DILG to audit LGU performance, use of intel funds

MANILA, Philippines — Following President Rodrigo Duterte's warning for local government officials to do their jobs, the Department of Interior and Local Government said on Wednesday that they would start an audit of their performance especially in maintaining peace and order in their communities.

Speaking on DZMM, DILG Officer in Charge Eduardo Año said the department is already compiling complaints from citizens on the performance of their local government officials, which could be the basis of a more thorough investigation into their performance.

He said the DILG has already launched two programs, Bantay Kaagapay and Bantay Korapsyon, to monitor the performance of officials from the provincial down to the village level.

"You make an audit of their performance and how they spend their resources in cooperation with COA," Año said.

He also said that the DILG would also conduct an audit of the intelligence funds of LGUs especially how they were spent.

In a speech on Tuesday before newly-elected village chiefs in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Duterte lamented the latest survey results showing 1.5 million families were victimized by common crimes.

He said that if this was the case it was better for him to step down, the latest in his offers of resignation.

The chief executive said that the results of the First Quater 2018 Social Weather Survey of Social Weather Stations demonstrate that the Philippines is "crime-ridden."

"If this is the case, I'm useless. I'll ask you to join me. Let's just resign," said Duterte.

The president however did not mention that the figure, which represented 6.6 percent of families, was lower than the 7.6 percent recorded in December 2017 but higher by 0.5 percent than the annual average for 2017.

Duterte slams LGU 'nonchalance'

Duterte also slammed some local government officials for their "nonchalant" attitude toward the peace and order situation in their localities.

"You work. I will give arms. But I want terrorism and drugs (eradicated). I will have an audit. And if you are not at par, I will file charges against you for incompetence," he said.

Año also issued a "stern warning" to mayors and other LGU officials who went missing during disasters and natural calamities.

Ano meanwhile said that they would issue parameters on choosing village chairpersons who would be given arms after the president reiterated his plan to do so.

He said that aside from the guidelines the village officials would also be undergoing training to ensure that they knew the proper use of their firearms.

On Tuesday, Duterte said, “I will consult the Cabinet, but my proposal is: No heavy firearm. Only shotgun."