TWENTIETH CONGRESS OP THE } 
REPUBLIC OP THE PHILIPPINES }
First Regular Session 
}
25 JULIO P6:27
SENATE 
S.B. No. 447
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT CREATING A PROVINCE CALLED MORO PROVINCE AND A 
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT POR THE SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA, 
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, AND 
APPROPRIATING PUNDS THEREPOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This bill seeks to create a new province for the Special Geographic Area of 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to be known as the Moro 
Province.
The new Moro Province will be composed of the municipalities of 
Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, 
Tugunan, and Ligawasan, which covered the sixty-three (63) barangays in the 
Special Geographic Area.
The stakeholders chose the name “Moro Province” for its historical 
significance. In 1903, the original Moro Province was created by virtue of Act. 
No. 787 to carry out the American mandate to abolish slavery and expand public 
works and education. The five districts under Act No. 787 are Sulu, Zamboanga, 
Lanao, Cottabato, and Davao.
At present, I want to ensure that the constituents of the eight 
municipalities will benefit from a more efficient delivery of basic services as we 
create this new province. This bill will empower the local government concerned 
to identify and provide the needs of their people.
In view thereof, immediate approval of this bill is requested.
VICENTE C. SOTTO III


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES }
First Regular Session 
}
u'. i
25 JULIO P6:27
SENATE
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR VICENTE C. SOTTO III
AN ACT CREATING A PROVINCE CALLED MORO PROVINCE AND A 
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT FOR THE SPECIAL GEOGRAPHIC AREA, 
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
1 
SECTION 1.
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Moro Province”.
Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the
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SECTION 2. Creation - There is hereby established a new province for
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the Special Geographic Area, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
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Mindanao, known to be as the Moro Province. Similarly, a congressional
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district is created on it.
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SECTION. 3. Composition. - The Moro Province shall be composed of
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the municipalities of Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan,
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Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan, and Ligawasan, which covered the sixty-
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three barangays in the Special Geographic Area.
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SECTION. 4. Territorial Jurisdiction. - The territorial jurisdiction of
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the Moro Province shall be within the present metes and bounds of all the
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municipalities comprising the eight municipalities in the Special Geographic
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Area. The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution by
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the appropriate agency or forum of existing boundary disputes or cases
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involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between the new province and
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adjoining local government units in case there is any in the SGA; Provided
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that the territorial boundaries of the disputed area or areas shall remain with
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the local government unit which has existing administrative supervision over
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said area or areas until final resolution of the case.


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SECTION 5. Capital Town and Seat of Government. - The capital
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town of the province shall be the Municipality of Pahamuddin of the Moro
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Province, and its seat of government shall be in Barangay Libungan Torreta
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of the Municipality of Pahamuddin.
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SECTION. 6. Corporate Powers of the Province. - The province
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constitutes a political body corporate and, as such, is endowed with the
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attributes of perpetual succession and possesses of the powers which pertain
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to a provincial corporation to be exercised in conformity with the provisions
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of this Charter, the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, and, in suppletory,
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the Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code
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of 1991,” as amended. The province shall have the following corporate powers:
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(a) To exercise continuous succession in its corporate name;
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(b) To sue and be sued;
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(c) To use a corporate seal;
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(d) To acquire and convey real or personal property;
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(e)To 
enter 
into 
contracts; 
and
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(^) To exercise such other powers granted to corporations, subject to the
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limitations provided under the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code and
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in suppletory. Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other
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laws.
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SECTION. 7. General Powers. -The province shall have a common seal
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and may alter the same at its pleasure: Provided that any change of corporate
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seal shall be registered with the Ministry of Interior and Local Government
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(MILG) and/or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
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The province shall have the power to create its sources of revenues and to levy
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taxes, fees, and charges; to take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and
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dispose of real and personal property for the general interests of the province;
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to expropriate or condemn private property for public use; to contract and to
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be contracted with; to sue and to be sued; to prosecute and defend to final
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judgment and execution suits wherein the province is involved or interested
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in; and to exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or as
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hereinafter granted, subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code
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of 1991, as amended.
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SECTION 8. Liability for Damages. - The province and its officials
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shall not be exempt from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to
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property.
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SECTION. 9. Legislative District. - The province shall have its own
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legislative district comprising of the municipalities enumerated under Section
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3 of this Charter, which shall take effect upon the election and qualification
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of its representative to be held on the second Monday of May 2028;
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The incumbent Representative of the present Province of North
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Cotabato shall continue to represent their respective legislative districts until
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the expiration of their terms of office.


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


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SECTION. 12. The Provincial Governor. - (a) The provincial governor,
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as the chief executive of the provincial government, shall exercise such powers
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and perform such duties and functions as provided under the Local
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Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other laws.
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(b) For efficient, effective, and economical governance, the purpose of which
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is the general welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section
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16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, the provincial
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governor shall:
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(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs,
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projects, services, and activities of the provincial government and,
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in this connection, shall:
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(i) Determine the guidelines of provincial policies and be
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responsible to the sangguniang panlalawigan for the
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program of government;
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(ii) Direct the formulation of the provincial development plan
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with the assistance of the provincial development council
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and, upon approval thereof 
by the sangguniang
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panlalawigan, implement the same;
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(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies
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and projects for the consideration of the sangguniang
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panlalawigan at the opening of the regular session of the
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sangguniang panlalawigan every calendar year and as often
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as may be deemed necessary as the general welfare of the
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inhabitants and the needs of the provincial government may
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require;
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(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to 
the
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sangguniang panlalawigan and, as often as may be deemed
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necessary, provide such information and data needed or
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requested in the performance of its legislative functions;
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(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and
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wages are wholly or mainly paid out of provincial funds and
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whose appointments are not otherwise provided for in this
33 
Act, as well as those that the provincial governor may be
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authorized by law to appoint;
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(vi) Represent the province in all its business transactions
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and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, obligations, and
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such other documents upon 
the authority of 
the
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sangguniang panlalawigan or pursuant to law or ordinance;
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(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may 
be
40 
necessary during and in the aftermath of man-made and
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natural disasters and calamities;


