The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Pampanga has disapproved two ordinances passed by the City Government of San Fernando and the Municipal Government of Sasmuan that regulate feeding programs, medical missions, and other outreach activities.
Grounds for Disapproval
The provincial board adopted the recommendation of its Committee on Health, Nutrition and Sanitation in disapproving City Government of San Fernando Ordinance No. 2026-021 and Sasmuan Council Ordinance No. 09, Series of 2026. According to the committee, the San Fernando ordinance contained legal, structural, and implementation issues.
The committee noted that the measure applied only to privately-sponsored activities while exempting government-funded or government-implemented programs, raising possible equal protection concerns under the Constitution. Several provisions may overlap with national laws and existing regulatory systems governing the practice of medicine, dentistry, food safety, and administrative procedures.
Impact on Volunteerism
The committee further stated that the ordinance imposed vague and burdensome requirements on volunteer groups, charitable organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, and other private-sector organizers. This could discourage volunteerism, delay humanitarian assistance, and affect community-based and emergency response activities.
Private-sector groups, including the Pampanga Business Circle and AGOS, opposed the ordinance over what they described as excessive documentary requirements, possible arbitrary enforcement, duplication of existing national safeguards, and its potential impact on volunteer and relief work.
Recommendations for Revision
In recommending disapproval, the committee suggested the city revise the measure by removing the exemption for government-funded activities, applying health and safety standards uniformly, clearly defining roles and qualifications of organizers, including a deemed-approved provision, providing exceptions during emergencies, recognizing written parental consent and authorized adult representatives, and strengthening coordination with the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Red Cross, and Department of Education.
Sasmuan Ordinance Issues
For Sasmuan Ordinance No. 09, Series of 2026, the committee recommended disapproval after finding that the measure had not complied with the publication requirement prescribed by law before implementation. The committee also said the ordinance imposed a ₱5,000 fine, which exceeded the maximum penalty municipalities may impose under the Local Government Code. Additionally, the measure sought to regulate medical, dental, optical, and other health-related services already governed by national laws and supervised by national regulatory agencies.
The SP stated that its action reflects its mandate to review local legislation for consistency with the Constitution, national laws, and existing regulatory frameworks.
