PinoyLaw.

Net Notesbank Nachura Notes – Local Government (Kiddy)

I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Principles of Local Autonomy

Constitutional Provisions
 The State shall ensure the local autonomy of local governments
 The territorial and political subdivisions shall enjoy local autonomy
 The principle of local autonomy under the 1987 Constitution simply
means “DECENTRALIZATION”.
 It does not make the local government sovereign within the state or an
imperium in iperio.
 Autonomy is either:
1. decentralization of administration
 no valid constitutional challenge
 delegation of administrative powers to broaden the base of
governmental power.
2. decentralization of power
 abdication by the national government of political power in
favor of the local government
 Congress retains control over the LGUs although significantly reduced
under the Constitution. National legislature is still the principal of LGUs
which cannot defy its will or modify or violate it.
 Power to tax of LGUs which cannot be withdrawn by mere statute.
 Any form of autonomy granted to local governments will necessarily be
limited and confined within the extent allowed by the central authority.
 Exercise of local autonomy remains subject to:
1. power of control by Congress and
2. general supervision by the President
 Scope of President’s supervisory powers:
 President can only interfere in the affairs and activities of a
local government unit if he finds that the latter had acted
contrary to law;
 Cannot interfere in local affairs as long as the concerned
local government unit acts within the parameters of the law
and the Constitution;
 Otherwise, violates the principle of local autonomy and the
doctrine of separation of powers.
 Liga ng mga Barangay is not subject to the control by the
Chief Executive or his alter ego.

Corporation
 Artificial being created by operation of law, having the right of succession
and the powers, attributes and properties expressly authorized by law or
incident to its existence.

Classification
1. Public: organized for the government of a portion of a state.

1
 2. Private: formed for some private purpose.
3. Quasi-Public: private corporation that renders public service or supplies
public wants.

Criterion to determine whether corporation is public

 Relationship of the corporation to the State; if it is created
by the State as its own agency to help the State in carrying
out its governmental function then it is public. Otherwise, it
is private.

Classes of public corporations

1. Quasi-corporation – created by the state for a limited purpose.
2. Municipal Corporation – body politic and corporate constituted by the
incorporation of the inhabitants for the purpose of local government.

Municipal Corporation
Elements:
1. Legal creation or incorporation
 Law creating or authorizing the creation or incorporation of a
municipal corporation.
2. Corporate name
 Sanggunian Panlalawigan may change the name of component
cities or municipalities:
1. consultation with Philippine Historical Institute
2. effective upon ratification in a plebiscite
3. Inhabitants
 People residing in the territory.
4. Territory
 Land mass where the inhabitants reside
 Together with external and internal waters and the airspace above.

Dual Nature and Functions

 Exercise powers as a political subdivision of the National Government and
 As a corporate entity representing the inhabitants of the territory.
1. Public or Governmental – acts as agents of the State, for the
government of the territory and the inhabitants.
2. Private or Proprietary – acts as agents of the community in the
administration of local affairs. Acts as a separate entity for its own
purposes and not as a subdivision of the state.

Roles of Municipal Corporations in the Philippines

 The territorial and political subdivisions of the Philippines are the
PROVINCES, CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES and BARANGAYS. There
shall be AUTONOMOUS REGIONS in MUSLIM MINDANAO and the
CORDILLERAS.
 Provinces
 City
 Cluster of municipalities or municipalities and component
cities.
 Dynamic mechanism for developmental processes and
effective governance of LGUs within its territorial
jurisdiction.

 More urbanized and developed barangays

 General purpose government for the coordination and
delivery of basic, regular and direct services.
 Effective governance of the inhabitants within its
jurisdiction.
 Muncipality
 Group of barangays
 General purpose government for the coordination and
delivery of basic, regular and direct services.
 Effective governance of the inhabitant within its
jurisdiction.
 Barangay
 Basic political unit
 Primary planning and implementing unit of government
policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the
community.
 Forum where collective views of the people may be
expressed.
 Where disputes may be amicably settled.
 Autonomous Regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras
 Datu Firdausi Abbas vs. COMELEC: act establishing the
Autonomous Regional Government of Muslim Mindanao
was held valid.
 Cordillera Broad Colaition vs. Commission on Audit:
exercise of legislative powers, creating the Cordillera
Administrative Region was held valid. It prepared the
groundwork for autonomy and the adoption of the organic
law.
 Ordillo vs. COMELEC: sole province of Ifugao which, in
the plebiscite, alone voted in favor RA 6766, cannot validly
constitute the Autonomous Region of the Cordilleras.
 Special Metropolitan Political Subdivision
 Congress may by law create special metropolitan political
subdivisions subject to a plebiscite.
 The component cities and municipalities shall retain their
basic autonomy
 Entitled to their own local executives and legislative
assemblies
  Jurisdiction of the metropolitan authority shall be limited to
basic services requiring coordination.

Creation and Dissolution of Municipal Corporations

Authority to Create
 LGU may be created, divided, merged, abolished or its boundaries
substantially altered either by:
1. law enacted by Congress – provinces, city, municipality or any
other political subdivision
2. ordinance passed by Sangguniang Panlalawigan or Sangguniang
Panlungsod – barangay

Requisites/Limitation on Creation or Conversion

 No province, city, municipality or barangay may be created, divided,
merged, abolished or its boundary substantially altered, EXCEPT
1. in accordance with criteria established in the LGC
2. subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a
plebiscite in the political units directly affected
 Plebiscite Requirement: conducted by the COMELEC within 120 days
from the date of effectivity of the law or ordinance effecting such action,
unless said law or ordinance fixes another date.
 Plebiscite for creating a new province should include the participation of
the residents of the mother province in order to conform to the
constitutional requirement.
 Where the law authorizing the holding of a plebiscite is unconstitutional,
the Court cannot authorize the holding of a new one.
 The fact that the plebiscite which the petition sought to stop had already
been held and officials of the new province appointed does not make the
petition moot and academic, as the petition raises an issue of constitutional
dimensions.
 Section 7, RA 7160 – verifiable indicators of viability and projected
capacity to provide services:
1. Income
 Sufficient, based on acceptable standards
 To provide for all essential government facilities and services
and special functions
 Commensurate with the size of its population
 Average annual income for the last 2 consecutive years based
on 1991 constant prices:

