TACLOBAN CITY – “We oppose the move to create a new province because it would only mean the decrease of IRA (internal revenue allotment) not just for the province but for other provinces as well.”
This was the reaction of the Leyte fith district Board Member Carlo Loreto when he was asked why they supported the resolution of Surigao province opposing the creation of a new province in Bicol Region.
IRA allocation for every local government unit, according to Loreto, is not enough to support all projects and programs of each LGU particularly in delivering basic social services.
“This strategy of creating new provinces is not good particularly in stimulating for development if it will only be focused in one area like Bicol,” Loreto explained.
Nueva Camarines is a creation of House Bill 4728 and its amended final version, HB 4820, is authored by Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella, who represents the 4th district of Camarines Sur.
At present the bill is pending at the committee on local government under the chairmanship of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Said bill seek for better development particularly in the northern part of the province of Camarines Sur under the Partido Development Administration and will cover the city of Iriga , the municipalities of Baao, Balatan, Bato, Bula, Nabua, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Presentacion, Sagnay, San Jose , Siruma, Tigaon and Tinambac
However, this bill which is already approved by Congress with 299 votes is being opposed by several groups such as the leaders of the Camarines Sur chapters of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines , Philippine Councilors League, Liga ng mga Barangay and Camarines Sur 5th District Rep. Salvio Fortuno.
Said officials alleged that the creation of a new province was to accommodate the plan of Fuentebella to run as governor in the election.
Other groups who oppose the creation of the new province and had ask Senate to set aside the consideration of said bill were Sangguniang Panlalawigans of Mountain Province and Surigao and the Vice-Governors League of the Philippines, which they called on the Senate to dump House Bill 4728.
Main reason of why they oppose was it will reduce the IRA due to equal sharing affecting the delivery of basic services.
Problem of reduction of IRA share is currently being experienced by cities in the country after 16 new cities were conferred by the Supreme Court.
To recall, Samar 1st district Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento had also planned to create a new province in Samar.
However, this plan did not push through due to opposition of some sectors and a minimal support from other local officials.
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