13 Roles of the Provincial Governor

by Atty. Alberto C. Agra

The PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR as:

Local Chief Executive

• The Governor is elected as the local chief executive or “president” of the Province.

Supervisor

• The Province thru the Governor has direct supervision over component municipalities and cities.

Chief Finance Officer

• A Governor is responsible for initiating and maximizing the generation of resources and revenues of the Province.

• The Governor shall prepare the executive budget for the ensuing year.

• A Governor signs checks and vouchers for the Province.

Steward and Agent Liaison Officer

• As a public officer representing the Province, a Governor acts as steward and agent of the State and the Community.

• A Governor must enforce all laws and ordinances.

Promoter of General Welfare

• The Province thru the Governor shall exercise those powers essential for the promotion of the general welfare.

• A Governor must see to it that basic services are timely, effectively and efficiently delivered.

Area Manager

• A Governor chairs the Provincial Development Council

• A Governor must ensure the integrated development of the Province and its component cities and municipalities.

Accountable Public Officer

• As an elective officer of the Province, a Governor is considered a public officer.

• A Governor shall be liable for his/her actions and omission.

• A Governor may be subject of recall proceedings and disciplinary action.

• A Governor cannot engage in some types of businesses and have pecuniary interests in some transactions.

• A Governor must file a sworn statement of assets and liabilities.

Human Resource Manager

• A Governor is responsible for human resources and development of the Province and shall take all personnel actions.

• A Governor has authority to accept resignations of elective officials (chief executives and vice chiefs) of component cities and municipalities.

• A Governor may place elective officials under preventive suspension.

• A Governor is vested with the authority to approve application for leave of station of mayors of component cities and municipalities.

Legislator

• A Governor has the power to approve or veto a proposed ordinance

• A Governor may submit proposal to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Property and Supply Manager

• A Governor must ensure compliance of application of relevant laws in relation to procurement, care, utilization and disposal of supplies.

• An ordinance authorizing the exercise of the power to expropriate must be approved by the Governor.

Partner of Civil Society

• The Governor shall promote the establishment and operations of NGOs and POs.

• The Province thru the Governor may enter into cooperative arrangements with and provide assistance to NGOs and POs.

• The Governor chair Provincial Pre-qualification, Bids and Awards Committee, School Board, Health Board, Development Council and Peace and Order Council.

Police Officer

• A Governor may adopt measures to ensure peace and order in the Province.

• A Governor may be deputized as representative of the National Police Commission.

• A Governor shall choose the provincial director of the PNP, oversee the Provincial Public Safety Plan and chair the Provincial Peace and Order Council.

Negotiator

• A Governor has the authority to negotiate contracts, joint ventures, inter-local cooperative arrangements, purchase of properties, among others.