1. Municipality: 2,500,000
2. City 100,000,000
3. Highly Urbanized City: 50,000,000
4. Province: 20,000,000
 Internal Revenue Allotment should be included in the
computation of the average annual income of the municipality.
 (for purposes of determining whether the municipality may be
validly converted into a city)
 For conversion to cities, the municipality’s income should not
include the IRA.
2. Population
 Total number of inhabitants within the territorial jurisdiction of
the LGU concerned.
 Required minimum population:
1. Barangay: 2,000 inhabitants; except in Metro
Manila and other metropolitan political subdivisions
or in highly urbanized cities where the requirement
is 5,000 inhabitants
2. Municipality: 25,000
3. City: 150,000
4. Highly Urbanized City: 200,000
5. Province: 250,000
3. Land Area
 Contiguous, unless it comprises 2 or more islands or is
separated by a LGU independent of the others
 Properly identified by metes and bounds with technical
descriptions
 Sufficient to provide for such basic services and facilities to
meet the requirements of its populace.
 Area Requirements:
1. Municipality: 50 sq. kms.
2. City: 100 sq. kms.
3. Province: 2,000 sq. kms.
 Compliance with the foregoing indicators shall be attested to
by the Department of Finance, the National Statistics Office
and the Lands Management Bureau of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources.
 Requirement that the territory of the newly-created local
government units be identified by metes and bounds is
intended to provide the means by which the area of the local
government unit may be reasonably ascertained.
 Territorial jurisdiction of the newly created city may be
reasonably ascertained – by referring to common boundaries
with neighboring municipalities – then the legislative intent has
been sufficiently served.
 Other constitutional limitations: Bill of Rights

Beginning of Corporate Existence

 ELECTION and QUALIFICATION of its Chief Executive and a majority of the
members of its sangguinan.
 UNLESS some other time is fixed therefore by the law or ordinance creating it.
Division and Merger, Abolition of LGUs
 Division and Merger
 comply with same requirements, provided that such division shall not
reduce the income, population or land area of the local government unit/s
concerned to less than the minimum requirements prescribed
 provided, further, that the income classification of the original local
government unit/s shall not fall below its current income classification
prior to the division.
 Abolition
 LGU may be abolished when its income, population or land area has been
irreversibly reduced to less than the minimum standards.
 Law or ordinance abolishing a LGU shall specify the province, city,
municipality or barangay with which the local government unit sought to
be abolished will be incorporated or merged.

De Facto Municipal Corporation

Requisites:
1. Valid law authorizing incorporation
2. Attempt in good faith to organize under it
3. Colorable compliance with the law
4. Assumption of corporate powers
 Not de facto municipal corporations, because there was no law
authorizing incorporation.

Attack Against Invalidity of Incorporation

 No collateral attack
 Inquiry into the legal existence of a municipal corporation is reserved to
the state in a proceeding for quo warranto or other direct proceeding.
 Rule is applicable only when the municipal corporation is at least a de
facto municipal corporation

The Local Government Code

 Effectivity: January 1, 1992; after its complete publication in at least 1
newspaper of general circulation.
 Scope of Application: all provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays and
other political subdivisions as may be created by law and to officials,
offices or agencies of the National Government.

Declaration of Policy
1. Territorial and political subdivision of the State shall enjoy
genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain
their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make
them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals.
2. Ensure accountability of LGUs through the institution of effective
mechanisms of recall, initiative and reference.
 3. Require all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic
consultations with appropriate LGUs, non-governmental and
people’s organizations and other concerned sectors of the
community before any project or program is implemented in their
respective jurisdiction.

Rules of Interpretation
1. Any provision on a power of a LGU shall be liberally interpreted in its favor; in
case of doubt, any question shall be resolved in favor of devolution of power.
2. Any tax ordinance or revenue measure shall be construed strictly against the LGU
enacting it and liberally in favor if the taxpayer.
3. Any tax exemption, incentive or relief granted by any LGU shall be construed
strictly against the person claiming it.
4. The general welfare provision shall be liberally interpreted to give more powers to
LGUs in accelerating economic development and upgrading the quality of life for
the people in the community.
5. Rights and obligations existing on the date of effectivity of this Code and arising
out of contracts or any other source of prestation involving a LGU shall be
governed by the original terms and conditions of said contracts or the law force at
the time of such rights were vested.
6. In the resolution of controversies arising under this Code where no legal provision
of jurisprudence applies, resort may be had to the customs and traditions in the
place where the controversies take place.

II. GENERAL POWERS AND ATTRIBUTES OF LOCAL

GOVERNMENT UNITS

Powers in General

Sources
1. Philippine Constitution
2. Statutes
3. Charter
4. Doctrine of the right of self-government

Classification
1. express, implied, inherent
2. public, governmental, private or proprietary
3. intramural, extramural
4. mandatory, directory, ministerial, discretionary

Execution of powers
1. statute prescribes the manner of exercise – the procedure must be followed
2. statute is silent – LGUs have discretion to select reasonable means and methods
of exercise
Governmental Powers
1. General Welfare
2. Basic Services and Facilities
3. Power to Generate and Apply Resources
4. Eminent Domain
5. Reclassification of Lands
6. Closure and Opening of Roads
7. Local Legislative Power
8. Authority over Police Units

General Welfare
 Exercise powers expressly granted, necessarily implied, and powers necessary,
appropriate or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those
which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare
 w/ respective territorial jurisdiction,
1. preservation and enrichment of culture
2. promote health and safety
3. enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology
4. encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant
scientific and technological capabilities
5. improve public morals
6. enhance economic prosperity and social justice
7. promote full employment among its residents
8. maintain peace and order
9. preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants
 general welfare clause – statutory grant of police power to LGUs
 Limitations
1. exercisable only within territorial limits EXCEPT for protection of water
supply
2. Equal protection clause
3. Due process clause (means employes are reasonably necessary and not
unduly oppressive for the accomplishment of the purpose)
4. not be contrary to the Constitution and the laws.
 Prohibited activities cannot be legalized in the guise of regulation.
 Activities allowed by law cannot be prohibited, only regulated.
 LGU may close a bank for failure to secure the appropriate mayor’s permit and
business licenses.
 LGU may not regulate the subscriber rate by CATV operators within its territorial
jurisdiction – jurisdiction of NTC; This does not mean that LGU cannot prescribe
regulations over CATV operators.
 Ordinance prohibiting the operation of casino is invalid for being contrary to the
Charter of PAGCOR (PD1869)
 Mayor authorized to issue permits and licenses for the holding of activities for
any charitable or welfare purposes.
 LLDA which has exclusive jurisdiction to issue permits for the enjoyment of
fishery privileges in Laguna de Bay
  Ordinance is not unconstitutional merely because it incidentally benefits a limited
number of persons – the support for the poor has long been an accepted exercise
of the police power in the promotion of the common good.
 Municipality cannot grant exclusive fishing privileges without prior public
bidding and for a period of more than 5 years – violates Fisheries Law.
 Permits to operate cockpits – mayor
 Ordinance prohibiting operation of night-clubs is invalid – prohibitory and not
mere regulatory

Basic Services and Facilities

- Endeavor to be self-reliant
- Continue exercising the powers and discharge the duties and functions currently
vested upon them
- Discharge the functions and responsibilities of national agencies and others
devolved upon them
- Exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions as are necessary,
appropriate or incidental to efficient and effective provision of the basic services
and facilities.
- PUBLIC WORKS and INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS and other
FACILITIES, PROGRAMS and SERVICES FUNDED BY THE
NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT are NOT covered under Section 17 EXCEPT where the LGU is
duly designated as the implementing agency for such projects, facilities,
programs and services.
- Devolution: act by which the national government confers power and authority
upon various LGUs to perform specific function and responsibilities,
 Includes the transfer of assets, equipments, records and personnel of national
agencies and offices to LGUs
 Regional offices of national agencies shall be phased out within 1 years from
approval of Code.
 Career regional director which cannot be absorbed by the LGU shall be
retained by the national government w/o diminution.

