The Regional Management Coordinating Committee (RMCC) in Region 3, chaired by Local Government (LG) Sector Regional Director Florida M. Dijan, held its first meeting for CY 2014 last January 28, 2014 at the DILG Regional Office 3, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. It was attended by the heads and other officials from the Bureau of Fire (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Public Safety College Regional Training School (PPSC-RTS), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (LG Sector).

   The highlight of the meeting was the proposed creation of local DRRM Team of the Department.  RMCC members also presented updates on activities undertaken by their respective agency.

   Further, the committee discussed plans for the year such as proposed trainings (i.e. First Aid and Survival trainings) and conduct of fire and earthquake drills for the DILG personnel/officers.


   The RMCC serves as the overall coordinating body for effective organizational and coordinative linkages and integration of policies and programs at the regional level.

   In order to promote and inform the public of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s current projects and programs, DILG-R3 Regional Director Florida M. Dijan guested on the January 8, 2014 Episode of “TalakayanNgayon” at DWRW-FM 95.1. RD Dijan shared the BEST Program Outcomes of the Department which stands for Business Friendly and Competitive LGUs, Environment-Protective, Climate Change adaptive and Disaster Resilient LGUs, Socially-Protective and Safe LGUs and Transparent, Accountable, Participative and Effective Local Governance (B.E.S.T).

22 March 2012

Hon. JOSE TOMAS C. MADRIA
Punong Barangay
Gordon Heights
Olongapo City

Dear PB Madria,

This has reference to your letter seeking legal opinion concerning the four administrative positions you created.

We will address all the issues raised in one discussion as they are interrelated.  The answer on one issue will definitely give clarification as to the legality of the other issues. The issues you have raised are summed up as follows:

  1. Whether or not a Punong Barangay may create positions without the concurrence of an ordinance enacted by the Barangay Sanggunian;
  2. Whether or not the created positions by the Punong Barangay may be abolished lawfully by the actions of the Sanggunian Barangay.


With regard to the first issue, this level would like to point out the powers, duties and functions of a Punong Barangay as expressly pronounced by the Local Government Code specifically section 389. The Punong Barangay as the Local Chief Executive in the Barangay Level has the power and duty to enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the barangay and to promote the general welfare of the barangay. The sangguniang barangay, on the other hand, is the legislative body of the barangay with the Punong Barangay as its presiding officer. As its presiding officer, the Punong Barangay cannot vote on any legislative question except only for the purpose of breaking a tie.  The action of the majority of all the members binds the punong barangay. All that remains for him to do is sign and implement the ordinances. The same rule applies to barangay resolution. (Legal Dessection, DILG, Region XI, Third Edition, p31. Neither can he veto barangay ordinances; the LGC does not confer to him such power.  As such, the Punong Barangay is not empowered to create positions without having conflict with the powers of the sanggunian. The power to legislate in the barangay level is expressly bestowed with the sanggunian. Hence, the creation of a new office is within the powers of the barangay, provided, that the sanggunian barangay must first pass the appropriate ordinance creating such office before the item is therefore incorporated in the annual budget. Therefore, with the above premises considered, a Punong Barangay may not create positions without the concurrence of an ordinance enacted by the Barangay Sanggunian.

Anent the second issue, we opine in the affirmative. The creation of a new position, as already discussed above, is within the authority of the Barangay Sanggunian with the passing of an ordinance sanctioning the same. It is not within the express powers of the Punong Barangay to create a new position in the said Local Government Unit. The creation of such positions without the concurrence of an ordinance by the sanggunian is contrary to the proper interpretation of the law

For SK Chairperson to be removed, a proper complaint must be filed before the Office of the President of the SK Federation of the place where the respondent is.  With respect to the prayer for SK Dianne’s removal, it is clearly stated in 2001 Sangguniang Kabataan Constitution and By-Laws that you are authorized to do so but as member of your federation only and provided, reasonable ground exists.  Let us remind you that, in administrative cases, only substantial evidence is required.  However, the removal from public office of an elective official must be by proper court order .

In exercising your quasi-judicial power, please be reminded that you have to act as a collegial body to determine whether probable cause exists based on evidence presented.  Your Federation’s SK CBL or the SK 2001 SK CBL will answer whether or not the penalty of removal (from the federation only) is appropriate.  The legality therefore, of your act will be guided by existing CBL.

We hope that we have properly addressed your concerns.

Very truly yours,

(sgd.)

