THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan is the provincial legislative body of the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, composed of a regular presiding officer and fourteen (14) regular and ex-officio members. It performs three key functions mandated under Republic Act No. 7160, known as the New Local Government Code of 1991 and other related laws, rules and regulations. The three key functions are: (1) the LEGISLATIVE FUNCTION, (2) the QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTION and (3) the LEGISLATIVE INQUIRY IN AID OF LEGISLATION.

The Composition

The SP is composed of a Vice-Governor, who acts as its regular presiding officer; and ten (10) regular members (five each from district 1 and 2), and four (4) ex-officio members who are presidents of the Philippine Councilors’ League–Occidental Mindoro Chapter, the Liga ng mga Barangay–Occidental Mindoro, and the SK Provincial Federation; and, at the present, one (1) sectoral representative from the Indigenous People representing all the different tribes in the entire province.

However, sectoral representations can be increased in number, insofar as Section 467 of R.A. 7160 mandates as follows:

(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from the women; and as shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers; and one (1) from other sectors including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.

The Legislative Function

The legislative function of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan primarily involves the enactment of local laws through provincial ordinances and resolutions. These local laws are effective and enforceable within the province and all its jurisdictions, and it is performed for the efficient and effective provincial government, for the general welfare of the inhabitants, for the efficient and effective delivery of basic services and facilities, and for the exercise of legislative powers anchored on the principle of decentralization and local autonomy.

The Quasi-Judicial Function

The quasi-judicial function of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan involves the hearing and adjudicating administrative complaints against elected local officials from lower sanggunians.

The Legislative Inquiry in Aid of Legislation

Legislative inquiry in aid of legislation is done by conducting research, holding hearings, and gathering of information, as requisites for the passage of any legislative proposals, in order to make informed decisions and effective legislations.