Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 11177
Introduced by TUCP Partylist Representative 
HON. RAYMOND DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Special Geographic Area (SGA) is one of the major outcomes of the decades-
old peace negotiation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines 
(GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) especially in light of the 
Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). 63 barangays of the Cotabato province successfully 
applied for inclusion in the Bangsamoro region in a plebiscite held on February 6, 2019. 
Originally from the six (6) municipalities of Cotabato province, namely: Aleosan, 
Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan and Pikit, these barangays were clustered in 
March 2020 into eight (8), namely: Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap 1 & II, Pigcawayan, 
and Pikit I, II and III. On December 12, 2022, the bills consolidating the 63 barangays 
into eight (8) municipalities were filed by the Government of the Day before the 
Bangsamoro Parliament. Under these bills, the proposed municipalities include 
Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, 
Tugunan and Ligawasan with Parliament Bills No. 129 to 136, in that order. Coded as 
Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts No. 41 to 48, these bills were approved by the 
Bangsamoro Parliament and signed into law  by the Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim 
on August 17, 2023. On April 13, 2024, plebiscites were held in the SGA to ratify 
Bangsamoro Acts No. 41 to 48. This event marked a historic milestone among the 
residents when the overwhelming majority voted in favor of these Acts.  
With the absence of a duly instituted provincial government of the SGA, they 
have been deprived of electing their provincial governor, vice governor and members 
of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; their voice in the House of Representatives; and, 
their municipal mayor, vice mayor and members of the Sanguniang Bayan since the 
2022 national and local elections. They were only allowed to vote for the President, 
Vice President, Senate and Party-list representative in the 2022 elections. Furthermore, 
the lack of established line government agencies in the SGA and its municipalities has 
hindered the effective delivery of basic services to its constituents. 
December 5, 2024
2:43 pm


To uphold the fundamental rights of SGA residents to suffrage and good 
governance, the immediate passage of the proposed measure creating the Province of 
Kutawato is urgently needed. This new province will ensure better representation, 
governance, and public service delivery, addressing the long-standing challenges faced 
by the people of the SGA. 
HON. RAYMOND DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA 
TUCP Partylist Representative 


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS     
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 11177 
Introduced by TUCP Partylist Representative 
HON. RAYMOND DEMOCRITO C. MENDOZA 
AN ACT CREATING THE SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA, BANGSAMORO 
AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, INTO KUTAWATO  
PROVINCE  AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the Kutawato 
Province”. 
SEC. 2. Creation – There is hereby established a new province for the Special 
Geographic Area, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, known to 
be as the Kutawato province. 
SEC. 3. Composition. - The Kutawato Province shall be composed of the 
municipalities of Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, 
Malidegao, Tugunan, and Ligawasan, which covered the sixty-three barangays in the 
Special Geographic Area. 
SEC. 4. Territorial Jurisdiction. - The territorial jurisdiction of the Kutawato Province 
shall be within the present metes and bounds of all the municipalities comprising the 
eight municipalities in the Special Geographic Area; 
The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution by the appropriate 
agency or forum of existing boundary disputes or cases involving questions of territorial 
jurisdiction between the new province and adjoining local government units in case 
there is any in the SGA: Provided that the territorial boundaries of the disputed area or 


areas shall remain with the local government unit which has existing administrative 
supervision over said area or areas until final resolution of the case. 
SEC. 5. Capital Town and Seat of Government. - The capital town of the province 
shall be the municipality of Pahamuddin of the Kutawato Province, and its seat of 
government shall be in Barangay Libungan Torreta of the municipality of Pahamuddin. 
SEC. 6. Corporate Powers of the Province. – The province constitutes a political body 
corporate and, as such, is endowed with the attributes of perpetual succession and 
possesses of the powers which pertain to a provincial corporation to be exercised in 
conformity with the provisions of this Charter, the Bangsamoro Local Governance 
Code, and, in suppletory, the Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local 
Government Code of 1991,” as amended. The province shall have the following 
corporate powers: 
(a) To exercise continuous succession in its corporate name;
(b) To sue and be sued;
(c) To use a corporate seal;
(d) To acquire and convey real or personal property;
(e) To enter into contracts; and
(f) To exercise such other powers granted to corporations, subject to the limitations
provided under the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code and in suppletory, Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other laws.
SEC. 7. General Powers. - The province shall have a common seal and may alter the 
same at its pleasure: Provided that any change of corporate seal shall be registered with 
the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) and/or the Department of the 
Interior and Local Government (DILG). The province shall have the power to create its 
sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges; to take, purchase, receive, 
hold, lease, convey, and dispose of real and personal property for the general interests 
of the province; to expropriate or condemn private property for public use; to contract 
and to be contracted with; to sue and to be sued; to prosecute and defend to final 
judgment and execution suits wherein the province is involved or interested in; and to 
exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or as hereinafter granted, subject 
to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended. 
SEC. 8. Liability for Damages. - The province and its officials shall not be exempt 
from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property. 
SEC. 9. Legislative District. - The province shall have its own legislative district 
comprising of the municipalities enumerated under Section 3 of this Charter, which 
shall take effect upon the election and qualification of its representative to be held on 
the second Monday of May 202__; 


 
The incumbent Representatives of the present Province of North Cotabato shall 
continue to represent their respective legislative districts until the expiration of their 
terms of office. 
 
ARTICLE II 
 
PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS IN GENERAL 
 
SEC. 10. Officials of the Provincial Government. – (a) The Kutawato Province shall 
have a provincial governor, a provincial vice governor, the regular members of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan, a secretary to the sangguniang panlalalwigan, a 
provincial treasurer, a provincial assessor, a provincial accountant, a provincial budget 
officer, a provincial planning and development coordinator, a provincial engineer, a 
provincial health officer, a provincial administrator, a provincial legal officer, a 
provincial agriculturist, a provincial social welfare and development officer, a 
provincial veterinarian, and a provincial general services officer. 
 
(b) In addition, thereto, the provincial governor may appoint a provincial architect,          
a provincial population officer, a provincial environment and natural resources officer, 
a provincial cooperative officer, and a provincial information officer. 
 
(c) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest of 
efficiency, economy, and public welfare. 
 
Unless otherwise provided herein or under the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended, the heads of departments and offices shall be appointed by the provincial 
governor 
with 
the 
concurrence 
of 
a 
majority 
of 
all 
the sangguniang 
panlalawigan members, subject to civil service law, rules, and regulations. 
The sangguniang panlalawigan shall act on the appointments within fifteen (15) days 
from the day of submission; otherwise, the same shall be deemed confirmed. 
 
SEC. 11. Residences and Office. - The official residence and office of the provincial 
governor, during the latter's incumbency, shall be in the capital of the province. All 
elective and appointive provincial officials shall hold office in the provincial 
capital: Provided, That, upon the resolution of the sangguniang panlalawigan, elective 
and appointive provincial officials may hold office in any component municipality 
within the province for period of not more than seven (7) days for any given month. 
 
Elective and appointive provincial officials shall receive such compensation, 
allowance,  and other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance, subject 
to the budgetary limitations on personal services prescribed under Section 325 of the 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended: Provided, That no increase in 
compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of all the elective 
officials approving such increase. 


 
 
ARTICLE III 
 
ELECTIVE PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS 
 
SEC. 12. The Provincial Governor. - (a) The provincial governor, as the chief 
executive of the provincial government, shall exercise such powers and perform such 
duties and functions as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended, and other laws. 
 
