Ping Lacson Bill Mandates 1% Share of VAT Collections for LGU Development Projects

Local government units (LGUs) that collect their taxes efficiently may soon avail of a special fund to finance their local development projects, programs and activities, once a bill filed by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is passed into law.

Senate Bill 405, which Lacson filed last July 9, mandates the allocation of one percent of total Value-Added Tax (VAT) collections to finance such local development projects – and could motivate other LGUs to improve their tax collection as well.

“This bill intends to incentivize local government units (LGUs) that consistently achieve their revenue collection targets and substantially contribute to the national coffers. Such incentives are designed to serve as motivation for LGUs to facilitate business operations and reduce barriers for small entrepreneurs, hence, further enhancing tax collection efficiencies,” Lacson, a champion of LGUs, said in his bill titled “The Local Government Development Fund Act of 2025.”

“Giving the LGUs the necessary wherewithal to be active participants in the development of our country will contribute to dismantling the culture of mendicancy and political patronage that viciously thrive in our system. Ultimately, this will help in the realization of the elusive inclusive growth that the Filipinos all aspire for as a nation,” he added.

In Filipino: Panukala ni Ping Lacson, Magbibigay ng 1% Share ng VAT Collection sa LGU Development Projects

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Ping Lacson Bares ‘Lessons’ from 90-Day Campaign

Independent senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is taking to heart – and possibly to the Senate – the lessons he learned from ordinary Filipinos he interacted with during the 90-day senatorial campaign.

Lacson said in a radio interview Saturday that he learned many realities that would guide him in crafting legislation for issues affecting sectors such as agriculture, education, and local government units (LGUs).

“During our campaign, we visited areas where we met with LGU officials, down to the barangay chairmen. While we explained to them our campaign platform, we also drew not just inspiration but also lessons from their real-life experiences,” he said in Filipino in an interview on Bombo Radyo Philippines.

“If we did not meet with people on the ground like this, we would not have known about their situation, much less how to help them,” he added.

Related: Ping Lacson, Isiniwalat ang mga Aral sa 90-Araw na Kampanya

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Ping Lacson’s LGU-Empowering Proposal Gets Vilma Santos’ Support

Independent senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson’s proposal to empower local government units (LGUs) by giving them a one-percent rebate on their Value-Added Tax collections has gained a super fan.

Lacson said former Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, who is running for governor in the 2025 local elections, was happy with the idea of a rebate that would go to development, infrastructure and livelihood programs.

“Former Rep. Vilma Santos, who is running for governor, was very happy with the proposal,” he said in Filipino, in an interview on DZRH Thursday afternoon.

“She jokingly told me she would take care of Sec. Recto and lobby with him every night to not oppose the proposal because it is very sound,” he added.

Related: Panukala ni Ping Lacson para Palakasin ang LGU, Suportado ni Vilma Santos

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Ping Lacson Encourages LGUs: Act Early to Ensure Funding for Development Programs

Independent senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson encouraged local government units (LGUs) to take early action to ensure funding for their local development projects in the national budget.

Lacson said this means LGUs will need to submit their development plans to the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) before January, as the DBCC will start its deliberations early in the year.

“By January – or even November or December the year before – the local development projects must be submitted to Malacanang or the Department of Budget and Management, so they can be included in the discussion of the budget for the next year,” he said.

“It will then be up to the DBCC to prioritize. My stand is, who else would know the needs and priorities of LGUs than the local officials themselves,” he added.

Related: Ping Lacson, Hinikayat ang LGUs: Umaksyon ng Maaga para Mapondohan ang Development Programs

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Ping Lacson Stresses Importance of ‘Tripartite’ Approach to Help Farmers, Fishers

Independent senatorial candidate Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson stressed the importance of a “tripartite” approach in addressing the concerns of farmers and fishermen, especially in the provinces.

Lacson, a voice for farmers and fishers, said this means constant collaboration among the national government’s agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the local farmers and fishers.

“Malaki ang maitutulong ng LGU and national government pag nag-tripartite. Pag collaborate ng LGU and national government, ang daming pwedeng gawin (The LGU and national government can do a lot in such a tripartite setup. When the LGU and national government collaborate, they can do so much),” he said.

Related: Ping Lacson, Iginiit ang Halaga ng ‘Tripartite’ Approach Para Tulungan ang Magsasaka at Mangingisda

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