BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Mountain Province office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-MP), in partnership with the provincial government, conducted an orientation on legislation which was attended by the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members of the municipal governments of Mountain Province.
The resource speakers for the orientation were Local Government Operations Officer Samson B. Appoy from the DILG-MP and Attorney IV Raul I. Edan from the Provincial Legal Office.
Appoy explained that his topic titled, “Legislative Function of the Sanggunian Bayan” covers the need for internal rules for the SB, elements of an SB Session and how to conduct the order of business beginning from the call to order until the adjournment of a council meeting.
Appoy expressed high hopes that the orientation will be able enhance the competency of the SB bodies and will help them craft necessary ordinances and resolutions for their respective municipalities.
Edan added that his topic on “Quasi-Judicial Functions” talks about the disciplinary powers of the SB over the elected officials of the Barangay LGUs, one example of which is the administrative investigation function that gives power to the SB to conduct investigations on Barangay officials who are facing administrative charges. In addition, Edan expressed optimism that the SB members will be able fully utilize the proper procedure and process in the conduct of their functions as duly elected officials and public servants as a result of being empowered by the orientation.
Meanwhile, Executive Assistant V Michael A. Patting who relayed the message of Gov. Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. commended the DILG for the conduct of the orientation which seeks to improve the legislative capacity of legislators and help the SB members in creating laws through proper and responsible legislation. This, he said, will always provide stability in governance in the municipalities and will protect the dignity of local governments.
Furthermore, Patting relayed that the governor is confident that the legislative bodies will remain steadfast in their commitment to serve their people with utmost compassion and responsive legislation. By BBK Macliing