ABC to formally seek exemption from DILG, DBM circular

CEBU, Philippines -  Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Michael Ralota said the organization will oppose the joint memorandum circular of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the usage of the 20 percent Annual Investment Plan for barangays.

It is from the AIP that most of salaries of garbage collectors and Gender and Development (GAD) personnel are taken.

In a circular dated April 13, 2011, DILG and DBM laid down guidelines in the utilization of the AIP. The joint circular prohibits barangays from incurring administrative expenses such as cash gifts, bonuses, food allowance, medical assistance, uniforms, supplies, meetings, communication, water and light, petroleum products. It also prohibits barangays from utilizing the AIP for salaries and wages, travelling expenses, and registration fees in training, seminars, conferences and convention.

The budget is not also allowed to be utilized for construction, repair or refinishing of administrative offices, purchase of office furniture, fixtures, equipment and appliance, and purchase and maintenance of motor vehicles.

DILG and DBM stressed they came up with the guidelines to enhance transparency and accountability of local government units in undertaking development projects. This would also help address the problem of natural and man-made disasters and calamities.

But Ralota said the ABC will ask DILG and DBM to exempt barangays in Cebu from the circular until December this year.

Despite assurance from the DBM regional office, some barangay captains still expressed apprehensions that the Commission on Audit might insist on fully implementing the circular.

“Lisod man gyud ko wala tay gihuptan nga written order from DBM unya sa panahon nga mag-post audit sa COA, kuyaw kita mga kapitan ang maka-refund sa atong nahatag ngadto sa mga trabahante sa clean and green ug GAD,” said Agsungot Barangay Captain Pastor Alcover III.

Ralota said the ABC will come up with a formal resolution that would stipulate the request come October 1 during the ABC meeting at the Tambuli Beach Resort in Lapu-Lapu City.

“Dili lang siguro this year ang atong hangyoon nga dili nato ipa-implement ang department circular kun di mangayo gyud ta og exemption para magamit pa nato ang atong 20 percent sa pag-hatag og suweldo sa GAD ug garbage collectors,” Ralota said.

DBM 7 Director Carmela Fernan earlier informed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama about the guidelines on the appropriation and utilization of the 20 percent annual internal revenue allotment shares. — (FREEMAN)