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Best Practices for LGU Legal Officers

MCLE-accredited
Training investment is inclusive of an e-certificate and a printed learning material

P 11,880.00 / person - when you register and pay on or before July 19

P 12,880.00 / person - Regular Rate

*Optional:
a) Add 450 for a printed copy of a certificate of attendance inclusive of delivery charge.
b) Add 
500 for MCLE Activity Fee for LAWYERS who want to earn MCLE credit units from this training.


Wednesday & Thursday, August 19 & 20, 2026 * 1:30PM to 4:45PM via Zoom
Wednesday & Thursday, August 26 & 27, 2026 * 1:30PM to 4:45PM via Zoom


This four-session masterclass is designed to equip Local Government Unit (LGU) Legal Officers and aspiring legal professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively address the complex legal landscape of local governance in the Philippines. The course focuses on practical skills, legal frameworks, and best practices to address challenges in policy implementation, dispute resolution, and legal compliance.

This pioneering training will help participants navigate the legal landscape in the LGU workplace to be an effective legal officer.  Through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises, attendees will gain practical insights into legislative drafting, contract management, legal problem-solving, legal risk management, public procurement, legal audit practices.  It will also cover emerging legal issues such as digital governance, environmental law, and many more! Each session concludes with key takeaways and actionable strategies, ensuring participants leave with clear and practical steps to enhance their roles in governance and legal practice.



COURSE DIRECTOR & MASTER TRAINER



Atty. Severo C. Madrona Jr.


He has served as the City Legal Officer of the Pasay City Government for over fifteen (15) years, bringing extensive experience in legal practice, public administration, and local governance. Beyond his role in public service, he is deeply engaged in academia, serving as a lecturer at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), where he teaches courses on Public Fiscal Management, Local and Regional Finance, Project Management, and Voluntary Sector Management.

He is also the Dean and a Professor at the School of Law of the City University of Pasay and holds the prestigious Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation Professorial Chair in Business and Management at the University of Makati. He also teaches Labor Economics, International Business Agreements, Management of Labor Unions, and Wage Administration at the RVR College of Business, De La Salle University Manila. Atty. Madrona’s work exemplifies the intersection of legal expertise, education, and governance, positioning him as a leading figure in his field. In 2024, he briefly took on additional responsibilities as Acting City Administrator of Pasay City (May to September), further demonstrating his versatility and leadership in local government.

Atty. Madrona earned 2 doctorate degrees in Public Administration and History from the University of the Philippines Diliman  as well as Master of Laws degree from San Beda University Graduate School of Law, solidifying his academic foundation and commitment to excellence in both law and governance.

Who Should Attend?


    This training is ideal for the following professionals involved in local governance and legal practice:

    1. LGU Legal Officers: Provincial, City, and Municipal Legal Officers.
    2. Legal Aides and Paralegals: Supporting LGU offices and officials.
    3. Local Government Executives: Heads of departments and officials with legal-related functions.
    4. Elected Officials: Members of Sangguniang Bayan, Panlungsod, and Panlalawigan.
    5. Human Resource Officers: Managing LGU compliance and employee-related legal matters.
    6. Lawyers and Legal Consultants: Engaged with LGUs on governance-related issues.
    7. Aspiring Legal Officers: Anyone interested in pursuing a career as an LGU legal officer or contributing to local governance.
    8. General Public: Individuals interested in understanding the legal frameworks and governance of LGUs.

    Why Attend the Workshop?


    Attending this workshop will provide participants with critical knowledge, skills, and tools to address the legal and governance challenges local government units (LGUs) face.

    1. Stay Updated with Legal Frameworks: Gain the latest insights on national and local laws affecting LGU operations and evolving legal trends.
    2. Strengthen Legal and Governance Skills: Develop practical legislative drafting, contract review, and dispute resolution skills to ensure that LGU policies and practices are legally sound and effective.
    3. Enhance Decision-Making Capacity: Learn legal problem-solving and risk management strategies that will help participants make informed decisions in complex governance scenarios.
    4. Effectively Manage Legal Challenges: Equip yourself with tools to address common LGU legal issues, such as administrative cases, procurement disputes, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
    5. Support Good Governance in LGUs: Ensure that LGU operations comply with legal and ethical standards, fostering accountability, transparency, and trust in public service.
    6. Prepare for Emerging Legal Issues: Anticipate and address future challenges, such as the legal implications of digitalization, climate change, and sustainable development in local governance.
    7. Collaborate and Network with Peers: Engage with fellow legal officers, LGU officials, and governance professionals to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and build a professional network for mutual support.
    8. Increase Professional Competence: Gain practical knowledge and tools to enhance your effectiveness as a legal officer or governance professional, strengthening your role as a trusted advisor in your LGU.
    9. Hands-On Learning Opportunities: Participate in interactive activities such as case studies, legal drafting exercises, and group discussions to apply your learning directly to real-world LGU scenarios.
    10. Boost LGU Performance and Compliance: Help your LGU improve its legal operations, reduce litigation risks, and ensure compliance with national laws and local policies, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of governance.


