Clarificatory Guidelines on the Use of Peace and Order Council (POC) Funds for COVID-19-Related Programs, Projects, Services, and Activities (PPSAs)

May 1, 2020

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 079-20

 

1. PREFATORY STATEMENT

1.1. Republic Act No. 11469, also known as "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act" directs local government units (LGUs) to actively respond and cooperate in implementing policies issued by the National Government relative to COVID-19.

1.2. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issued Local Budget Circular (LBC) No. 124 released on March 26, 2020 providing procedures to operationalize the "changes in annual budgets through supplemental budgets" by LGUs in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 or the "Local Government Code" and the Implementing Rules and Regulations stated thereon.

1.3. Public Safety, as defined in the Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Planning Guidebook, covers all activities that protect the community from dangers threatening their general welfare and safety, such as accidents, disasters, and crime. Under Public Safety, two of the focus areas include the following:

1.3.1. Emergency/Crisis Management and Fire Safety — The organization and management of resources and responsibilities for addressing all aspects of emergencies, which are unforeseen or sudden occurrence, posing danger and demanding immediate action as defined in Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 or the "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010."

1.3.2. Disaster Risk Management — Systematic preparation for a potential or imminent disaster that may result in loss of life, property, and livelihood and/or adversely affect people's health and well-being, as well as the flow of services to a particular community over a specified time period.

1.4. DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-143 or the "Omnibus Guidelines for Peace and Order Councils (POCs)" directs the creation of special action committees to respond to the current pressing matters within POCs' respective areas of jurisdiction.

1.5. Further, pursuant to DILG MC No. 2020-077, a Local Task Force against COVID-19 shall be fully established and activated as a response to the current pandemic.

2. POLICY CONTENT AND GUIDELINES

2.1. The Local Task Force against COVID-19 shall hereby be considered as a POC sub-committee.

2.2. All programs, projects, services, and activities (PPSAs) of the local COVID-19 task force can be funded through the POPS Plan using POC Funds.

2.3. A POC resolution containing guidelines on the realignment of funds for new COVID-19-related PPSAs shall be passed following the release of this MC.

2.4. In the realignment of funds, every COVID-19 task force shall ensure strict compliance on the aforementioned DBM LBC No. 124, also known as "Policy Guidelines on the Provision of Funds by Local Government Units for Programs, Projects, and Activities to Address the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation." Disbursement and utilization of funds for that purpose shall be subjected to the pertinent provisions as indicated in Republic Act No. 9184 or the "Government Procurement Reform Act" as well as its revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) and any other relevant policies and budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations.

3. REFERENCES

3.1. Republic Act No. 11469, "Bayanihan to Heal as One Act"

3.2. DILG MC No. 2019-143, "Omnibus Guidelines for Peace and Order Councils (POCs)"

3.3. DBM LBC No. 124, "Policy Guidelines on the Provision of Funds by Local Government Units for Programs, Projects, and Activities to Address the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation"

3.4. DILG MC No. 2015-128, "Guidelines on the Formulation of Peace and Order and Public Safety (POPS) Plan"

3.5. Peace and Order and Public Safety Planning Guidebook

3.6. Republic Act No. 10121, "Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010"

3.7. Republic Act No. 9184, "Government Procurement Reform Act"

4. EFFECTIVITY

4.1. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

5. APPROVING AUTHORITY

(SGD.) EDUARDO M. AÑOSecretary