SC nails down conversion of 16 towns into cities
City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Supreme Court (SC) has denied with finality the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities.
Treñas, who is the chair of League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) said they are only waiting for the SC’s “entry of judgment” regarding the conversion of municipalities which lack the requirements for cityhood set by the Local Government Code.
The mayor did not present a copy of the SC decision during the interview. He however said it is the newest decision the SC has rendered regarding the conversion of 16 towns into cities.
In November 2008, the High Court has granted the petition of the LCP seeking the nullification of the 16 cityhood laws. The league argued that the 16 cities were created even if they did not meet the minimum income requirements for cityhood.
Among the cities whose cityhood laws have been voided by the Supreme Court are: Batac in Ilocos Norte; Tabuk in Kalinga; Tayabas in Quezon; Baybay in Leyte; Catbalogan in Samar; Borongan in Eastern Samar; Guihulngan in Negros Oriental; Bogo, Naga and Carcar in Cebu; Tandag in Surigao del Sur; Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte; El Salvador in Misamis Oriental; Mati in Davao Oriental; Bayugan in Agusan del Sur; and, Lamitan in Basilan.
With the SC’s decision on the petition filed by the league, 16 towns appealed the decision of the High Court. However, the court upheld its earlier ruling declaring the conversion as unconstitutional.
The league pointed out the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities particularly those that did not meet the income requirements have resulted in the lesser share in the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of old cities. Iloilo City alone has suffered a tremendous cut in its IRA share.
The chief executive said the SC’s decision means additional fund for the existing cities. IRA has been the lifeblood of the city in all its projects, from infrastructure, health and salaries of regular employees.