The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has unanimously approved on second reading a landmark ordinance requiring prior consultation, coordination, and local clearance before any national government infrastructure project can begin in the city.
Authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and co-authored by Councilors Em Legaspi Ang, Celia Matea R. Flor, Dindo C. Ramos, Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen, and Pao Sy, the proposed ordinance is titled the “National Infrastructure Projects Prior LGU Consultation and Transparency Ordinance of Bacolod City.”
The ordinance mandates that national agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and project proponents must first conduct formal consultation meetings with the Office of the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and affected barangays, Distrito said on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
This included presentation of project details such as environmental and social impacts, traffic and safety measures, and implementation schedules.
It also requires that a Resolution of No Objection from both the concerned barangay and the Sangguniang Panlungsod be secured as part of project compliance before the issuance of local permits or commencement of construction. Inaction for 30 days upon submission, will be considered as deemed approval by the local offices.
“This is about good governance and protecting Bacolodnons. National infrastructure projects are welcome, but they must be harmonized with local development plans, public safety, environmental safeguards, and the welfare of the communities affected. Prior consultation is not a mere courtesy, it is a legal and moral requirement,” Distrito said
Ang said the ordinance strengthens coordination and prevents disruptive implementation, while Flor underscored the importance of involving barangays and ensuring public trust.
Ramos said prior consultations will prevent traffic disruption, unsafe work sites, and conflicts on the ground.
Co-author Councilor Lady Gles Gonzales-Pallen highlighted the measure’s emphasis on transparency and public access to information, and Sy emphasized that the ordinance will encourage discipline and compliance among implementing agencies and contractors.
The ordinance designates the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) as the secretariat responsible for receiving applications and scheduling consultations, and for maintaining a registry of covered projects and consultation minutes. The City Legal Office is tasked to review legal compliance and recommend action for violations.
The ordinance also requires project proponents to publish and post project details within 15 days from issuance of the City Council endorsement or Resolution of No Objection, including the project name and description, implementing agency and contractor, project cost and funding source, location maps, affected barangays, and summaries of consultations and environmental/social assessments.
For non-compliance, the City Mayor, through the City Legal Office, may issue a Cease-and-Desist Order to stop implementation, and violators may face administrative action, fines of at least ₱5,000 per day, and possible imprisonment as provided under the Local Government Code.
The measure will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Bacolod City, upon final approval, Distrito said.*