Local government units (LGUs) should be given the authority to propose, instead of merely being made to accept projects, from the national government, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president Dakila “Dax’’ Cua said on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Cua made the call after Marcos ordered the return of the practice of government agencies, particularly of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), of securing the LGU’s approval before implementing national government-funded projects.

In backing the President’s directive, Cua explained that the Local Government Code explicitly states that the only requirement regarding infrastructure projects is that LGUs be informed of any projects that would be undertaken within their jurisdiction.

“Section 524 (b) of the Code states, “No infrastructure or community project within the territorial jurisdiction of any local government unit shall be undertaken without informing the local chief executive and the sanggunian concerned,” Cua said.

However, Cua noted that “merely being informed” is different from having the power to approve or propose, and under the current system LGUs are 

helpless if the DPWH embarks on infrastructure projects even if these run counter to their own development agenda or comprehensive land use plans, “because Section 524 (b) is basically just an FYI (for your info).’’

“If the project turns out to be good, no harm no foul. But what if the implementation is botched, or the project has a detrimental effect on the environment or the quality of life of the community?’’ Cua asked.

The ULAP chief and Quirino governor lamented that granting LGUs the power to propose projects that they have already prioritized would go a long way towards addressing the gap that has been a cause of disconnect and even discord between LGUs and the national government.

“Bigyan naman sana ang LGU, hindi lang boses sa pag-accept, pero pati boses sa pag-propose. Kasi minsan, iyong prioritization, nawawala na—nauuna pa ‘yung flood control kaysa mga kalsada, nauuna pa flood control kaysa classroom, kaysa mga kinakailangang irrigation atbp. So minsan ang prioritization, doon talaga ang susi (Give the  LGU, not merely to accept, but the voice to propose. Because sometimes, prioritization is lost, flood control projects are targeted more than road projects, flood control projects are given priority more than classrooms, irrigation and the like. So sometimes prioritization, that is the real key),’’ Cua continued.