Lecture slide deck on the Philippine Local Government Code (RA 7160). This was for a class on Philippine Politics and Governance that I taught between 2003-2005. http://brianbelen.blogspot.com

1. On the Local
Government Code

2. Overview
What is the local government code?
What is the structure of local
government in the Philippines?
What are the powers/responsibilities
of local governments?
What are some of the key provisions
of the code?

3. The Local Government Code
The Local Government Code of
1991 provides the overarching
framework of local governance in the
Philippines
Key principles:
–Local autonomy
–Decentralization
–Accountability
–Participative governance

4. Structure of Local Governments
Local government units are created
on the basis of income, population
and land area
They may be divided, merged or
abolished due to the same criteria
Before any LGU is created,
abolished, divided or merged there
is a plebiscite requirement to fulfill

5. Structure of Local Governments
Province
–Land area of 200 km2
–Population of 200,000
–Annual Income of P20 Million
City
–Land area of 100 km2
–Population of 150,000
–Annual Income of P20 Million

6. Structure of Local Governments
Municipality
–Land area of 50 km2
–Population of 25,000
–Annual Income of P2.5 Million
Barangay
–Population of 2,000
–In highly urbanized areas, 5,000

7. Structure of Local Governments
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
BARANGAY
CITY CITY
PROVINCE
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY
MUNICIPALITY

8. Local Officials
Local elected officials have three-
year terms (five for barangay
officials)
Each elected official can have no
more than three consecutive terms
Local Chief Executives:
–Province = Governor
–City = Mayor
–Municipality = Mayor

9. Powers of LGUs
Strictly speaking, different LGUs
have different powers and
responsibilities
These include:
–Agricultural support services
–Health services
–Social welfare
–Public works and facilities
–Environmental protection
–Research and development

10. Other Relevant Provisions
National supervision over LGUs is
the norm
LGUs have the power to enact
ordinances within their territory
LGUs may tax uniformly within their
territory
LGUs are entitled to a share in the
internal revenue allotment