(b) For efficient, effective, and economical governance, the purpose of which is the 
general welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, the provincial governor shall: 
 
(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and 
activities of the provincial government and, in this connection, shall: 
 
(i) Determine the guidelines of provincial policies and be responsible to 
the sangguniang panlalawigan for the program of government; 
 
(ii) Direct the formulation of the provincial development plan with the assistance of the 
provincial development council and, upon approval thereof by the sangguniang 
panlalawigan, implement the same; 
 
(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects for the 
consideration of the sangguniang panlalawigan at the opening of the regular session of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan every calendar year and as often as may be deemed 
necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the provincial 
government may require; 
 
(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang panlalawigan and, as 
often as may be deemed necessary, provide such information and data needed or 
requested in the performance of its legislative functions; 
 
(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are wholly or mainly 
paid out of provincial funds and whose appointments are not otherwise provided for in 
this Act, as well as those that the provincial governor may be authorized by law to 
appoint; 
 
(vi) Represent the province in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all 
bonds, contracts, obligations, and such other documents upon the authority of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan or pursuant to law or ordinance; 
 


 
(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary during and in the 
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; 
 
(viii) Determine the time, manner, and place of payment of salaries or wages of the 
provincial officials and employees, in accordance with law or ordinances; 
 
(ix) Allocate and assign office space to the provincial and other officials and employees 
who, by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space in the provincial capital and other 
buildings owned or leased by the provincial government; 
 
(x) Ensure all executive officials and employees of the province to faithfully discharge 
their duties and functions as provided for by law and the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings 
against any official or employee of the province who may have committed an offense 
in the performance of official duties; 
 
(xi) Examine the books, records, and other documents of all offices, officials, agents, 
or employees of the province and, in aid of executive powers and authority, require all 
national officials and employees stationed in the province to make available such books, 
records, and other documents in their custody, except those classified by law as 
confidential; 
 
(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by the governor to the Office of the 
President within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance; 
 
(xiii) Visit municipalities and future component cities of the province at least once 
every six (6) months to deepen the governor's understanding of problems and 
conditions, listen and give appropriate counsel to local officials and inhabitants; inform 
the officials and inhabitants of future component cities and municipalities of general 
laws and ordinance which especially concern them, and otherwise conduct visits and 
inspections to ensure that the governance of the province will improve the quality of 
life of the inhabitants; 
 
(xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees and the commutation of the 
monetary value of their leave credits in accordance with law' 
 
(xv) Authorize official trips of provincial officials and employees outside of the 
province for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days; 
 
(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or assigned to the 
province to advise on matters affecting the province and to make recommendations 
thereon; coordinate with the official or employee in the formulation and implementation 
of plans, programs, and projects; and when appropriate, initiate an administrative or 
judicial action against a national government official or employee who may have 


 
committed an offense in the performance of official duties while stationed in or 
assigned to the province; 
 
(xvii) Authorize payment for medical care, necessary transportation, subsistence, 
hospital, or medical fees of provincial officials and employees who are injured while in 
the performance of their official duties and functions, subject to the availability of 
funds; 
 
(xviii) Represent the province in inter-provincial or regional sports councils or 
committees and coordinate the efforts of municipalities or future component cities in 
the regional or national palaro or sports development activities; 
 
(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlalawigan, which shall feature traditional sports 
and disciplines included in national and international games in coordination with the 
Department of Education (DepEd); and 
 
(xx) Submit to the Office of the President the following reports: an annual report 
containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the management, administration and 
development of the province and all information and data relative to its political, social 
and economic conditions; and supplemental reports when unexpected events and 
situations arise at any time during the year, particularly when man-made or natural 
disasters or calamities affect the general welfare of the province, the region or the 
country in general; 
(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the province and the 
exercise of the appropriate corporate powers provided under Section 22 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; implement all approved policies, programs, 
projects, services and activities of the province; and, in addition to the foregoing shall: 
 
(i) Ensure that the acts of the future component cities and municipalities of the province 
and of its officials and employees are within the scope of their prescribed powers, duties 
and functions; 
 
(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars or meetings of elective and appointive 
officials of the province and its future component cities and municipalities, including 
national officials and employees stationed in or assigned to the province, at such time 
and place and on such subject as may be deemed important for the promotion of the 
general welfare of the province and its inhabitants; 
 
(iii) Issue such executive orders for the faithful and appropriate enforcement and 
execution of laws and ordinances; 
 
(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearm within the territorial jurisdiction of the 
province; 
 


 
(v) In coordination with the mayors of future component cities and municipalities and 
the National Police Commission, formulate the peace and order plan of the province 
and upon its approval, implement the same in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, 
as amended, otherwise known as the "Department of the Interior and Local Government 
Code of 1990"; and 
 
(vi) Call upon the appropriate national law enforcement agencies to suppress disorder, 
riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition or to apprehend violators of the law when 
public interest so requires and when the police forces of the future component city or 
municipality where the disorder or violation is happening are inadequate to cope with 
the situation or the violators; 
 
(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and apply the same 
to the implementation of development plans, programs objectives and priorities as 
provided under Section 18 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, 
particularly those resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial development 
and countrywide growth and progress, relative thereto, shall: 
 
(i)Require each head of an office or department to prepare and submit an estimate of 
appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in accordance with the budget preparation 
process under Title V, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(ii) Prepare and submit to the sangguniang panlalawigan for approval the executive 
and supplemental budgets of the province for the ensuing calendar year in the manner 
provided under Title V, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the province are collected, and 
provincial funds are applied to the payment of expenses, and obligations of the province 
are settled, in accordance with law or ordinance; 
 
(iv) Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the 
conditions upon which said licenses or permits had issued, pursuant to law or ordinance; 
 
(v) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest 
and other resources of the province, in coordination with the mayors of future 
component cities or municipalities;  
(vi) Provide efficient and effective property and supply management in the province; 
and safeguard the funds, accounts receivables, rights and other properties of the 
province; and 
 
(vii) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings for 
violations of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees or charges, and for the recovery 
of funds and property, and cause the province to be defended against all suits to ensure 
that its interests, resources and rights shall be adequately protected; 


 
 
(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as 
provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended and, in 
addition thereto, shall: 
 
(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and highways funded by the national 
government shall be, as far as practicable, carried out in a spatially contiguous manner 
and in coordination with the construction and repair of the roads and bridges of the 
province and of its future component cities and municipalities; and 
 
(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services by national offices for the 
province and its future component cities and municipalities, including public works and 
infrastructure programs of the provincial government and its future component cities 
and municipalities; and 
 
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
The provincial governor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation as prescribed 
under Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989", as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued 
pursuant thereto. 
 
SEC. 13. The Provincial Vice Governor. - (a) The provincial vice governor shall: 
 
(1) 
Be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan and sign all warrants 
drawn on the provincial treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of 
the sannguniang panlalawigan; 
 
(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and 
employees of the sangguniang panlalawigan, except those manner of appointment is 
specifically provided for under existing laws; 
 
(3) Assume the office of the provincial governor for the unexpired term of the latter in 
the event of permanent vacancy as provided under Section 44, Book I of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the provincial governor 
in case of temporary vacancy as provided under Section 46, Book I of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; and 
 
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 


 
(b) The provincial vice governor shall receive a monthly compensation as prescribed 
under the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989, as amended, and the 
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
 
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN 
 
SEC. 14. Composition. - (a) The sangguniang panlalawigan, the legislative body of 
the province, shall be composed of the provincial vice governor as the presiding officer, 
the regular sangguniang panlalawigan members, the president of the provincial chapter 
of the liga ng mga barangay, the president of the panlalawigang pederasyon ng mga 
sangguniang 
kabataan, the 
president 
of 
the 
provincial 
federation 
of sanggunian members of municipalities and future component cities, and the sectoral 
representatives, as members. 
 
(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from the 
women's sector; one (1) from the agricultural or industrial worker sector; and one (1) 
from other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or 
persons with disability. 
 
