Ordinance Framework

What is an Ordinance?

A provincial ordinance is a local law enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) and approved by the Governor, or passed over the Governor's veto. It has the force of law throughout Bukidnon, within the powers the Local Government Code gives provinces.

Provincial ordinances commonly cover provincial taxes, fees and charges; the annual and supplemental budgets (appropriation ordinances); provincial offices and programs; and provincial property, roads and facilities. Business permits, public markets and tricycle franchises are covered by city and municipal ordinances instead.

Ordinance Categories

Revenue & Taxation

Budget & Appropriations

Agriculture

Health & Social Services

Environment

Infrastructure & Provincial Roads

How a Provincial Ordinance Is Passed

The main steps under the Local Government Code (Republic Act No. 7160). Details follow the Sangguniang Panlalawigan's internal rules.

Filing and First Reading
A board member files the proposed ordinance. It is read in session and referred to the committee concerned.
Committee Study and Public Hearing
The committee studies the measure and may hold public hearings with the offices and sectors affected. A tax ordinance needs a public hearing before it is enacted (LGC Sec. 187).
Second and Third Readings
Members debate and amend the measure, then vote on the final text with a quorum present.
Governor's Approval or Veto
The Governor signs each page to approve it, or vetoes it in writing within 15 days. With no action in 15 days, it is deemed approved (LGC Sec. 54).
Veto Override
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan may override a veto by a two-thirds vote of all its members (LGC Sec. 55).
Posting, Publication and Effectivity
Within 5 days of approval, the ordinance is posted at the Provincial Capitol and in other conspicuous places, and the gist of an ordinance with penalties is published in a newspaper of general circulation in the province. Unless it says otherwise, it takes effect 10 days after posting (LGC Sec. 59).

City and Municipal Ordinances

Malaybalay City, Valencia City and the 20 municipalities pass their own ordinances. Their sanggunian sends approved ordinances to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan within 3 days. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan reviews them within 30 days and declares invalid any ordinance that goes beyond the city or municipal sanggunian's powers; with no action in 30 days, the ordinance is presumed valid (LGC Sec. 56).

See the list of cities and municipalities · See the step-by-step flowchart