Institute of Politics and Governance

LOCAL SECTORAL REPRESENTATION:
A Citizen's Guide(continued)

The costs for local sectoral representation will vary because the salary grades of government employees depend on the status of the local government unit. An estimation of the total cost is as follows:

Although the total cost of the implementation of local sectoral representation may seem high, it is relatively a small amount considering the following:

This amount is less than 2.0 % of the budget of the Department of National Defense for the year 2000, which amounts to P 53.6 billion pesos.
It is 0.001% of the national budget for the year 2000, which amounts to P 629 billion.
This amount can be addressed as a "cost of devolution" or democratization with a share from the national government appropriated through Congress
Additional funds can be raised particularly through an amendment of the Local Government Code to increase the internal revenue allotment of local government units.
Additional funds can be generated if local governments maximize the revenue-generation provisions of the Local Government Code. Some government agencies have noted that local governments are not maximizing their revenue-generation potentials under the Local Government Code, and are merely relying on the national government for financial assistance. If local governments can use the opportunities under the Code to generate funds for themselves, the arguments regarding the costs of Local Sectoral Representation becomes be less significant.

It cannot be argued, therefore, that LSR will be too costly. If public funds can be allocated as perks of the Representatives, there is no reason why they cannot be allocated for the purpose of enhancing democratic gains.

In the end, it should be stressed that local sectoral representation is mandated by the Constitution, and Congress is commanded to enact the enabling law to make the mandate a reality.

Congress is under an obligation to find the financial resources that are necessary to make local sectoral representation effective.

Local Sectoral Representation is a common advocacy point among non-government and peoples' organizations since the restoration of Congress in 1987. Despite the strong lobby from the basic sectors and NGOs, Congress has failed to pass a law that fully implements the Constitutional mandate.
For the 11th Congress, (1998-2004) there are House and Senate bills as enabling law for local sectoral representation. In the House of Representatives, there are five pending bills now on its Committee level. The sponsors are Representatives Leonardo Montemayor (HB 307), Romeo Candazo (HB 1122), Heherson Alvarez (HB 2414), Cresente Paez (HB 5565) and Loretta Ann Rosales (HB 8135). In the Senate, there are also five pending bills.

After the bills were filed, however, very little has happened by way of pushing the bills through the processes of Congress.

The challenge is to actively participate in the Committee hearings and draw out support from legislators.

Legislative Lobby

Interested persons can help push for the passage of a law that will enable LSR by lobbying Congress. We can identify and approach allies in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and asks them to prioritize local sectoral representation.

A legislative lobby also means that citizens may attend hearings called by either House of Congress. These fora may be used to express our sentiments regarding pending legislation. Organizations are also invited to sit in technical working groups of Congress to help consolidate and fashion the final version of the bill.

Civil Society Participation and Mobilization

The legislative lobby should be complemented by strong civil society participation. Civil society actors may disseminate information concerning LSR among the NGO-PO community especially sectoral formations.
NGOs and POs may write position papers to both House of Representatives and House of Senate expressing sentiments in favor of LSR.
NGOs and POs to express support for LSR may also conduct signature campaigns, and conduct an information campaign within our networks and spheres of influence.

Concerned individuals may also raise the issues regarding LSR through media events such as press conferences or press releases.
Letters and/or Position Papers may be addressed to:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HON. NARCISO MONFORT
Chairperson, Committee on People's Participation
House of Representatives
Quezon City
Through: Catherine Macapagal
Committee Secretary

SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES
HON. AQUILINO PIMENTEL JR.
Chairperson, Committee on Local Government
Senate of the Philippines, GSIS Building, Financial Center
Pasay City Through: Ann Macabahug (Committee Secretary)