(c) The regular members of the sangguniang panlalawigan and the sectoral 
representatives shall be elected in the manner provided by law, and shall receive a 
monthly compensation as prescribed under the Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989, as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued 
pursuant thereto. 
 
SEC. 15. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. - (a) The sangguniang 
panlalawigan, as the legislative body of the province, shall enact ordinances, approve 
resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the province and its 
inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, 
and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the province as provided under 
Section 22 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and shall: 
 
(1) Approve all ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective 
provincial government and, in this connection, shall: 
 
(i) Review all ordinances approved by the sanggunians of future component cities and 
municipalities and executive orders issued by the mayors of said component units to 
determine whether these are within the scope of the prescribed powers of 
the sanggunian and of the mayor; 
 


 
(ii) Maintain peace and order by enacting measures to prevent and suppress lawlessness, 
disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or sedition and impose penalties for the violation of 
said ordinances; 
 
(iii) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos 
(P5,000.00) or an imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or both, at the discretion 
of the court, for the violation of a provincial ordinance; 
 
(iv) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the province from the harmful effects 
of man-made or natural disasters and calamities, and provide relief services and 
assistance to victims during and in the aftermath of said disasters and calamities, and to 
facilitate their return to productive livelihood following said events; 
 
(v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose appropriate penalties for 
habitual drunkenness in public places, vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, the 
establishment and maintenance of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited 
games of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money or property, drug 
addition, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, juvenile delinquency, the printing, 
distribution or exhibition of obscene or pornographic materials or publication, and such 
other activities inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the province; 
(vi) Protect the environment, and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger 
the environment, such as dynamite fishing and other forms of destructive fishing, illegal 
logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of 
endangered species of flora and fauna, slash-and-burn farming, irresponsible disposal 
of waste, and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of 
eutrophication of rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance; 
 
(vii) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and 
other pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the 
province; 
 
(viii) Determine the positions and salaries, wages, allowances and other emoluments 
and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from provincial funds 
and provide for expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of programs, projects, 
services and activities of the provincial government; 
 
(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person not in the government 
service who fills in a temporary vacancy or grant honorarium to any qualified official 
or employee designated to fill a temporary vacancy in a concurrent capacity at the rate 
authorized by law; 
 
(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor to ensure the safety and 
protection of all provincial government property, public documents or records such as 
those relating to property inventory, land ownership, records of birth, marriages, deaths, 


 
assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits, and such other records and 
documents of public interest in the offices and departments of the provincial 
government; and 
 
(xi) When the finances of the provincial government allow, provide for additional 
allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors, public elementary and high school 
teachers, and other national government officials stationed or assigned to the province; 
 
(2) Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the development 
plans, programs, objectives and priorities of the province as provided under Section 18 
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, with particular attention to agro-
industrial development and countrywide growth and progress and, relative thereto, 
shall: 
(i) Enact the annual and supplemental appropriations of the provincial government and 
appropriate funds for specific programs, projects, services and activities of the 
province, or for other purposes not contrary to law, in order to promote the general 
welfare of the province and its inhabitants; 
 
(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended, applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all the members of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan, enact ordinance levying taxes, fees and charges, 
prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific purposes and granting tax 
exemptions, incentives or reliefs; 
 
(iii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended, applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all the members of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan, authorize the provincial governor to negotiate and 
contract loans and other forms of indebtedness; 
 
(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended, applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all the members of 
the sangguninang panlalawigan, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of bonds or 
other instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose of raising funds to finance 
development projects; 
(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the rental of buildings 
for the use of the province and, upon the majority vote of all the members of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan, authorize the provincial governor to lease to private 
parties such public buildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, 
rules and regulations; 
 
(vi) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of property within the 
jurisdiction of the province; 
 


 
(vii) Review the comprehensive land use plans and zoning ordinances of future 
component cities and municipalities and adopt a comprehensive provincial land use 
plan, subject to existing laws; and 
 
(viii) Adopt measures to enhance the full implementation of the national agrarian 
reform program in coordination with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); 
 
(3) Subject to the provision of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended, grant franchises, approve the issuance of permits or licenses, or enact 
ordinance levying taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for such purposes 
intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the province and, pursuant 
to its legislative authority, shall: 
 
(i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services rendered by the 
provincial government to private persons or entities; and 
 
(ii) Regulate and fix the license fees for such activities as provided for under the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(4) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the 
basic services and facilities as provided under Section 17 of the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended, and in addition to said services and facilities, shall: 
 
(i) 
Adopt measures and safeguards against pollution and for the preservation of the 
natural ecosystem in the province, including the proper collection and disposal of waste, 
in consonance with approved standards on human settlements and environmental 
sanitation; 
 
(ii) 
Subject to applicable laws, facilitate or provide for the establishment and 
maintenance of a waterworks system or district waterworks for supplying water to 
inhabitants of future component cities and municipalities; 
 
(iii) 
Subject to the availability of funds and to existing laws, rules and regulations, 
provide for the establishment and operation of vocational and technical schools and 
similar post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of the DepEd and subject to 
existing laws on tuition fees, fix reasonable tuition fees and other school charges in 
educational institutions supported by the provincial government; 
 
(iv) Establish a scholarship fund for the poor but deserving students in schools located 
within its jurisdiction or of students residing within the province; 
 
(v) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent the introduction and 
spread of diseases within its territorial jurisdiction; 
 


 
(vi) Provide for the care of paupers, the aged, the sick, persons of unsound mind, 
abandoned minors, abused children, disabled persons, juvenile delinquents, drug 
dependents, and other needy and disadvantaged persons, particularly children and youth 
below eighteen (18) years of age; subject to the availability of funds, establish and 
support the operation of centers and facilities for said needy and disadvantaged persons; 
and facilitate the efforts to promote the welfare of families below the poverty threshold, 
the disadvantaged and the exploited; 
 
(vii) Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of jails and detention 
centers, institute a sound jail management program and appropriate funds for the 
subsistence of detainees and convicted prisoners in the province; 
 
(viii) Establish a provincial council whose purpose is the promotion of culture and the 
arts, coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations and, 
subject to the availability of funds, appropriate funds for the support and development 
of the same; and 
 
(ix) Establish a provincial council for the elderly which shall formulate policies and 
adopt measures mutually beneficial to the elderly and to the province, subject to the 
availability of funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects for the elderly; 
and provide incentives for nongovernmental agencies and entities that shall implement 
programs and projects for the elderly; and 
 
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as provided 
for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and as may be prescribed 
by law or ordinance. 
 
ARTICLE V 
 
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION 
 
SEC. 16. Internal Rules of Procedure. - (a) On the first regular session following the 
election of its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the sangguniang 
panlalawigan shall adopt or update its existing rules of procedure. 
 
(b) The rules of procedure shall provide the following: 
 
(1) The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as well as the 
creation of standing committees which shall include, but may not be limited to 
appropriations, women and family, human rights, youth and sports development, 
environmental protection, peace and order, and cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of 
each committee; and the election of the chairman and members of each committee; 
 
(2) The order and calendar of business for each session; 


 
 
(3) The legislative process; 
 
(4) The parliamentary procedures which include the conduct of members during 
sessions; 
 
(5) The discipline of members on account of disorderly behavior and absences without 
justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be censured, 
reprimanded or excluded from the session, or suspended for not more than sixty (60) 
days, or expelled: Provided, That the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall require 
the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the sanggunian members: Provided, 
further, That a member convicted by final judgment to imprisonment of at least one (1) 
year for any crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from 
the sanggunian; and 
 
(6) Such other rules of the sanggunian may adopt. 
 
