City Council discusses revamping legal review procedures

IN a recent session, Councilor Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba raised concerns over the City Legal Office’s delay in reviewing pending urgent proposed ordinances and resolutions.

“I have a sentiment against the City Legal Office, because I have pending ordinances that are very urgent, yet they haven’t been reviewed. Why do we invite (the) City Legal to every committee meeting if their representatives don’t review the ordinances or resolutions (preliminarily before) they attend?” Balaba questioned.

The lady councilor added that the representatives sent by the City Legal Office are often unaware of the discussions, since they do not review the proposals themselves and that they have to pass the responsibility to their superiors.  

With this, she proposed the establishment of a dedicated legal office within the City Council to expedite the review process.

Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, for her part, acknowledged the issue but emphasized the authority of the City Legal Office.

“We are studying the matter, but their final say remains. They don’t have to delve into every detail as per their office’s recommendation,” she stated.

Councilor Nacaya also advocated for the City Council’s proactive role on the matter.

“We should not rely solely on one entity’s opinion. The City Council must enforce its responsibilities. Opinions from the legal office, CHUDD, engineering, or other agencies are advisory, not mandatory,” Nacaya asserted.

He emphasized that the council’s judgment, supported by experienced members like Majority Leader Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas and Councilor Atty. James K. Judith II, should guide its decisions.

Vice Mayor Rodriguez recommended further discussion among council members, underlining the importance of a collective decision-making approach.

“If we agree among ourselves and the proposal is not against the law, let’s approve it. We can set another day to discuss this matter further,” Vice Mayor Rodriguez suggested.