Participatory legislation in the city proposed

THE City Council led by Vice Mayor Edison Bilog has filed a proposed ordinance governing the conduct of participatory legislation in the City of Baguio. The proposal stated studies have proven that laws crafted together with the affected constituents and stakeholders are more effective, implementable and sustainable, responsive and promotes democratic governance. The said proposed measure added that the city adopted principles of good governance among which is being participatory. As a legislative body, the City Council adheres to its mission to approve ordinances in partnership with its citizens.

Moreover, the council’s Internal Rules of Procedure (IRP) include the duties of legislators to provide a proactive role to bring about a more enlightened citizenry in local governance and ensure that what is finally decided by the council matches the needs and expectations of the community. It further noted that a 2015 study done among the members of the City Council, Baguio constituents, NGOs/POs and barangay officials reveals that they support and appreciate public participation as a participatory governance tool.

Their suggestions were collated to arrive at standard processes and procedures for the conduct of public participation in the City of Baguio. Thus, there is therefore a need to establish guidelines for the conduct of public participation regarding proposed ordinances and summits in aid of legislation in the city.

Public participation is defined as the manner of soliciting the views and positions of a local government’s constituents and organized groups pertaining to legislative proposals. It is an avenue where people, individually or organized, are given an opportunity to directly or indirectly influence the development, implementation and/or evaluation of a public policy.