SEC. 17. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of Sangguniang 
Panlalawigan Members. - (a) Every sangguniang panlalawigan member shall, upon 
assumption to office, make a full disclosure of business and financial interests. The 
member shall also disclose any business, financial, professional relationship or any 
relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, with any person, 
firm or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by 
the sanggunian of which one is a member, which relationship may result in conflict of 
interest. Such relationship shall include: 
 
(1) Ownership of stocks or capital, or investment in the entity or firm to which the 
ordinance or resolution may apply; and 
 
(2) Contracts or agreement with any person or entity which ordinance or resolution 
under consideration may affect. 
 
In the absence of a specific constitutional or statutory provision applicable to this 
situation, "conflict of interest" refers in general to a situation where it may be 
reasonably deduced that a member of a sangguniang panlalawigan may not be able to 
act in the public interest due to some private, pecuniary or other personal considerations 
that tend to affect the member's judgment to the prejudice of the service of the public. 
 
(b) The above disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and submitted 
to the secretary of the sanggunian or the secretary of the committee of membership of 
the sanggunian member. The disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of 
the proceedings of the meetings and shall be made in the following manner: 
 


 
(1) Disclosure shall be made before the member participates in the deliberations on the 
ordinance or resolution under consideration: Provided, That if the member did not 
participate during the deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before voting on the 
ordinance or resolution on second or third readings; and 
 
(2) Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a position or makes a privilege 
speech on a matter that may affect the business interest, financial connection or 
professional relationship described herein. 
 
SEC. 18. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of session immediately following the election 
of its members, the sangguniang panlalawigan shall, by resolution, fix the day, time 
and place of its regular sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan shall be once a week. 
 
(b) When the public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the 
provincial governor or by a majority of the members of the sanggunian. 
 
(c) All sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed-door session is 
ordered by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present, there being a 
quorum, in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency or morality. No two 
(2) sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day. 
 
(d) In the case of special sessions of the sanggunian, a written notice to the members 
shall be served personally at the members' usual place of residence at least twenty-four 
(24) hours before the special session is held. 
 
Unless otherwise concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the sanggunian members 
present, there being a quorum no other matters may be considered at a special session 
except those stated in the notice. 
 
(e) The sanggunian shall keep a journal and a record of its proceedings which may be 
published upon resolution of the sangguniang panlalawigan. 
 
SEC. 19. Quorum. - (a) A majority of all the members of the sanggunian who have 
been elected and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business. Should 
a question of quorum be raised during the session, the presiding officer shall 
immediately proceed to call the roll of the members and thereafter announce the results. 
 
(b) Whether there in no quorum, the presiding officer may declare a recess until such 
time a quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present may adjourn from 
day to day and may compel the immediate attendance of any member absent without 
justifiable cause by designating a member of the sanggunian, to be assisted by a 
member or members of the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the 
province, to arrest the absent member and present the same at the session. 


 
 
(c) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately preceding 
subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion 
duly approved by the members present, shall ten declare the session adjourned for lack 
of quorum. 
 
SEC. 20. Approval of Ordinances. - (a) Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang 
panlalawigan shall be presented to the provincial governor. The provincial governor 
shall sign each and every page of the ordinance to signify approval of the same; 
otherwise, the provincial governor shall veto it and return the same, stating therein the 
reasons for such objection. Thereafter, the sanggunian may override the veto of the 
provincial governor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the 
ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes. 
 
(b) The veto shall be communicated by the provincial governors to the sangguniang 
panlalawigan within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the ordinance; otherwise, the 
ordinance shall be deemed approved as if the provincial governor had signed it. 
 
SEC. 21. Veto Power of the Provincial Governor. - (a) The provincial governor may 
veto any ordinance of the sangguniang panlalawigan on the ground that it is prejudicial 
to the public welfare, and return the same, stating therein the reasons for the 
disapproval. 
 
(b) The provincial governor shall have the power to veto particular item or items of an 
appropriation ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local development plan 
and public investment program or an ordinance directing the payment of money or 
creating liability. In such case, the veto shall not affect the item or items which are not 
objected to. The vetoed item or items shall not take effect unless the sangguniang 
panlalawigan overrides the veto in the manner herein provided; otherwise, the item or 
items in the appropriations ordinance of the previous year corresponding to those 
vetoed, if any, shall be deemed reenacted. 
 
(c) The provincial governor may veto an ordinance or resolution only once. 
The sanggunian override the veto of the provincial governor by two-thirds (2/3) vote 
of all its members, thereby making the ordinance effective even without the approval 
of the provincial governor. 
 
ARTICLE VI 
 
SUCCESSION FOR ELECTIVE PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS 
 
SEC. 22. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial Governor. - (a) If a 
permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the provincial governor, the provincial vice 
governor shall become the provincial governor or, in case of permanent inability, the 


 
highest ranking sanggunian member shall become the provincial governor. If a 
permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the provincial vice governor, the highest 
ranking sangguniang panlalawigan member shall become the provincial vice governor 
or, 
in 
case 
of 
permanent 
inability, 
the 
highest 
ranking sangguniang 
panlalawigan member shall become the provincial vice governor. Subsequent 
vacancies shall be filled automatically by the sanggunian members according to their 
ranking as defined herein: 
 
(1) For purpose of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective official fills a 
higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is removed from 
the office, voluntarily regins or otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the 
functions of the office; 
 
(2)  A tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang panlalawigan members 
shall be resolved by drawing of lots; 
 
(3) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of the 
predecessors; and 
 
(4) For purposes of succession as provided for in this Act, ranking in the sangguniang 
panlalawigan shall be determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by 
each winning candidate to the total number of registered voters in the province in the 
immediately preceding local elections. 
 
SEC. 23. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a) Permanent 
vacancies in the sangguniang panlalawigan where automatic succession as provided 
for in this Act does not apply shall be filed by appointment by the President, through 
the Executive Secretary. 
 
(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the sanggunian member 
concerned had been elected and whose elevation to the position next higher in rank 
created the last vacancy in the sanggunian shall be appointed in the manner herein 
provided. The appointee shall come from the same political party as that of 
the sanggunian member who caused the vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of 
the vacant office. 
 
In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate of membership of 
the appointee from the highest official of the political party concerned are 
conditions sine qua non, and any appointment without such nomination and 
certification shall be null and void ab initio and shall be a ground for administrative 
action against the official responsible therefor. 
 


 
(c) In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a sanggunian member who does not 
belong to any political party, the provincial governor shall, upon recommendation of 
the sangguniang panlalawigan, appoint a qualified person to fill in the vacancy. 
 
(d) 
In 
case 
of 
vacancy 
in 
the 
representation 
of 
the sangguniang 
kabataan, the sangguniang barangay and the provincial league of councilors in 
the sangguniang panlalawigan, said vacancy shall be filled in automatically by the 
next-in-rank official of the organization concerned. 
 
SEC. 24. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial Governor. - (a) When 
the provincial governor is temporarily incapacitated to perform the duties for physical 
or legal reasons such as leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the 
provincial vice governor shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties 
and functions of the provincial governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or 
dismiss employees which can onlt be exercised if the period of temporary incapacity 
exceeds thirty (30) working days. 
(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the sangguniang 
panlalawigan of a written declaration by the provincial governor of having reported 
back to office, In case where the temporary incapacity is due to legal cause, the 
provincial governor shall also submit the necessary documents showing that the legal 
cause no longer exists. 
 
(c) When the provincial governor is traveling within the country but outside the 
territorial jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three (3) consecutive days, the same 
may designate in writing the officer-in-charge of the office. Such authorization shall 
specify the powers and functions that the local officials concerned shall exercise in the 
absence of the provincial governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss 
employees. 
 
