HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader and Pampanga Fourth District Congressman Juan Pablo “Rimpy” Bondoc is pushing for the immediate implementation of the Mandanas Ruling of the Supreme Court in order to assist local government units in getting a bigger share of their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) that can be used to address the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking before fellow legislators during Monday’s online session on March 23 at the House of Representatives, Bondoc said that once the Mandanas Ruling of the Supreme Court is implemented the increase of the IRA for the LGU will greatly help them in the time of crisis.
“Thank you Speaker Alan, Majority Leader Martin, Secretary General Joel and for everyone else who made this special session a reality. Thank you for giving me a chance to manifest my desire for us as a body to revisit the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling,” Bondoc said.
“This is to give to our LGUs a bigger IRA now, when it’s surely needed to combat Covid, instead of in 2022 as decided in a decision of the Supreme Court,” he said.
Bondoc said the Mandanas Ruling gives LGUs a rightful larger IRA entitlement as they deserve a share of all national government taxes.
“Instead of implementing it in 2022, let’s work to find a way to implement it as soon as possible”, the solon said.
Also, since 1992, LGUs have been deprived of this rightful share of certain national government taxes hence the Mandanas Ruling.
“Can we find a way to give LGUs the rightful share of these revenues starting 1992, as it is really their due,” he said.
“Our LGUs need these funds now, not in 2022. I hope we can work on this dear colleague,” Bondoc ended.