Bill seeks more time for local execs’ out-of-town trips

MANILA—Provincial governors and municipal officers may soon enjoy more time away from their localities.

A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives extending the number of days local chief executives may travel out of town from three to five.

Philippine Congress. FILE PHOTO

Western Samar Representative Mel Senen Sarmiento said he authored House Bill 4638 taking into consideration the “ever-increasing responsibilities of local chief executives, which require them to travel outside their territorial jurisdiction.”

The bill seeks to amend Section 46 of the Local Government Code, which states that an incumbent local chief executive traveling within the country but outside his area for a period not exceeding three days may designate in writing an officer-in-charge of his office.

“Such authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the local official concerned shall exercise in the absence of the local chief executive, except the power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees,” according to the proposed law.

“With the more complex duties of a local chief executive, some leeway must be provided in order for them to maximize their travel,” Sarmiento said in an explanatory note.

“Moreover, with the advent of more effective and reliable means of communication, to include videoconferencing, the local chief executives are still capable to manage the affairs of his office despite not being physically present,” he added.

The bill will also necessarily adjust when the vice governor, the city or municipal vice mayor, or the highest ranking Sangguniang Barangay (village council) member may assume the duties and functions of the office, from the fourth to the sixth day the governor or mayor fails or refuses to designate anyone as officer-in-charge.

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