(d) In the event, however, that the provincial governor fails or refuses to issue such 
authorization, the provincial vice governor shall have the right to assume the powers, 
duties and functions of the said office on  the fourth (4th) day of absence of the 
provincial governor, subject to the limitations provided for in subsection (c) hereof. 
 
(e) Except as provided for in subsection (c) hereof, the provincial governor shall, in no 
case, authorize any local officials to assume the powers, duties and functions of the 
office other than the provincial vice governor. 
 
ARTICLE VII 
 
APPOINTIVE PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS: 
THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES 
 


SEC. 25. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a) There shall be a 
secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan who shall be a career official with the rank 
and salary equal to a head of a department or office. 
(b) The secretary to the sanggunian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of
the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in law,
commerce or public administration from a recognized college or university, and a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.
The appointment of the secretary to the sanggunian is mandatory. 
(c) The secretary to the sanggunian shall take charge of the office of the sangguniang
panlalawigan, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(1) Attend meetings of the sanggunian and keep a journal of its proceedings;
(2) Keep the seal of the province and affix the same on all ordinances, resolutions and
other official papers of the sanggunian, duly signing them before presenting the same
to the presiding officer for the latter's signature;
(3) Forward to the provincial governor, for approval, copies of ordinances enacted by
the sanggunian and duly certified by the presiding officer, in the manner provided
under Section 54 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(4) Forward to the sangguniang bayan or sangguniang panlungsod, as the case may be,
copies of duly approved ordinances in the manner provided under Sections 56 and 57
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(5) Furnish, upon the request of any interested party, certified copies of records of
public character in the secretary's custody, upon payment to the treasurer of such fees
as may be prescribed by ordinance;
(6) Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and resolutions enacted or
adopted by the sanggunian, with the dates of passage and publication thereof;
(7) Keep the office and all nonconfidential records therein open to the public during
usual business hours;
(8) Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants, all ordinances and
resolutions immediately after their approval, and cause the publication of the same
together with the original version in the manner provided under the Local Government
Code of 1991, as amended;


(9) Take custody of the local archives and, where applicable, the local archives and,
where applicable, the local library and annually account for the same; and
(10) Exercise such powers and perform other duties and functions as may be prescribed
by law or ordinance relative to his or her position.
SEC. 26. The Provincial Treasurer. - (a) The provincial treasurer shall be appointed 
by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible 
recommendees of the provincial governor, subject to civil service law, rules and 
regulations. 
The appointment of the provincial treasurer is mandatory. 
(b) The provincial treasurer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in commerce,
public administration or law from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years
experience in treasury or accounting service.
(c) The provincial treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the
provincial governor and shall regularly report to the provincial governor on the tax
collection efforts in the province.
(d) The provincial treasurer shall take charge of the treasury office, and perform the
duties as provided under Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,
and shall:
(1) Advise the provincial governor or the sanggunian, as the case may be. and other
local government and national officials concerned regarding disposition of local
government funds and on such other matters relative to public finance;
(2) Take custody of and exercise proper management of the funds of the local
government unit concerned;
(3) Take charge of the disbursement of all local government funds and such other funds,
the custody of which may be entrusted to by law or other competent authority;
(4) Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the jurisdiction of
the province in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the
provisions under Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(5) Maintain and update the tax information system of the local government unit;


(6) Exercise technical supervision over all treasury offices of component cities and
municipalities; and
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 27. The Provincial Assessor. - (a) The provincial assessor must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college 
degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any other related 
course from a recognized college or university, a duly registered and licensed real estate 
service practitioner as provided under Section 30 of Republic Act No. 9646, otherwise 
known as the "Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines", a first grade civil service 
eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in 
real property assessment work or in any related field. 
The appointment of the provincial assessor is mandatory. 
(b) The provincial assessor shall take charge of the assessor's office and perform the
duties provided under Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,
and shall:
(1) Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment of real
properties for taxation purposes are properly executed;
(2) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and
programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the valuation and assessment of real
properties for taxation purposes;
(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;
(4) Install and maintain a real property identification and accounting system;
(5) Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing graphically all
properties subject to assessment and gather all data concerning the same;
(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine whether all real
properties within the province are properly listed in the assessment rolls;
(7) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for taxation purposes
of all real properties in the province;
(8) Prepare a schedule of the fair market for the different classes of real properties in
accordance with Title II, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;


(9) Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment records
of real properties and all other records relative to its assessment, upon payment of a
service charge or fee to the provincial treasurer;
(10) Submit every semester a report of all assessments, as well as cancellations and
modifications of assessments to the provincial governor and the sangguniang
panlalawigan;
(11) Exercise technical supervision and visitorial functions over all component city and
municipal assessors, coordinate with component city or municipal assessors in the
conduct of tax mapping operations and all other assessment activities, and provide all
forms of assistance therefor: Provided, however, That, upon full provision by the
component city or municipality concerned to its assessor's office of the minimum
personnel, equipment and funding requirements as may be prescribed by the Secretary
of Finance, such functions shall be delegated to the said city or municipal assessor; and
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 28. The Provincial Accountant. - (a) The provincial accountant must be a citizen 
of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a certified public 
accountant and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the treasury or 
accounting service. 
The appointment of a provincial accountant is mandatory. 
(b) The provincial accountant shall take charge of both the accounting and internal audit
services of the province, and shall:
(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the province;
(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the provincial governor and to
the sangguniang panlalawigan;
(3) Apprise the sanggunian and other local government officials on the financial
condition and operations of the provincial government;
(4) Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment from which expenditures and
obligations may be properly charged;
(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers to determine
completeness of requirements;


 
(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, allowances, 
reimbursements and remittances pertaining to the provincial government; 
 
(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and liquidations of the same and other 
adjustments related thereto; 
 
(8) Post individual disbursements to subsidiary ledgers and index cards; 
 
(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the provincial 
government pertaining to payrolls and deductions; 
 
(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchased furniture, fixtures and 
equipment, including disposal thereof, if any; 
 
(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and keep all records 
and reports related thereto; 
 
(12) Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain and keep all records 
and reports related thereto; and 
 
(13) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
provided by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 29. The Provincial Budget Officer. - (a) The provincial budget officer must be a 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder 
of a college degree preferably in accounting, economics, public administration or any 
related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible 
or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in government 
budgeting or in any related field. 
 
The appointment of the provincial budget officer is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial budget officer shall take charge of the budget office, and pursuant 
thereto, perform the following: 
 
(1) Prepare forms, orders and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary and 
appropriation matters for the signature of the provincial governor; 
 
(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different departments and offices 
of the province; 
 
(3) Assist the provincial governor in the preparation of the budget and during the budget 
hearings; 
 


 
(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and submit 
comments and recommendations thereon; 
 
(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget and Management 
(DBM); 
 
(6) Coordinate with the provincial treasurer, the provincial accountant and the 
provincial planning and development coordinator for the purpose of budgeting; 
 
(7) Assist the sangguniang panlalawigan in reviewing the approved budgets of the 
component cities and municipalities; 
 
(8) Coordinate with the provincial planning and development coordinator in the 
formulation of the provincial development plan; and 
 
(9) Exercise such powers and perform other duties and functions as may be prescribed 
by law or ordinance. 
 
(c) The appropriations for personal services of the provincial budget officer provided 
under the DBM shall, upon the effectivity of this Charter, be transferred to the new 
province. Thereafter, the appropriations for personal services of the budget officer shall 
be provided in full in the budget of the local government unit, 
 
SEC. 30. The Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator.- (a) The 
provincial planning and development coordinator must be a citizen of the Philippines, 
a resident of the province, of good oral character, a holder of a degree preferably in 
urban planning, development studies, economics, public administration, or any related 
course from a recognized college or university, a duly registered and licensed 
environmental planner, as provided under Section 34 of Republic Act No. 10587, or the 
"Environmental Planning Act of 2013," a first grade civil service eligible or its 
equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in development 
planning or in any related field. 
 
