Provincial and Municipal Engineering
operation, and management of projects. Offices. Also present during the orientation
were the Punong Barangays and concerned
Monitoring and Evaluation Barangay Kagawad of the forty-nine (49) FY
2020 SBDP beneficiary barangays. During the
In the first quarter of FY 2021, the DILG V activity, the participants were provided assistance
through its Project Development and Management in the preparation of the various documentary
Unit, continued to monitor and evaluate the status of requirements and the accomplishment of annexes
projects funded under the Local Government Support through a workshop. After the thorough review of
Fund-Assistance to Municipalities (AM), LGSF-Sagana the submitted documents, 164 proposed SBDP
at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG), LGSF- projects have been endorsed to the RTF ELCAC
Conditional Matching Grant to Provinces (CMGP), and V on March 25, 2021.
Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). More than two
hundred (200) projects funded under said programs 13
have been completed in the first quarter while eighteen
(18) are still on-going and are expected to be completed completed projects
in the 2nd quarter. The encoding and updating of the
project profile including the accomplishments and FY 2019 FY 2020
milestones of these projects to the SubayBAYAN
system which is the DILG’s monitoring machinery for 139 28
infrastructure projects, have also been monitored.
completed completed
Provision of Technical Assistance to LGUs subprojects subprojects

The DILG V provided technical assistance FY 2019 FY 2020
to the PLGUs’ Local Road Management Team
(LRMT) in the conduct of their respective follow- 5 14
through and finalization activities on Local Road
Network Development Plan (LRNDP). These completed on-going
activities are part of their prioritized capacity projects projects
development under the Annual Reform Action
Plan, a one-year slice of the Provincial Governance FY 2019 FY 2020
Reform Roadmap (PGRR).
17 4
The DILG V also initiated an Orientation on
the Guidelines for the Release and Utilization of the completed on-going
projects projects

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Vol. X Issue 04

Camalig Municipal Validation Team Headed by MLGOO Jose Erestain of Municipality of Jovellar together with the PNP and
BFP Representative conducts Road Clearing Table Assessment on February 22, 2021.

LGUs in Albay obtain high road clearing
average score By Blesila C. Nicerio

In adherence to the presidential directive during Validation teams composed of personnel from
the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) to PNP, BFP, DILG and CSOs were cross posted to
clear roads of illegal structures, the Department different LGUs not their original LGU of assignment or
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued residence, following the impartiality principle of road
Memorandum Circular 2020-145 on 28 October 2020 clearing.
enjoining all local government units (LGUs) to resume
road clearing validation which will run from February In a recent memorandum, the provincial
16 to March 2, 2021. government of Albay was validated by the provincial
validation team composed of members from CLGOO
LGUs of Albay together with the DILG Albay of Ligao City, PNP, BFP and CSO representatives
field officers conducted pre-assessment initiatives to from Legazpi City. The DILG Central Office through
ensure full compliance on the validation guidelines the Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS)
amidst the threat of the pandemic. Although under reminded the observance of COVID-19 health
modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) protocols during the validation by continuously wearing
LGUs in Albay will be validated according to their of masks, social distancing and washing or sanitizing
implementation of road clearing operations. The seven of hands.
components of assessment include the removal of
road obstructions, crafting and implementation of a The overall average weighted score of the road
displacement plan, rehabilitation of cleared roads, clearing validation of the LGUs of Albay is 94.71 which
creation of a grievance mechanism, and compliance shows a high compliance rating and collaborative
with the ban on tricycles along national roads. efforts in the support of LGUs in the mandate of the
Department.

9

January - March 2021

15 LGOOs II undertake Apprenticeship
Program under the new normal By Sheena Mae P. De la Cruz
Despite the limitation brought about by the
COVID 19 pandemic, 15 Local Government Federation Vice President. Several apprentices from
Operations Officers (LGOOs) II of DILG RV DILG RV were also elected as Barangay Kagawad,
have completed the foundational courses of the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman and appointed
apprenticeship program administered by the Local as municipal officials. A public speaking activity
Government Academy (LGA). Previously, the training was also conducted where LGOO II Mercedes A.
programs for LGOOs II and III were conducted face Delena got the 3rd place among the Top 15 Best
to face at the LGA Training Center in Los Baños, Public Speakers. Other activities conducted were
Laguna. But as a way of adopting health protocols
imposed by the government due to the COVID
19 pandemic, the apprenticeship program was
administered through online platforms.

