Local Legislators' Toolkit - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng ...

• promoting the general welfare and development of the LGU and its citizens• attaining the vision of the LGU for its citizensMany ordinances are enacted based on the legislative body’s reaction to a problem that hasalready arisen. This type of legislation is valid but often has a short-term effect in addressinga problem. <strong>Local</strong> legislation can be more responsive if it addresses or predicts what citizensneed to have a better quality of life, even before the citizens bring them to the attention oflegislators. Further, local legislation can be effective if addresses long-term, strategic needsthat can contribute to the attainment of the vision of the LGU for its citizens.<strong>Local</strong> legislation is a tool for operationalizing Section 16 of the 1991 <strong>Local</strong> GovernmentCode (LGC) or the General Welfare Clause which covers the following aspects:1. preservation and enrichment of culture;2. promotion of health and safety;3. enhancement of the right of the people to a balanced ecology;4. encouragement of, and support to, the development of appropriate and self-relianttechnological capabilities;5. improvement of public morals;6. enhancement of economic prosperity and social justice;7. promotion of full employment among the residents; and8. maintenance of peace and order as well as the preservation of the comfort andconvenience of the inhabitants.Who makes local legislation?<strong>Local</strong> legislation is a participatory process. It acquires legitimacy and social acceptabilitythough the involvement of stakeholders in the LGU. In this context, stakeholders are groups,organizations and individuals who have a ‘stake’ in or whose interests will be affected by theprocess of making laws or policies. <strong>Local</strong> legislation is made by key stakeholders in theLGU:• the sanggunian or local legislative body• the local chief executive, including local government executives• the constituents6