No politics in release of IRA if I become president – Binay

MANILA, Philippines - There will be no favoritism in the release of the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of local government units (LGU)s if he is elected president, Vice President Jejomar Binay said.

Binay said he would make sure the IRA would benefit all LGUs even if their officials are not his allies.

“This politicking of IRA is not acceptable under a Binay administration. The automatic release of IRA to LGUs is non-negotiable,” Binay said in his speech at the Galing Pook forum at the Ateneo de Manila University on Friday.

Binay said the law provides that the transfer of allotments to LGUs is automatic, even as he admitted that it has loopholes and the sitting president can abuse the procedure.

“The national government continue to hold LGUs by their neck because of the unnecessary rules for the IRA, which still has to be coursed through the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) before they’re released,” Binay said.

He said he would push for the amendment of the criteria in determining IRA allotment.

“Right now, the bigger the LGU’s land area and population, the bigger its IRA,” he said. “The IRA is based on 50 percent population, 25 percent area and 25 percent revenue. That’s why Quezon City’s IRA has reached more than P3 billion.”

In Makati, where he served as mayor for more than two decades, Binay said the IRA has reached P850 million during his term. “Makati doesn’t need this anymore,” he said.

“Should I be elected, the Binay administration will ensure that the IRA shares of the poor municipalities will be increased so they will have the resources to promote the welfare of their constituents,” he said.