The appointment of a provincial planning and development coordinator is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial planning and development coordinator shall take charge of the 
planning and development office, and pursuant thereto, perform the following: 
 
(1) Formulate integrated economic, social. physical and other development plans and 
policies for consideration of the local government development council; 
 
(2) Conduct continuing studies, researches and training programs necessary to evolve 
plans and programs for implementation; 


(3) Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the different
functional groups and agencies;
(4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different development programs,
projects and activities in the province in accordance with the approved development
plan;
(5) Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning documents for the
consideration of the provincial development council;
(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and recommend fiscal
plans and policies for the consideration of the finance committee of the province as
provided under Title V, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(7) Promote people's participation in development planning within the province;
(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the provincial development
council; and
(9) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 31. The Provincial Engineer. - (a) The provincial engineer must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a licensed civil 
engineer and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the practice of the 
civil engineering profession. 
The appointment of the provincial engineer is mandatory. 
(b) The provincial engineer shall take charge of the engineering office, and pursuant
thereto, perform the following:
(1) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and
programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure development and
public works in general, of the province;
(2) Advise the provincial governor on infrastructure, public works and other
engineering matters;
(3) Administer, coordinate, supervise and control the construction, maintenance,
improvement and repair of roads, bridges and other engineering and public works
projects of the province;


 
(4) Provide engineering services to the province, including investigations and surveys, 
engineering designs, feasibility studies and project management; 
 
(5) Exercise technical supervision over all engineering offices of the component cities 
and municipalities; and 
 
(6) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 32. The Provincial Health Officer. - (a) The provincial health officer must be a 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a licensed 
medical practitioner and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the 
practice of the medical profession. 
 
The appointment of a provincial health officer is mandatory, 
 
(b) The provincial health officer shall perform the following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and projects to promote the 
health of the people of the province; 
 
(2) Advise the provincial governor and the sanggunian on matters pertaining to health; 
 
(3) Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to public health; 
 
(4) Recommend to the sanggunian, through the provincial health board, the passage of 
such ordinances as he or she may deem necessary for the preservation of public health; 
 
(5) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws, ordinances and 
regulations; 
 
(6) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments selling food items or 
providing accommodations, such as hotels, motels, lodging houses, pension houses and 
the like, in accordance with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines; 
 
(7) Conduct health information campaigns and render health intelligence services; 
 
(8) Coordinate with other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations 
involved in the promotion and delivery of health services; 
 
(9) Exercise general supervision over health offices of the component cities and 
municipalities; 
 


 
(10) Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly during and in the 
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; 
 
(11) The provincial health officer shall take charge of the office on health services, and 
shall: 
 
(i) Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, formulate program 
implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the operation of the said office 
for the approval of the provincial governor in order to assist the latter in the efficient, 
effective and economical implementation of health services and programs geared to the 
implementation of health-related projects and activities; 
 
(ii) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out the activities of 
adequate facilities relative to health services as provided under Section 17 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; and 
 
(iii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial 
governor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with health 
programs and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and 
which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended; and 
 
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 33. The Provincial Administrator. - (a) The provincial administrator must be a 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good  moral character, a holder 
of a college degree preferably in public administration, law or any related course from 
a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent 
and must have acquired at least five (50 years experience in management and 
administration work. 
 
The term of the provincial administrator is coterminous with that of the appointing 
authority. 
 
The appointment of the provincial administrator is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial administrator shall charge of the office of the administrator, and 
pursuant thereto, perform the following: 
 
(1) Develop plans and strategic and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and 
administration-related programs and projects which the provincial governor is 


 
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under 
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Assist in the coordination of work of all officials of the province under the 
supervision, direction and control of the provincial governor and, for this purpose, may 
convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the province; 
 
(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the province designed to 
promote career development and uphold the merit systems in the province; 
 
(4) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the province with the end in 
view of instituting effective administrative reforms; 
 
(5) Be in the frontline of the delivery of administrative support services, particularly 
those related to the situations during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural 
disasters and calamities; 
 
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other 
matters relative to the management and administration of the province; and 
 
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 34. The Provincial Legal Officer. - (a) The provincial legal officer must be a 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a member 
of the Philippine Bar and must have practiced for at least five (5) years the law 
profession. 
 
The term of the provincial legal officer shall be coterminous with that of the appointing 
authority. 
 
The appointment of the provincial legal officer is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial legal officer, as the chief legal counsel of the province, shall take 
charge of the office of the legal services, and pursuant thereto, perform the following: 
 
(1) 
Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide legal 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out the delivery of basic 
services and the provision of adequate facilities as provided under Section 17 of the 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the programs and projects 
related to legal services which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and 


 
which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended; 
 
(3) Represent the province in all civil actions and special proceedings wherein the 
province or any official thereof, in their official capacity, is a party: Provided, That 
actions or proceedings where a component city or municipality is a party adverse to the 
provincial government or to another component city or municipality, a special legal 
officer may be employed to represent the adverse party; 
 
(4) When required by the provincial governor or the sanggunian, draft ordinances, 
contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments, involving any interest of the province 
and provide comments and recommendations on any instrument already drawn; 
 
(5) Render an opinion in writing on any question of law when requested to do so by the 
provincial governor or the sanggunian; 
 
(6) Investigate or cause to be investigate any provincial official or employee for 
administrative neglect or misconduct in office and recommend appropriate action to the 
provincial governor or the sangguniang panlalawigan; 
 
(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm, or corporation holding any 
franchise or exercising any public privilege for failure to comply with any term or 
condition in the grant of such franchise or privilege, and recommend appropriate action 
to the provincial governor or the sanggunian; 
 
(8) When directed by the provincial governor or the sanggunian, initiate and prosecute, 
in the interest of the province, any civil action on any bond, lease or other contract upon 
any breach or violation thereof; 
 
(9) Review and submit recommendations on ordinances approved and executive orders 
issued by the component cities and municipalities; 
 
(10) Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlalawigan and advise the provincial 
governor on all other matters related to upholding the rule of law; 
 
(11) Be in the frontline of protecting human rights and prosecuting any violation, 
thereof, particularly those which occur during and in the aftermath of man-made or 
natural disasters and calamities; and 
 
(12) 
Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 35. The Provincial Agriculturist. - (a) The provincial agriculturist must be a 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder 


 
of a college degree in agriculture or in any related course from a recognized college or 
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have practiced 
for at least five (5) years the agriculturist profession or acquired experience in the 
related field. 
 
The appointment of the provincial agriculturist is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial agriculturist shall: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office of agricultural services, and pursuant thereto, perform the 
following: 
(i) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out said measures to 
ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to 
agricultural services as provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended; 
 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with agricultural programs 
and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and which 
the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, 
as amended; 
 
(2) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the production, 
processing and marketing of agricultural and aquacultural and marine products are 
extended to farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs; 
 
(3) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural researches and assist 
in making available the appropriate technology arising out of and disseminating 
information on basic research on crops. preventive control of plant diseases and pests, 
and other agricultural matters which will maximize productivity; 
 
(4) Assist the provincial governor in the establishment and extension services of 
demonstration farms on aquaculture and marine products; 
 
(5) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and aquaculture; 
 
(6) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations which 
promote agricultural productivity through appropriate technology compatible with 
environmental integrity; 
 
(7) Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic agricultural services, particularly those 
needed for the survival of the inhabitants during and in the aftermath of man-made and 
natural disasters or calamities; 


 
 
(8) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all matters 
related to agriculture and aquaculture which will improve the livelihood and living 
conditions of the inhabitants; and 
 
(9) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 36. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer. - (a) The 
provincial social welfare and development officer must a citizen of the Philippines, a 
resident of the province, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker, or a 
holder of a college degree preferably in sociology or in any related course from a 
recognized college or university, a first-grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and 
must have acquired experience for at least five (5) years in the practice of social work. 
 
