PB dad pushes for electronic system

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Board of Cebu is pushing for the establishment of the Electronic Legislative Management and Information System and providing iPads or tablets as official session toolkits for PB members.

 The PB is set to review the proposed ordinance authored by Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale for a fully automated ma-nagement and tracking of legislative measures and other documents.

 “It is now time for the Province of Cebu to embrace and support the promotion of an efficient and effective functioning of the legislative bodies; and it would be in the best interest of the Province to invest on such launch,” Magpale said.

 He said the present weekly session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan waste reams of paper for the reproduction of the resolutions, ordinances/codes agenda, minutes, reports and other documents, which is not cost-effective.

 Magpale said the system and session toolkit would not just strengthen the campaign on transparency for broader scope of information dissemination but also fosters green environment through its “paperless and cost-effective sessions.”

 He said it also facilitates and provides the public, through the media partners, easy access to up-to-date and relevant legislative measures.

 “Providing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Legislators the Session Toolkit and Comprehensive Electronic Database would advance the monitoring and tracking of legislative measures and avoid possible inconsistencies and duplicaton,” Magpale said.

 In the proposed ordinance, the Provincial Information and Technology Office will manage and protect the PB database and other electronic files needed and the installation, management and maintenance of internet connection inside the session hall.

Magpale also proposed the amount of P1 million to be appropriated from the General Fund for the purpose of developing the system and purchasing the necessary gadgets and equipments.

 He also clarified that the Legislative Session Toolkit is of government property and is subject to existing laws on accountability.  (FREEMAN)