Local Government in the Philippines

Local Government

• The Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) outlines the structure and functions of local government units in the Philippines.
• Local government units include provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
• The barangay is the smallest unit of local government, responsible for planning and implementing government policies at the community level.
• Barangays must have a minimum of 2,000 inhabitants, or 5,000 for highly urbanized cities (HUCs).

Decentralization and Local Governance

• Decentralization allows local government units to have greater autonomy and responsibility in managing their affairs.
• The goal of decentralization is to empower local governments and improve the delivery of services.

Government

• Government is the organized body of individuals responsible for creating, enforcing, and interpreting laws.
• Its primary aim is to serve and protect the people (Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution).

Municipal Government

• Municipalities consist of a collection of barangays.
• Their average income is ₱2,500,000.

City Government

• Cities have a higher rate of economic growth, larger populations and territories.
• The average income for a city is ₱20,000,000 for two years.
• Cities must have a territory of at least 100 square kilometers and a population of at least 100,000.

Classifications of Cities

• Component Cities are administered by the province.
• Independent Component Cities are independent from the provinces.
• Highly Urbanized Cities are completely independent and only comply with national laws as a courtesy.

Provincial Government

• Provincial governments encompass groups of municipalities and cities.
• Their average income is ₱20,000,000.
• Their territory is at least 200 square kilometers.
• Their population is at least 250,000.

The Senate

• The Senate is comprised of 24 senators elected at large by qualified voters.
• Election process is staggered, with 12 senators elected every three years to ensure continuity.
• Senators must meet the following qualifications:
  • Be a natural-born Filipino citizen
  • Be at least 35 years old on the day of the election
  • Have resided in the Philippines for at least two years before the election

This quiz explores the structure, functions, and significance of local government units in the Philippines as outlined in the Local Government Code of 1991. Learn about the decentralization process and its impact on governance, particularly focusing on barangays and municipal government responsibilities.