A member of the Palawan Provincial Board has urged Congress to amend the Local Government Code of 1991, saying some provisions on the revenue-generating capacity of provinces are outdated and no longer reflect current economic realities.
Board Member Ryan Maminta made the appeal during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday, July 21, as he addressed newly appointed Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Palawan Provincial Director Myla Panganiban.
Calling for an immediate review of Republic Act No. 7160, Maminta said the law’s fiscal provisions are based on decades-old data and conditions that no longer meet the needs of local government units (LGUs).
“Gusto ko iparating at ipaabot na sana malakaran natin at magawa natin ng mga pagkilos ang mga napipinto at napapanahong amyenda sa Local Government Code,” he said.
Maminta said the proposed amendments should prioritize expanding the revenue-raising powers of LGUs, noting that the current law no longer covers several potential sources of local income.
“Dahil ang mga datos na pinagbasihan ng Local Government Code, lalot higit doon sa revenue raising power ng mga lokal na pamahalaan ay outdated na po,” he said.
“Mayroon na tayong mga hindi nasasakop doon at marami na tayong hindi nakukuha sa pamagitan ng provision ng Local Government Code. Ang pamahalaang panlalawigan, halimbawa, napakahina ng revenue raising power namin,” Maminta added.
According to Maminta, provincial governments such as Palawan continue to face limited fiscal authority despite their role in supporting municipalities and barangays, promoting business development, and driving local economic growth.
He said the provincial government has continued to invest in initiatives that improve the business climate across Palawan.
“Ginagawa namin lahat ang paraan at kaukulang hakbangin sa pamahala para mapabuti ang kalagayan ng mga businesses sa buong lalawigan,” he said.
Maminta also pointed out that provinces often assist municipalities aspiring to become cities, but once cityhood is achieved, provincial governments lose a share of revenues and other benefits despite their continued development efforts.
“Tinutulungan namin ang mga munisipyo, tinutulungan ang mga barangay. May mga pagkakataon pa nga na tinutulungan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang mga munisipyo para maging syudad. Pagkatapos na maging syudad ay maiiwanan na ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan,” he said.
He appealed to the DILG to support proposed amendments to the Local Government Code by working with Congress and other policymakers to strengthen the fiscal capacity of provinces.
“Baka puwedeng pag-aralan natin nang husto ito at bigyan ang pagkakataon na sa pamamagitan po ninyo umusad ang mga hakbang na kung saan ay magkaroon ng amyenda sa Local Government Code,” Maminta said.
Maminta also acknowledged the DILG’s continued support for local governments in Palawan through its Municipal Local Government Operations Officers, who provide technical and governance assistance to municipalities and barangays.
