Philippine Councilor’s League Legislative Academy offers degree programs for legislators

By GINA DEAN-RAGUDO, Samar News.com
March 1, 2011

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar – Legislators can now avail free education to complete their baccalaureate and masteral degree courses said Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) Federation President Rogelio Casurao on Saturday during the Samar Chapter Regular Meeting and Fellowship at Ciriaco Hotel, Calbayog City.

photo by Gina Dean-Ragudo Casurao clarified that high school graduate or undergraduate (took up college degree, unfinished) councilors can pursue their studies in college while baccalaureate degree graduates can take their masteral degrees through the PCL Legislative Academy with the respective local government units paying the tuition fees.

This program is also expanded even to appointive employees depending on the availability of funds or “close/personal relationship” with the local chief executive, gagged Casurao.

Moreover, according to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2010-144 dated 9th December 2010 signed by Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, the PCL-LA shall be primarily responsible for the capability building program of the members of the league. Likewise, it offers a degree program in Public Administration and Governance for local legislators, government officials, employees and functionaries.

The payment of applicable traveling expenses and participation fee to defray the costs of hotel accommodation, meals, training materials and tuition fee (for degree program) may be authorized chargeable against local funds, subject to the availability thereof, and to the usual accounting and auditing requirements and to all pertinent laws, rules and regulations. Provided, that the traveling expenses and participation fees of local government participants shall not be charged against the 20% component of the Internal Revenue Allotment or from whatever source which may prejudice poverty alleviation efforts.

The 4-year degree courses can be completed before a legislator ends his/her term of office as the seminars and conferences they have attended shall be credited depending on the degree program they took.

Furthermore, the House of Representatives is deliberating under the second reading that bill granting civil service eligibility to barangay officials such as, councilors. Three-termer barangay legislators shall automatically be given professional civil service eligibility while two-termers shall also be granted a sub-proof eligibility, Casurao added.