Collection of federalism fees slammed

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has reiterated its earlier warning that collection of fees from local government units or participants in the conduct of federalism information campaign activities is highly prohibited.

The illegal practice is reportedly rampant, especially in the provinces where some unscrupulous individuals and groups are reportedly using the federalism campaign to make money.

This developed as DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe reported that his office has been receiving reports pertaining to alleged collection of federalism group membership fees.
“We condemn this illegal practice. Please be informed that we do not allow collection of registration fees on all federalism-related advocacy initiatives, especially with accredited organizations partnering with the DILG,” he said.

He explained that with the DILG adopting a participative, multi-stakeholder approach in the implementation of the said advocacy, it has involved various stakeholders in as many activities as possible.

Agabe, however, emphasized the local government units, including the public, must only work with accredited civil society organizations (CSOs).

The official reiterated that partnering with an accredited CSO is one way to ensure that information communicated or disseminated on federalism are aligned with the key messages and content parameters of the DILG.

“We must be vigilant with the groups we are dealing with. Suspicious activities can be reported, knowing that there were reports on groups collecting fees for an identification card (ID), saying this can be presented in claiming several benefits in some government agencies,” Agabe said.