1. MANDATE:        

The City Legal Office is the legal arm of the City Government of Tarlac. It serves as the Chief Legal Adviser of the Local Chief Executive, the Sangguniang Panlungsod and all other departments and offices of the City Government in legal matters involving the performance of their respective duties, functions and responsibilities in the delivery of public service.

The City Legal Officer, as the Chief Legal Counsel, holds stewardship of the City Legal Office and pursuant to Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 shall: (1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and provide legal assistance and support to the City Mayor, in carrying out the delivery of basic services and provisions of adequate facilities as provided for under Section 17 of the same Code; 2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor implement the same, particularly those which have to do with programs and projects related to legal services which the Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide under the Code; and (3) Be in the frontline of protecting human rights and prosecuting any violations thereof, particularly those which occur during and in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters or calamities.

  1. VISION:

It is envisioned that the City Legal Office stands as an advocate of justice, a pillar of truth and a pervasive guide for the City of Tarlac in upholding the rule of law in all aspects of government service.

  1. MISSION:

The City Legal Office is committed in rendering itself as an instrument in providing excellent service to the public by ensuring utmost compliance with the mandates of the law and thus, seeks:

  1. To protect and uphold the rights and interests of the City of Tarlac and represent the same in all legal matters;
  2. To recommend measures to the Local Chief Executive and the Sangguniang Panlungsod that will ensure that public service delivery through government programs and projects are aligned with the rule of law; and
  3. To perform all other functions that may be prescribed by law and are necessary and desirable in the running of the government and in the enforcement of the rules of society.
  1. SERVICE PLEDGE:

The City Legal Office pledges to be the embodiment of an exemplary standard of public service in the implementation of the legality principle in government administration.

The officers and personnel of the City Legal Office commits to exhibit utmost professionalism in the exercise of their functions through reliability, consistency and honesty.

  1. LEGAL ADVICE – IN OFFICE
OFFICE/DIVISION/SECTIONCity Legal Office
CLASSIFICATIONLegal Advice – In Office (Simple Transaction)   Legend: Simple – 3 working days; Complex – 7 working days; Highly Technical – 20 working days
TYPE OF TRANSACTIONG2C (Government to Citizens)
WHO MAY AVAILTarlac City Constituents
CHECKLIST OF REQUIREMENTSWHERE TO SECURE
Client Information Form1. City Legal Office
Relevant documents (i.e. evidence, barangay or court issued documents)2. To be brough by client
Valid Identification Card3. To be brought by client
CLIENT STEPS       ­Client approach admin staff at the window to express intent to avail the service.   Client shall accomplish the information form and submit it to the admin staff at the window.                                                 END OF TRANSACTION  AGENCY ACTIONS     Admin Staff shall issue client information form to client       2.1 Admin Staff shall endorse the form to Legal Advice Coordinator       2.2 Legal Advice Coordinator shall conduct preliminary interview and informs the client to return on the appointment schedule which will depend on the availability of lawyer     2.3 Available lawyer conducts interview and gives free legal advice to client  FEES TO BE PAID   None               None             None                               None      PROCESSING TIME     10 minutes               10 minutes             10 to 30 minutes                             10 to 30 minutes    PERSON RESPONSIBLE     Jay Silvestre Administrative Aide III             Jay Silvestre Administrative Aide III   Rozell Lozano Utility Worker III       Rozell Lozano Utility Worker III                                 Atty. Deborah Santos-de Jesus Legal Officer IV   Atty. Illia Patricia J. Manaligod Legal Researcher
TOTAL None40 to 80 minutes* 

*under normal condition and circumstances