It acts as the legal counsel, and provide other legal services to the City Government of Manila, ensuring city's compliance with laws and regulations. B R I E F H I S T O R Y :
The Office of the City Legal Officer (OCLO) of Manila has a rich history that reflects the city's evolving governance and legal framework. EARLY FOUNDATIONS (1901): The origins of the OCLO trace back to July 31, 1901, wh
en the United States Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 183, officially incorporating the City of Manila. This act established the Municipal Board as the city's legislative body and introduced several key departments, including the Law Department. The Law Department was headed by the City Attorney, who served as the chief legal adviser and attorney for the city. The City Attorney's responsibilities encompassed representing the city in legal proceedings, drafting ordinances and contracts, and providing legal opinions to the Municipal Board and other city officials. REORGANIZATION AND FORMAL DEVELOPMENT (1968): Over the decades, Manila's administrative structure underwent various changes. A significant milestone occurred on January 22, 1968, when the Municipal Board of Manila enacted Ordinance No. 6485. This ordinance authorized the creation of the Office of the City Legal Officer, delineated its powers and duties, outlined the positions and compensation of its personnel, and appropriated the necessary funds for its operation. The ordinance became effective on January 1, 1968, and shortly thereafter, Mayor Antonio J. This appointment marked the formal establishment of the OCLO as a distinct entity within the city's administrative framework. MODERN DEVELOPMENTS: In the years following its establishment, the OCLO has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing legal and administrative needs of Manila. Today, the office remains a vital component of the city government, providing essential legal services and guidance to various departments and officials. The OCLO ensures that the city's actions comply with existing laws and regulations, thereby upholding the rule of law within Manila's jurisdiction.
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M A N D A T E :
The Office of the City Legal Officer is mandated to protect the City's interest by virtue of Section 481 of Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991. The City Legal Office, as the Chief Legal Counsel of the City of Manila , represents the City in all Legal proceedings in civil, criminal and administrative. It also renders Legal opinions on various legal issues referred to by the City Mayor, various departments, bureaus, and offices of the City, including the City Council. V I S I O N :
The Office of the City Legal Officer visualizes itself as pervasive and dynamic partner of all City Departments, Bureaus and Offices in the joint performance of duties in the collaborative pursuit of City ideals, following the rules of Law guided by justice and fairness in the service of the City Government of Manila and its constituents. M I S S I O N :
The Office of the city Legal Officer holds sacred its three-fold-missions,
1. To provide Legal services to the City Government of Manila and its constituents;
2. To safeguard and defend the City's interest in an efficient, economical, and effective manner, and;
3. To uphold the rule of law all in the outmost degree of government service.
