PB backs move to toughen Local Government Code

Provincial legislators yesterday threw their support behind the proposed bill of 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon seeking to amend some provisions of the Local Government Code.

Likewise, the Provincial Board members also wanted stricter penalties to give more teeth to the ordinances.

The legislators unanimously approved the resolution sponsored by board members Joven Mondigo and Jose Ma. Gastardo to this effect.

“Limitation on penalties on violations of the municipal, city and provincial ordinance set forth in the Local Government Code have become anachronistic, diminishing the relevance and effectiveness of these ordinances in meeting the objectives of deterrence,” part of the resolution read.

Earlier, Salimbangon filed House Bill 2724 seeking to amend Sections 458 and 447 of the code by increasing penalties or fines exacted from violation and provide harsher punishment to violators of the law.

“The move of Salimbangon would have advantageous implications for our LGUs in terms or greater empowerment and in the areas of peace and order and socio-economic development,” the resolution further read.  — Gerome M. Dalipe/BRP