Bacolod Lawmaker Files Barangay Legal Office Bill

A lawmaker has filed a bill creating the Office of Barangay Legal Officer to help resolve the legal issues in the barangay level.

Rep. Evelio R. Leonardia

Rep. Evelio R. Leonardia (Lone District, Bacolod City) said problems confronting the local government units most especially the Punong Barangays are intermingled with legal issues.

 “The complication and intricacies of legal issues that Punong Barangays have to address necessitate the presence of a legal mind,” Leonardia said.
House Bill 5917 seeks to amend Section 396 of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as The Local Government Code of 1991, by adding a subsection, a provision creating an Office of the Barangay Legal Officer.

Under the bill, no person shall be appointed barangay legal officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines and a resident of the local government concerned, with good moral character and a member of the Philippine Bar.

Likewise, the applicant must have practiced his profession for at least one year to qualify for the position of barangay legal officer.

The measure further provides that the term of the barangay legal officer shall be coterminous with that of his appointing authority.

The barangay legal officer is also mandated under the bill to take charge of the office of legal services and do the function of the legal officer.

The bill mandates a barangay legal officer to formulate measures for the consideration of the Sanggunian and provide legal assistance and support to the governor or mayor.

Likewise, a legal officer shall develop plans and strategies particularly those, which have to do with programs and projects related to legal services upon the approval of the governor or mayor.

The measure states that the appointment of legal officer shall be optional to the barangay. Original Post: Bill to Create the Office of the Barangay Legal Officer.