EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
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SENATE
S. No. 2430
*21 OCT 11 P3-05
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Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 490(B)(3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 
1991," AS AMENDED
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The importance of digitalization in achieving economic and social resilience is 
recognized by the 1987 Constitution, which emphasizes the vital role of technology in 
nation-building. Implementing digitalized systems across various sectors of the 
economy becomes more relevant against the COVID-19 pandemic backdrop.
Digitalization is a tool that can accelerate economic growth and ensure 
transparency in public governance. As part of the cardinal state policies, the 
Constitution enjoins the State to maintain honesty and integrity in the public service 
and take positive and effective measures against graft and corruption.1 Corollarily, the 
State is also directed to adopt and implement a policy of full public disclosure of all Its 
transactions involving public interest.2
The transformation to digitalized technologies should be implemented 
vigorously in the local government level. Considering the broader responsibilities 
devolved to local government units (LGUs) due to the impending implementation of 
the Supreme Court decision in the case of Mandanas k Ocho^ in fiscal year 2022, it 
is necessary to ensure efficient delivery of basic services by the LGUs, including an 
accurate and transparent inventory and warehousing of procured goods.
Although LGUs are mandated under the current laws to establish an archival 
system for all government properties, goods, and documents for proper inventory and 
safekeeping, the process in place is not automated or electronic. The lack of 
automation then translates to inaccurate and inefficient tracking of procured goods by
1 Section 27, Article II, 1987 Constitution.
2 Section 28, Article II, 1987 Constitution.
3 G.R. No. 199802, 3 July 2018; 10 April 2019.


the LGUs as flagged annually by the Commission on Audit. Hence, measures that 
would expedite digitalization of government processes, including inventory and 
warehousing of procured goods, should be adopted by the LGUs.
In order to address this lack of digitalization in the local government level and 
promote a more efficient and transparent delivery of basic services, it is necessary to 
legislate measures that would encourage and empower the LGUs to prioritize 
utilization of technologies. This advocacy is consistent with the constitutional mandate 
for the State to promote adaptation of technology from all sources for the national 
benefit and encourage the widest participation of various sectors, including the LGUs, 
in the generation and utilization of science and technology.4
Finally, the pursuit of economic growth and transparency in public governance 
through digital advancements is internationally recognized. In fact, the United Nations 
acknowledges the role of technologies in building a fairer, more peaceful, and more 
just world. According to the United Nations, "[djigital advances can support and 
accelerate achievement of each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals - from 
ending extreme poverty to reducing maternal and infant mortality, promoting 
sustainable farming and decent work, and achieving universal literacy."5
In light of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
TOL" N. TOLENTINO
4 Section 12, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution.
5 United Nations, "The Impact of Digital Technologies," af https://www.un.orq/en/un75/impact-diqital- 
technoloQies


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2430
71 OCT 11 P3 ;05
WK. ..
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
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AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 490(B)(3) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO.
7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
CODE OF 1991," AS AMENDED
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 490(b)(3) of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the 
"Local Government Code of 1991" (LGC), as amended, is hereby amended to read, 
thus:
"Section 490. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.
XXX
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(b) The general services officer shall take charge of the office on general
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services and shall:
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XXX
(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the general services 
officer shall:


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(i) Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal, 
owned by the local government unit and those granted to it in the form of 
donation, reparation, assistance and counterpart of joint projects;
(ii) With the approval of the governor or mayor, as the case may be, assign 
building or land space to local officials or other public officials, who by law, are 
entitled to such space;
(iii) Recommend to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, the 
reasonable rental rates for local government properties, whether real or 
personal, which will be leased to public or private entities by the local 
government;
(iv) Recommend to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, reasonable 
rental rates of private properties which may be leased for the official use of the 
local government unit;
(v) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, government public buildings 
and other real property, whether owned or leased by the local government unit;
(vi) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and 
other costs of supplies and other items commonly used by the local government 
unit;
(vii) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of 
offices and departments of the local government unit; [ane]
(viii) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property 
management heretofore performed by the local government treasurer; and 
enforce policies on records creation, maintenance, and disposal;
(IX) WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR OR MAYOR, 
IMPLEMENT AN INVENTORY AND WAREHOUSING MANAGEMENT 
SYSTEM, WHICH SHOULD BE DIGITALIZED, CLOUD-BASED, AND IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH BEST PRACTICES, FOR PROCURED GOODS OF THE 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT; AND


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(X) RECOMMEND TO THE SANGGUNIAN CONCERNED THE 
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCES THAT HARNESS AND ACCELERATE 
ADOPTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES TO IMPROVE AND INCREASE 
ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGHOUT THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 
SYSTEM.
X X x"
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Section 2. If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
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remaining parts or provisions not affected there by shall remain in full force and effect.
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Section 3. All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules, and regulations
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inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Section 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after "its publication in the
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Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,