Monday, July 5, 2010

Sangguniang Bayan 101



The Sangguniang Bayan is a separate unit that handles all matters concerning legislation of the municipal government in the Philippines. Its powers are defined by the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160). Just as the Mayor is in charge of the Executive arm of the local government unit, the Vice Mayor is the one in charge of its Legislative arm. The two separate units must work hand in hand for the effective administration of the municipality.

In charge with the smooth running of the Sangguniang Bayan, the Vice Mayor also acts as Presiding Officer in all sessions. The members of the Sangguning Bayan is composed of the regular members -- eight Councilors elected by the People, and two ex officio members --the President of the Liga ng mga Baranggay and the President of the Sanggunian ng mga Kabataan. The elected members serve for a three-year term and may continue to do so up to three consecutive terms, with the general elections held every three years since 1992. their term begins at noon of June 30 following election day and ends at noon of June 30 of the third year.


The legislative power is vested in the Sanggunian as a COLLEGIAL, COLLECTIVE BODY. This therefore requires participation of all its members by voting upon every question put upon the body. The Vice Mayor is compelled to vote and break the tie in the event of a deadlock among the members.


The principal function of the Sangguniang Bayan is (1) local legislation. As a power, it enact ordinances, approve resolutions, appropriate funds, and promote general welfare. As a process, it continuously interact with the local government unit's executive branch, constituents, civil society, and other actors of governance, which all lead to policy actions that promote the development of the general welfare of society. Other functions of the Sangguniang Bayan are (2) quasi-judicial in nature (LGC sec. 60-68), and (3) the power to determine and to declare a state of calamity (R.A. 8185).

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