Residents waiting for new local rules to take effect may need to be patient, as ordinances passed by local councils still go through several legal steps before they can officially be enforced.

During its June 22 regular session, the 21st City Council in Cagayan de Oro approved several measures, including SK annual budgets, subdivision development permits, and an ordinance requiring digital weighing scales in city markets.

But even after approval by council members, local ordinances do not automatically take effect.

Under the Local Government Code of 1991, newly approved ordinances must first be reviewed and signed by the local chief executive, such as the mayor or governor.

For cities and municipalities, the mayor has 10 days to either approve or veto the ordinance. Provincial governments are given 15 days.

If no action is taken within the required period, the ordinance is automatically considered approved.

If vetoed, the local legislative body may still override the decision through a two-thirds vote.

More Review Before Implementation

Barangay ordinances must also undergo review by the city or municipal council within 10 days after enactment.

Higher councils then have 30 days to determine whether the ordinance complies with existing laws and regulations.

If no action is taken within the review period, the ordinance is generally presumed approved.

City and municipal ordinances may also undergo review by the provincial board.

Public Posting Is Required

Even after approval, ordinances cannot immediately be enforced unless residents are properly informed.

The law requires ordinances to be publicly posted for at least 10 days in visible areas such as barangay halls, city halls, public markets, and other community spaces.

Highly urbanized cities may also need to publish major provisions in newspapers of general circulation.

What Residents Should Know

Residents are advised to monitor announcements from their barangays and local governments to know when newly approved ordinances officially take effect.

Under the law, most ordinances become enforceable only after the required posting period unless a later implementation date is specified.

Citizens also have the right to access non-confidential public records related to local ordinances and government actions.