The foundational courses are composed of the virtual townhall meeting and donor’s forum
six (6) modules. The first module on Interpersonal where the apprentices, representing their respective
Relations and Team Development was administered barangays in the municipality of Padayon presented
face to face by the DILG V regional training team. a project proposal to all the 220 apprentices and the
The remaining five (5) modules on DILG programs, panel of judges from the DILG and LGA.
project and activities; Results-based Project
Development; Dynamics of Local Governance, After the completion of the foundational
Managing Learning Events and Local Government courses, the 15 apprentices took the comprehensive
Operations were administered online through the examination on April 7, 2021. Those who will pass
LGA’s Leaning Management Systems (LMS). this exam will move to the next component of the
training program which is the supervised field work
All modules were successfully completed from and the revalida.
October 2020 to February 2021. Series of activities
formed part of the training modules namely the
election of local officials where LGOO II Nolan
Camba, Jr. was elected as a Sanggunian Bayan
Member of the municipality of Padayon and LGOO II
Ma. Mercedes A. Delena as Sangguniang Kabataan

LGOO II Apprentices during their virtual sessions via Zoom

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Vol. X Issue 04

PD Razal (Right) together with CH William T. Aldea (left) awarding the Plaque of Appreciation to PLGU Catanduanes
received by Governor Joseph C. Cua

DILG Catanduanes conducts RCSP Provincial
Summing up and Awarding Ceremony By Gizelle A. Tabilin

The DILG Catanduanes Provincial Operations participating NGAs, Provincial Government,
Office spearheaded the conduct of Retooled Concerned Provincial Heads, Municipal and Barangay
Community Support Program (RCSP) Provincial LCEs of RCSP Covered LGUs and DILG Baranggayan
Summing Up and Awarding Ceremony on March 10, Facilitators as a way of gratitude to their active
2021 at Queen Maricel Inn, San Isidro Village, Virac, participation on the RCSP implementation especially
Catanduanes. This is one of the activities required during the Serbisyo Caravan which resulted to the
under phase 3 per DILG Memorandum Circular 2019- successful implementation of the program. Caritas
169. Highlights of accomplishments, summary list of Virac, Inc., an accredited Civil Society Organization
identified /prioritized programs, projects, activities (CSO) was also given the plaque for their unwavering
and issues/gaps/challenges were presented to all support for the Department’s programs and projects.
stakeholders championing the implementation of the
RCSP in the province. After the awarding, Punong Barangay Dolie V.
Aquino of Brgy. Bislig, San Andres, Catanduanes, one
The implementation of the RCSP in of the RCSP covered barangay, gave an impression
Catanduanes has already completed the Immersion of the RCSP immersion on their barangay followed by
Activities in the eleven (11) target/covered barangays. a message from Hon. Peter C. Cua, Municipal Mayor
They are now on the Phase 3 of the RCSP of San Andres Catanduanes as the LGU with the most
Implementation which is to transform these RCSP target/covered RCSP Barangay in the Province of
target/covered barangays, or the Implementation Catanduanes.
Phase of Priority Programs, Projects and Activities
after being identified, prioritized and included in their Minimum health protocol was strictly observed
Enhanced Barangay Development Plans. during the whole activity. Overall, the activity was a
huge success.
Plaques of Appreciation were given to

11

January - March 2021

DILG Catanduanes continues Baranggayan
despite Typhoon Auring flooding By Gizelle A. Tabilin

No rain could stop DILG LGOOs in providing
quality service to the people of Catanduanes. At
the onset of Baranggayan sa Bikol in Cabuyoan,
Panganiban, Catanduanes last February 22, 2021,
the DILG Catanduanes Baranggayan Facilitators
composed of LGOOVI Jimmy D. Lopez, LGOO V Noel
A. Manila and LGOO II Katrina Roselle S. Tariman
experienced heavy flooding due to the torrential rains
brought by Typhoon Auring. While the facilitators were
engaged with the BDP enhancement workshop with
the participants, the water level began to rise which
trapped them at the venue. The MDRRMO with the
assistance from the Barangay Officials, rescued the
facilitators and the participants as the water began to
reach up to waistline level.
After the flooding, the facilitators still continue
the Baranggayan as they proceed to the venue to aid
the Barangay Officials in cleaning and preparing the
venue for the following day for the continuation of the
activity.

