The Department is the primary catalyst for excellence in local governance that nurtures selfreliant, progressive, orderly, safe

and globallycompetitive communities sustained by God-centered and empowered citizenry.

The Department shall promote peace and order, ensure public safety and strengthen capability of local government units through active people participation and a professionalized corps of civil servants.

VOL. 7 NO. 11

www.dilg.gov.ph

November 2012

15 provinces in poll watch list

Story on page 2

Audit of LGUs ordered

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Legal Opinion

On the validity of a municipal ordinance

p7 Four big events mark Local Govt Code Anniversary in Region VI p8

BFP-NCR gives kudos to mall guards

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DILG Secretary Mar Roxas (center) together with PNP Chief Dir Gen Nicanor Bartolome and Dir Gen Alan Purisima watches the presentation on the preparations of DILG and PNP for the Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE 2013) program in Camp Crame, Quezon City. ( Story on page 2) Photo by Red Santos

PNoy leads celebration rites for Calungsod

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For complaints and inquiries, text DILG to 2299

Page 2

NEWS

November 2012

15 provinces in poll watch list

Fift een pr ovinc es ar e in t he priority watch list of the Philippine National Police (PNP) where there could be violence during the upcoming 2013 midterm elections. In a press conference at the PNP Headquarters in Quezon City, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the police have also identified 60 active private armed groups (PAGs) and another 47 with the potential to become PAGs that could be utilized by politicians to harass and intimidate voters during the May 13 polls. Roxas made the disclosures as he outlined the early preparations being made by the DILG and the PNP under the Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE 2013) program whic h d etailed, among others, the estimated number of loose firearms and the presence of private armed groups and other threat groups that could cause violence in the identified high-risk areas. We want to show that elections are different under the administration of President PNoy to ensure that the will of the people is truly reflected in the elections.Under our democracy, elections are most important so that we can hear the voice of our people, our Bosses. We will make sure that elections are secure and fair. The PNP will treat ev er yone fair ly. W a l a k a m i ng papanigan, wala kaming sasantuhin, walang parti-partido , Roxas declared. Roxas said one of t he characteristics of elections under the Aquino administration is the early preparation of the DILG and PNP to ensure a smooth, peaceful and orderly electoral process. We are two and a half months earlier in our preparations. We did not wait for the campaign period to start, he said. T her e is a logic al identification of high-risk areas, as well as the rational deployment of personnel and resources. Roxas said t he 15 pr iorit y provinces considered as high-risk areas in terms of political violence are Abra, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, He said t he pr ov inc es wer e included in the priority watch list based on several factors and objective criteria including the presence of private armed groups, loose firearms, intense political rivalries, past history of election violence, and the presence of other threat groups like terrorists and communist rebels, among others. T he PNP est imat es ar ound 363,000 loose firearms nationwide, with another 571,303 firearms with non-renewed licenses as per the records of the Firearms and Explosives Office. We do not want to be caught flatfooted. We are already creating Special Task Forces for each of these provinces with a command structure that will allow them to assist the provincial commander in the maintenance of peace and order, the secretary said.

Audit of LGUs ordered

Over possible loss of IRA to Aman scam
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered an audit of local government units in Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, and SOCCSKSARGEN Regions following reports that public funds, particulalry their Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), may have been invested and lost to the multi-billion beso Aman pyramiding scam. The DILG chief issued order in light of complaints that he received when he was in Pagadian City that some local government officials have allegedly used part of their IRA to invest in the getrich-quick investment scheme offered by Aman. If we determine that public funds were really invested in Aman, then theres no question that we will file the necessary administrative and criminal charges against those involved no matter who these personalities are, he said. He also assured that there will be no sacred cows in the conduct of the audit and even in the probe of the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation on the people involved in the scam. In connection with Roxas pronouncement, the DILG issued a memorandum to the director of DILG offices in the three regions directing them to get sworn Certifications of NonInvestment of Public Funds in the Aman Futures Group from governors, city and municipal mayors, and punong barangay in their jurisdiction. The DILG directors were also ordered to get a copy of Report of Checks, vouchers, etc. issued by the LGUs, duly verified by the concerned Commission on Audit field auditors, covering the period January 2011 to November 2012. DILG also requested the Department of Finance to get a similar set of certifications of non-investment of public funds in Aman from provincial, city, municipal, and barangay treasurers in Regions 9, 10, and 12, as well as treasurers of LGUs in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur to submit their respective LGU bank balances for examination. The government is conducting a manhunt for the officials of Aman, who has reportedly duped some 15,000 individuals into investing about P12 billion of their hard-earned money. Earlier, Roxas relieved Zamboanga del Sur Provincial PNP Director Senior Superintendent William T. Manzan and Pagadian City Chief of Police Superintendent Kenneth H. Mission for their supposed negligence in stopping Aman Futures early on in their operations. Apart from Manzan and Mission, 21 other PNP officers who reportedly invested in Aman were recalled back to camp to ensure that they do not use their authority to exact revenge against Aman Futures and its representatives.

Group offers to help in Roxass anti-jueteng drive

Now, it is not only the government that is waging a war against jueteng, but the people themselves. DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said that the People Power Volunteers for Reforms Pampanga Chapter had offered to help DILG identify jueteng collectors in the province if only to prove that the illegal numbers game exists there. PPVR Pampanga chapter head Eduardo Manugue said it is high timefor jueteng tobe stopped because it has already gone to the extent of controlling politics in Pampanga. Roxas said while he has to receive a formal communication from PPVRPampanga chapter, he said his office is already drafting a mechanism by which private sectors can assist the DILG in stamping out the illegal numbers game that has long plagued Pampanga and other parts of the country. The mechanism, he said, should enable private groups and nongovernmental organizations to join the governments drive against jueteng by assuming defined roles that will complement the jobs of various offices under DILG to counter the illegal activity. Roxas said he welcomes such people-backed initiatives for a onceand-for-all solution to end jueteng in the province. I thinkjuetenghas reached a point where the people in several provinces no longer think it is trivial or harmless activity, he said. It can be eradicated if the people from the private and public sectors will work toget her t o safeguard our society, he added.

