CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Pampanga Third District Representative Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, Jr. has refiled a bill making Pulung Bulu a Congress-instituted barangay in this city.
House Bill No. 182, filed by Gonzales on June 30, 2022, is a follow-up on an initial legislative measure he proposed but was not approved before Congress adjourned.
Gonzales’s proposal is to create Pulung Bulu not only as the 35th barangay of Pampanga’s capital city but also as recipient of a share of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).
Barangay Pulung Bulu is a distinct and independent barangay created thru Ordinance No. 2002-010, passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on September 25, 2002. It is located on the northernmost tip of the city, bordering the nearby Angeles City.
According to Gonzales, Pulung Bulu, which is slowly becoming one of the most progressive barangays of the city, should receive national allocations aside from the government projects coursed through the initiatives of national and district government officials.
“If created by Congress, a provision may be included for the entitlement of the said barangay to its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share. Although local government units can create a barangay, the ordinance cannot include provision affording the barangay its share in the IRA—only Congress can do it,” Gonzales explained.
Gonzales’ children—Board Member Micah Gonzales and City Councilor Aurelio Brenz Gonzales—are supporting the congressman’s bill through resolutions in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and City Council, respectively.
“With this bill, it is expected that the inequitable situation of Barangay Pulung Bulu will be corrected and remedied. If the said barangay would receive its just share of Internal Revenue Allotments, it will be able to deliver better public services, which would greatly benefit its constituents,” Gonzales added.