Gideon T Ines Jr

1. In the Philippines today, do LGU enjoy autonomy? Why

Answer: The Phillippine Constitution provide that the local governments “shall enjoy local
autonomy” in which the Philippine president exercises general supervision to se to it that
the local gocernnment function properly and obey the laws of the land. In the Philippines
today, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5185 also provides granting further autonomus powers to
local governments.

2. Do local governments raise their own revenues and how?

Answer: LGUs are given authority to levy their own taxes, fees and other sources of
revenues, consistent with the basic policies in the Local Government Code. LGUs could not
survive just by local taxation and other income alone because there are local governments
in the country that are incapable to do so. So with this, they have IRA provided by the
national government.

3. Do local governments perform their function in accordance with the local government code?

Answer: Yes. LGUs perform their function. The Code provides the term “devolution”
which refers to the act by which the National Government confers power
and authority upon the various local government units to perform specific functions and
responsibilities for the delivery of basic services of their constituents.

4. Do local governments from provinces to the barangays depend on their share on the national
taxes?

Answer: The Local Government Code provides that LGUs have a 40% share from the national

internal revenue taxes on collection and allocation to the LGUs . There are also equitable shares of
LGUs from the proceeds from development and utilization of the national wealth, share from the
proceeds derived from any government agency or owned or controlled corporation.

5. Do you believe that the devolve services to local government should be ra-nationalized?

Answer: The Code provides that the National Government  shall

devolved basic service delivery functions to LGUs, putting them in a better position to
address local poverty and other concerns. As part of their local powers, LGUs may
collect local taxes and revenues. Some LGUs also have special shares from NG revenues
(e.g., sin taxes).