Template and model bills / policies

Community Due Diligence and Public Participation Ordinance

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Key Elements of the Proposed Ordinance

• Prohibits premature public commitments by preventing the LGU from committing public funds, land, incentives, permits, endorsements or other local resources before completing due diligence and obtaining all required approvals.

• Requires evidence-based decision-making by clearly identifying the public problem, objectives, expected benefits, public costs and reasonable alternatives, including the no-project option.

• Introduces a risk-based assessment framework, with more comprehensive review and safeguards for projects that pose significant risks to people, public finances or the environment.

• Strengthens community participation through early and meaningful consultations with both community leaders and directly affected residents before key decisions are made.

• Requires representative community surveys for high-risk projects where potential impacts on people or the environment are significant, concentrated or disputed.

• Protects vulnerable and directly affected groups by ensuring that the concerns of displaced persons, Indigenous Peoples, farmers, fisherfolk, workers, youth and other affected sectors are separately considered in decision-making.

• Promotes transparency and accountability by requiring public disclosure of key project information and written explanations of how community concerns and recommendations were addressed.

• Clarifies the relationship between national and local governments by recognizing national authority while protecting the LGU's lawful powers over local funds, property, permits, endorsements, zoning and other matters within its jurisdiction.

• Provides continuing oversight through community monitoring, periodic review, reassessment of material changes, complaint mechanisms and corrective actions where necessary.

• Protects both communities and public officials by establishing a clear, transparent and legally defensible process before significant public commitments are made, reducing the risk of disputes, avoidable harm and misuse of public resources.