New rules on calamity funds use out

The Commission on Audit (COA) has issued new rules that will guide local government units (LGUs) on how calamity funds should be spent in ac cordance with the Philippine Disaster Risk Red uct ion and Management Act of 2010. In its latest circular, COA said accounting and reporting guidelines are being set to prevent the misuse of government money, particularly the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. COA Chairperson Ma. Grace Pulido-Tan, along with Commissioners Juanito Espino Jr. and Heid i M end oza, said the new guidelines are also being put in place t o promulgate ac count ing and auditing rules and regulations, including those for the prevention of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, ex tr avagant or unconsc ionable expenditures, or uses of government funds and properties. The seven-page circular states that pursuant to law, the local disaster fund shall be used to support disaster risk management activities like programs, training, and the purchase of life-saving equipment, supplies and medicines. Calamity funds may also be used for repair and rehabilitaiton of public infrastructure, payment of insurance premiums, and relief and recovery programs in communities hit by disasters, calamities, epidemics or complex emergencies. Noting that the disaster fund should be sourced mainly from not less than five percent of an LGUs revenue from regular sources, the COA circular states that 30 percent of the money should be set aside for a Quick Response Fund for relief and recovery projects and activities.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

November 2012

Poor Municipality Can Eliminate Malnutrition

Limasawa, Southern Leyte
Many advertisements are trying to sell products that purportedly help improve the health of buyers. But, Limasawas program on proper nutrition and healthy living seems to be much more effective in convincing people to pursue a healthy lifestyle. L imasawa s LGU was able to accomplish this feat by developing an innovative nutrition plan with clearly defined roles for the stakeholders. This plan aimed to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among preschool and school children and promote healthy living among adults. The plan was designed with the help of the Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC), which is multisectoral and is composed of the Sangguniang Bayan Members, National Agency representatives, Municipal Government Department Heads, Barangay Captains, School Administrators and non-government organization representatives. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office spearheaded the feeding program for the malnourished pre-school and schoolchildren. Meanwhile, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Elementary School Class Advisers were tasked to monitor the weekly growth status of the pre-school children and the monthly weighing of the schoolchildren. The Womens Health Teams (WHTs) and Breastfeeding Support Groups (BSGs) were tasked to monitor the childrens nutritional status from womb to birth. Pregnant women were closely tracked to ensure that they complete their prenatal visits and develop their birth plans in cooperation with the Rural Health Unit (RHU). A Healthy Baby Contest was regularly held to promote exclusive breastfeeding. Interestingly, the fathers were also trained about the proper care and feeding of infants and schoolchildren. Under the Tatay Ko, Kaagapay sa Kalusogan Ko Program, the fathers in the barangays are gathered every quarter for a lecture on good nutrition, breastfeeding and responsible parenthood. Under the Gulay Bawat Bahay, Hahaba Ang Buhay Program, households, schools and barangays were encouraged to maintain vegetable gardens for household consumption. The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) provided seeds, seedlings, planting materials and technical assistance. To motivate the residents and school children, cash prizes were awarded to winners of the Best Barangay Garden and the Best School Garden contests that were organized yearly by the MAO. Livelihood skills trainings were also provided to families with malnourished children so they can augment their income and buy sufficient food. In addition, motor bancas with fishing gear were given to these families. Every quarter, residents who are 20 years old and above are encouraged to report to the Barangay Nutrition Outpost for the calculation of their Body Mass Index (BMI). Those categorized as at risk, overweight and obese are then urged to participate in the Healthy Lifestyle campaign. An Executive Order was issued requiring Municipal Officials and Employees to participate in an hourlong exercise session every Monday afternoon and sports activities every Friday afternoon. The municipality also holds a Biggest Loser contest to encourage people to lose weight. To promote proper hygiene among its residents, the LGU launched the Handog Pamasko sa LGU Program. Households without toilets were given a toilet bowl, a bag of cement and iron bars so that they can build their own under the supervision of the Rural Sanitary Inspector. With these programs in place, the residents of Limasawa are now healthier than before. The regular supplemental feeding helped bring up the nutritional status of children from below normal to normal. The prevalence of malnutrition among pre-school children went down from a high of 8.8% in 2004 to 2.61% in 2009 and from 6.0% to 2.17% among school children. The close tracking of pregnant women by the RHU resulted in a zero mortality rate since 2007. Almost all infants from 0-6 months old were also exclusively breastfed. In just a few years, food production in the locality blossomed to a point where the need for vegetable supply in the municipality was also addressed. Remarkably, the household gardens used organic fertilizer from the vermiculture project to produce the varieties of vegetables. To augment its limited budget, the LGU used various fund generation schemes such as solicitations, raffle draws, placing coin banks in strategic places for donations, fines from illegal fishing, diving fees and forging partnerships with donors. Just recently, Limasawa earned the Nutrition Honor Awardthe first for Region VIIIgiven by the National Nutrition Council. For a 6th class islandmunicipality, eliminating malnutrition is quite a feat, but one that is easily replicated. Among the key factors to the programs success are innovative strategies, eliciting active community participation and judicious enactment of ordinances. (Source: Galing Pook Awards 2011 Magazine)

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DILG NEWS DIGEST

from page 12

November 2012
from page 12

PNoy leads...
This gathering also stands as testament not only to the divinity of Saint Pedro Calungsod, but even more so, to the ideals that he has etched into our national consciousness: A sense of selfless sacrifice for faith and principle; an outward offering of oneself for the greater good, he added. With the President were Vice President Jejomar Binay, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and other government officials. Earlier, Roxas personally led the final ground preparations for the Thanksgiving Mass to ensure a safe, secure, and solemn event for the thousands of devotees expected to flock South Road Properties in Cebu on Friday. He presided over the final briefing

Civil society...

at the event site attended by top regional officials of the PNP, Napolcom, BFP and local government officials to ensure that all security preparations and contingencies are in place. Aside from conducting the final briefing, Roxas led the actual inspection of the site for the Mass and enlisted the support of barangay tanods, church members, LGU personnel, Coast Guard and Navy personnel to help secure the venue. Firemen, rescue, and emergency personnel were also stationed in strategic command posts to enable them to respond promptly and effectively for any eventuality, while fire trucks, ambulances and emergency vehicles were on standby and ready to respond to any emergency.

groups in the budget process to the government welcoming people to the kitchen so they can help decide what meals to prepare and what portions will be served to different sectors considering the available resources. Whereas before, only a few decide whether to cook adobo or kare-kare, and who gets what portions, now the PNoy government is saying, the door to the kitchen is open. And through strong and healthy engagement with civil society and non-government organizations, the national government and local government units will be able to arrive at whats really needed. Maaaring hindi adobo at kare-kare lang, Roxas said. The DILG secretary, however, cautioned civil society groups that the real challenge is not just in opening the door to the budget process, but in balancing the needs of all sectors through an enlightened and give-and-take process. Initially, the BUB was started in 600 municipalities last year and was further increased to 1,200 this year until all LGUs are able to prepare their budgets utilizing

inputs from members of their respective communities. We are on track and on schedule. We are currently organizing ways to determine what communities need and the process how to submit their specific budget requirements to different government agencies, Roxas added. But its a long process so we decided that from the start, the voices of all the sectors are already integrated. Roxas said President PNoy clearly sees that for the government to succeed, it needs a strong partnership with the citizenry, and civil society is the important link between the Presidents commitments to good governance and meaningful people participation. Ang gustong mangyari ni PNoy, is that the expectations of the people will fundamentally change to one of ownership of the government and its processes. He wants people to feel that, gobyerno namin yan. Nakita namin kung ano ang maaaring mangyari, kung anong kabutihan ang maaaring maidulot ng isang matuwid at matinong pamamahala, he said.
from page 12