LGOOVI Jimmy D. Lopez moving out from the venue as the
flood water began to swell

LGOO V Noel A. Manila experiencing flood waters reaching waist level while at Cabuyoan, Panganiban, Catanduanes
during the conduct of Baranggayan Sa Bikol

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Vol. X Issue 04

98% Villages in Camarines Sur hold 1st Sem
barangay assembly By Gelica Milkah Rivera and Charleston Fulgentes
Ninety eight percent (98%) of barangays in the
province of Camarines Sur have successfully Director Melody E. Relucio where she read SILG’s
conducted their respective barangay assemblies message and lauded the efforts of all barangay
for the 1st semester, as mandated by the Local officials and members of the different Barangay-
Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) and DILG Based Institutions (BBIs) for organizing said activity.
Memorandum Circular 2020-025. This year’s theme is Third-termer Punong Barangay Sandy C. Bicaldo
BarangaYYan: Barangay at Mamayan, Sama-sama at delivered her State of Barangay Address (SOBA)
Magkaisa Upang Labanan ang Pandemya Tungo sa highlighted by sectoral accomplishments, plans and
Isan Ligtas, Maayos at Maunlad na Pamayan. programs undertaken by the barangay presented
through an audio visual presentation (AVP). The
Chosen as showcase barangays per Barangay treasurer also reported on the barangay’s
District were Brgy Colacling, Lupi (District 1); Brgy financial status.
Capucnasan, (District 2); Brgy. La Purisima in Pili,
(District 3); Brgy. Genrica, Garcgitorena (District 4) Due to the barangay’s sustained efforts
abd Brgy Sta Cruz, Iriga (District 5). As showcase in controlling the spread of COVID 19, Brgy. La
barangays, the message of DILG Secretary Eduardo Purisima has maintained its COVID-free status.
Año was read by the respective DILG Officer. To raise awareness on the national vaccination
The barangay assemblies were held face to face program, an AVP was presented and thru a video
but with strict observance of health protocols. message, Vice President Leni Robredo expressed
her appreciation and admiration to all residents of
The barangay assembly held in La Purisima the barangay Purisima for all their accomplishments
was attended by DILG Camarines Sur Provincial and never-ending support to national programs.

13

January - March 2021

DILG CamSur capacitates Local Sanggunians
through Ordinance Codification By Ervin J. Belano

DILG Camarines Sur Provincial Operations the ordinances of a local government unit into a new
Office, thru PD Melody E. Relucio, spearheaded enactment called a code. More importantly, ordinances
the orientation/training on codification of which belong to the same subject matter which are
municipal ordinances in some LGUs in the province amended, repealed or obsolete are considered and
of Camarines Sur, as a commitment of the provincial updated in the code.
office to the Vice Mayor’s League of the Philippines
Camarines Sur Chapter during the latter’s 2020 Year- In the light of the new normal, the activity also
End Assessment held on December 11, 2020. aimed to assist the LGUs in coming up with new or
supplemental ordinances and policies particularly on
To facilitate said training PD Relucio issued the observance of the required health protocols that
Memorandum dated January 19, 2021 creating the will address the current needs of the constituents and
DILG Camarines Sur Codification Team composed of ensure adherence to discipline as espoused under
LGOO VI Ma. Teresa D. Olos, LGOO VI Lino Ruperto the Disiplina Muna campaign.
R. Boncodin, Jr., LGOO VI Joel A. Panga, Jr., LGOO
VI Josef Roi O. Armenta, LGOO VI Rhea SD. Ascano, For the first quarter of 2021, 5 municipalities
LGOO VI Ivy B. Leonardo, LGOO VI Nonilo A. Lopez, in Camarines Sur have already been provided with
and LGOO II Ervin J. Belano. Cluster Heads Angela the orientation/training on codification, to include
M. Galvo and Angela Lourdes V. Astor also provide Libmanan on January 21, Minalabac on January 29,
supervision and guidance to the team. Gainza on March 4, Garchitorena on March 18, and
Tinambac on March 23. Aside from said municipalities,
This level-initiated project aims to capacitate more LGUs have also signified intent to be trained on
the Sangguniang Bayan Members, Secretary and the process of codification which this level intends to
staff on the nitty-gritty of codification—the process continue and sustain.
of collecting, classifying, revising and supplementing

PD Melody E. Relucio spearheads the conduct of Orientation-Training on Codification in various municipalities of Camarines Sur

14

Vol. X Issue 04

Grand launching of Ang Pasaqueno Disiplinado program of LGU Pasacao on February 8, 2021 in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. In
attendance are the Sangguniang Bayan Members, Department and Office Heads of LGU Pasacao, PNP and BFP Personnel,
representative from the academe, and beneficiaries of various LGU projects.

