Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _ 3163
Introduced by Honorable Roy M. Loyola

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Local government planners serve as key architects of sustainable development,
urban governance, and the responsible use of public resources. Despite their critical role
in the crafting and execution of development plans, land use strategies, and
infrastructure programming, local planners across cities and municipalities continue to
face systemic challenges such as limited professional recognition, lack of protection in
service, and insufficient opportunities for continuing education.

This bill seeks to promote the professionalization, security of tenure, equitable
compensation, and welfare of local planners by instituting a Magna Carta for Local
Planners. It is aligned with the constitutional mandate under:

+ Article II, Section 27: “The State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the
public service and take positive and effective measures against graft and
corruption.”

+ Article X, Section 3: “The Congress shall enact a local government code which
shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government
structure...”

+ Article XII, Section 1: “The goals of the national economy are a more equitable
distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; a sustained increase in the
amount of goods and services... and expanding productivity...”

This measure affirms the principle that a strong nation begins with strong local
institutions—and that behind every sustainable local government is a competent and
empowered local planner.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Repres®ntative
Fifth District, Cavite


Daurnwion

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

House BillNo._3163

Introduced by Honorable Roy

AN ACT

INSTITUTING A MAGNA CARTA FOR LOCAL PLANNERS, PROVIDING FOR
THEIR RIGHTS, WELFARE, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND SECURITY
OF TENURE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta for Local
Planners."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote and protect the rights and welfare of local planners in the public sector by
providing a comprehensive framework for professionalization, fair compensation, career
advancement, and security of tenure.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act: a) Local Planner refers to a
duly appointed professional occupying a plantilla position in a local government unit
(LGU) primarily responsible for planning and development functions, including but not
limited to Municipal/City Planning and Development Coordinators and their staff.

b) CPDC means the City or Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator.

c) Professional Development refers to formal or informal training, education, and
certification opportunities aligned with urban and regional planning competencies.

d) Relevant Laws include the Local Government Code of 1991, Civil Service Rules, and
Republic Act No. 10587 (Environmental Planning Law of 2013).

SEC. 4. Rights and Benefits. - Local planners shall be entitled to the following:

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a) Security of Tenure in accordance with civil service laws and LGU career guidelines;
b) Equitable Compensation at salary grades comparable to other technical services;

c) Hazard and Special Duty Pay where applicable;

d) Access to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs, including funding
for graduate studies or certification;

e) Representation in Local Development Councils and Executive-Legislative Agenda
(ELA) formulation;

f) Right to a Healthy Working Environment, including protection from political
interference in the performance of professional functions.

SEC. 5. Professionalization of Local Planning Offices. - The Department of
the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Civil Service Commission (CSC) shall
develop competency standards, job descriptions, and performance metrics for local
planning offices in accordance with Republic Act No. 10587.

SEC. 6. Plantilla Position and Staffing. - Ail cities and municipalities shall be
required to establish and fill the plantilla positions necessary for effective planning
operations, including:

* Planning and Development Coordinator

« Assistant Planning and Development Coordinator
« Planning Officers

* Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialists
«Technical Support Staff

SEC. 7. Continuing Education and Training. - Loca\ planners shall be entitled
to leave and financial support for seminars, training, and certification courses conducted
by PRC-accredited CPD providers, the League of Local Planning and Development
Coordinators (LLPDC), and the DILG-Local Government Academy.

SEC. 8. Funding. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be charged against the respective Local Government Unit budgets and the
national budget under the Local Government Support Fund. Additional funding may
be sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA).


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SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, the DILG, CSC, Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), and the League of Cities and Municipalities shall promulgate
the necessary rules and regulations.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder shall not be affected.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - Ail laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,