Dadole vs COA

Dadole vs COA

Facts:

In 1986, the RTC and MTC judges ofMandaue City started receiving monthly allowances of P1,260 each through the yearly appropriation ordinance enacted by theSangguniang Panlungsod of the said city. In 1991, Mandaue City increased the amount to P1,500 for each judge. The Department of Budget and Management then issued Local Budget Circular No. 55. The Mandaue City Auditor, acting on the said directive, issued notice of disallowance to respondent judges.

Issue:

​Whether or not DBM can alter the wisdom of a law-conforming judgment on local affairs of a local government unit

Ruling:

Although the Constitution guarantees autonomy to local government units, the exercise of local autonomy remains subject to the power of control by Congress and the power of supervision by the President. The President can only interfere in the affairs and activities of a local government unit if he/she finds that the latter has acted contrary to law. This is the scope of the President’s supervisory powers over local government units. Hence, the President or any of his/her alter egos cannot interfere in local affairs. Any directive by the President or any of his/her alter egos seeking to alter the wisdom of a law-conforming judgment on local affairs of a local government unit is a patent nullity because it violates the principle of local autonomy and

the separation of powers in governing municipal corporations.