Part 1: The Role of Legal Officers and Ethical Standards

           1. Understanding the Role of Legal Officers in LGUs
               • Key responsibilities and functions in supporting good governance.
               • Ensuring legal compliance and resolving legal issues effectively.
               • Bridging the gap between legal frameworks and practical governance.

           2. Updates on Legal Frameworks
               • Recent developments in national and local laws affecting LGUs.
               • Implications for governance, service delivery, and public accountability.
               • Case examples of how evolving laws impact LGU operations.

           3. Ethical Standards and Professionalism
               • Upholding integrity, impartiality, and accountability in legal practice.
               • Recognizing and addressing ethical dilemmas in LGU operations.
               • Promoting public trust through ethical governance.

Part 2. Legal Problem-Solving, Legal Risk Management, and Dispute Resolution

          1. Common Legal Issues in LGUs
               • Identifying recurring challenges, such as procurement disputes, administrative cases,
                  and ordinance enforcement.

               • Analyzing trends and patterns in LGU legal concerns.

          2. Case Studies and Practical Solutions
              • Real-world scenarios demonstrating effective resolution of complex issues.
              • Key lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful cases.

          3. Framework for Legal Decision-Making
              • Developing a structured approach to assess risks and evaluate legal options.
              • Ensuring decisions are legally sound, practical, and aligned with public interest.

Part 3: Legislative Drafting and Policy Support

          1. Principles of Effective Legislative Drafting
              • Crafting clear, enforceable, and legally compliant ordinances and resolutions.
              • Avoiding ambiguities and drafting errors that lead to legal challenges.

          2. Reviewing and Analyzing Local Legislation
              • Ensuring ordinances and resolutions align with national laws.
              • Addressing community needs through well-drafted legislation.

          3. Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in Policy Formulation
              • Identifying and mitigating risks during the policy-making process.
              • Ensuring smooth implementation by addressing potential legal challenges early.

Part 4: Legal Audit Practices, Public Procurement, Contracts, and Combating Corruption

          1. Legal Audit Practices
              • Best Practices in Conducting Legal Audits in LGUs
              • Developing Legal Audit Plan

          2. Legal Compliance in Public Procurement
              • Understanding the requirements of RA 12009.
                (Pointers in Government Procurement Reform Act)
              • Adhering to procurement laws to safeguard LGU interests.

          3. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts
              • Best practices for preparing and evaluating contracts.
              • Identifying and mitigating risks in contractual agreements.

          4. Combating Corruption and Strengthening Ethical Governance
              • Ensuring compliance with anti-corruption laws (RA 3019 and RA 6713).
              • Preventive measures to identify corruption risks and foster accountability.
              • Sharing best practices and peer collaboration for ethical governance.

Part 5: Navigating Politics, Dealing with Elected LGU Officials, Bureaucracy,
            and Interagency Coordination

           • Managing relationships with elected officials while maintaining legal objectivity
           • Communicating legal advice across bureaucratic hierarchies
           • Negotiating with national agencies (e.g., DILG, COA, DENR)
           • Protecting the Legal Office from political interference
           • Common pitfalls and how to stay within the legal lane
              - Dos and Don’ts
              - Best Practices

The Center for Global Best Practices is an accredited training provider of DILG through the National Association of Local Resource Institutions, the Civil Service Commission, the Career Executive Service Board, SEC, AMLC, and other regulatory agencies.

 



The training fee for this program is within the ₱2,800.00 daily limit set by the Commission on Audit (COA) for government attendees, in accordance with the NEW Department of Budget and Management Circular No. 596 dated January 20, 2025.

Attending this training is not covered by the newly-enacted Procurement Law (R.A. 12009) based on its IRR’s Section 4.4-b, which classifies training continuing education, conferences and similar activities as "non-procurement activities that shall be governed by applicable COA, CSC, and DBM rules".
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Center for Global Best Practices (CGBP) is accredited by the following institutions
Contact Details
For clarification or request for an invitation letter, you may reach out to:

Contact Person: Glaisie Falculan
Mobile Number (+63 949) 870-1832
Telefax: (+632) 8842-7148 or 59
Email: glaisie.cgbp@yahoo.com


Account Name: Center for Global Best Practices Foundation, Inc.

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Unit 905 Richville Corporate Tower
1107 Alabang-Zapote Road
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Muntinlupa City 1780, Philippines

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