The appointment of a provincial social welfare and development officer is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial social welfare and development officer take charge of the office for 
social welfare and development services, and shall perform the following functions: 
 
(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to social 
welfare and development services as provided under Section 17 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Develop plan and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the social welfare 
programs and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and 
which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended; 
 
(3) Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and the impoverished and 
develop and implement appropriate measures to alleviate their problems and improve 
their living conditions; 
 
(4) Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of abuse and 
exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to defer further abuse and 
exploitation; 
 
(5) Assist the provincial governor in implementing the barangay level program for the 
total development and protection of children up to six (6) years of age; 
 


 
(6) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, the elderly and 
victims of drug addiction of juvenile delinquency and such other activities which would 
eliminate or minimize the ill effects of poverty; 
 
(7) Initiate and support welfare programs that will enhance the role of the youth in 
nation-building; 
 
(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations which 
have for the purpose the promotion and protection of all the needy, disadvantaged, 
underprivileged or impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified to 
be vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse and neglect; 
 
(9) Be in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those which have to do with the 
immediate relief and assistance during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural 
disasters or calamities; 
 
(10) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other 
matters related to social welfare and development service which will improve the 
livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants; and 
 
(11) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 37. The Provincial Veterinarian. - (a) The provincial veterinarian must be a 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a licensed 
doctor of veterinary medicine and must have practiced for at least three (3) years the 
veterinary profession. 
 
The appointment of a provincial veterinarian is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial veterinarian shall perform the following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office of the veterinary services, and pursuant thereto, perform 
the following: 
 
(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities pursuant to Section 
17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(3) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with veterinary-related 
activities which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and which 


 
the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, 
as amended; 
 
(4) Advise the provincial governor on all matters pertaining to the slaughter of animals 
for human consumption and the regulation of slaughterhouses; 
 
(5) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals; 
 
(6) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public consumption; 
 
(7) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty to animals; 
 
(8) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of animal 
diseases; 
 
(9) Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as the outbreak of highly 
contagious and deadly diseases and in situations resulting in the depletion of animals 
for work and for human consumption particularly those arising from and in the 
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; 
 
(10) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other 
matters relative to veterinary service which will increase the number and improve the 
quality of livestock, poultry and other domestic animals used for work or for human 
consumption; and 
 
(11) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 38. The Provincial General Services Officer. - (a) The provincial general 
services officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good 
moral character, a holder of a college degree in public administration, business 
administration or management from a recognized college or university, a first grade 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years 
experience in general services, including the management of supply, property, solid 
waste disposal and general sanitation. 
 
The appointment of a provincial general services officer is mandatory. 
 
(b) The provincial general services officer shall perform the following duties and 
functions: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office of general services, and pursuant thereto, perform the 
following: 
 


 
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities pursuant to Section 
17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and which require general 
services expertise and technical support services; and 
 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the general services 
supportive to the welfare of the inhabitants which the provincial governor is empowered 
to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal, owned by 
the provincial government and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation, 
assistance and the counterpart of joint projects; 
 
(3) With the approval of the provincial governor, assign building or land space to 
provincial officials or other public officials who, by law, are entitled to such space; 
 
(4) Recommend to the provincial governor, the reasonable rental rates for local 
government properties, whether real or personal, which will be leased to public or 
private entities by the provincial government; 
 
(5) Recommend to the provincial governor, the reasonable rental rates of private 
properties which may be leased for the official use of the provincial government; 
 
(6) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, landscaping, and other related services 
on all local government public buildings and other real property, whether owned or 
leased by the provincial government; 
 
(7) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and other costs of 
supplies and other items commonly used by the provincial government; 
 
(8) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of offices and 
departments of the province; 
 
(9) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property management 
heretofore performed by the local government treasurer and to enforce policies on 
records creation, maintenance and disposal; 
 
(10) Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the possible or 
imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties and structures and the 
orderly and sanitary clearing up of waste materials or debris, particularly during and in 
the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; 


 
 
(11) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all matters 
relative to the general services; and 
 
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribe by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 39. The Provincial Architect. - (a) The provincial architect must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a duly licensed 
architect and must have practices the architectural profession for at least five (5) years. 
 
The appointment of a provincial architect is optional. 
 
(b) The provincial architect shall perform the following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office for architectural planning and design, and pursuant thereto, 
perform the following: 
 
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to 
architectural planning and design as provided under Section 17 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; and 
 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with architectural planning 
and design programs and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to 
implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended. 
 
(2) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the sanggunian the architectural plan 
and design for the province or a part thereof, including the renewal of slums and lighted 
areas, land reclamation activities, the greening of land and the appropriate planning of 
marine and foreshore areas; 
 
(3) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the sanggunian and the provincial 
governor, the architectural plan and design submitted by governmental and 
nongovernmental entities or individuals, particularly those for undeveloped, 
underdeveloped and poorly-designed areas; 
 
(4) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental entities and individuals 
involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the land and water within the 
jurisdiction of the province, compatible wit environmental integrity and ecological 
balance; 


 
 
(5) Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic services involving architectural planning 
and design, particularly those related to the redesigning of spatial distribution of basic 
facilities and physical structures during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural 
disasters and calamities; 
 
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other 
matters related to the architectural planning and design as it relates to the total 
socioeconomic development of the province; and 
 
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 40. The Provincial Population Officer. - (a) The provincial population officer 
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, 
a holder of a college degree with specialized training in population development from 
a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent 
and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the implementation of 
programs on population development or responsible parenthood. 
 
The appointment of a provincial population officer is optional. 
 
(b) The provincial population officer shall perform the following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Take   charge of the office for population development and pursuant thereto, 
perform the following: 
 
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to the 
integration of the population development principles and in providing access to said 
services and facilities; and 
 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of 
population development principles and methods in programs and projects which the 
provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is 
empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Assist the provincial governor in the implementation of the constitutional provisions 
relative to population development and the promotion of responsible parenthood; 
 


 
(3) Establish and maintain an updated data bank for program operations, development 
planning and an educational program to ensure the people's participation in and 
undertaking of population development; 
 
(4) Implement appropriate training programs responsive to the cultural heritage of the 
inhabitants; and 
 
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 41. The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer. - (a) The 
provincial environment and natural resources officer must a citizen of the Philippines, 
a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree 
preferably in environment, forestry, agriculture or any related course from a recognized 
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have 
acquired at least five (5) years experience in environmental and natural resources 
management, conservation and utilization. 
 
The appointment of a provincial environment and natural resources officer is optional. 
 
(b) The provincial environment and natural resources officer shall perform the 
following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office for environment and natural resources, and pursuant 
thereto, perform the following: 
 
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to 
environment and natural resources services as provided under Section 17 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; and 
 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the environment and 
natural resources programs and projects which the provincial governor is empowered 
to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, tree parks, 
mangroves, greenbelts, commercial forests and similar forests projects like industrial 
tree farms and agro-forestry projects; 
 
(3) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects and 
technical, financial and infrastructure assistance; 


 
 
(4) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for forests and tree parks; 
 
(5) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects and 
render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and utilization activities 
consistent with ecological balance; 
 
(6) Promote small-scale mining and utilization of mineral resources, particularly the 
mining of gold; 
 
(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the 
implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water pollution with 
the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); 
 
(8) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment and 
natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the environment 
during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; 
 
(9) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all matters 
relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application of appropriate 
technology and other matters related to the environment and natural resources; and 
 
(10) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 42. The Provincial Cooperatives Officer. - (a) The provincial cooperatives 
officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral 
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration with special 
training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized college or university, 
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five 
(5) years experience in cooperatives organization and management. 
 
