: Chapter 1

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

In the Philippines, local government plays a

crucial role in the country's political system,
providing a structured approach to governance
at a more immediate level than the national
government.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
The Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic
Act No. 7160) is a pivotal piece of legislation
that outlines the framework for local
governance in the Philippines. Enacted on
October 10, 1991, this code represents a
significant step towards decentralizing power
and granting greater autonomy to local
government units (LGUs).
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
The Local Government Code aims to:
Decentralize Power: Shift authority and responsibilities from the
national government to local governments to improve
governance and service delivery.
Promote Local Autonomy: Allow LGUs to have greater control
over their own affairs and resources.
Enhance Participatory Governance: Encourage citizen
participation in local governance processes.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
The code defines the structure and
classification of LGUs into four main types:
Barangays: The smallest unit of local
government, serving as the basic political unit.
Municipalities: Local government units that
encompass several barangays.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Cities: More urbanized areas with
significant autonomy and resources.
Provinces: The largest administrative units,
which can be composed of multiple cities
and municipalities.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Powers and Responsibilities:
Legislative Powers
LGUs have the authority to create local
laws, ordinances, and resolutions that
address local needs and issues.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Executive Powers:
LGU executives, such as mayors and
governors, implement local policies,
manage local government operations,
and provide services.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Revenue Generation:
The code grants LGUs the power to levy local taxes,
fees, and charges. It also ensures that LGUs receive
a share of the national internal revenue through the
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which is allocated
based on a formula considering population, land
area, and other factors.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Service Delivery:
LGUs are responsible for delivering
essential services including health,
education, infrastructure, and social
welfare programs.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Fiscal Autonomy and Financial Management
The code emphasizes fiscal autonomy, allowing LGUs to manage
their own finances. Key provisions include:
Taxation and Revenue: LGUs can impose taxes, fees, and charges
to generate revenue. They are also entitled to a share of national
revenue.
Budget Preparation: LGUs are required to prepare and approve
their own budgets, ensuring financial resources are allocated to
local needs.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Organizational Structure
Barangay: Headed by a Barangay Captain and assisted by
Barangay Kagawads. Municipality/City: Governed by a Mayor and
a Council (Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panlungsod).
Province: Led by a Governor and a Provincial Board (Sangguniang
Panlalawigan).
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Accountability and Transparency
The code mandates mechanisms for transparency and
accountability:
Public Participation: LGUs are encouraged to involve citizens in
decision-making processes and governance.
Auditing and Reporting: Regular auditing by the Commission on
Audit (COA) is required to ensure proper use of public funds and
resources.
Legal Framework: The Local
Government Code of 1991
Devolution of Powers and Functions
The code mandates the devolution of specific functions from the
national government to LGUs, including:
Health Services: Management of local health centers and
hospitals.
Education: Administration of local schools and educational
programs.
Infrastructure: Development and maintenance of local roads,
bridges, and public facilities.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Pre-Colonial Period
Before Spanish colonization, local governance in the
Philippines was organized into barangays, which
were small, independent communities led by
chieftains or "Datus." These barangays were self-
sufficient and managed their own affairs through a
system of customary laws and communal decision-
making.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Spanish Colonial Era (1565–1898)
During Spanish rule, local government structures
were significantly altered:
Establishment of the Gobernadorcillo: The Spanish
introduced the position of Gobernadorcillo (later
known as "Capitan Municipal"), who was
responsible for local administration and reporting
to Spanish authorities.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Spanish Colonial Era (1565–1898)
Pueblos and Barrios: The Spanish reorganized the islands into
administrative units called "pueblos" (towns or municipalities)
and "barrios" (neighborhoods or villages), which were governed
by appointed officials under the control of Spanish colonial
authorities.
Centralized Control: The Spanish maintained centralized control,
and local governance was tightly linked to the colonial
administration, with limited autonomy for local leaders.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
American Colonial Period (1898–1946)
The American period brought significant changes to
the local government system:
1901: Philippine Commission Act: The Philippine
Commission, under American governance,
introduced a new local government structure that
included elected municipal officials and a provincial
government.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
American Colonial Period (1898–1946)
1908: Creation of the Local Government Code: This legislation
provided for elected local officials, including mayors and
councilors, and established provincial governments with elected
governors.
1935: Commonwealth Era: The 1935 Constitution of the
Philippine Commonwealth introduced more autonomy for local
governments, including the establishment of a national system
for local governance with elected local officials.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Post-Independence Era (1946–1972)
After gaining independence in 1946, the Philippines
continued to evolve its local government system:
1946: Independent Republic: The new republic
maintained the local government structure with
modifications to align with the new political
environment.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Post-Independence Era (1946–1972)
1959: Local Government Code: This law further refined
the local government structure, emphasizing local
autonomy and expanding the powers of local officials.
1967: Local Government Code: This code introduced
reforms to improve local governance and increased the
role of local governments in development planning.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Martial Law Period (1972–1986)
The imposition of Martial Law by President Ferdinand Marcos
had a profound impact on local governance:
Centralization of Power: During Martial Law, local governments
were heavily centralized under presidential control, with many
local officials being appointed rather than elected.
1978: Reorganization: The creation of the “Kilusang Bagong
Lipunan” (New Society Movement) led to the establishment of
regional governments and a more centralized administration,