Power to Generate and Apply Resources

 Establish an organization that shall be responsible for the efficient and effective
implementation of their development plans, programs, objectives and priorities
 To create their own sources of revenue
 To levy taxes, fees and charges which shall accrue exclusively to their own use
and disposition and which shall be retained by them
 To have a just share in the national taxes which shall be automatically and directly
released to them without need of any further action
 To have an equitable share in the proceeds from the utilization and development
of the national wealth and resources with their respective territorial jurisdictions
 Develop, lease, encumber, alienate or otherwise dispose of real or personal
property held by them in their proprietary capacity and to apply their resources
and assets for productive, developmental or proprietary powers and functions and
 thereby ensure their development into self-reliant communities and active
participants in the attainment of national goals.
 LGUs have no power to tax instrumentalities of the National Government, e.g.
PAGCOR
 Fundamental Principles governing the exercise of taxing and other revenue-
raising powers of LGUs
1. Taxation shall be uniform in all LGUs
2. Taxes, fees, charges and other impositions shall be
 equitable based as far as practicable on the taxpayer’s ability to
pay;
 levied and collected only for public purpose;
 not unjust, excessive, oppressive or confiscatory; and
 not contrary to law, public policy, national economic policy or in
restrain of trade;
3. collection of taxes, fees, charges and other impositions shall not be left to
any private person
4. revenue collected shall inure solely to the benefit and be subject to the
disposition by the LGU, unless specifically provided herein
5. each LGU shall evolve a progressive system of taxation.
 Exercise by LGU of the power to tax is ordained by the Constitution; only
guidelines and limitations that may be established by Congress can define and
limits such power of local governments.
 Secretary of Justice can review the constitutionality or legality of tax ordinance –
and if warranted, revoke it on either grounds
 Exemption may be withdrawn at the pleasure of the taxing authority.
 Exception: where the exemption was granted to private
parties based on material consideration of a mutual nature,
which then becomes contractual and is covered by the non-
impairment clause of the Constitution.
 Fundamental Principles governing financial affairs, transactions and operations of
the local government:
1. no money shall be paid out of the local treasury EXCEPT in pursuance of
appropriation ordinance or law
2. local government funds and monies shall be spent solely for public purpose
3. local revenue is generated only from sources expressly authorized by law or
ordinance and collection shall at all times be acknowledged properly
4. all monies officially received by a local government officer in any capacity
shall be accounted for as local funds unless otherwise provided by law
5. trust funds in the local treasury shall not be paid out except in fulfillment of
the purpose for which the trust was created or the funds received
6. every officer of the LGU whose duties permit or require the possession or
custody of local funds shall be properly bonded and such officer shall be
accountable and responsible for said funds and for safekeeping
7. local governments shall formulate sound financial plans and the local
budgets shall be based on functions, activities and projects in terms of
expected results
 8. local budget plans and goals shall, as far as practicable, be harmonized with
national development plans, goals, strategies in order to optimize the
utilization of resources and to avoid duplication in the use of fiscal and
physical resources
9. local budgets shall operationalize approved local development plans
10. LGUs shall ensure that theirs respective budget incorporate the
requirements of their component units and provide for equitable
allocation of resources among those
11. national planning shall be based on local planning
12. fiscal responsibility shall be shared by all those exercising authority over
financial affairs, transactions and operations of the LGUs
13. the LGU shall endeavor to have a balanced budget in each fiscal year of
operation

Eminent Domain
- Through chief executive and acting pursuant to an ordinance
- For public purpose/use/welfare, for the benefit of the poor and landless
- Payment of just compensation
- Valid and definite offer has been previously made to the owners and such offer
was not accepted
- LGU may immediately take possession:
1. upon filing of the expropriation and
2. making a deposit with the proper court of at least 15% of the FMV of the
property based on current tax declaration of the property
- Amount to be paid for the property shall be determined by proper court based on
FMV at the time of TAKING of the property.
- Additional Limitations
1. exercised by local chief executive, pursuant to VALID ordinance
2. public use or purpose or welfare, for the benefit of the poor and landless
3. after valid and definite offer has been made to and not accepted by the owner
- Power of eminent domain is expressly granted to the municipality under the LGC
- What is required by law is an ORDINANCE, not a resolution.
 Ordinance is a law while a resolution is merely a declaration of
sentiment or opinion of a law-making body on a specific matter
 3rd reading is needed for an ordinance, not for a resolution unless
decided otherwise by a majority of the members of the Sanggunian

Reclassification of Lands
- City/municipality through ordinance passed after conducting public hearings
- Authorize reclassification of agricultural lands
- And provide for the manner of their utilization/disposition
- Grounds:
1. land ceases to be economically feasible and sound for agricultural
purposes as determined by Department of Agriculture
2. land shall have substantially greater economic value for residential,
commercial or industrial purposes, as determined by the sanggunian
 - Reclassification shall be limited to the following percentage of the total
agricultural land area at the time of the passage of the ordinance:
1. highly urbanized cities and independent component cities: 15%
2. component cities and 1st to 3rd class municipalities: 10%
3. 4th to 6th class of municipalities: 5% Provided that agricultural land distributed
to land reform beneficiaries shall not be affected by such reclassification.

Closure and Opening of Roads

- Pursuant to an ordinance
- Permanently or temporarily close or open any road, alley, park or square falling
within its jurisdiction
- Provided, in case of permanent closure, ordinance must be approved by at least
2/3 of all members of the sanggunian and when necessary, an adequate substitute
for the public facility shall be provided.
- Additional limitations:
1. adequate provision for the maintenance of public safety
2. property may be used or conveyed for any purpose for which other real
property may be lawfully used or conveyed but no freedom parks shall be
closed permanently without provision for its transfer or relocation to a
new site.
3. temporary closure may be made during an actual emergency, fiesta
celebration, public rallies, etc.
- Municipality has the authority to:
1. prepare and adopt a land use map
2. promulgate zoning ordinance
3. close any municipal road
- provincial roads and city streets are property for public use and under absolute
control of Congress; they are outside commerce of man and cannot be disposed to
private persons
- Power to vacate is discretionary on the Sanggunian
- When properties are no longer intended for public use, the same may be used or
conveyed for any lawful purpose and may even become patrimonial and subject to
common contract.
- City Council has the authority to determine whether or not a certain street is still
necessary for public use.

