CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Sep. 20-22 – To ensure that the Local Sanggunians understand and correctly perform their quasi-judicial functions in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through its Bantay Korapsyon Project Management Office (BK-PMO), in collaboration with the DILG 10 Regional Legal Service (RLS) and the DILG 10 Capability Development Division (CDD), conducted a three-day capacity development on “Strengthening the Knowledge and Capacity of Local Sanggunians’ Exercise of Quasi-Judicial Functions.”

The activity was conducted through a blended setup with LGU Damulog as on-site participants, and other select LGUs via a virtual platform. Participants of the activity were composed of the Vice Mayor, SB Members, Sangguniang Bayan Secretary, , Sangguniang Bayan Staff, and DILG Provincial and Field Officers. .

In his opening message, Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) VIII and Special Assistant to the Regional Director (SARD) Edward C. Bhagwani, emphasized on giving importance to their quasi-judicial functions is essential to avoid legal implications in their various areas of responsibilities.

“We should follow the process, do what is right, and function as a quasi-judicial body to effectively implement the right procedures to our people,” he said.

DILG 10 Regional Legal Officer Fender Rhodes B. Lumbatan-Aguirre revisited the Local Sanggunians’ powers and functions as well as their composition and taught the participants the scope and limitations of their quasi-judicial powers.

Moreover, Resource Person,Attorney Princess Kimberly Ubay-Ubay, discussed the Quasi-Judicial Process and conducted a  mock trial for the onsite participants.

Meanwhile, Department of Education 10- Legal Officer and OIC Division Chief of the Education Support Services Division (ESSD),Attorney Candice Zennia R. Razon, served as the speaker for the topic on “Decision Writing”, where the participants learned how to effectively write a decision for an Administrative Complaint, diving into its vital contents.

The SB Members of LGU Damulog, as onsite participants, went through a physical simulation exercise wherein they applied the general principles and concepts including the quasi-judicial function process and designed a realistic action plan for the exercise of their functions as a quasi-judicial body within a  designated time frame. The online participants were also encouraged to make their action plans for their respective LGUs.

This activity was conducted in line with the vision and mission of the Department, in further strengthening the capabilities of our LGUs. (DILG ORD / M. Bacud)