FLORIDA M. DIJAN, DPA, CESO IV
Regional Director

 

DILG-3 Regional Director Florida Dijan while delivering her inspirational message

   DILG Region III as member of the Regional AIDS Assistance Team (RAAT), conducted two (2) batches of Forum on Human Immunodeficiency Virus- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) at Information and Communication Technology High School (ICTHS) and at Pampanga High School (PHS), both in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga onNovember 8, 2012.

    The Forum aimed to provide awareness and advocacy on the correct information about the disease and the proper guidance for its prevention and control among the youth.  It was imparted thru the expertise of HIV-AIDS Advocate, Dr. Ferchito L. Avelino, ARD of DOH Bicol Region to about 800 students from the  different schools in the City who will serve as HIV-AIDS advocates in their respective schools.

   The activity was highlighted by the testimonials of the two (2) persons living with HIV which served as an eye-opener for the students to refrain from being inflicted with the virus.

    RD Florida M. Dijan, in her message, quoted our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal has said, “that the youth are the hope of our Fatherland.”  Thus, reminded/advised the students to get away from AIDS and get away from drugs for the realization of their dreams of a happy life.

 

Batch 1 @ Information and Communication Technology High School Sindalan, City of San Fernando (P) Morning Forum

Batch 2 @ Pampanga High School City of San Fernando (P) Afternoon Forum

   Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH), one of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s major programs, is now scaling up from SGH Bronze for 2011 to SGH Silver for 2012 and SGH Gold for 2013.

   In Region III, all the 137 Local Government Units are recipients of the Seal for CY 2011 and are now being re-evaluated to check their continuous and sustained compliance to the Full Disclosure Policy (FDP). 

   Areas being assessed for SGH Silver are Accountable Governance, Transparent Governance and Frontline Service Performance.  Specific criteria include Good or Excellent Performance as indicated in the Civil Service Commission Report Card Survey on the Anti Red Tape Act (ARTA) implementation, Functionality of the Bids & Awards Committee and Full compliance to the posting requirement of Philippine Government Electronic Procurement Service (PhilGEPS). 

   On the other hand, SGH Gold requires LGUs to practice Accountable and Transparent Governance, Frontline Service Performance and Participatory Governance.  Specific criteria include Above benchmark LGPMS performance; Presence of an Internal Audit Office; Functionality of the LDC, LSB, LHB & POC; Representation of IP/ICC in the Local Sanggunian; Joint ventures or cooperative arrangements with People’s or non-government organizations in the delivery of basic services; and Capability building, livelihood projects, agricultural and other socio-economic development endeavors.

   The Seal of Good Housekeeping is in line with the Department's commitment to aggressively scale up interventions aimed at elevating the practice of good governance that values desirable development outcomes into institutionalized status.  Recipients of the Seal are eligible to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), a support fund to finance local development initiatives in furtherance of national government goals and strategic thrusts

 

ARD Abraham A. Pascua as he delivers his welcome message during the eGov award Final Judging

   DILG Region 3, represented by Asst. Regional Director and concurrent Nueva Ecija Provincial Director Abraham A. Pascua, delivered the welcome message in the e-Government National Final Judging held on November 8, 2012 at Oxford Hotel, Clarkfield, Pampanga. 

In his message, he stressed the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) application in the government in order to provide a much improved and faster service delivery to the public.  He also stated that ICT solutions will greatly help minimize corruption in the government.  He recognized that the eGov award is one of the legacies of the late Secretary Jesse Robredo who always wanted our LGUs to tread the “Daang Matuwid” towards a clean and honest governance.  He further commended the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP) and Cyber City Teleservices, Philippines, Inc., which partnered with DILG, for coming up with such a prestigious and first ever e-Gov award for our local government units.  

   The eGov Awards is the first and most prestigious recognition to be given by the ICT sector for LGUs with exemplary performance in empowering Public Customers and Businesses.  It has two (2) categories namely, Best in eGov Customer Empowerment (G2C) Award and Best in eGov Business Empowerment (G2B) Award.

   For Region 3, Tarlac province’s  Wireless Acess for Health (WAH) and Balanga City’s Barangay On-Line: A Tool for Good Governance, the Balanga City Experience, both under G2C Category, made it to the eGov finalists and will hurdle for national winners to be honored during the 5th NICP National ICT Summit slated on November 23, 2012 at in the City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna to be hosted by its ICT Council.

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