4th Floor, Legislative Building, Poblacion, Itogon, Benguet
THE COUNCILOR’S CREED
I am a Philippine Councilor
mandated by Law to Enact
Measures and Ordinances
that rebound to the General Welfare
of my constituents
in their pursuits for Happiness,
Peace and Prosperity
I believe in Public Service above self
as the guiding principle
of my Official Act.
and, as I tread the pathways
of Local Legislations,
may the Almighty guide
my Mind and Heart that I shall be True
to my Constituents and
The Filipino People.
What is Sanggunian?
The word sanggunian in Filipino refers to a “council” or “advisory body,” often implying a group assembled for deliberation, consultation, or reference. It can also denote a source of information, such as a reference in academic or professional contexts, or even a consultancy firm. In everyday usage, it carries connotations of mutual consultation or seeking advice, reflecting a communal approach to problem-solving.
In a broader sense, sanggunian extends to spiritual or traditional practices. For instance, it has been linked to pre-colonial Filipino concepts of divination, where individuals would “consult” the divine or spirits for guidance, aligning with the role of figures like the Babaylan (spiritual mediators). This multifaceted term underscores the value placed on collective wisdom in Filipino culture.
The Meaning of Sangguniang Bayan
Sangguniang Bayan translates literally to “municipal council” or “town council.” It is the local legislative body responsible for governing municipalities in the Philippines, operating under the mayor-council system with a “strong mayor” variant. This council enacts ordinances (local laws), approves resolutions, and appropriates funds to promote the general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants.
The structure includes:
- Presiding Officer: The municipal vice mayor, who votes only to break ties.
- Members: Typically eight elected councilors (at-large), plus ex-officio members such as the presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay (association of village chiefs) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council). In some cases, it includes sectoral representatives for groups like women, laborers, or indigenous peoples.
Powers are outlined in the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160), ensuring checks and balances with the municipal mayor’s executive functions. Ordinances require mayoral approval and review by the provincial Sangguniang Panlalawigan, with provisions for veto overrides.
Etymology and Brief History of the Word
The etymology of sanggunian traces back to Tagalog, the primary basis of the Filipino language. It is formed from the root word sangguni, meaning “to consult,” “to seek advice,” or “to deliberate,” combined with the suffix -an, which transforms it into a noun denoting a place or body for such activities. This root is indigenous to Tagalog, with shared origins in related Austronesian languages like Kapampangan and Old Tagalog, emphasizing consultation in communal or advisory settings.
Historically, the word’s usage predates colonial influences, rooted in pre-colonial Filipino practices where consultation (sangguni) was integral to decision-making, including spiritual divination by Babaylans to interpret divine will. During the Spanish colonial era (1521–1898), local governance used terms like encomienda or alcalde, with no direct equivalent to sanggunian. The modern governmental application emerged post-independence, particularly under martial law. In 1975, President Ferdinand Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 826, renaming existing provincial, city, and municipal governing boards to Sangguniang Bayan to standardize local legislatures.
This shift marked a Filipinization of governance terms, replacing colonial remnants with native words. The 1991 Local Government Code further solidified Sangguniang Bayan as the official name for municipal councils, promoting decentralization and local autonomy. Today, it symbolizes grassroots democracy, evolving from ancient consultative traditions to a formalized institution in the Philippine republic.
In summary, Sangguniang Bayan and sanggunian encapsulate the essence of Filipino communal governance—rooted in consultation and adapted through history to meet modern needs. This term not only defines a political body but also reflects a cultural heritage of collective wisdom.
12th Sangguniang Bayan (July 2025 – June 2028)