Local Legislative Power

 Exercised by local sanggunian
 Products of legislative action
1. ordinance – prescribes permanent rule of conduct
2. resolution – temporary character; expresses sentiment
 Requisites:
1. not contravene the Constitution or statute
2. must not be unfair or oppressive
3. must not be partial or discriminatory
4. must not prohibit but regulate trade
 5. must not be unreasonable
6. must be general in application and consistent with public policy
 Approval of Ordinances – passed by SANGGUNIANG
PANLALAWIGAN, SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD,
SANGGUNIANG BAYAN shall be approved by:
1. the local chief executive, affixing his signature on each and every page
2. local chief executive vetoes the same and the veto is overridden by 2/3
vote of all the members of the sanggunian.
 The local chief executive may veto only once.
 Grounds:
1. ultra vires
2. prejudicial to the public welfare
 He may veto any particular item/s of an:
1. appropriation ordinance
2. ordinance/resolution adopting a development plan and
public investment program
3. ordinance directing the payment of money or creating
liability
 The veto shall not affect the item/s not objected to.
 The veto shall be communicated by the local chief executive to
the sanggunian
 w/in 15 days in case of a province
 w/in 10 days in case of a municipality
 Otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved, as if
signed
 Grant of veto power accords the Mayor the discretion whether or not to
approve the resolution… signature on the resolution is NOT ministerial
duty of the Mayor.
 Ordinance enacted by the sangguniang barangay shall, upon approval by a
majority of all its members, be signed by the punong barangay € no veto
power.
 Review by Sangguniang Panlalawigan
 w/in 3 days from approval, the secretary of the sangguniang
panlungsod (in component cities) or sangguniang bayan shall
forward to the sangguniang panlalawigan for review copies of
approved ordinances and resolutions.
 Sangguniang panlalawigan shall review the same w/in 30 days
 If it finds that it is beyond the power of the sangguniang
panlungsod/sangguniang bayan, it shall declare the
ordinance/resolution invalid.
 If no action is taken w/in 30 days, it is presumed consistent w/
law and valid.
 Review of Barangay Ordinance
 w/in 10 days from enactment, the sangguniang barangay shall
furnish copies of all barangay ordinances to the sangguniang
panlungsod or sangguniang bayan for review.
  If the reviewing sanggunian finds that it is inconsistent with
law or city or municipal ordinances, the sangguniang
concerned, shall within 30 days return the same with its
comments and recommendations to the sangguniang barangay
for adjustment, amendment or modification.
 The effectivity of the ordinance is suspended.
 If no action is taken by the reviewing sangguinan within 30
days, the ordinance is deemed approved.
 Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinance/Resolutions
 Attempt to enforce an ordinance or resolution approving the
local development plan and public investment program, after
disapproval, shall be sufficient ground for the suspension or
dismissal of the official or employee concerned.
 Effectivity
o Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance/resolution, the same
shall take effect AFTER 10 DAYS from the DATE A COPY
IS POSTED IN THE BULLETIN BOARD at the entrance of
the provincial capitol or city, municipal or barangay hall, and
in at least 2 other conspicuous places in the LGU.
o Gist of all ordinance W/ PENAL SANCTIONS shall be
 PUBLISHED in a newspaper of general circulation
within the province where the local legislative body
belongs;
 absence of newspaper of general circulation,
POSTING shall be made in all municipalities and
cities of the province where the sanggunian of origin
is situated.
o In highly urbanized and independent component cities, the
main features of the ordinance or resolution duly enacted shall,
 POSTED,
 PUBLISHED once in a local newspaper of general
circulation within the city;
 if there is no such newspaper within the city, then
PUBLICATION shall be made in any newspaper of
general circulation.
Authority over Police Units
 As may be provided by law.

Corporate Powers
- LGUs shall enjoy full autonomy in the exercise of their proprietary functions and
in the management of their economic enterprises

1. Continuous succession in its corporate name

2. To sue and be sued
3. To have and use a corporate seal
4. To acquire and convey real or personal property
 5. Power to enter into contracts
6. To exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to
limitations provided in the Code and other laws

Continuous succession in its corporate name

To sue and be sued

 Suit is commenced by the LOCAL EXECUTIVE, upon authority of the
SANGGUINIAN except when the CITY COUNCILORS, by themselves
and as representatives of or on behalf of the City bring the action to
prevent unlawful disbursement of City funds.
 Municipality cannot be represented by a private attorney.
 Only the Provincial Fiscal or the Municipal Attorney. This is
mandatory.
 Exception: when the Provincial Fiscal is disqualified to represent it
and the fact of disqualification appears on record.
 Fiscal’s refusal to represent the municipality is not a legal
justification. The Municipality should request DOJ Secretary to
appoint an Acting Provincial Fiscal
 The legality of the representation of an unauthorized counsel may be
raised at any stage of the proceeding.
 Municipal Attorney may validly adopt the work already performed by a
private lawyer provided that no injustice is committed against the adverse
party and that no compensation has been paid to the private counsel.

To have and use a corporate seal

 Use, modify or change corporate seal
 Any change shall be registered with DILG

To acquire and convey real or personal property

 LGU may acquire real or personal, tangible or intangible property in any
manner allowed by law.
 LGU may only alienate patrimonial property, upon proper authority
 Absence of proof that the property was acquired through corporate or
private funds, the presumption is that it came from the State, thus,
governmental or public property.
 Town plazas are properties of public domain; they may be occupied
temporarily but only for the duration of an emergency
 Public Plaza is beyond the commerce of man and cannot be the subject of
lease or other contractual undertaking
 Public streets or thoroughfares are property for public use, outside the
commerce of man and may not be the subject of lease or other contracts
 Procurement of supplies is made through public competitive bidding
o Exception: amount is minimal

Power to enter into contracts

  Requisites of Valid Municipal Contracts
1. LGU has the express, implied or inherent power to enter into the
particular contract
2. The contract is entered into by the proper department, board,
committee, officer, or agent.
o Unless otherwise provided, no contract may be entered into by
the local chief executive without prior authorization by the
sangguinian concerned.
3. comply with substantive requirements
4. comply with formal requirements
 Ultra Vires Contracts: contracts entered into without compliance with first
and third requisites € ultra vires and void.
 Cannot be ratified or validated.
 Ratification of defective municipal contracts is possible only when
there is non-compliance with the 2nd and/or 4th requisite.
 Does not provide that the absence of an appropriation ordinance ipso facto
makes a contract entered into by a LGU null and void. Public funds may
be disbursed not only pursuant to an appropriation law, but also pursuant
of other specific statutory authority.
 Police power prevails over non-impairment clause.
 Breach of contractual obligations – city liable for damages
 Authority to negotiate and secure grants
 Local chief executive upon authority of the sangguinian
 Negotiate and secure financial grants or donations in kind
 In support of the basic services and facilities in Section 17
 From local and foreign assistance agencies
 Without necessity of securing clearance or approval from any
department, agency, or office of the national government or from any
higher LGU
 Provided, projects financed by such grant or assistance with national
security implications shall be approved by the national agency
concerned.

To exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to limitations

provided in the Code and other laws

III. MUNICIPAL LIABILITY

Rule: LGUs and their officials are NOT exempt from liability for DEATH or INJURY to
persons or DAMAGE to property

Specific Provisions Making LGUs liable:

1. Article 2189, CC: The LGU is liable in damages for death or injuries suffered by
reason of the DEFECTIVE CONDITION of roads, streets, bridges, public
buildings and other public works.
  Attaches even if the road does not belong to the LGU, provided that the
City exercises control or supervision over said road.
2. Article 2180, CC: The State is responsible when it acts through special agents
3. Article 34, CC: The LGU is subsidiarily liable for damages suffered by a person
by reason of the FAILURE or REFUSAL of a member of the POLICE FORCE to
render aid and protection in case of danger to life and property.