Disiplina muna campaign launch in
Pasacao, Cam Sur By Ervin J. Belano

Pasacao, Camarines Sur – The Municipal Government PD Relucio in her message highlighted the
of Pasacao, under the leadership of Mayor Nino importance of the pillar PPAs of Disiplina Muna
A. Tayco, launched on February 8, 2021 the Ang Campaign which include road clearing, disaster
Pasaqueno Disiplinado advocacy program. This is preparedness and resilience, anti-smoking, Ease
in response to the national advocacy campaign for of Doing Business, liquor-ban, tourist spots clean-
a culture of discipline dubbed as “Disiplina Muna” up, and BADAC functionality pursuant to DILG
initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Memorandum Circular No. 2019-181. She also tackled
Government (DILG). Specifically, the campaign aims the promotion of discipline as the “new normal” in
to foster empowerment to Pasaquenos to make a big preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the BIDA
difference in the community, exemplify discipline on ang may Disiplina: Solusyon sa COVID-19 program
per DILG MC 2020-116. The LGU was encouraged
the road and protect the environment. to organize the Barangay Disiplina Brigades in each
barangay which shall ensure the implementation and
DILG Camarines Sur Provincial Director (PD) observance of minimum health standards in their
Melody E. Relucio graced the occasion together respective communities.
with Municipal Local Government Operations Officer
(MLGOO) Relly R. Penaredondo. In attendance The Department serves as Chair of the
were the Sangguniang Bayan Members, Department Participatory Governance Cluster of the Cabinet tasked
and Office Heads of LGU Pasacao, PNP and BFP to exert all efforts to enhance citizen participation
in government processes through formulation of
Personnel, and representatives from the academe. mechanisms that will ensure public understanding,
rationalizing, and implementing national government
Also present during the activity were the programs; strengthening consultation mechanisms; and
beneficiaries of the various LGU projects aimed to achieve proposing policies, programs, and local projects that
the development goals of Pasacao i.e. MATIBAY (Malinig, would foster participatory governance.
Areglado, Trangkilo, Inklosibo, Berde, Asensado and The recitation of the Pledge of Commitment
SuanoY). The same development agenda serve as the capped-off the activity.
guidepost in promoting the culture of discipline among
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Pasaquenos.