New website...
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the website also aims to assist local government units in complying with the requirements of the Full Disclosure Policy of the Department. This is because by simply signing in to the site, local governments that have no websites may now use the common portal to post their financial documents. In 2010, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2010-083 titled, Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances, and Bids and Public Offerings, mandating provinces, cities and municipalities to fully disclose specific financial transactions to keep their constituents informed of how the LGUs budget is managed, disbursed and used. The same circular was subsequently adopted as a requirement

HIV-AIDS FORUM DILG-3 Regional Director Florida Dijan leads the awareness and advocacy drive against HIV-AIDS during a forum participated in by around 800 students from the different schools in the City of San Fernando. The forum, which was conducted in two batches, was initiated by the DILG regional office in cooperation with the Department of Health

in the General Appropriations Act. Through this portal, the difficulties faced by LGUs in posting the required documents, such as the absence of a website and the prohibitive cost of print space, will be addressed, said Assistant Secretary and concurrent BLGS Director Rolando M. Acosta during the recent launch at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City. More importantly, the portal also allows the public to view, download and print the financial documents of the LGUs. Present during the launch were DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero, World Bank Acting Country Director Chiyo Kanda, and Gladys Selosa of the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability, among others.

NAPOLCOM OKs recruitment of 335 new cops

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM)has approved the recruitment of 335 new police officers to improve police-to-population ratio and enhance the police visibility program of the Philippine National Police (PNP). This was contained in a Napolcom en banc approved Resolution No. 2012-445 which granted the Chief, PNP the authority to recruit an additional 335 Police Officer 1 (PO1) under the CY 2012 Second Semester Attrition Recruitment Program. NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the 335 attrition quota will be distributed to the different Police Regional Offices (PROs), as follows: PRO1 - 26; PRO2 - 11; PRO3 - 31; PRO4A - 26; PRO4B - 60; PRO5 - 16; PRO6 - 16; PRO7 - 19; PRO8 - 18; PRO9 - 11; PRO10 - 7; PRO11 15; PRO12 - 8; PRO13 - 13; PRO COR - 7; PRO ARMM - 11; and NCRPO - 40. Escueta said that recruitment under the attrition program is intended to fill projected vacancies as a result of death, retirement and separation from the police service of PNP members. The Commission enjoins the PNP and the members of the Regional Screening Committees to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed recruitment procedures and guarantee the appointment of the best and most qualified police personnel, otherwise, they would be subjected to administrative sanctions, Escueta said. During the first semester of 2012, the PNP recruited a total of 5,293 Police Officer 1 under the regular and attrition recruitment programs. These new police officers were distributed to the Special Action Force (SAF), Maritime Group (MG) and the different Police Regional Offices nationwide.

Page 5

LGU SUCCESS STORIES

November 2012

Municipality of Tiwi, Albay

Construction of One-Storey Covered Market Phase III (Fruits and Vegetables Market)
Background The town of Tiwi, Albay is a first class municipality situated at the northern most tip of the province of Albay. It has a population of 49,476 (Community-Based Management System data, 2008) thriving in 11,628 hectares of land. Of the total 25 barangays, 16 are geothermal barangays, 12 coastal barangays, and one urban barangay. Tiwi is making trends for its development efforts in the sectors of geothermal operation, ceramics production and eco-tourism programs. But its people are still highly dependent on agriculture and fisheries as their major sources for living. The local folks depend on their farm and fishery produce for their daily subsistence. As such, the locality has to make the economic site for farmers readily accessible, clean, well-maintained, secured and permanent. While there is already an existing public market, it cannot accommodate the increasing number of vendors peddling their goods and wares even on weekdays. On weekends, the old market even becomes especially overcrowded with vendors and consumers alike spilling over in the streets because of the crowded aisles and narrow stalls. The municipality saw the need to expand the already existing public market, particularly one for fruits and vegetables, which shall serve as trading post for farmers, buyers and consumers. A unique opportunity came in 2010 when the municipality of Tiwi was granted a P1million incentive under the Department of the Interior and Local Governments (DILGs) Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). The PCF is a program that aims to recognize LGUs that subscribe to the principles of accountability and transparency and for showing excellence in local governance. LGUs that passed the Seal of Good Housekeeping criteria are eligible to access the fund to help them jumpstart local development projects such as public market, school buildings, rural health units, water and sanitation system, local roads and bridges, among others. With the PCF grant and other resources, the municipality had enough budget and decided to embark on the expansion of the existing market. Tiwi Public Market Phase III The construction of public market phase III is an LGU-initiated venture with the DILGs incentive of P1-million under the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF). The municipality of Tiwi, Albay was also awarded the Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL) for the municipal category which entitled the LGU to receive another P1-million as cash prize. The total project cost of the new market was P14.47- million with P1-Million coming from the PCF incentive, P1-million as cash prize of Tiwi for being a GPL winner, and the remaining amount from the counterpart fund coming from the LGUs 20 percent Local Development Fund, royalty tax, general fund, realigned budget, and other revenue savings. The one-storey covered market accommodated 85 vendors of fruit, vegetables, grains and groceries, composed mostly of women. The building consists of 36.70 meters long Good results The project has benefited its constituents in more ways than one. Domingo Dacillo, the municipal engineer, said the newly-constructed market has helped the vendors in securing a place for their wares. From previous dilapidated stalls with only old tarpaulins to protect them during rainy days, the new market provided a permanent roof above their heads. Hindi na po sila nauulanan at ang kanilang paninda, di tulad ng dati, Dacillo beamed. David Beato, First Kagawad and member of the market committee, said the new market provided clean and secure stalls that eliminated stealing of the vendors goods. Dati nananakawan sila dahil tatakluban lang nila ng tarpaulin at itatali ang kanilang paninda. Ngayon may sarili ng lock at secure ang stall nila, Beato said. He said the market committee also conducts regular dialogues with the market vendors to listen to their issues and concerns. Araceli Clutario, President of the Federation of Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (Kalipi), opined that the new market has helped increase the income of vendors who are mostly women. Ochenta porsyento (80%) po ng mga nagtitinda rito ay kababaihan at malaking tulong po ang proyektong ito sa kanila. Clutario noticed that the project has helped the women sector in particular because the market benefited not just the women vendors but also the women consumers. Dati po ang mga nanay ay kailangan pa maglakad sa maputik na palengke, ngayon mas maayos at malinis na po ang bagong pwesto para sa mamimili, she said. Asuncion Orlain, one of the vendors in the new public market said their income has increased for they only pay P4.95 per day as compared to when they were outside the new market. Dito po kasi sa bagong palengke, nasa P4.95 lang po kada araw ang bayad sa pwesto. Nung nasa labas kame P20.00 po ang bayad namin. Kumikita po kame ngayon ng mula 500 hanggang 800, Orlain added. Manuel Damo, Tiwis internal auditor, said the new public market is just one of the many good projects of the mayor. In kee ping wi th t ran spar ency an d full di scl osur e p oli cy, he sai d T iwi s fina nci al documents are prominently displayed in a bulletin board at the the entrance of the newly-constructed public market. Another bulletin board with the towns financial documents can be seen at the entrance of the municipal hall, while a third one is near the treasurers office. Mahalaga po na makita ng tao ang mga dokumento ng pinagkakagastusan ng munisipyo para po may transparency at accountability. Makakatulong po yang nakapaskil ang record ng lahat ng expenses at income ng Tiwi para walang duda ang publiko sa pamamalakad ng gobyerno he added. In all its efforts, the Municipality of Tiwi has provided an accessible, clean and modern public market for its constituents to contribute to its goal of promoting healthy, self-reliant and motivated citizenry. Its well-plann ed and maint ained infra structure brought by a n hone st, transparent, responsive, and competent governance proved to be a significant ingredient in the success of Tiwi and its PCF project.

