5-day leave for local officials sought

MANILA, Philippines - The allowable days of leave for local officials during out-of-town travels may be extended to five days.

 

Western Samar Rep. Mel Senen Sarmiento authored House Bill 4638 which seeks to amend Section 46 of the Local Government Code.

 

Visit our Bill Tracker to view more measures proposed by lawmaker.

 

"This necessarily adjusts the day when the vice governor, the city or municipal vice mayor, or the highest ranking Sangguniang Barangay member, as the case may be, shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the local chief executive from the 4th day to the 6th day of his absence and refusal to issue an authorization," the lawmaker said.

 

The proposed measure provides that a local chief executive may appoint an officer-in-charge while traveling within the country but outside territorial jurisdiction. If the executive fails to appoint an officer-in-charge, the next ranking official would assume office.

 

"This proposed measure takes into consideration the ever-increasing responsibilities of local chief executives which require them to travel outside their territorial jurisdiction, " Sarmiento said.

 

The lawmaker noted that a leeway must be provided to local chief executives for them to maximize travel, given their complex duties.

 

The bill is pending with the House Committee on Local Government.