Lecture: Chapter 5 - Decentralization/Local Autonomy PDF

**Lecture: Chapter 5 - Decentralization/Local Autonomy** **Decentralization**\ -refers to the process by which the central government delegates authority and responsibilities to lower levels of government. This may involve transferring administrative, financial, and political power to sub-national...

**Lecture: Chapter 5 - Decentralization/Local Autonomy** **Decentralization**\ -refers to the process by which the central government delegates authority and responsibilities to lower levels of government. This may involve transferring administrative, financial, and political power to sub-national entities. **Forms of Decentralization** 1. **Political Decentralization** - Enhancing citizen participation and creating elected bodies at local levels for decision-making. 2. **Administrative Decentralization** - Redistributing authority and resources among different levels of government for improved service delivery. 3. **Fiscal Decentralization** - Assigning financial responsibilities and revenue-generation powers to local governments. 4. **Economic Decentralization** - Allowing local governments and private sectors to play a role in economic planning and management. **Goals of Decentralization** - To promote good governance and improve public service delivery. - To ensure accountability and transparency. - To encourage local participation in governance and decision-making. - To foster regional development and reduce inequality among regions. - To empower local authorities to manage their own resources and solve their own issues. **Deconcentration and Devolution in Asia** - **Deconcentration** refers to the delegation of administrative authority from central government ministries to regional or field offices. This process is often limited to administrative functions. - **Devolution** is the formal transfer of authority from the central government to local government units, granting them autonomy to govern independently within the framework of the law. **Examples in Asia:** - **Indonesia:** Implementation of fiscal and administrative devolution, empowering regional governments to plan and execute policies independently. - **Philippines:** A mix of devolution and deconcentration, with significant milestones such as the Local Government Code of 1991, which devolved powers to local government units (LGUs). - **India:** A three-tier Panchayati Raj system has been implemented, which provides constitutional status to local governance institutions. **Executive Order No. 249**\ *"Providing for a New Income Classification of Provinces, Cities and Municipalities and for Other Purposes"* - Signed to improve governance by reclassifying income levels of LGUs to determine their financial capabilities. - The reclassification helps allocate resources more equitably among provinces, cities, and municipalities. - Categories based on income are used as a benchmark for local government budgeting, salaries, and fiscal policies. - Income classification influences local autonomy as it determines their share in national revenue and development programs. **RA 6766: Organic Act for the Cordillera Autonomous Region** **Key Provisions** - Establishes the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) to promote self-governance among the indigenous people of the Cordillera. - Grants autonomy to the region, allowing local leaders to manage its resources and implement culturally appropriate policies. - Provides the region with legislative power and an executive branch led by a Regional Governor. - Promotes the cultural heritage, economic development, and rights of indigenous Cordillerans. **Significance**\ The Act serves as a framework for addressing the unique cultural, economic, and political aspirations of the Cordillera people. It fosters local autonomy while maintaining alignment with national laws. **RA 11054: Organic Act for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)** **Key Provisions** - Establishes the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, replacing the ARMM. - Grants significant autonomy to the Bangsamoro government, including legislative, executive, and fiscal powers. - Recognizes the historical struggle of the Bangsamoro people for self-determination and peace. - Provides revenue-sharing schemes, block grants, and funding mechanisms to ensure financial independence. - Includes provisions for a parliamentary system in the region. **Impact**\ RA 11054 is a milestone in addressing decades of conflict and underdevelopment in the Mindanao region. It strengthens local governance while maintaining national unity. **RA 6734: Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)** **Key Provisions** - RA 6734 was enacted in 1989 to create the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to provide self-governance to Muslim-majority provinces. - Grants ARMM limited legislative and executive powers within the national legal framework. - Includes provisions for the protection of Islamic customs, traditions, and the promotion of economic and educational development in the region. **Challenges Faced** - Limited autonomy and fiscal capacity restricted ARMM\'s ability to fulfill its goals. - Political instability and conflict hindered effective governance. **Transition to BARMM**\ RA 11054 replaced RA 6734 by providing more autonomy, enhanced fiscal powers, and better governance structures to address the shortcomings of ARMM. **Local Autonomy in the Philippines** Decentralization and local autonomy are vital to promoting good governance, regional development, and cultural preservation. While challenges remain, legislative efforts such as the Organic Acts and income reclassification have paved the way for empowering regions to achieve self-determination and growth. - Decentralization improves governance by bringing government closer to the people. - Devolution in the Philippines is exemplified through regional autonomy acts such as RA 6766, RA 6734, and RA 11054. - Executive Order No. 249 highlights the importance of fiscal reclassification in ensuring equitable resource allocation.