SP approves Search for Outstanding Sanggunian in La Union

By: Rafael C. Mosuela, GPC-SP

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Top-performing municipal and city legislative bodies in La Union now have a chance to qualify in this Local Legislative Awards by virtue of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Ordinance No. 203-2020 creating the Provincial Local Legislative Award and appropriating Funds thereof.

Provincial Board Member Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V, the main author of the SP Ordinance explained that the award recognizes exemplary performances of the sanggunians of city and municipalities in enacting legislative measures that help build the foundation of meaningful local administration and development.

The ordinance aims to solidify the SP of La Union’s commitment as an effective partner of the executive department in the achievement of the province’s vision and mission that redounds to the general welfare of the people of the province

The ordinance is based on R.A. No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which provides that “The Sanggunian, as a legislative body, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this code.”

BM Ortega, who is part of the provincial committee of the awards, said that the selection is based on comprehensive criteria that include Responsiveness to the Legislative Agenda (20%); Efficiency of Performance of the Sanggunian (15%); Availability of Legislative Documents (30%); Effectiveness of Performance of the Sanggunian (10%); and Capacity Development for Legislators and Staff (15%).

“The award also looks into the legislative discipline of local sanggunians and also on how well they do their work,” BM Ortega said. He added that the award will also help showcase the best practices and legislation in the different towns and city of La Union and will recognize the excellent legislative performance of Ten Outstanding Sanggunian Members of the Province of La Union.

The annual recognition aims to inspire local legislatures to exceed beyond the “Business as Usual” in local legislation and to level up the quality of legislation into more effective, relevant and implementable legislative measures.