and 19.30 meters wide of permanent structure, concrete foundations, flooring and beam roofing. It also includes a lobby measuring 33.55 square meters located at the entrance. The municipality organized a Market Committee headed by Municipal Mayor Jaime Villanueva and members composed of the municipal treasurer, Sangguniang Bayan representative, President of Vendors Association, and the President of Vegetables Vendors Association. The committee conducted the drawing of lots and opening of bids for vacant and newly constructed stall in the municipal public market. With the new market, thousands of residents from the nearby 12 barangays can now benefit from a clean and well-maintained market facility, not to mention quality and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Page 6

DILG NEWS DIGEST

November 2012

Editorial
Working for Secure and Fair Elections in 2013
Elections in the country during the recent past have seen the rise and proliferation of warlord politicians, along with their minions of private armies, who capitalize on the proverbial 3Gs of guns, goons and gold in their quest for power and dominance. As a result, those elections have been marred by confusion, cheating, vote-buying, terror and intimidation as politicians stake their claims to the title of honourable. They thrive mostly in rural areas and far-flung municipalities, away from the prying eyes of the public and the media. Who could ever forget the Maguindanao massacre of 2009, when at least 58 people, mostly journalists, were intercepted and summarily executed by heavily armed men in broad daylight while on their way to file the certificate of candidacy of now Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, who challenged the incumbent and powerful Ampatuan clan? The massacre, which earned the country the ignominious distinction as the most dangerous place in the planet for journalists, also gave the world a sorry image of how brutal and deadly elections could become in the Philippines. For the upcoming May 2013 mid-term elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified 889 areas of concern based on previous incidents of election violence, intense political rivalry, presence of private armed groups and other threat groups, and the proliferation of loose firearms, among others. For its part, the Department of the Interior and Local Government led by Secretary Mar Roxas has initiated various programs and implemented a number of measures as part of the Departments mandate to ensure free, peaceful and honest elections in May. Secretary Roxas views the May elections as a most crucial test since it will be the first elections to be held under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III. The Secretary stressed that the upcoming elections must truly reflect the will of the people because such is the most durable foundation for any democracy. As such, he has personally led the Departments efforts to achieve this goal. Together with the Philippine National Police, the DILG launched in November 2012 the Secure and Fair Elections 2013 or SAFE 2013 program to help prevent poll violence in coordination with theComelec and other stakeholders. Under SAFE 2013, the PNP published a Handbook on Personal Security for Candidates of Elective Positions, which contains practical tips and measures for candidates on personal security, threat detection and threat assessment in the workplace, at home, during travel and while in campaign activities. Copies of the 60-page handbook were subsequently distributed free of charge to all candidates running for national and local positions in the May polls. Secretary Roxas has also led other activities like unity walks and peace covenant programs in areas where there is an urgent need to promote and ensure peace and order before, during and after the mid-term elections. He was in Samar for the signing of a peace covenant among candidates for governor, Sangguniang panlalawigan, congress, mayor and city Sanggunian in the province. Samar is the only province in the entire Eastern Visayas identified as a potential concerned area due to past incidents of election-related violence and the presence of private armies. Similar activities were conducted in Region III, particularly in the LGUs of Nueva Ecija, namely: Licab, Nampicuan, Quezon, Sto. Domingo, Talavera, Lupao, Pantabangan, Talugtug, Science City of Munoz, Gabaldon, Gen. Natividad, Laur, Palayan City and San Leonardo. Peace covenants were also conducted to seal the commitment of LGUs in Tarlac, Olongapo, and Pampanga to secure and fair elections. All of these efforts are expected to be replicated in all LGUs especially in the 889 identified hotspots in the country for a smooth, peaceful and orderly conduct of elections. The PNP has likewise heeded the call of the Comelec for the establishment of checkpoints in each of the countrys 140 cities and 1,494 municipalities to minimize the movement of firearms which could be used by private armed groups and to ensure the safety of the general public. The Comelec-supervised checkpoints and on-the-spot gun check operations of Comelecdeputized agents have resulted in the confiscation of hundreds of firearms, grenades, explosives and other assorted weapons. The checkpoints have thus far resulted in the arrest of civilians, government officials, military and PNP personnel, even security guards and wanted persons who violated the Comelec ban on the bearing, carrying or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons. Much is at stake in the May 2013 elections and there are difficult challenges ahead for the DILG, the PNP and the Comelec. But with the steely determination and political will of the government of President PNoy, together with the active and eager participation of all stakeholders, including the candidates and our countrymen, we shall overcome. MED

DILG Central Office employees during the Oplan Broadcastreeing Project which is a joint activity of the DILG and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) held at Pintong Bocawe, San Mateo Rizal. Photo by Noel Dayang

DILG gets VG rating

Cities and municipalities, too
The latest survey from the Social Weather Stations speaks for itself. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earned a Very Good net satisfaction rating from household heads in the 2012 SWS Survey on Good Local Governance conducted from August 20 to 28, 2012. The DILGs VG rating means that 70 percent of the respondents are satisfied with the Departments services, and only 7% are dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating of +63, compared to its +48 or Good rating in July 2011. DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero welcomed the good news, saying that this would further motivate and inspire the DILG to continue with its programs on promoting good local governance through transparency and accountability. He said that the remaining challenge is to continue to implement reforms to further promote good governance at the local level through the Full Disclosure Policy, Streamlining Business Permits and Licensing System, and Seal of Good Housekeeping, among others. Similarly, cities and municipalities garnered Very Good net satisfaction ratings in the survey, with +59 rating or 73% satisfied household heads and 14% dissatisfied (% satisfied minus % dissatisfied). Seventy-seven percent of household heads also said their transactions with City/Municipal Government offices are transparent and understandable, up from 58% in September 2009 and 72% in July 2011. The survey is a good indication that our programs on transparency and accountability are beginning to generate awareness from the public judging from the survey result showing 77% of respondents who said their transactions with their city and municipal governments were actually transparent, Panadero said. He said the DILGs Citizens Satisfaction Index System currently being piloted in 7 cities and towns as feedback mechanism to complement the DILGs own Local Governance or LGWatch program can also be used to validate the recent SWS findings. The survey also found very high interest among household heads to participate in governance and favorable assessments on the programs and projects of cities and municipalities. Conducted by SWS headed by Dr. Mahar Mangahas, the survey is aimed at obtaining updated information on the current state of local governments and citizens perception of LGU performance for use of policy makers, civil society organizations, and development partners. Supported by the Coalitions for Change Program in partnership between the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and The Asia Foundation (TAF), the survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,500 household heads, allocated equally into 300 each in Metro Manila, North/Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Page 7

