Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1220

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to constitute the National Council for Local Governments as an official
and permanent forum for the presentation of legislative proposals and policy advocacies
concerning local governance prior to their enactment

The creation of the National Council for Local Governments will promote more
efficient and effective networking between the local government committees of the legislature
and the local government leagues in facilitating legislative measures concerning local
governance. It will be chaired by the Vice President of the Philippines and will be composed
of members from the leagues of local governments and the Committees on Local Government
of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Likewise, officers of the Union of Local
Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) will serve the Council as the secretariat.

To facilitate the approval on any legislative proposal in relation to local governance and
to enhance the development of the provinces, cities and municipalities, approval of this bill is
highly recommended,

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill i


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

1220
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to formulate
socioeconomic development programs in accordance with its constitutional mandate, after
consultations with appropriate public agencies, the private sector and local government units,
to promote a more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth, anda sustainable
increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the
people.

Towards this end, the State shall promote more efficient and effective networking and
establish a coherent coordinative working relationship between the Committees on Local
Government of both the Senate and House of Representatives and the local government

leagues in facilitating legislative measures concerning local governance.

SEC. 2. National Council for Local Governments. ~ Pursuant to the foregoing policy,
there is hereby established a coordinating and consultative body to be known as the National
Council for Local Governments, hereinafter referred to as the Council which is composed of
the following:

(a) Vice-President of the Philippines, as chairperson;

(b) Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Government;


(c) Vice-chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Government;

(d) Chairperson of the House Committee on Local Government;

(c) Vice-chairperson of the House Committee on Local Government;

(£) National President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines; and

(g) National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, as members.

SEC. 3. Functions of the Council. ~ The Council serves as the coordinating and
consultative body on policies essential to the realization of the goals on local governance and

exercises the following functions

(a) Provide a permanent forum for local government officials and the members of the
Congress in addressing issues on local autonomy and governance;

(b) Direct the study of measures to ensure that legislative proposals in the Congress
concerning local governance are integrated for legislative action;

(c) Coordinate policies to promote, develop and administer any legislation by
consulting with the National Government and the local government leagues; and

(d) Provide a medium for the members of the Committees on Local Government of the
Senate and of the House of Representatives, and local government officials to

discuss matters relating to development and legislation by local government.

SEC. 4. Secretariat. — The officers of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines
(ULAP) shall provide staff support to the Council assisted by personnel from the Committee
Affairs Department of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

SEC. 5. Meetings of the Council. ~The Council shall meet at least once every quarter,
but may be convened by its chairperson to such special meetings as may be necessary. The
members of the Council shall be duly notified of any meeting in advance. The first meeting of
the Council shall take place within one (1) month from the effectivity of this Act, at a time and
place to be identified by the chairperson.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations, ~ Within sixty (60) days after the
approval of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government shall issue the

necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.


SEC. 7. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged to the current appropriations for the Department of the Interior and Local
Government. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for the continued implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other provisions hereof.

SEC. 9, Repealing Clause, — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts

thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,