QUEZON CITY HALL, Quezon City — Recognizing the importance of accountability in the delivery of public service, the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) has expressed full support to the call of Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong for a transparent accounting of the national tax allotment (NTA) for all local government units (LGUs).

In a statement, acting LCP national president and Quezon City mayor Maria Josefina Tanya 'Joy' Belmonte-Alimurung disclosed that the League's 149 members were unanimous in appealing for transparency in the distribution of the NTA.

“We support LCP secretary general Benjamin Magalong’s efforts to push for a full accounting of the NTA for LGUs, which is essential in ensuring that our cities receive the necessary resources for effective governance,” Belmonte enthused.

"As the demand for improved delivery of basic services continues, securing adequate resources to finance these services is of paramount concern for the LGUs’ constituents," she pointed out.

“We . . . appeal for transparency that all LGUs deserve for the benefit and welfare of our constituents,” Belmonte added to stress.

“We must address these concerns to ensure that the tax share of the LGUs is computed and distributed correctly in accordance with the law.”

According to Belmonte, the move for transparency in the NTA will enable the LGUs to implement more effective policies and programs to better serve the people, Belmonte said.

“We applaud the swift response of the administration through Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, to engage in a dialogue with the mayors on this critical issue. Such dialogue will enhance our ability to respond equitably to the urgent needs of our communities,” she stressed.