LEGAL OPINIONS

November 2012

Removal of elective officials solely vested in the courts

Issues:

1. What are the grounds for disciplinary actions against erring elective officials? 2. To whom shall administrative complaints for elective officials be lodged? Held: Section 60 of the Local Government Code of 1991 enumerates the grounds for disciplinary action against erring elective officials. Under this provision, an elective local official may be disciplined, suspended, or removed from office if he/she commits the following: disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines; culpable violation of the Constitution; dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office, gross negligence, or dereliction of duty; commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or an offense punishable by at least prision mayor; abuse of authority; unauthorized absence for 15 consecutive wor king d ays, exc ept in the case of members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod , sangguniang bayan, and sangguniang barangay; and application for, or acquisition of, foreign citizenship or residence or the status of an immigrant of another country, among others. The same Code provides that a verified complaint against any elective official of a province, highly urbanized city, an independent component city or component city shall be filed before the Office of the President. In the case of any elective official of a municipality, the complaint shall be filed before the sangguniang panlalawigan whose decision may be appealed to the Office of the President, while that of an elective barangay official shall be lodged before the sangguniang pablungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned whose decision is final and executor. It bears noting, however, that the power to remove any public official from office is exclusively vested with the courts. (DILG Legal Opinion No. 61, s. 2012)

On the validity of a municipal ordinance

Facts: A municipality applied for a loan with a government bank in the amount of PhP35-million for the acquisition of brand new heavy equipment for the construction and development of farm-to-market roads, using the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of the municipality as collateral/security. The loan was authorized by a municipal ordinance which was submitted for review to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. But after 30 days, the municipality did not receive any advice on the action taken by the provincial council. Before the municipality can secure a monetary board opinion from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), it has to submit the provincial governments validation of the ordinance pertaining to said loan. Issue: 1. Can the DILG issue a document validating the legality of the municipal ordinance? 2. What is the status of the ordinance if no action has been taken within 30 days after its submission to the sangguniang panlalawigan? Held: In response to the first query, the Department has no authority to validate the consistency/legality of the ordinance in relation with other laws. Under Section 56 (a) of the LG Code of 1991 and Article 110 (a) of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the function of reviewing municipal ordinances belongs to the sangguniang panlalawigan. As to the second question, Section 56 (d) of the LG Code states that if no action has been taken by the sangguniang panlalawigan within thirty days after submission of an ordinance or a resolution, it shall be presumed consistent with law and therefore, it is valid. (DILG Legal Opinion No. 62, s. 2012) In relation to the first issue, if there are any questions regarding the validity and enforceability of an ordinance, it should be resolved by filing a special civic action for declaratory relief before the proper courts. Under Section 1, Rule 3 of the Revised Rules of Court, any person interested under a deed, will, contract or other written instrument, or whose rights are affected by a statutory executive order or regulation, or ordinance may bring the matter to the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to determine its validity. In the case of any action involving the legality of a local government ordinance, Section 4 of the same provision provides that the corresponding prosecutor or attorney of the local government unit involved shall be similarly notified and entitled to be heard. This rule also applies with the solicitor general, if said ordinance is alleged to be unconstitutional. (DILG Legal Opinion No. 70, s. 2010)

On the use of Special Education Fund (SEF) in LGUs

Issue: Can the Special Education Fund (SEF) be utilized for team building trainings and purchase of school buses? Held: No. According to Section 100 (c) of the Local Government Code of 1991, the annual school board budget shall prioritize the construction, repair and maintenance of school buildings and other facilities of public elementary and secondary schools, as well as the conduct of extension classes and sports activities at all levels. Moreover, Section 272 of the same Code also specifies that the proceeds from the additional one percent tax on real property tax accruing to the Special Education Fund (SEF) shall be automatically released to local school boards and be utilized in educational research activities and in the purchase of books and periodicals. Based on the foregoing, the SEF cannot be utilized for the conduct of team building exercises and procurement of school buses. (DILG Legal Opinion No. 63, s. 2012)

Page 8

THE REGIONS AT A GLANCE

November 2012

Four big events mark Local Govt Code Anniversary in Region VI

ILOILO CITY. Four major events marked the day-long celebration of the 21st anniversary of the Local Government Code here which was spearheaded by DILG Region VI in partnership with the German Development Cooperation and the Canadian Urban Institute. The four major events were the Regional Land Use Forum, Development Talk, launching of Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium, and Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Awarding Ceremony. The 2nd Regional Land Use Forum, with its theme, Challenges and Proposed Solutions in Sustainable Land Use and Development, served as a venue for sharing of the local government unit best practices on the mainstreaming of biodiversity, climate change and disaster risk reduction and management on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan as basis for the local investment programming. On the other hand, the gains of the countrys advocacy for transparency and accountability in local governance were showcased in the Development Talk. The presentations and discussions were on the areas of solid waste management, administrative governance, environmental management, social services and the importance of local policy support in the implementation of development programs. Another highlight was the launching of the Western Visayas Local Governance Resource Consortium (WVLGRC), which is a partnership of the DILG Local Governance Regional Resource Center (LGRRC) and the four big universities in the region, namely University of the PhilippinesVisayas (UPV), Central Philippine University (CPU), University of San Agustin (USA) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST). Dr. Mary Ann Gumban of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas presented the consortiums programs and services. Also present during the launch were Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, President of CPU, Dr. Luis Sorolla, President of the WVCST and Atty. Julius Elvas of USA representing Father Frederick Comendador. Dr. Herwig Mayer of GIZ Decentralization Program who has been a staunch partner of DILG Region VI in the decentralization program imparted his enthusiasm to support the current endeavors of LGUs and the Department in Western Visayas. The awarding of Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Regional Winners capped the celebration. Emerging as winners were the municipality of Anilao for the municipality category, Iloilo City for the City Category, and the province of Negros Occidental for the provincial category. Winning LGUs received each received a plaque of recognition, a trophy and cash prize of P1-million for municipality, P2-million for city, and P3-million for province. DILG Undersecretary Francisco Bimbo Fernandez, who graced the said event as Guest of Honor, imparted his passion to continue the legacy of the late Secretary Jesse Robredo and to focus his efforts in uplifting the standards of local governance. More than 300 local chief executives, heads from the national government agencies, academe, non-government organizations and other stakeholders attended the affair which was held at the Rose Memorial Auditorium of Central Philippine University. Several queries and issues were raised during the open forum showcasing the continuing thirst for knowledge of not just the chief executives but as well as by the other government agencies. Christine S. Palma

GPL REGIONAL WINNER Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog (center) of Iloilo City was joined by Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jose Espinosa III (2nd from right) and Iloilo City Councilor Perla Zulueta (1st from right) in receiving the awards for Iloilo City as regional winner in the city category given by DILG Usec Francisco Fernandez (2nd from left) and DILGR6 Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta (1st from left).

