WHEN some local government units (LGUs) responded positively to President Marcos' call to purchase their own Covid vaccines, with a few even manifesting plans to construct isolation quarters cum evacuation centers during natural disasters, many were pleasantly surprised that indeed, LGUs are finally on the way to real local autonomy. Meaning that after 30 years, they may have finally and meaningfully made use of the 'power to create [their] own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees and charges' granted to them by the 1987 Constitution with the 1991 Local Government Code as a guide in the exercise of such power (Sec. 5, Art. 10). What comes to mind are the instances when, during the administration of President Gloria Arroyo, many LGUs requested assistance from the president's calamity/emergency funds, which were already used for the series of strong typhoons and natural calamities which hit the country, prompting her to advise them, 'Why don't you make use of the power of taxation granted to LGUs by the 1987 Constitution?'

In that connection is an early 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the Mandanas-Garcia case that sets in motion the devolution of some national government functions with big chunks of government resources to local governments which will in turn assume greater responsibilities vis-à-vis the infrastructure programs of the public works and highways, social welfare and development, health, energy, and environment and natural resources departments. Specific reference is made to the construction of school buildings; health care services including immunization programs, prevention and control of communicable diseases; farm to market, agricultural extension; and more, which have become the responsibility of LGUs, allowing them to set their priorities based on their needs and circumstances, free from the dictates of 'Imperial Manila.' In short, local governments will no longer have to beg funds from the Office of the President.