Liability for Tort – decisions PRIOR to LGC

1. if a LGU is engaged in GOVERNMENTAL functions, it is NOT liable
2. if a LGU is engaged in proprietary function, it is liable
 City is liable for the tortuous acts of its employees under the principle of
respondeat superior
3. Liability for illegal dismissal of employee
 Absent proof of malice or bad faith which attended the illegal dismissal –
cannot be held personally accountable
 Municipal corporation, whether or not included in the complaint for recovery
of back salaries due to wrongful removal from office is liable
4. Local officials may be held personally liable
 Acted beyond the scope of their authority and with bad faith
 Must be sued in their personal capacity
 When they act maliciously and wantonly and injure individuals rather than
discharged a public duty, they are personally liable.

Liability for Violation of the Law

1. closed part of a municipal street without indemnification € liable for damages
2. non-payment of minimum wage to employees
3. refusal to abide by the TRO

Liability for Contracts

1. Rule: A municipal corporation, like an ordinary person, is liable on a contract it
enters into, provided that the contract is intra vires.
 If the contract is utra vires, the municipal corporation is not liable.
2. a private indivisual who deals with a municipal corporation is imputed
constructive knowledge of the extent of the power o authority of the municipal
corporation to enter into contracts.
3. ordinarily, estoppel does not lie against the municipal corporation.
4. Doctrine of Implied Municipal Liability: a municipality may become obligated
upon an implied contract to pay the reasonable value of the benefits accepted or
appropriated by it as to which it has the general power to contract.
 Applies to all cases where money or property of a party is received under such
circumstances that the general law, independent of an express contract,
implies an obligation to do justice with respect to the same.
 Cannot set up plea that it is ultra vires but still retain the benefits.
 EStoppel cannot be applied against a municipal corporation in order to
validate a contract which the municipal corporation has no power to make or
which it is authorized to make only under prescribed limitations or in a
 prescribed mode or manner – even if the municipal corporation has accepted
benefits.
 If a suit is filed against a local official which could result in personal liability,
the latter may engage the services of private counsel.

IV. LOCAL OFFICIALS

Provisions applicable to elective and appointive local officials

1. Prohibited Business and Pecuniary Interest
 Unlawful for any local government official/EE, directly or indirectly, to:
1. engage in any business transaction with the LGU which he is an
official or employee or over which he has the power of
supervisions
2. hold such interest in any cockpit or other games licensed by the
LGU
3. purchase any real estate or other property forfeited in favor of the
LGU for unpaid taxes or by virtue of legal process at the instance
of LGU
4. be a surety for any person contracting or doing business with the
LGU for which a surety is required
5. possess or use any public property of the LGU for private
purpose
6. prohibitions and inhibitions prescribed in RA 6713

2. Practice of Profession
1. GOVERNORS, CITY and MUNICIPAL MAYORS are
prohibited from practicing their profession or engaging in any
occupation other than the exercise of their function.
2. SANGGUNIAN MEMBERS may practice their profession,
engage in any occupation, or teach in schools EXCEPT during
session hours.
 Provide that those who are also MEMBERS of the BAR
shall NOT:
1. appear as counsel before any court in any civil
case wherein the LGU is the adverse party
2. appear as counsel in any criminal case wherein
an officer or EE of the national or local
government is accused of an offense committed
in relation to his office
3. collect any fee for their appearance in
administrative proceedings involving the LGU
4. use property and personnel of the government
except when the sanggunian member is
defending the interest of the government.
 Prohibition against private practice, if such practice
represents interests adverse to the government.
 3. DOCTORS of medicine may practice their profession even
during OFFICIAL HOURS of work only on occasions of
emergency. Provided they do not derive monetary compensation.

3. Prohibition Against Appointment

1. not eligible for appointment/designation in any capacity to any
public office/position during his tenure.
 Shall not hold any other office or employment in the
government, unless otherwise allowed by law or the
primary functions of the office.
2. no candidate who lost in any election shall, within one year after
such election be appointed to any office in the government
 Except: losing candidates in barangay elections

Elective Local Officials

Qualifications
1. CITIZENS of the Philippines
2. REGISTERED VOTER in the barangay, municipality, city, province
 or in case of a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panlungsod or
Bayan € the district where he intends to be elected.
3. RESIDENT therein for at least 1 year immediately preceding the election
4. able to read and write Filipino or any other local language or dialect
5. on election day, must be at least
 25 – governor, vice-gov, members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, mayor,
vice-mayor or members of the sangguniang panlungsod of highly urbanized
cities
 21 – mayor, vice-mayor of independent component cities, component cities or
municipalities
 18 – members of the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan or
punong barangay or member of the sangguiniang barangy
 At least 15 but not more than 21 – sangguniang kabataan

 “not more than 21” is not equivalent to “less than 22”

Disqualifications
1. sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude
or for an offense punishable by 1 year or more of imprisonment within
2 years after serving sentence
2. removed from office as a result of administrative case
3. convicted by final judgment for violating the oath of allegiance to the
Republic
4. dual citizenship
5. fugitives from justice in criminal or non-political cases here or abroad
6. permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired
the right to reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right after
the effectivity of the Code
 7. insane or feebele-minded

 ELECTIVE LOCAL OFFICIAL removed via administrative case before January

1, 1992 (date of effectivity of the LGC) is NOT disqualified.

Manner of Election
1. Governor, Vice-Governor, City or Municipal Mayor, City or Municipal
Vice-Mayor and Punong Barangay € elected at large
2. Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman € elected by registered voters of the
katipunan ng kabataan
3. Regular Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Panlungsod and
Bayan € elected by district.
4. Presidents of the leagues of Sangguinang Members of component cities
and municipalities € serve as ex-officio members of the sangguniang
panlalawigan
5. Presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay and Pederasyon ng mga
Sangguniang Kabataan elected by their respective chapters € serve as ex-
officio members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, panlungsod or bayan.
6. 1 sectoral representative from women, worker and any of the ff:
a. Urban poor
b. Indigenous cultural communities
c. Disabled persons
d. Any other sectors as may be determined by the sanggunian
concerned w/in 90 days prior to the holding of the next local
election.

