PCL invites Salonga Center
November 15, 2007

      The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Negros Oriental Federation invited the Dr. Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development to discuss the Parliamentary Rules and Formulation of Resolutions and Ordinances during its District Orientation and Workshop last November 15, 2007.

      The said event was hosted by Bayawan City and organized by the PCL of Negros Oriental headed by its Federation President Peve Obaniana-Ligan. It was attended by the respective city/municipal mayors, vice-mayors, councilors and other local officials of the 3rd district of Negros Oriental namely: Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboangita, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Bayawan City, and Basay.

      The Director of Salonga Center Atty. Mikhail Lee L. Maxino explained to the participants the parliamentary procedure for the local legislative process.

      “Parliamentary law is a system of maintaining order in organizations. It provides an approved and uniform method of conducting meetings in a fair, orderly, and expeditious manner,” Maxino said during his lecture.

      Meanwhile, Atty. Myrish Cadapan-Antonio, the Assistant Director of the Salonga Center, discussed the Basic Principles, Legislative Power and the Process of Legislation on Local Governance.

      “Local Government Units and officials are not exempt from liability for death or injury to persons. Moral damages will be awarded if the LGU or official is the proximate cause of the award,” she stressed.

      According to Councilor Juvilo T. Napao of Tanjay City and also a member of the Board of Directors of the PCL Negros Oriental Federation, “This event is one of our dreams in the Philippine Councilors League to help our fellow councilors in Negros Oriental on the aspect of the local legislative process.”

      “After the 3rd District, we will soon conduct the same event in the 1st District probably in La Libertad and then in the 2nd District to be held in Tanjay or Daumaguete City,” Napao added.

      Among the questions raised were on the extent of the local legislative power, legality of mass motion, motion for suspension, parliamentary rules to be followed in case of a joint session, and among others. (by Christy Ann Marie R. Cong)