reducing the autonomy of local governments.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Post-EDSA Revolution (1986–Present)
The People Power Revolution of 1986 marked a
significant shift towards restoring local autonomy
and improving local governance:
1987 Constitution: The new constitution
reestablished local government autonomy,
emphasizing decentralization and providing LGUs
with greater powers and responsibilities.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Post-EDSA Revolution (1986–Present)
1991: Local Government Code: This landmark legislation
(Republic Act No. 7160) was enacted to further decentralize
power and grant LGUs significant autonomy. It provided for
greater financial resources, local legislative powers, and
administrative responsibilities.
Ongoing Reforms: Since the passage of the Local Government
Code, there have been continuous efforts to improve local
governance, address disparities among LGUs, and enhance the
efficiency and effectiveness of local administration.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Contemporary Issues and Reforms
Today, local government in the Philippines
continues to evolve with ongoing reforms and
challenges:
Decentralization Efforts: Efforts to further
decentralize governance and empower LGUs
continue, including discussions on the reallocation
of powers and resources.
The evolution of local government in the
Philippines
Contemporary Issues and Reforms
Federalism Proposals: There have been discussions
about transitioning to a federal system of
government, which would further modify the local
government structure.
Capacity Building: Focus on improving the capacity
of LGUs to manage their responsibilities effectively
and equitably.
The local government Units:
Structure and Process
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
-is the set of authorative and habitual
interrelationships in an administrative system.
-Every local chief executive is primarily
concerned with the design of an effecient,
effective and functional organizational chart.
RESTRUCTURING THE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Different organization and management
principes used in the restructuring and
streamlining the organizational charts:
1. Specialization and division of labor
2. Authority, responsibility and accountability
RESTRUCTURING THE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Different organization and management
principes used in the restructuring and
streamlining the organizational charts:
3. Scalar Chain
4. Span of Control
RESTRUCTURING THE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Different organization and management
principes used in the restructuring and
streamlining the organizational charts:
5. Unity of command
6. Line and Staff
RESTRUCTURING THE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Different organization and management
principes used in the restructuring and
streamlining the organizational charts:
7. Differentiation
8. Kaisen
RESTRUCTURING THE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Different organization and management
principes used in the restructuring and
streamlining the organizational charts:
9. Empowerment and Customer focused
10. System-wide commitment to quality
service.
The local government Units:
Structure and Process
Barangay
Structure:
Barangay Captain: The head of the barangay,
elected by the residents, who oversees local
administration and governance.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
Barangay
Barangay Council (Sangguniang Barangay): Consists of the
Barangay Captain and seven Barangay Kagawads (councilors),
also elected by the barangay residents. They create and
implement local policies, ordinances, and programs.
Barangay Secretary and Treasurer: Appointed by the Barangay
Captain to manage administrative tasks and finances.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
Barangay
Processes:
Legislation: The Barangay Council passes ordinances
and resolutions that address local concerns, such as
safety, sanitation, and community events.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
Barangay
Processes:
Budgeting: The barangay prepares an annual budget, which is
reviewed and approved by the Sangguniang Barangay.
Service Delivery: Implements programs and services related to
health, education, and infrastructure at the barangay level.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
MUNICIPALITY
Structure:
Mayor: The executive head of the municipality,
elected by the municipal voters. Responsible
for overall administration and execution of
municipal policies.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
MUNICIPALITY
Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan): Composed of elected
municipal councilors ,the Vice Mayor . They create laws and
ordinances, and oversee municipal operations.
Municipal Administrator, Treasurer, and Assessor: Appointed
officials who manage municipal operations, finances, and
property assessments.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
MUNICIPALITY
Processes:
Legislation: The Municipal Council enacts
ordinances and resolutions to address municipal
issues, such as local taxes, zoning, and public
services.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
MUNICIPALITY
Processes:
Budgeting: The municipal government prepares and approves an
annual budget, detailing expenditure for various departments
and programs.
Administration: The Mayor executes the policies and ordinances
passed by the Municipal Council and oversees the day-to-day
operations of municipal services.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
City: Cities are urbanized areas that may be
either highly urbanized or component
cities. They are governed by a City Mayor
and a City Council (Sangguniang
Panlungsod). Cities have more autonomy
and resources compared to municipalities.
 The local government Units: Structure
and Process
Processes:
Legislation: The City Council passes ordinances and resolutions
to address urban issues such as public safety, transportation, and
urban development.
Budgeting: The city government prepares an annual budget for
various departments and programs, subject to approval by the
City Council.
Service Delivery: The City Mayor implements policies and
manages city services, including infrastructure, health, and
education.
 The local government Units:
Structure and Process
Province: Provinces are larger
administrative units that encompass
several cities and municipalities. They are
governed by a Governor and a Provincial
Board (Sangguniang Panlalawigan).
 The local government Units: Structure
and Process
Processes:
Legislation: The Provincial Board passes ordinances and
resolutions to address provincial-wide issues such as agriculture,
infrastructure, and inter-municipal coordination.
Budgeting: The provincial government prepares and approves an
annual budget to fund various provincial programs and services.
Administration: The Governor executes provincial policies and
oversees the delivery of services across municipalities and cities
in the province.
 Functions and Powers
Local governments in the Philippines have the power to
administer and manage their own affairs, which includes:
Legislative Powers: Local councils (Barangay Council,
Municipal Council, City Council, and Provincial
Board) create and pass ordinances and resolutions
for their respective areas.
 Functions and Powers
Executive Powers: Local executives (Barangay Captain,
Mayor, Governor) implement local policies, oversee local
government operations, and provide essential services.
Judicial Powers: Local government units (LGUs) have
limited judicial functions, mostly involving the resolution
of minor disputes and the enforcement of local
ordinances.