Sen. Bong Go proposes one-month IRA aid for LGUs amid COVID-19

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go proposed a one-time financial aid equivalent to one month's internal revenue allotment (IRA) for all cities and municipalities to help them cope with the socio-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This assistance aims to enhance LGUs' capability to respond to the crisis and meet the growing needs of their constituents, especially the poorest and most vulnerable sectors.

Go clarified that the Bayanihan Act provides the necessary authority and flexibility for the government to allocate funds for this purpose, suggesting release through the Bureau of the Treasury.

The grant should be exclusively used for COVID-19 related expenses, such as procuring PPE, medicines, and setting up quarantine facilities, and can also cover food and transport for medical personnel.

However, the funds are strictly prohibited from being used for salaries, vehicle purchases, or non-COVID-19 related administrative or travel expenses.

Mayors from highly urbanized cities in Cebu, including Cebu City, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, lauded Go for his proposal, expressing gratitude for his consistent assistance to their constituents.

Go reiterated that the aid should be in addition to regular assistance and must prioritize those in need without political considerations.