Date of Election
 Every 3 years
 2nd Monday of may
 Unless otherwise provided by law

Term of Office
 3 years starting from noon of June 30, 1992 OR such date as may be provided by
law
 Except that of barangay official
 No elective local official shall serve for more than 3 consecutive terms in the
same position
 Term of barangay officials and members of the sangguniang kabataan € 5 years

- 3-term limit on a local official is to be understood to refer to terms for which the
official concerned was elected.
- He must have been elected to the same position for the same number of times
before the disqualification can apply.
- Prohibited election refers to the next regular election for the same office following
the end of the third consecutive term. Any subsequent election, like a recall
election, is no longer covered by the prohibition:
 1. subsequent election like a recall election is no longer an
immediate re-election after three consecutive terms
2. intervening period constitutes an involuntary interruption in
the continuity of service

Rules on Succession
- Permanent vacancies:
1. fills a higher vacant office
2. refuses to assume office
3. fails to qualify
4. dies
5. removed from office
6. voluntarily resigns
7. permanently incapacitated to discharge the functions

a. Governor/Mayor € Vice-Governor/Vice-Mayor
b. Vice-Governor/Vice-Mayor € highest ranking sanggunian member
OR 2nd highest ranking, and subsequent vacancies shall be filled
automatically by the other sanggunian members according to their
ranking
 Ranking in the sanggunian member shall be determined on
the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by each winning
candidate to the total number of registered voters in each
district in the immediately preceding election.
 Mode of succession for permanent vacancies may also be
applied in cases of temporary vacancies.
c. Punong Barangay € highest ranking sanggunian barangay member
OR 2nd highest
 Tie between or among the highest ranking sanggunian
members shall be resolved by drawing lots.
d. Sanggunian member € where automatic succession do not apply:
1. appointment by PRESIDENT, through Executive Secretary
in the case of Sangguniang Panlalawigan or Panlungsod of
highly urbanized cities and independent component cities
2. apponted by GOVERNOR € sangguniang panlungsod of
component cities and the sangguniang bayan
3. appointed by CITY or MUNICIPAL MAYOR €
sangguniang barangay upon recommendation of the
sangguniang barangay concerned

 EXCEPT for the sangguniang barangay, only the

nominee of the political party under which the
sanggunian member concerned had been elected
and whose elevation to the position next higher in
rank created the last vacancy in the sanggunian shall
be appointed.
  A nomination and a certificate of membership of the
appointee from the highest official of the political
concerned are conditions sine qua non.
 In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a
sanggunian member who does not beling in any
political party, the local chief executive shall upon
recommendation of the sangguinian concerned,
shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy.
 Reason: to maintain party representation
 Recommendation by the sanggunian takes the place
of nomination by the political party (since members
of the sanggunian barangay are prohibited to have
party affiliation) and is considered condition sine
qua non.
 Vacancy in the representation of the youth and the
barangay in the sanggunian € filled automatically
by the official next in rank of the organization
concerned.
 Member of the Sangguniang Kabataan who
obtained the next highest number of votes shall
succeed as Chairman if the latter:
1. refuses to assume office
2. fails to qualify
3. convicted of a crime
4. voluntarily resigns
5. dies
6. permanently incapacitated
7. removed from office
Temporary Vacancies 8. has been absent without leave for more than
3 consecutive months
* ineligibility is not one of the causes
enumerated in LGC
Governor/City or Muncipal Mayor/Punong Barangay is temporarily incapacitated,
due to but not limited to:
1. leave of absence
2. travel abroad
3. suspension from office

€ vice governor/city or municipal vice-mayor or the highest ranking sanggunian

barangay member shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties
EXCEPT:
1. power to appoint
2. power to suspend
3. power to dismiss
 * which can be exercised only if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds 30
working days.

- Temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the appropriate

sanggunian of a written declaration that he has reported back to office.
- If temporary incapacity due to legal causes € shall also submit necessary
documents showing that legal cause no longer exists.

If local chief executive traveling within the country but outside his territorial jurisdiction
for a period not exceeding 3 consecutive days, he may designate in writing the officer-in-
charge of the office.
- Such shall specify the powers and functions
- If the local chief executive refuses to issue such authorization, the vice
governor/city or municipal vice-mayor or the highest ranking sanggunian
barangay member shall have the right to assume on the 4th day of the absence of
the local chief executive EXCEPT

1. power to appoint
2. power to suspend
3. power to dismiss

Compensation
 determined by the Sanggunian concerned
 elective barangay official:
1. honoraria
2. allowances and other emoluments, which in no case less that
P1,000/month for the punong barangay and P600 for the
sangguniang barangay members
 Elective local officials entitled to the same leave privileges as those
enjoyed by appointive local officials, including cumulation and
commutation

Resignation
- deemed effective upon acceptance by the ff:
1. President – governor/vice-gov/mayor/vice-mayor of highly urbanized cities
and independent component cities
2. Governor – municipal mayors/vice-mayors/city mayors/vice-mayors of
component cities
3. Sanggunian concerned – sanggunian members
4. city or municipal mayor – barangay officials

- resignation is deemed accepted if not acted upon within 15 working days from
receipt
- irrevocable resignations by sanggunian members shall be deemed accepeted upon
1. presentation before an open session
2. duly entered un its record
 3. EXCEPT: where sangguniang members are subject to recall elections or to
cases where existing laws prescribe the manner of acting upon such
resignations.

Grievance Procedure
- Local chief executive shall establish procedure

Discipline
Grounds – disciplined/suspended/removed
1. Disloyalty to the Philippines
2. Culpable violation of the Constitution
3. Dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office, gross negligence, or
dereliction of duty
- Acts of lasciviousness cannot be considered misconduct; to
constitute a ground for disciplinary action, official charged with
the offense must be convicted in the criminal action
4. Commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or an offense
punishable by at least prision mayor
5. abuse of authority
6. unauthorized absence of 15 consecutive working days except in the case
of members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, panlungsod, bayan and
barangay
7. application for, or acquisition of, foreign citizenship or residence or the
status of an immigrant of another country
8. other grounds as may be provided in this code and other laws

- An elective local official may be removed from office on the above grounds by
order of the proper court.

Complaints – verified complaint against;

1. provincial/highly urbanized city or independent component city elective
official € filed before Office of the President
2. Elective municipal officials € filed before Sangguniang Panlalawigan€
appealable to Office of the President
3. Elective barangay official € filed before Sangguiniang Panlungsod or
Sangguniang Bayan € final and executory

PROVINCIAL/HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY OR INDEPENDENT COMPONENT

CITY ELECTIVE OFFICIAL € FILED BEFORE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

- Local governments under supervision of the Executive.

- The Constitution allows Congress to include in LGC provisions for removal of
local officials; LGC has delegated its exercise to the President.
- President has delegated the power to investigate complaints to the Secretary of
DILG € alter ego principle
 - Right to formal investigation – appeal and defend himself in person or by counsel;
confront witnesses against him; compulsory process for the attendance of
witnesses and the production of documents.

ELECTIVE MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS € FILED BEFORE SANGGUNIANG

PANLALAWIGAN€ APPEALABLE TO OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

- On appeal from decision of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, the President may stay
execution of appealed decision
- Decision of Sanggunian Panlalwigan must be:
1. in writing
2. state clearly and distinctly the facts and the reasons for the decisions
3. signed by the requisite majority of the sanggunian

ELECTIVE BARANGAY OFFICIAL € FILED BEFORE SANGGUINIANG

PANLUNGSOD OR SANGGUNIANG BAYAN € FINAL AND EXECUTORY

Preventive Suspension may be imposed by the PRESIDENT, GOVERNOR or MAYOR

- any time after the issues are joined
- evidence of guilt is strong
- given the gravity of the offense
- there is great probability that the continuance in office could influence the
witnesses or pose threat to the safety and integrity of the records and other
evidence
- Provided, single preventive suspension shall not extend beyond 60 days
- In the event that several administrative cases are filed, he cannot be suspended for
more than 90 w/in a single year on the same ground or grounds existing and
known at the time of the first suspension.