DILG R-3 assists Central Luzon LGUs to be more disaster resilient

In its humblest contribution and in an effort to develop more resilient LGUs in Central Luzon, DILG Region 3, led by Regional Director Florida M. Dijan, has been presently implementing various disaster-related projects involving all barangays of the 7 provinces and 2 Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) in the region. On-g oing a ctivit ies be ing undertaken by DILG include assessment of e vacuat ion cen ters, conduct of Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) on Solid Waste Management, check list ing an d profiling on disa ster preparedness, conduct of Community Bas ed Dis aster Risk Reduct ion Management (CBDRRM) training and the development of information materials. To date, 80% of the total barangays has been trained with CBDRRM while a hundred percent completion is expected in October 2012. The Regional Office had earlier conducted Basic Orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM/ CCA) to all provinces and cities and the Tapatan on Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation. These both aimed to increase LGU awareness on the importance of being prepared to disasters brought about by climate change. These activities are in line with the Departments program on Enhancing LGU Capacity on DRRM/CCA leading to the attainment of one of its visions of developing disaster resilient LGUs. A recent Pulse Asia Survey revealed that the Aquino administration got passing marks for disaster preparedness efforts. The results of the survey, conducted from August 31 to September 7, 2012, showed that the administration earned an average grade of 80. It further stated that the administrations disaster preparedness efforts earned a median grade of 85 (very good), and 80 for the speed and effectiveness of the response.

KABUGAO ROAD PROJECT Apayao Gov. Elias Bulut, Jr. (center), Kabugao Mayor Joseph Amid and DILG OIC PD Marvin Basquez (in checkered polo) pause for a prayer shortly before the cutting of the ribbon of the 20 linear meter road in Kabugao, Apayao, a completed project under the DILGs Performance Challenge Fund project. Cecile Eugenio/ Edward Errol Ucol

Page 9

THE REGIONS AT A GLANCE

November 2012

Angeles City gets more good governance awards

ANGELES CITY. The City Government of Angeles received six prestigious awards on transparency and good governance from Secretary Manuel Mar Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in ceremonies held Thursday at the Oxford Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone. These are the very prestigious Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award Highly Urbanized City category, the Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS) Plaque of Recognition - Top 10 for two years in a row and the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH). This city was also awarded three additional certificates of recognition on performance areas of social governance, valuing fundamentals of good governance and administrative governance. The awards are a source of pride and inspiration for Angelenos, City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, who is a top finalist in the 2012 Mayor Contest, said. Angeles City joined the list of the Top 13 provincial, city and municipal governments that gained the highest scores for 2011 in the DILG-administered LGPMS, which is being done annually. LGPMS is a management and development tool that does not only enable local governments to determine their capabilities and limitations in the delivery of public services, but also provides information on the state of local governance performance and their state of local development. SGH is give n to local government units (LGUs) which fully complie d to the F ull Disclosure Policy and have no adverse COA findings. Last year, Pamintuan also rece ived t he Sea l of G ood Housekeeping and the LGPMS Top 10 Certificate also from the DILG, handed over by the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. The DILG also awarded the cit y gove rnment with P30 million last year.Angeles City was voted fourth among the top highly-urbanized cities in the country. Thes e are on top of Pamintuans inclusion as a top finalist in the 2012 World Mayor contest, one of only five Asians who made the list.

Sec. Roxas hands over the Seal to Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan and city officials. Looking on are DILG RD Dijan, USEC Panadero and CD Fabia.

DILG 13 conducts Regional Forum on Local Governance

BUTUAN CITY. Local Chief Executives in the region, Regional Line Agencies (RLAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), academe and DILG personnel converged here for the Regional Forum on Local Governance in commemoration of the 21st year of the Local Government Code. DILG Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion, in her welcome message said that collective efforts will set the direction for good governance as the principles of participation, accountability, responsiveness and transparency are being uphold and put into action. Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., who graced the event, emphasized the essence of local autonomy in the country as local governments have exercised certain basic powers to provide for the best interest of their constituents. The forum proper started with NEDA-Caraga Assistant Regional Director MylahCario presenting the status of Caraga in terms of development and areas of improvement where the region needs to recover and focus its attention such as the presence of low water quality and forest degradation. The Regional State of Local Governance Report was presented byCharissaGuerta of the regional officewho focused on five performance areas, namely: social, economic, environmental, administrative and valuing fundamentals. Her report focused on the need to address the increasing incidence of AIDS/HIV cases in the country, as well as the need to sustain LGUs compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), which is an important component for the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) for CY 2012. On the same day, the accomplishments and exemplary performance of the regional awardees of the GawadPamanangLahi(GPL) 2012 took center stage. Board Member Simeon Vicente Castrence, represented by Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Sol Matugas, shared the provincial best practice on the aspect of Social Transformation. SurigaoCity Mayor Ernesto Matugasspoke on the citys best practice on Economic Viability, while Hinatuan Mayor Candelario J. Viola, Jr. of Surigao del Sur shared the towns Environmental Integrity.The GPL regional awardees were given plaques, certificates and a cash incentive ofPhP 1M for the municipality, P2M for the city and P3- M for the province. During the forum also, the municipalities of Magallanes, Agusan del Norte and Loreto, Dinagat Islands, being recipients of the DILG SALINTUBIG (Sagana at LigtasnaTubig Para saLahat) Program, received P3.5-million and P500,000, respectively, which represent the first tranche of release or 50% of the total project cost. Meanwhile, symbolic checks equivalent to 80% of the total project cost were also given to the provinces of Agusandel Sur and Surigao del Sur as recipients of DILG PAMANA (Payapa at MasaganangPamayanan) Program. Agusandel Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza received PhP 56M for his province covering the municipalities of Sibagat, Prosperidad, Sta. Josefa and Veruela. On the other hand, Surigaodel Sur Gov. Johnny T. Pimentel received PhP 30.4 M for his province covering the municipalities of Marihatag, Bayabas, San Agustin, Tagbina and Hinatuan; and the cities of Tandag and Bislig. Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

