SEN. Robinhood "Robin" Padilla on Saturday said that local government units (LGUs) will be assured of enough funding for their priority development projects with a budget reform that provides for a Local Development Equalization Fund (LDEF), as contained in a bill he filed in the Senate. Padilla filed Senate Bill (SB) 447 which provides that the LDEF be used strictly by LGUs for development projects, activities and programs (PAPs) listed in their Comprehensive Local Development Plans (CDPs). "The cornerstone of this proposed measure is the creation of a Local Development Equitability Fund to support the mandated expenditure assignments imposed upon LGUs. Aside from promoting the principle of devolution, the bill is also in line with the agenda of budget reform pursued by former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson. Neither may the LDEF be used for funding PAPs that may duplicate or overlap with those being implemented by the national government.

Source: Manila Times August 28, 2022 04:18 UTC