- Authority to preventively suspend is exercised concurrently by the Ombudsman

€ six (6) months
- The preventive suspension of an elective local official by the Sandiganbayan shall
only be for 60 days and not 90 days.
- Upon expiration of preventive suspension, officer shall be REINSTATED to
office without prejudice to the CONTINUATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS
which shall be terminated within 120 days from the time he was formally notified
of the case against him.
- Abuse of exercise of power of preventive suspension € abuse of authority

Penalty
- Penalty of suspension shall not exceed his unexpired term or a period of 6 months
for every administrative offense
- Nor shall penalty be a bar to candidacy as long as he meets requirements
- Penalty of removal from office as a result of an administrative case shall be a bar
to the candidacy for any elective office.
 - Not more than 6 months for each offense; provide, the total does not exceed the
unexpired portion of his term

Administrative Appeal – w/in 30 days from receipt

1. to Sangguniang Panlalawigan € component cities’ sangguniang
panlungsod and sangguniang bayan
2. to OP € Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Sangguniang Panlungsod of
highly urbanized cities and independent component cities
- decisions of OP – final and executory
- administrative appeal to OP is possible; only means that
administrative appeal will not prevent enforcement of the decision

Execution Pending Appeal

- appeal shall not prevent decision from being executed
- during pendency of appeal – shall be considered as having been placed under
preventive suspension
- OP may stay execution of a decision pending appeal

Effect of Re-election
- Bars continuation of administrative case against him
- Re-election is tantamount to condonation by the people

Appointive Local Officials

Responsibility for human resources and development

- Local chief executive
- May employ emergency or casual employees or laborers paid on daily
wage or piecework basis and hired through job orders for local projects
authorized by sanggunian, without need of approval from CSC
- Said employment shall not exceed 6 months.

Officials Common to all Municipalities/Cities/Provinces

1. Secretary to the Sanggunian
2. Treasurer
3. Assessor
4. Accountant
5. Budget Officer
6. Planning and Development Coordinator
7. Engineer
8. Health Officer
9. Civil Registrar
10. Administrator
11. Legal Officer
12. Agriculturist
13. Social Welfare and Development Officer
14. Environment and Natural Resources Officer
 15. Architect
16. Information Officer
17. Cooperatives Officer
18. Population Officer
19. Veterinarian
20. General Services Officer

- In the barangay, mandated appointive officials:

1. Barangay Secretary
2. Barangay Treasurer

Administrative Discipline – in accordance with civil service law and other pertinent laws
1. Preventive Suspension
- Local chief executive
- Period not exceeding 60 days
- Any subordinate officer or employee under his authority
- Pending investigation
- If the charge involves:
1. dishonesty
2. oppression
3. grave misconduct
4. neglect in the performance of duty
5. or if there is reason to believe that respondent is guilty of the
charges which would warrant removal
2. Disciplinary Jurisdiction
- Local chief executive may impose penalty of :
1. removal
2. demotion in rank
3. suspension for not more than 1 year without pay
4. fine in an amount not exceeding 6 months’ salary
5. reprimand
- If penalty is suspension without pay for not more than 30 days, decision
shall be final.
- If heavier, appealable to CSC which shall decide the appeal within 30 days
from receipt.

- Disciplinary authority over City Revenue Officer € City Treasure NOT Mayor.

V. INTER-GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

National Government
Power of General Supervision
- President over LGUs
- Supervisory authority directly over provinces, highly urbanized cities and
independent component cities.
- Through the Province with respect to component cities and municipalities
 - Through City and Municipality with respect to barangays

Coordination with National Agencies

- National agencies and offices with project implementation functions shall
coordinate with one another and with the LGU
- Ensure participation of LGU in planning and implementation of national projects.

Consultation
- Before project or program shall be implemented:
1. consultation
2. prior approval of sanggunian
- Provided, occupants in areas where such projects are to be implemented shall not
be evicted unless appropriate relocation sites have been provided.

Philippine National Police

- Operational supervision of local chief executive € police force, fire protection
unit and jail management personnel

Inter-Local Government Relations

- Province through Governor
 Ensure that every component city and municipality within its territorial
jurisdiction acts within the scope of its prescribed powers
 Highly urbanized cities and independent component cities shall be
independent of the province.
 Governor shall review a; Eos promulgated by the component city or
municipal mayor within its jurisdiction.
 The city or municipal mayor shall review all EOs promulgated by the
punong barangay within his jurisdiction.
 Failure to act w/in 30 days from submission € deemed consistent with
law and therefore valid.
- In the absence of a municipal legal officer, municipal government may secure
opinion of provincial legal officer; absence of the latter, provincial prosecutor.
- City or Municipal Mayor € exercise general supervision over component
barangays
- LGUs may through appropriate ordinance group themselves, consolidate or
coordinate their efforts/services/resources for purposes commonly beneficial to
them.
 Contribute fund upon approval by sanggunian after public hearing

People’s and Non-Governmental Organizations

 LGU’s shall promote their establishment to become active partners in the
pursuit of local autonomy.
 LGUs may enter into joint ventures and other cooperative arrangements
with People’s and Non-Governmental Organizations to engage in the
delivery of basic services.
  LGU, through local chief executive with concurrence of sanggunian,
provide assistance – financial or otherwise – to People’s and Non-
Governmental Organizations for economic, socially-oriented,
environmental or cultural projects to be implemented within its territorial
jurisdiction.

Mandated Local Agencies

1. Local School Board
2. Local Health Board
3. Local Development Council
4. Local Peace and Order Council

Settlement of Boundary Disputes

1. Boundary Disputes between and among LGUs
 Settled amicably
 Rules
a. Involving 2 or more barangays in the same city/municipality –
referred to Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan
b. Incolving 2 or more municipalities in the same province – referred to
Sangguniang Panlalawigan
c. Involving municipalities or component cities in different provinces –
jointly referred to the sanggunians of the provinces
d. Involving a component city or municipality on the one hand and a
highly urbanized city on the other, or 2 or more highly urbanized
cities – jointly referred to the respective sanggunians of the parties

2. Sanggunian fails to effect a settlement within 60 days from the date the dispute
was referred to it, it shall issue a certification.
3. Dispute shall then be formally tried by the sanggunian, which shall decide the
issue within 60 days from the date of the certification.
4. within the time and manner prescribed by the ROC, any party may elevate the
decision of the sanggunian concerned to the proper RTC having jurisdiction over
the area in dispute which shall decide the appeal within 1 year from filing.
5. Settlement of boundary dispute between a municipality and an independent
component city in the same province € RTC in the province that can adjudicate
the controversy.
6. The boundaries must be clear for they define the limits of the territorial
jurisdiction of the LGU. It can legitimately exercise powers of government only
within the limits of its territorial jurisdiction. Beyond these limits, its acts are ultra
vires.