Lupon members undergo LTIA coaching session

For better chances in winning the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA), more than 150 lupon members in Agusan del Norte underwent a one-day coaching session on the criteria for the LTIA jointly conducted by DILG-Agusan del Norte, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte and the Department of Justice. LGOO VI Annabella Olar-Cadigal, DILG Agusan del Norte Outcome Manager, said that the main purpose of the activity is to strengthen the Barangay-based Institutions (BBIs) and teach lupon members to aim high to get not only Lupong Tagapamayapa regional awards but also to compete in the national level. Cadigal said that the coaching session will help the participants get accustomed with the criteria of the LTIA and enable them to demonstrate the appropriate skills needed to get awards relative to the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay. We hope to see another set of nominees to qualify for the LTIA after this coaching session, Cadigal said. Atty. Marigel Dagani-Hugo, DOJ Agusan del Norte Provincial Prosecutor, discussed LTIA Criteria 1: Efficiency in operations and Criteria 2: Effectiveness in securing the objectives of the program. She thoroughly explained the mechanics of the said award and encouraged the participants to aim high in getting the same. The participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers for initiating the activity, saying that one of the reasons why only few lupons qualify for the award is because the LTIA criteria are sometimes subject to different interpretations by the barangays. The participants were composed of Punong Barangays, Barangay Secretaries, First Ranking Sangguniang Barangay Members and other Members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa coming from different barangays of 1 city and different municipalities of the Province. Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise

Page 10

THE INTERIOR SECTOR AT A GLANCE

November 2012

BFP-NCR gives kudos to mall guards

An upscale shopping mall in Quezon City could have burned to the ground if not for the prompt response and coordination of security guards with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). BFP-NCR regional director, Chief Supt. Santiago Laguna lauded 14 security officers and guards of Gateway Mall located at the Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City acted decisively and responsibly when they helped suppress a fire that transpired at the basement of the said shopping complex. I commend all of you, gentlemen, for a job well done. Your quick response at the fire scene with the goal of suppressing it, hindered its development into a full-scale blaze, Laguna said. The 14 guards received certicates of appreciation from BFP-NCR dring the weekly flag raising ceremony held at the regional office recently. On November 28, 2012, at around 10:00 p.m., a visible smoke was monitored by CCTV Command Post Operator Security Guard Dennis Andes on the Basement 1 Malvar Tunnel of the said mall. Andes immediately informed the other security officers and guards to proceed to the Electrical Power Room at the Basement 1 and two (2) 50 lbs of fire extinguishers were used to put out the fire. At the same time, they immediately called the fire department which enabled the BFP firefighters to arrive early. The BF-NCR director underscored the bravery of said security guards and officers in immersing at the fire scene notwithstanding the dangers in their lives posed by the heavy smoke. He said that their efforts as first responders had caused the extinguishment of a fire that might have resulted as another incident like that in Gotesco Mall in Caloocan City and Tutuban Mall in Divisoria.

BFP-NCR regional director, Chief Supt. Santiago Laguna poses with the security guards who were commended for their immediate response to suppress the fire that tranfired in Gateway Mall, in Quezon City.

5,000 illegal guns seized in 2012

Laying the groundwork for a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE 2013) for the mid-term elections in May 2013, the Philippine National Police has successfully disarmed potential troublemakers of almost 5,000 illegal guns over the past ten months of police operations. Earlier, the PNP has ordered all police units to step-up operations to account for more loose firearms proliferating in the country. The PNP said that by taking away these instruments of violence, the PNP is effectively immobilizing the activities of some threat groups, criminal elements and partsan armed groups (PAGs) that may affect the otherwise peaceful outcome of the May 2013 polls. In its report, the PNPDirectorate for Operationssaid different police units nationwide confiscated a total of 4,976 loose firearms in separate police operations over the past 10 months (JanOct). This years firearms haul more than doubled (69%) from the results of similar gun control efforts in 2011, Bartolome noted. A huge bulk of the confiscated loose firearms (4,911) were from criminal elements, while 158 were from threat groups. The confiscation of these loose firearms resulted from 1,914 Oplan Bakal/Oplan Sita operations, 80 internal security operations, 330 Search Warrant operations, and 476 checkpoint operations. A total of 2,847 gun law violators were arrested in the 10-month police campaign. The PNPis also eyeing to account for some 358,833 unregistered guns now deemed as loose firearms for failure of its owners to update/renew their gun license for more than two years. (PNP-PIO)

City jail library eases inmates boredom

Reading feeds the mind and soul, as they say. But for inmates of the Las Pinas City Jail, reading serves one specific purpose: to ease boredom and loneliness for being away from their families. With this in mind, the Las Pinas City Jail with the help of Jud ge J osel it o D J Vi band or , renovated and updated the existing library inside the jail. Con c ept u alize d in 2007 by Vibandor who has been actively pushing the project with the help of previous wardens, the library has law books donated by Vibandor and his students from the Arellano University of Law whom he encouraged to visit the facilities. Other organizations also donated childrens books, pocket books, school supplies and computers. The room is also airconditioned courtesy of the city government. Located at the third floor of the e st a bl i sh m en t i n t he c i t y h al l c om p ou nd , t h e f ac i li t i e s w er e renovated by the BJMP to make it more conducive as learning room and mini-library. It is also used for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education. Now named as Judge Joselito DJ Vibandor Learning Room and Mini-Library, the improvement of the library, which caters 81 female and 532 male inmates, was made through the effort of Las Pinas female dorm wardress Sr. Insp. St e phann y Sot er o and M ale War d en C /Insp . Go d fr ey B . Galigo. Julian Meneses

Page 11

THE INTERIOR SECTOR AT A GLANCE

November 2012

BJMPs green & hygiene mission benefits 800 La Union folks

More than 800 children and their parents from an isolated barangay in Bangar town, La Union got an early Christmas treat from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). In an outreach at Barangay Mindoro, Bangar, La Union led by the BJMP Community Relations Service (CRS) National Headquarters, more than 600 children were taught proper hygiene, caring for the environment, and good Filipino values. Members of the Municipal Rural Health Unit of Bangar taught the children proper handwashing, brushing of teeth, and the importance of maintaining good physical hygiene. An officer from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Off ice (CENRO) under the DENR made a p resentation on environment preservation to pare nts and children. Childrens books containing stories about the environment were also distributed to children. Simultaneous with the health and environ mental lectures were tree planting, and book-reading where jail officers from the BJMP RegionI told stories to children promoting Filipino values and good morals. BJMP is extending its arms beyond jail bars because community is an integ ral factor of why an individual ente rs the j ail, in his development inside, and of what he will become when he goes back to the community, said BJMP Officer-in-Charge Jail Chief Superintendent Diony D. Mamaril. We need strong relations between BJ MP and the community if we are to see a sustainably reformed individual upon his release, BJMP CRS Of ficer Jail Inspe ctor Xavier A. S olda added. Mindoro is an island barangay of Bangar which becomes isolated du ring heavy and prolonged rains or typhoons.

