Legal opinion on the interpretation of Section 409 (d) of the Local Government Code of 1991.

BAGONG PILIPIMAS Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT DILG-NAPOLCOM Center, EDSA cor. Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City OILG OPINION NO, “See oop JUN 03 2026 BRUCE A. COLAO, CESO V Regional Director DILG Region X-Northern Mindanao SUBJECT: Legal opinion on the interpretation of Section 409 (d) of the Local Government Code of 1991. Dear Regional Director Colao: This pertains to your Memorandum dated February 19, 2026 requesting the issuance of a formal legal opinion on the interpretation of Section 409 (d) of the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991. Specifically, you seek clarification on the following: a. Whether, in cases where the dispute arose in the workplace or institution of the parties, it remains necessary to first establish the residence of the parties in order to determine the authority of the Lupon of the barangay where such workplace or institution is situated; or b. Whether, pursuant to Section 409(d) of the LGC, the barangay where the workplace or institution is located may validly take cognizance of the dispute independently of the parties' residence. To address your concerns, we would like to direct your attention to the first paragraph of Section 408 and Section 409 (d) of the LGC of 1991: “Section 408. Subject Matter for Amicable Settlement, Exception Thereto. — The lupon of each barangay shall have authority to bring together the parties actually residing in the same city or municipality for amicable settlement of all disputes except: XXX Section 409. Venue. — xxx (d) Those arising at the workplace where the contending parties are employed or at the institution where such parties are enrolled for study, shall be brought in the barangay where such workplace or institution is located. Objections to venue shall be raised in the mediation proceedings before the punong barangay; otherwise, the same shall be deemed waived. Any legal question which may confront the punong “Matino, Mahusay at Maaasahan” Trunkline No. (02) 8876 3454