In Cebu Province, the implementation of projects, programs, and policies by national line agencies and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) without consulting the Capitol is now prohibited and penalized under the law.
During their regular session on Monday, April 4, the Cebu Provincial Board, headed by Vice Governor Hilario Davide III, carried unanimously on second and final readings PB Ordinance No. 2023-02 which penalizes violations of certain provisions of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
The ordinance, sponsored by the chairman of the PB committee on laws and first district Board Member Raul Bacaltos, considers any acts of national line agencies and GOCCs without Capitol approval as “inimical act of compromising the general welfare” of the Cebuanos.
The ordinance is enforcing Sections 2(c), 25(b), 26 and 27 of Republic Act No. 7160 by mandating all national line agencies and GOCCs which will be implementing projects, programs, and policies in Cebu to “coordinate, consult and involve the Province of Cebu in the planning and implementation.”
They are to submit to the PB all pertinent documents related to the projects, programs, and policies they are going to implement so that a dialogue could be had between the two parties.
A fine of P5,000 has been prescribed per violation or an imprisonment of not more than one year — or both, without prejudice to the filing of an administrative charge for abuse of authority and violation of the ordinance.
Under the leadership of Gov. Gwen Garcia, the Cebu Provincial Government is leading the way for other local government units to follow in championing local governance and local autonomy, as stated, enshrined, and protected by RA 7160 which has ensured the devolution of powers and functions of the national government in favor of the LGUs. | Ioannes P. Arong