Robredos former aide tops third level police exam

A former security officer of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, garnered the highest score in the Police Executive Service Eligibility (PESE) Written Examination administered by the National Polic e Commission (NAPOLCOM) on August 26, 2012. Polic e Super intend ent Rodolfo D. Castro, Jr., who had served the late Secretary Robredo for a year until his untimely death on August 18, 2012, is presently assigned at the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office, Police Regional Office 1 and is projected to be d esignat ed as Chief Operations Officer. Cast ro was the T op 4 graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Batch 1999. He also graduated at the top of his c lass bot h in t he Polic e Intelligence Officers Course and Police Intelligence Officers Advance Course. Of the 372 senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who took the PESE Written Examination, only 194 (52%) passed , composed of 75 Police Chief Inspec t or s, 114 Polic e Superintendents and five (5) Polic e Senior Superintendents. Other PNP officials who made it to the top five of the PESE written exam are as follows: P/Chief Insp. Rudy L. Elandag (Top 2); P/Chief Insp. Marlon B. Oloan and P/ Supt. Conrado L. Villanueva (Top 3); P/Chief Insp. Arthur V. Bisnar and P/Supt. Deanry R. Francisco (Top 4); and, P/ Supt. Eleazar S. Gran, P/Supt. Manuel P. Castro, P/Chief Insp. Abubakar U. Mangelen, Jr., P/Chief Insp. Reycon L. Gard uq ue and P/Chief Insp.Edward D. Quijano (Top 5). NA POL COM Vic eChair man and Ex ec utiv e Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the 194 PNP senior officials from all over the c ount r y ar e q ualified t o proceed to the Validation Inter v iew sc hed uled in November at the NAPOLCOM head office in Makati City. Panel of interviewers are composed of senior officials from the NAPOLCOM and PNP and repr esent atives from the civil society and the academe. The PESE is an eligibility requirement for the ranks of P ol i c e Se n io r Superintendent (equivalent to colonel in the military) to P ol i c e D i r ec t o r G en e r a l ( eq ui v al en t t o f ou r -s t a r general). The PESE, which has two (2) phases Written E x a m in a t i on an d P a ne l I nt e r v i ew , c o nt a in s a na l yt i c a l q u e st i on s o n police leadership and police values in order to get the best future leaders or the cream of the cr op in t he polic e service.

GOOSE ART Inmates from GMA Municipal Jail in Cavite are the makers of these colorful Goose Art containers made of cartolina, which can be given as gifts, tokens or give-aways. Goose Art is a booming livelihood opportunity at the jail and the inmates even accept orders for weddings and other special occasions.

PRO9 gets VS rating

T he Pol ic e R egio nal Off ic e 9 head ed by P/ Regional Director Napoleon E st ille s ea r ned a v er y satisfactory rating from the PNP s A nnual Gene r al Inspection Team during its cond uc t of the one week ann ual insp ec t i on h er e recently. AGI team leader P/Chief Sup t . S onny Cuna nan General Cunanan said that the AGI team was satisfied over the performance showed and t he ac c omplishment ful fille d by t he s aid command with regards to t he ir ma nd at e as law enf or c e r s as well as t he implementation of the plans and programs of the PNP leadership. Cu nana n s gr o up c on d uc t ed v ar io us procedural evaluation of the facilit ies, pr ograms, and personnel of PRO9 in the five day-duration of the annual inspection. From day one to day five, the team sweeped all the command units as well as National Support Units of the PNP stationed at Camp Abendan in Mercedes and Camp B at alla in RT L im Boulevar d of Zamboanga City. A GI A ss ist a nt T eam Leader Sr\Supt. Edgardo Hernandez also said that he was imp r ess ed o v er t he progress in the skills and pr e par e d ness of t he c om mand in t er ms of pr o fic i enc y and t he adaptation of the existing d ev elopm ent t r ain ing programs of the PNP which made PRO9 at par with other leading police commands in the country today. On the other hand, AGI Cha ir ma n P\D ir ec t or A le x and e r Ro ld an has not hing but pr ai ses for Estilles sound leadership and wel l or gani zed management system which prompted the command to go up one notch higher from where it was before. Rol d an not i c ed t he v ar ious c ha nges in t he d ev elo pment of t r aining pr o gr ams , ma nagem ent procedures, handling of PNP fun d s a nd d isc i plin ar y actions to the PNP officers and per sonnel under the sai d c om mand whic h is cr ed it ed to t he hand s-on leadership of Estilles. (PRO-9)

PNoy leads celebration rites for Calungsod

President Benigno Aquino III, along with the leaders of the Catholic Church, led more than a million Filipino devotees in the national celebration and thanksgiving mass for the canonization of the second Filipino saint, St. Pedro Calungsod. Four cardinals, 54 bishops and archbishops and some 700 priests from at least seven countries concelebrated the Mass held in a small temple built on the reclaimed South Road Properties in Barangay Mambaling in Cebu. Before the Mass, a procession was held and the image of Calungsod was taken to the Templete. In his message, the President said that Filipinos should emulate the life of San Pedro Calungsod and be wellsprings of hope and remain ardent in our pursuit of the true Catholic way of life. Through his canonization by the Pope, we have only added to those who will definitely watch over us Filipinos from Heaven. Truly, Saint Pedro reflects the kindness of the Visayans; he proves how a single individual can bring about widespread change, he said.
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VOL. 7 NO. 1

January 2012

VOL. 7 NO. 11

November 2012

Civil society role in budget reform, preparation stressed

Civil society participation is crucial in the preparation of the national budget to ensure that the countrys resources are maximized to the fullest and are able to meet the most basic needs of the people. Speaking at the 5 th Congress of the Caucus of Development NGO Network or CODE-NGO in Quezon City, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said the Aquino administrationinitiated Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) system allows civil society organizations in the local levels to provide inputs and recommendations that would be integrated in the national budget to be submitted to Congress by Malacanang starting next year. This is a very serious effort where we will actually undertake a process where the national government budget will be prepared in accordance with what is needed at the local level, he said. And this is where we need the constructive engagement of civil society groups and peoples organizations to provide inputs. The BUB program of President PNoy is meant to integrate the needs of the citizenry, our true bosses, in the budgeting process, including the design of programs and what are really needed, he added. Everything will be integrated and be part of what will be submitted to Congress through the 2014 budget. He likened the participation of civil society
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DILG Secretary Mar Roxas leads police personnel during preparations for the Thanksgiving Mass for Saint Pedro Calungsod in Cebu. Photo by R. Santos

New website offers full disclosure of local finances

In keeping with the Daang Matuwid pronouncement of the PNoy Administration, the Department of Interior and Local Government has developed a website where the public can readily see the finances and other transaction of local government units. By logging on to the Full Disclosure Policy Portal (FDPP) thru fdpp.dilg.gov.ph , the public can view important LGU documents such as annual budget reports, statements of debt service, statements of receipts and expenditures; quarterly statements of cash flow, annual procurement plans or procurement lists, items to bid and bid results, abstracts of bids as calculated, and supplemental procurement plans. Also available in the FDPP are Special Education Fund (SEF) income and expenditure estimates; reports of SEF utilization; annual Gender and Development accomplishment reports; Trust Fund (PDAF) utilization; 20 percent component of the Internal Revenue Allotment utilization; and reports of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund utilization. Designed by the DILGs Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) with the help of World Bank, Australian Government Overseas Aid Program (AusAID), and the
Continued on page 4

DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero leads the launching of the Full Disclosure Policy Portal (FDPP) thru fdpp.dilg.gov.ph where the public can be updated on the finances and other transaction of local government units. Photo by N. Dayang