LU Sanggunian Secs Attend PLEASES 2018 National Assembly
[wp-svg-icons icon="user" wrap="span"] By: Jane T. Flores, GPC-SP | [wp-svg-icons icon="calendar" wrap="span"] Date: June 14, 2018
La Union Sanggunian Secs take a pose with Undersecretary Gerard Salapantan, Presidential Legislative Assistant under the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office after his talk on the Role of LGUs in Transforming Philippines into a Federal Republic during the Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sangguian, Inc. 2018 National Assembly on June 6-9, 2018 at Venus Park Hotel, Baguio City.
The Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sangguian, Inc. (PLEASES) conducted its Second National Assembly for 2018 at Venus Park Hotel in Baguio City from June 6-9, 2018 with the theme: “PLEASES, Working Towards Holistic Development of Legislative Support Staff.”
The said event was participated in by almost 1000 delegates from all over the Philippines. La Union delegates include Sangguniang Secretaries headed by the President for La Union Chapter Ms. Rosalie J. Dout, SB Sec. of Bauang; and Ms. Luisa A. Liwanag who is also the President of PLEASES- Region 1 Chapter and the SB Sec. of Bacnotan, La Union. There were delegates from the municipalities of Naguilian, Burgos, Sudipen, San Gabriel, Luna, Bagulin; and two delegates from the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
One of the resource speakers, Prof. Jimmy Fong of UP-Baguio gave a practical discussion on the Basic Approaches and Techniques in Research Methodology for Researched-Based Legislations. He emphasized that policies or legislative measures that are based on research are more likely to be implemented and will be observed by the target communities.
The topic on the role of Local Government Units (LGUs) in transforming Philippines into a Federal Republic was discussed by Undersecretary Gerard A. Salapantan, Presidential Legislative Assistant under the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. His presentation was focused on what would happen to LGUs upon ratification of the proposed new constitution under a Federal Republic. He shared that the Constitutional Commission is more likely to finish the draft by the end of June 2018 and President Rodrigo R. Duterte would announce the same in his State of the Nation Address 2018. He likewise confirmed that elections for next year will push through where the proposed constitution will be ratified through a plebiscite.
Participants during the Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sangguian, Inc. 2018 National Assembly attentively listen to Undersecretary Gerard Salapantan as he discusses the future of Federalism in the Philippines and the role of LGUs on June 6-9, 2018 at Venus Park Hotel, Baguio City.
USEC Salapantan answered the questions of the participants particularly on the income of LGUs, among others. He mentioned that 60% of the income that include all taxes collected will be retained in the regional government and 40% will be remitted to the federal government. There will be 17+1 federal regions including the Bangsamoro region and two senators will be elected at large from each region. He calmed the predicaments of the provinces with limited sources of income that maybe lumped in one region such as Region 8, that there will be equalization fund which will be utilized in order to address concerns of poorer provinces.
He further mentioned that members of the Commission will be going to different provinces beginning next week to explain and inform the public about the Federal Republic, the Philippine design.
Atty. Benedicto M. Gonzales, Jr. of UP-Diliman presented his topic on Administrative Code Formulation In Preparation for the Federal System of Governance. He mentioned that codification of local policies would avoid duplication of enacted policies, easier referencing and research. Formulating an admin code in consideration to the federal set-up would better equip the LGU in terms of policies upon the implementation of the federal republic.
PLEASES assemblies are conducted to provide ample linkages among fellow secretaries, capacitate them and promote their common interests and general welfare. This national assembly was hosted by PLEASES, Inc.- CAR Chapter. The next national assembly will be hosted in Tagum City in Davao del Norte on September 12-15, 2018.
Philippine League of Secretaries to the Sangguian, Inc. (PLEASES) Region 1 President Ms. Luisa A. Liwanag, also the Sangguniang Bayan Secretary of Bacnotan, La Union joins other Regional Presidents in the presidential table during the PLEASES 2018 National Assembly on June 6-9, 2018 at Venus Park Hotel, Baguio City.
[Fancy_Facebook_Comments]
