In his report during the flag-raising ceremony on July 20, 2026 at the People’s Stage, Capitol, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Robertson R. Aquino laid out how the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) and the Ad Hoc Procurement Unit (APU), both under his leadership, serve as the legal backbone of the provincial government, upholding the rule of law, safeguarding public interests, and ensuring efficient service delivery.
Addressing Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, Vice Governor Eufemia A. Dacayo, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads, and fellow civil servants, Atty. Aquino noted that the flag-raising is not only a tribute to the nation and heritage but also a moment to recognize teams working behind the scenes. The PLO, composed of legal professionals, paralegals, and administrative staff, stands as the foundation of the province’s adherence to the rule of law and good governance.
The office acts as the official legal representative of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), lower local government units, and its officials in all court and administrative proceedings. It secured a key victory in Calderon vs. PLGU, where a compromise agreement transferred ownership of the Calderon lot to the provincial government. It also currently handles active cases before the Court of Tax Appeals, Regional Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts, and the Civil Service Commission, including matters involving water and energy utilities, mining firms, and local disputes.
As the primary legal counsel for provincial and municipal officials, the PLO issues legal opinions on questions of law to guide decision-making. In the past year alone, it has released 254 legal opinions, ensuring all actions are legally sound and defensible.
The office authors and reviews ordinances, contracts, agreements, and executive orders. Over the past year, it has processed 245 memoranda of agreement, 83 deed instruments and contracts, 96 PLGU executive and administrative orders, memorandum circulars, and 252 issuances for municipal and local government units. Key executive orders include creating the Post-Disaster Rehabilitation Task Force, strengthening procurement rules, establishing the Provincial Infrastructure Audit Team, directing a province-wide organizational restructuring, and institutionalizing the four-day compressed workweek. It also supported initiatives for a drug-free province, the development of air sports, and the rehabilitation of Bagabag Airport.
Together with investigation committees, the PLO oversees administrative discipline, looking into misconduct and recommending appropriate action. Records show 94 active cases, 2 new referrals, 20 cases submitted for final resolution, and 116 cases already decided or terminated. Atty. Aquino also serves as the Governor’s representative to the Personnel Selection Board, ensuring that appointments made from January to June 2026 adhered to civil service laws and upheld merit-based selection standards.
As legal adviser to the Bids and Awards Committee and head of the APU, Atty. Aquino’s team safeguards public funds. As of July 15, 2026, the APU has processed 603 purchase requests, 431 price quotations, and conducted 60 market scoping activities. It has also set up tracking systems, standard supply lists, and guidelines to streamline procurement and ensure transparency.
In closing, Atty. Aquino emphasized that while often unseen, the PLO is integral to the province’s progress. “We envision a province driven by the rule of law, anchored in human rights, and defined by transparency, integrity, and competence, serving as dedicated partners in good governance,” he stated. /mvs
[This article was first created on Facebook – Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya. For PGNV updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]