The appointment of a provincial cooperatives officer is optional. 
 
(b) The provincial cooperatives officer shall perform the following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office for the development of cooperatives, and pursuant thereto, 
perform the following: 
 
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of services and the provision of adequate facilities through the development of 
cooperatives, and in providing access to such services and facilities; and 
 


 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of 
cooperatives principles and methods in programs which the provincial governor is 
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under 
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Assist in the organization of cooperatives; 
 
(3) Provide technical and other forms of assistance to existing cooperatives to enhance 
their viability as an economic enterprise and social organizations; 
 
(4) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies and 
nongovernmental organizations involved in the promotion and integration of the 
concept of cooperatives in the livelihood of the people and other community services; 
(5) Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization, rehabilitation or viability 
enhancement, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural 
disasters or calamities, to aid in their survival and, if necessary subsequent 
rehabilitation; 
 
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other 
matters relative to cooperatives development and viability enhancement which improve 
the livelihood and the quality of life of the inhabitants; and 
 
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
SEC. 43. The Provincial Information Officer. - (a) The provincial information officer 
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, 
a holder of college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication or any related 
course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its 
equivalent and mush have acquired at least three (3) years experience in writing articles 
and research papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast media. 
 
The term of the provincial information officer is coterminous with that of the appointing 
authority. 
 
The appointment of the provincial information officer is optional. 
 
(b) The provincial information officer shall perform the following duties and functions: 
 
(1) Take charge of the office for public information, and pursuant thereto, perform the 
following: 
 


 
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical 
assistance and support to the provincial governor in providing the information and 
research data required for the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate 
facilities so that the public becomes aware of the said service and may fully avail of the 
same; and 
 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the provincial governor, 
implement the same particularly those which have to do with public information and 
research data to support the programs and projects which the provincial governor is 
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under 
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; 
 
(2) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the provincial government and 
its inhabitants; 
 
(3) Maintain effective liaison with the various sectors of the community on matters and 
issues that affect the livelihood and quality of life of the inhabitants and encourage 
support for programs of the local and national government; 
 
(4) Furnish information and data on the province to government agencies or offices as 
may be required by law or ordinance and nongovernmental organizations to be 
furnished to said agencies and organizations; 
 
(5) Be in the frontline of providing information during and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters or calamities, with special attention to the victims thereof, 
to help minimize injuries and casualties during and after emergency, and accelerate 
relief and rehabilitation; 
 
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial governor on all other 
matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total 
socioeconomic development of the province; and 
 
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions as may be 
prescribed by law or ordinance. 
 
ARTICLE VIII 
 
THE PROVINCIAL FIRE STATION, THE PROVINCIAL JAIL, 
THE PROVINCIAL SCHOOLS DIVISION AND THE 
PROVINCIAL PROSECUTION SERVICE 
 
SEC. 44. The Provincial Fire Station. - (a) There shall be established in the province 
at least four (4) fire stations with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and 
equipment by the DILG, at least five (5) months upon the commencement of the 


 
corporate existence of the new province. The provincial government shall provide the 
site where the provincial fire station shall be located. 
 
(b) The provincial fire station service shall be headed by a provincial fire marshal whose 
qualifications shall be as those provided under Republic Act No. 9263, as amended, 
otherwise known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and 
Penology Professionalization Act of 2004". 
 
(c) The provincial fire stations shall provide various emergency services such as the 
rescue and evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents and, in general, fire 
prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety of life and property of the 
citizenry. 
 
SEC. 45. The Provincial Jail Service. - (a) The DILG shall, at least five (5) months 
from the commencement of the corporate existence of the new province, establish and 
maintain a secured, clean, adequately equipped and sanitary jail facility for the custody 
and safekeeping of prisoners, any fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting 
investigation or trial and/or transfer to the national penitentiary, or a violent mentally 
ill person who may endanger oneself or the safety of others, as duly certified by the 
proper medical health officer, prior to the transfer of such person to a mental institution. 
 
(b) The provincial jail service shall be headed by a provincial jail warden whose 
qualifications shall be as those provided under Republic Act No. 9263, otherwise 
known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 
Professionalization Act of 2004". The provincial jail warden shall assist in the 
immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention of prisoners. Great care must be 
exercised so that human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected. and their 
spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promptly attended to. 
 
SEC. 46. The Provincial Schools Division. - (a) The DepEd shall, within two (2) 
months from the commencement of the corporate existence of the province herein 
created, establish and maintain a separate schools division in the province whose 
jurisdiction shall cover all the municipalities of the new province. 
 
(b) The provincial schools division shall be headed by a division superintendent who 
must possess the necessary qualifications required by the DepEd. 
 
SEC. 47. The Provincial Prosecution Service. - (a) The Department of Justice (DOJ) 
shall, within two (2) months from the commencement of the corporate existence of the 
province herein created, establish and maintain a prosecution service. It shall be headed 
by a provincial prosecutor who shall be assisted by such number of assistant prosecutors 
as may be necessary, and whose qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary 
and benefits shall be governed by existing laws covering prosecutors in the DOJ. The 


Provincial Prosecution Service shall be organizationally part of the DOJ, and under the 
supervision and control of the Secretary of the DOJ. 
(b) The provincial prosecutor shall handle the prosecution of criminal cases in the
municipal trial courts in the province, as well as in the regional trial courts for criminal
cases originating in the territory of the new province and shall render to and for the
province such other services as are required by law or regulation of the DOJ.
ARTICLE IX 
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS 
SEC. 48. Plebiscite. - (a) The Kutawato Province shall be created as provided for in 
this Chapter upon approval by the majority of the votes cast by the voters of the affected 
areas in a plebiscite to be conducted and supervised by the Commission on Elections 
(COMELEC) within ninety (90) days from the date of the effectivity of this Act. 
The expenses for the conduct of the plebiscite shall be borne by appropriate agency in 
the BARMM. 
SEC. 49. Commencement of Corporate Existence. - The corporate existence of the 
Kutawato Province shall commence upon the composition, qualification and 
assumption of the provincial governors, provincial vice governors and majority of the 
members of the sangguniang panlalawigan. 
SEC. 50. Officials of the Newly Created Provinces. - (a) The elective officials of the 
newly created province shall be elected on the second Monday of May 202__; 
national/local elections: Provided, That if this Act is approved and ratified within six 
(6) months or more prior to the 202__ national/local elections.
SEC. 51. Organization of the Provincial Government. - All provincial appointive 
positions in the newly created provinces shall be filled within sixty (60) days upon 
commencement of its corporate existence. 
SEC. 52. Suspension of Increase in the Rates of Local Taxes. - No increase in the 
rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the new province within a period of five (5) 
years from its acquisition of corporate existence. 
SEC. 53. Appropriation. – As initial budget for the new province, the amount of 
________________________________________________(P __________________) 
is hereby appropriated. This amount may be increase or decrease by supplemental 
appropriation in accordance with the necessary amount for the successful operation of 
the new province. 


SEC. 54. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended, the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in 
Muslim Mindanao, and other laws are applicable to provinces shall govern the herein 
created province insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 55. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid 
and effective. 
SEC. 56. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,