January - March 2021

Mandanas-Garcia case ru

By Atty. Magdalena A. Borbe

The 1987 Constitution bestows local autonomy Revenue Taxes. - Local government units
to the Local Government Units (LGUs). By local shall have a share in the national internal
autonomy it clearly refers to Administrative revenue taxes based on the collection of
Autonomy or FiscalAutonomy. FiscalAutonomy means the third fiscal year preceding the current
that local governments have the power to create their fiscal year as follows:
own sources of revenue in addition to their equitable
share in the national taxes released by the National (a) On the first year of the effectivity of
Government, as well as the power to allocate their this Code, thirty percent (30%);
resources in accordance with their own priorities.1 (b) On the second year, thirty-five
The right of the LGUs to enjoy fiscal autonomy is percent (35%); and
endowed by no less than the Constitution wherein (c) On the third year and thereafter, forty
each local government units shall have the power to percent (40%).
create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, XXX xxx xxx XXX xxx xxx
fees, and charges subject to such guidelines and
limitations as the Congress may provide, consistent Now the question remains, did Section 284
with the basic policy of local autonomy. Such taxes, of Local Government Code deviated from Section 6
fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local of Art. X of the Constitution by limiting to National
governments.2 Internal Revenue Taxes instead of National Taxes
as the base from which to compute the just share of
However, it must be noted that even though the LGUs?
LGUs enjoy fiscal autonomy, this power is not all
encompassing as fiscal autonomy may only be A resounding YES! The power to enact laws
exercised within the metes and bounds of limitations lies within the ambit of the Congress, however this
provided by Congress or the Constitution. It is power remains to be subject to the limitations set
worthy to remember that LGUs are mere creatures forth under the Constitution. The phrase national
of Congress which the former derives its existence internal revenue taxes engrafted in Section 284 is
to the latter, it breathes into them the breath of life, undoubtedly more restrictive than the term national
without which they cannot exist. As it creates, so it taxes written in Section 6. As such, Congress
may destroy. As it may destroy, it may abridge and has actually departed from the letter of the 1987
control.3 The LGUs remain to be the tenants of the Constitution stating that national taxes should be the
will of Congress subject to the guarantees that the base from which the just share of the LGU comes.
Constitution itself imposes. Such departure is impermissible.4 Congress likewise
diminished the fiscal autonomy afforded to LGUs
The issue springs when there has been a by limiting their “Just Share” to National Internal
conflict of Provisions between Section 6, Article X, of Revenue Taxes instead of National Taxes as stated
the 1987 Constitution, and Section 284 of the Local in the Constitution.
Government Code.
The phrase National Internal Revenue Taxes
Section 6 of Art. X of the 1987 Constitution refers to section 21 of the National Internal Revenue
dictates that “Local government units shall have Code of the Philippines which includes:
a just share, as determined by law, in the national
taxes which shall be automatically released to them” 1. Income tax;
(emphasis supplied). While Section 284 of the Local 2. Estate and donor’s taxes;
Government Code provides, to wit: 3. Value-added tax;
4. Other percentage taxes;
Section 284. Allotment of Internal 5. Excise taxes;
6. Documentary stamp taxes; and

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Vol. X Issue 04

uling favours LGUs

7. Such other taxes as or hereafter may be erased, ignored or disregarded.6 The generality of
be imposed and collected by the Bureau of the rule makes us ponder whether rigidly applying the
Internal Revenue. rule may at times be impracticable or wasteful.

In view whereof, section 284 clearly is a clear Therefore, following the pronouncements in the
deviation of the wordings of section 6 Art. X of the case of Araullo v. Aquino III, the effect of our declaration
Constitution as it limits the collection of “just share” through this decision of the unconstitutionality of
of LGUs to the foregoing taxes and does not include Section 284 of the LGC and its related laws as far as
National Taxes as enshrined in the latter provision they limited the source of the just share of the LGUs
which includes custom duties taxes, excise taxes, to the NIRTs is Prospective. It cannot be otherwise.
franchise taxes, Value Added Tax, etc. Section 284
of the LGC is a diminution of the Fiscal Autonomy of References:
the LGUs and the phrase “internal revenue taxes” 1 Pimentel, Jr. v. Aguirre, G.R. No. 132988, July 19,
appearing therein must be rendered Null and Void for 2000, 336 SCRA 201, 218.
being Unconstitutional. 2 Section 5. Art. X, 1987 Constitution
3 Magtajas v. Pryce Properties Corporation, lnc
Since the phrase “internal revenue taxes” was 4 Chavez v. Judicial and Bar Council, G.R. No. 202242.
declared Null and Void by the Supreme Court, shall July 17, 2012, 676 SCRA 579, 598.
the Local Government Units be entitled to arrears of 5 Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. San Roque
the just share from the time they should have received Power Corporation, G.R. Nos. 187485, 196113 and
the just share had the LGC properly reckoned such 197156, October 8, 2013, 707 SCRA 66, 77.
just share from all national taxes and not from the 6 Araullo v. Aquino III
National Internal Revenue Taxes?

The answer is No. It is true that the declaration
of the Supreme Court that the IRA is not in accordance
with the constitutional determination of the just share
of the LGUs in the national taxes, logic demands that
the LGUs should receive the difference between the
just share they should have received had the LGC
properly reckoned such just share from all national
taxes, on the one hand, and the share - represented
by the IRA- the LGUs have actually received since
the effectivity of the IRA under the LGC, on the other.
This puts the National Government in arrears as to
the just share of the LGUs. A legislative or executive
act declared void for being unconstitutional cannot
give rise to any right or obligation.5

The Doctrine of Operative Fact comes into
play. The doctrine of operative fact recognizes the
existence of the law or executive act prior to the
determination of its unconstitutionality as an operative
fact that produced consequences that cannot always

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January - March 2021 January - March 2021

“Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan”

Rizal Street, 4500 Legazpi City

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