Former Gov. Tet Garcia cited for role in Mandanas-Garcia Supreme Court ruling

A posthumous recognition was conferred on former Bataan Governor and Congressman Enrique “Tet” Garcia Jr. for his role in the landmark Supreme Court ruling that expanded the basis in computing local governments’ constitutionally mandated share from national taxes.

The Special Plaque of Appreciation from the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) was received by Bataan Governor Jose Enrique “Joet” Garcia III during the opening day of the PCL 2026 National Congress and the 1st Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP) held last March 4, 2026, at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

The late governor, together with Batangas Vice Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas, were both recognized for helping pursue the legal challenge and questioning the long-used method of limiting local government unit shares in the national tax. Said ruling, popularly known as the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, ordered the inclusion of more national tax collections in the computation and applied the change that made the shift increasing resources available to provinces, cities, and municipalities for faster delivery of services to constituents.

Joining Gov. Garcia during the ceremony were Balanga Vice Mayor Francis Garcia, members of the Balanga City Council, and other local officials and public servants from Bataan who attended the national gathering led by PCL National Chairman Raul Corro and National President Benjie Abalos.