BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera office of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM-CAR declared the P1.5 billion 2015 budget of the city government as operational in its entirety subject to the posting requirements under Section 59 of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government code of the Philippines.
However, Liza B. Fangsilat, DBM-CAR regional director, said the implementation of the appropriations in the city’s budget will still be subject to several conditions in order to ensure transparent and accountable governance.
She cited the deficiencies in the personnel services objects of expenditures covering uniform/clothing allowance, retirement and life insurance premiums, yearend benefits, Pag-Ibig, ECC, cash gift of personnel under the offices of the general services, planning and development and veterinary services, be correspondingly covered by a supplemental appropriation.
The DBM-CAR official cited the amount appropriated for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), amounting to P27,837,000 and capital outlay amounting to P13,828,000 under the programmed appropriations by programs/projects and activities be reconciled with the amounts for the said allotment classes under the annual investment plan (AIP) to reflect the correct amount per allotment class under the support to schools.
Fangsilat added that the disbursement of the representation expenses under the various offices/departments of the city shall consider the provisions of Section 343 of RA 7160.
Furthermore, she claimed that the grant of representation and travel allowance (RATA), to the other national government officials under the offices of the prosecutor, fire prevention and safety, jail management and penology and Philippine National Police (PNP) shall be in accordance with Sections 447(a)(1)(xi), 458(a)(1)(xi) and 468 (a)(1)(xi) of RA 7160.
Fangsilat pointed that the list of the city’s retirees be provided the DBM-CAR to support the amount of P16,986,000.00 appropriated for terminal leave and retirement gratuity benefits and that the special purpose appropriations under non-office should be broken down into personal services, maintenance and other operating expenses and capital outlay with the specific objects of expenditures as prescribed under the law.
On the other hand, the DBM-CAR observed that the appropriation of 20 percent of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for development projects shall strictly cover only development projects as prescribed under existing rules and regulations.
Fangsilat explained that the allocation for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund (LDRRMF), corresponding to 5 percent of the estimated income from regular sources, shall be set aside to support disaster risk reduction management activities such as, but not limited to, pre-disaster preparedness programs including trainings, purchase of life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, for post-disaster activities, for the payment of premiums on calamity insurance and construction of evacuation centers, as provided under the law.
She revealed that the procurement of goods, services, infrastructure projects and consultancy services of the city shall conform to the provisions of the government procurement law.
By Dexter A. See
