OVERVIEW OF THE SANGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD
The Local Government Code of 1991 provides the legal framework wherein the notions of decentralization and local autonomy are better understood and their actualization within the context of a robust and dynamic central-local partnership is better assured.
Local government implies self-rule at the grassroots. This view is more likely to be achieved in a condition where local policy making is directed toward the resolution of issues and concerns that continue to frustrate local government productivity and performance.
Consistent with the essence of local autonomy, therefore, the advocacy of effective self-rule finds meaningful expression through responsive local legislation – a critical mechanism capable of democratizing the popular will and in identifying, articulating and aggregating community needs and aspirations, now and beyond, thereby ultimately attaining development and unity amidst diversity.
Every local government unit is duty bound to exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development appropriate and self-reliant prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.
Local legislation corresponds to the rule-making function of a local government unit exercised in furtherance of the socio-cultural, economic and political development needs and aspirations of the inhabitants within its territorial jurisdiction. It is the power of the Sanggunian to enact rules or regulations which may be embodied in the form of an ordinance or a resolution of local application and having the force and effect of law.