Published Paper Details:

Local Governance draws strength and focus from quality local legislation. More than a mere procedural act or legislative formality, legislation is concerned primarily with substance, where its main objective is general welfare and well-being, according to the Task and Responsibilities Checklist of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Newly Elected Officials (NEO), 6th Edition. The researcher employed the descriptive research design, quantitative method to assess the legislative competencies of the newly elected officials among First Class Municipalities in Region 3. The study found out that, the respondents were predominantly 51 and above years of age, males, college graduates, either employed or owned a business prior to employment and have attended legislative-related training prior to being elected and a large majority had sponsored resolutions. However, they need to undergo more training on effective local legislation since significant positive correlation has been noted, under legislative functions, jurisdiction of assigned committees, presiding over committee meetings and relationship building, the more number of hours of legislative training the newly elected officials have, the more adept they are in making laws and policy decisions, and enact these laws on our behalf. In summary, even though the majority of them have college degrees and their competency level is noticeably higher, they still lack the necessary abilities to put their knowledge to use. In order to advance and produce a continual improvement in the local legislative system as a whole, it is recommended that there be a continuous education and development focused primarily on the knowledge of parliamentary rules and procedure and skills training on effective communication.