VI. LOCAL INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM

Local Initiative
 It is the legal process whereby the registered voters of a local government unit
may directly propose, enact or amend any ordinance.
  It may be exercised by all registered voters.

Procedure
1. Petition filed with the sanggunian proposing the adoption, enactment, repeal
or amendment of an ordinance
 Not less than 2,000 registered voters in the region
 Not less than 1,000 registered voters in cases of provinces and cities
 Not less than 100 voters in case of municipalities
 Not less than 50 voters in case of barangays
2. If no favorable action taken, within 30 days from presentation, the proponents
through their duly authorized and registered representatives, may invoke their
power of initiative, giving notice to the sanggunian concerned.
3. The proposition shall be numbered serially – starting from Roman Numeral I.
Two or more propositions may be submitted in an initiative. The COMELEC
or designated representative shall extend assistance in the formulation of the
proposition.
4. Proponents collect the required number of signatures within
 90 days in case of provinces and cities
 60 days in case of municipalities
 30 days in case of barangays
 From NOTICE
5. The petition shall be signed before the election registrar or his representative,
in the presence if the a representative of a proponent and a representative of
the sanggunian in a public place in the local government unit.
6. Lapse of the period, COMELEC shall certify as to whether the required the
number of signatures has been obtained. Failure to obtain the required number
of signatures. Failure to obtain the required number of signatures defeats the
proposition.
7. If required number is obtained, the COMELEC shall set a date for the
initiative during which the proposition is submitted to the registered voters for
their approval:
 w/in 60 days in case of provinces
 w/in 45 days in case of municipalities
 w/in 30 days in case of barangays
 from date of CERTIFICATION by COMELEC.
The initiative shall be held on the date set, after which the results shall be
certified and proclaimed by the COMELEC.
8. If the proposition is approved by a majority of the votes cast, it shall take
effect 15 days after certification by the COMELEC.

Limitations
On Local Initiative
1. not be exercised more than once a year
2. extend only to subjects or matters which are within the legal
powers of the sanggunian to enact
 3. at any time before the initiative is held, the sanggunian adopts
in toto the proposition presented and the local chief executive
approves the same, the initiative shall be cancelled. However,
those against such action may apply for initiative.

On the Sanggunian
 Any proposition or ordinance approved through an initiative and
referendum shall not be repealed, modified or amended by the sanggunian
w/in 6 months from date of approval.
 Amended, modified or repealed w/in 3 years by a vote of all its members.
 In case of barangays, the period shall be 18 months after the approval.

Local Referendum
 Legal process whereby the registered voters of the LGUs may approve, amend or
reject any ordinance enacted by the sanggunian.
 The local referendum shall be held under the control and direction of the
COMELEC:
1. w/in 60 days in case of provinces
2. w/in 45 days in case of municipalities
3. w/in 30 days in case of barangays
 COMELEC shall certify and proclaim the results of the said referendum.

Authority of Courts
 Nothing shall preclude the proper courts from declaring null and void any
proposition approved pursuant for violation of the Constitution or want of
capacity of the Sanggunian concerned to enact said measure.

VII. LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

The Barangay

Chief Officials and Offices

 There shall be in each barangay:

1. PUNONG BARANGAY
2. 7 SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY MEMBERS
3. The SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN CHAIRMAN
4. BARANGAY SECRETARY
5. BARANGAY TREASURER
6. LUPONG TAGAPAMAYAPA

 The Sangguniang Barangay may form brigades and create such other positions or
offices as may be deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the barangay
government.
 Punong Barangay, Sangguniang Barangay Members and members of the Lupong
Tagapamayapa in each barangay shall be deemed as Persons in Authority in their
 jurisdiction; while other barangay officials and members who may be designated
by law or ordinance and charged with maintenance, protection and security, and
any barangay members who comes to the aid of persons in authority shall be
deemed agents of persons in authority.
 Barangay Chairman is a public officer who may e charged with arbitrary
detention.
 Barangay Chairman entitled to possess and carry firearms within the territorial
jurisdiction of the barangay.

The Barangay Assembly

 Composed of:
1. All persons who are actual residents of the barangay for at least 6 months,
2. 15 years of age or over
3. Citizens of the Philippines
4. Duly registered in the list of barangay assembly members
 Meet at least 2x a year to hear and discuss the semestral report to the sangguniang
barangay concerning its activities and finances and problems affecting the
barangay.

Katarungang Pambarangay
Lupong Tagapamayapa
 Punong barangay as chairman
 10 to 20 members
 Constituted every 3 years

Powers of the Lupon

1. Exercise administrative supervision over the conciliation panels
2. Meet regularly once a month to provide a forum for exchange of
ideas among its members and the public of matters relevant to the
amicable settlement of disputes, and to enable various conciliation
panel members to share with one another their observations and
experiences in effecting speedy resolution of disputes
3. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance

Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo
 Conciliation panel or Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo shall be
constituted for each dispute brought before the lupon.
 Consists of 3 members
 Chosen by the parties to the dispute
 From list of members of the lupon
 Should the parties fail to agree on the pangkat
membership, the same shall be determined by lots
drawn by the lupon chairman

Subject Matter of Amicable Settlement

 1. procedure
2. conciliation
3. arbitration
4. effects of settlement and arbitration award

Sangguniang Kabataan
- Creation: There shall be in every barangay a Sangguniang Kabataan
1. a Chairman
2. 7 Members
3. a secretary
4. a treasurer
- An official who, during his term of office, shall have passed the age of 21 shall be
allowed to serve the remaining portion of the term for which he was elected.

Katipunan ng Kabataan
 Shall be composed of:
1. all citizens of the Philippines actually residing in the barangay for
at least 6 months
2. who are 15 but not more than 21 years of age
3. duly registered in the list of the sangguniang kabataan or in the
official barangay list in the custody of the barangay secretary.
 It shall meet once every 3 month, or at the call of the sangguniang
kabataan chairman, or upon written petition of at least 1/20 of its
members.

Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan

 There shall be an organization of all the prederasyn ng mga sangguniang
kabataan:
1. in municipalities € pambayang pederasyon
2. in cities € panlungsod ng pederasyon
3. in provinces € panlalawigang pederasyon
4. special metropolitan political subdivision € pangmetropolitang
pederasyon
5. on national level € pambansang pederasyon

Leagues of Local Government Units/Officials

- Liga ng mga Barangay
 Organization of all the barangays for the primary purpose of
determining the representation of the Liga in the sanggunians
 And for ventilating, articulating and crystallizing issues affecting
barangay government administration and securing, through proper and
legal means, solutions.
 Liga is empowered to create such other positions as may be deemed
necessary.

League of Municipalities
 Organized for the primary purpose of ventilating, articulating and crystallizing
issues affecting municipal government administration, and securing through
proper and legal means, solutions.