EDITORIAL - Complicating a system of utter simplicity

Local governments intending to seek financial assistance from the Cebu provincial government will know how to go through a virtual gauntlet before they can get a taste of the Capitol's benevolence. On the surface, it would appear that everything is being done to protect the people's money by making it extremely difficult to get an ok.

In truth and in fact, this reversal of fortunes for those who found it a walk in the park to get cash aid from the Capitol  - the naughty joke is that all it once took was to simply smile with yellow teeth - is a rectification of the previously loose and relaxed manner by which financial assistance was dispensed. Sometimes such matters are generally lost in the bureaucratic mess, if only it hadn't been so massive and profligate.

And so the Commission on Audit took notice. It had to take notice. Imposing additional requirements, applicant LGUs will now have to submit and comply with additional requirements such as (according to a Freeman report) a fund utilization report, a memorandum of agreement, submission of liquidation report not only to the Provincial Planning and Development Office but also to the Provincial Accounting Office.

Other requirements include an obligation request, resolution from the requesting LGU, an undertaking/commitment to implement a project/activity, approved program of works and estimates that has to be reviewed and signed by the PPDO, and activity estimated expenses for infrastructure projects under the Local Assistance Fund. Also, previous aids will have to be liquidated before August 31 for those intending to avail of future assistance.

The process of asking for Capitol aid has now become so strict and tedious that if only the requirements can talk, they will scream: "Hoy, ayaw namo pangayo og kwarta!" But of course this is all so temporary. This can never be in a system where people have been taught to look up to government as the great provider, the dispenser of everything from roads, to basketball courts, to stomach ache pills - sometimes to the point of even forgetting to govern.

And that is precisely why the COA had to step in. Because the Capitol became so engrossed with providing it forgot to govern the process of providing. But then how can it not forget when that is what the system dictates. Just listen to how candidates describe how the system works -"kung ako inyong pili-on, hatagan ko kamo og dalan, basketan, ug tambal sa sakit sa tiyan."

In light of such systemic simplicity, why indeed make it extremely hard on anybody? Somebody asks for aid, you give it. That is how the system works. That is the way to perpetuate the system. The system fails, and there is no government. That is all there is to it. If all it takes is to flash yellow teeth, why not? Others have had far more for a lot less - by simply lying through their teeth. So welcome to the Philippines, and its brand of public service.