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(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 offieial 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 sueh books, reeords, and other doeuments in their 
eustody, except those classified by law as eonfidential;
(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


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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


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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;


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(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:
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(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


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known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 
1989", as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued 
pursuant thereto.
SECTION. 13. The Provincial Vice Governor. -
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(a) The provincial vice governor shall:
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(1) the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan and
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sign all warrants drawn on the provincial treasury for all
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expenditures appropriated for the operation of the sannguniang
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panlalawigan;
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(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all
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officials and employees of the sangguniang panlalawigan, except
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those manner of appointment is specifically provided for under
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existing laws;
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(3) Assume the office of the provincial governor for the unexpired
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term of the latter in the event of permanent vacancy as provided
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under Section 44, Book I of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
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amended;
18 
(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the
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provincial governor in case of temporary vacancy as provided under
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Section 46, Book 1 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as
21 
amended; and
22 
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and
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functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
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(b) The provincial vice governor shall receive a monthly compensation as
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prescribed under the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989,
26 
as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN
27 
SECTION. 14. Composition. - (a) The sangguniang panlalawigan, the
28 
legislative body of the province, shall be composed of the provincial vice
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governor as the presiding officer, the regular sangguniang panlalawigan
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members, the president of the provincial chapter of the liga ng mga barangay,
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the president of the panlalawigang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang
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kabataan, the president of the provincial federation of sanggunian members
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of municipalities and future component cities, and the sectoral
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representatives, as members.
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(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives:
36 
one (1) from the women's sector; one (1) from the agricultural or industrial


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worker sector; and one (1) from other sectors, including the urban poor,
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indigenous cultural communities, or persons with disability.
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(c) The regular members of the sangguniang panlalawigan and the
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sectoral representatives shall be elected in the manner provided by law, and
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shall receive a monthly compensation as prescribed under the Compensation
6 
and Position Classification Act of 1989, as amended, and the implementing
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guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
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SECTION 15. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. - (a)
9 
The sangguniang panlalawigan, as the legislative body of the province, shall
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enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general
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welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local
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Government Code of 1991, as amended, and in the proper exercise of the
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corporate powers of the province as provided under Section 22 of the Local
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Government Code of 1991, as amended, and shall:
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(1) Approve all ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an
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efficient and effective provincial government and, in this connection, shall:
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(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.
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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;
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(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;
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(viii) Determine the positions and salaries, wages, allowances
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and other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees
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paid wholly or mainly from provincial funds and provide for
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expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of programs,
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projects, services and activities of the provincial government;
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(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified
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person not in the government service who fills in a temporary
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vacancy or grant honorarium to any qualified official or
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employee designated to fill a temporary vacancy in a
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concurrent capacity at the rate authorized by law;
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(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor
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to ensure the safety and protection of all provincial
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government property, public documents or records such as
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those relating to property inventory, land ownership, records
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of birth, marriages, deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts,
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business permits, and such other records and documents of
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public interest in the offices and departments of the provincial
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government; and
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(xi) When the finances of the provincial government allow,
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provide for additional allowances and other benefits to judges,
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prosecutors, public elementary and high school teachers, and
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other national government officials stationed or assigned to
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the province;
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(2) Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the
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development plans, programs, objectives and priorities of the province as
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provided under Section 18 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
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amended, with particular attention to agro-industrial development and
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countrywide growth and progress and, relative thereto, shall:
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(i) Enact the annual and supplemental appropriations of the
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provincial government and appropriate funds for specific
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programs, projects, services and activities of the province, or
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for other purposes not contrary to law, in order to promote the
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general welfare of the province and its inhabitants;
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(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local
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Government Code of 1991, as amended, applicable laws and,
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upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
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panlalawigan, enact ordinance levying taxes, fees and
12 
charges, prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific
13 
purposes and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;
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(hi) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local
15 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, applicable laws and,
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upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
17 
panlalawigan, authorize the provincial governor to negotiate
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and contract loans and other forms of indebtedness;
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(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local
20 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, applicable laws and,
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upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguninang
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panlalawigan, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of
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bonds or other instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose
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of raising funds to finance development projects;
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(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance
26 
or the rental of buildings for the use of the province and, upon
27 
the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
28 
panlalawigan, authorize the provincial governor to lease to
29 
private parties such public buildings held in a proprietary
30 
capacity, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;
31 
(vi) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of
32 
property within the jurisdiction of the province;
33 
(vii) Review the comprehensive land use plans and zoning
34 
ordinances of future component cities and municipalities and
35 
adopt a comprehensive provincial land use plan, subject to
36 
existing laws; and
37 
(viii) Adopt measures to enhance the full implementation of
38 
the national agrarian reform program in coordination with the
39 
Department of Agrarian Reform pAR);
40 
(3) Subject to the provision of Book II of the Local Government Code of
41 
1991, as amended, grant franchises, approve the issuance of permits or
12


1 
licenses, or enact ordinance levying taxes, fees and charges upon such
2 
conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of
3 
the inhabitants of the province and, pursuant to its legislative authority, shall;
4 
(i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services
5 
rendered by the provincial government to private persons or
6 
entities; and
7 
(ii) Regulate and fix the license fees for such activities as
8 
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as
9 
amended;
10 
(4) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective
11 
delivery of the basic services and facilities as provided under Section 17 of the
12 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and in addition to said services
13 
and facilities, shall:
14 
(i) Adopt measures and safeguards against pollution and for
15 
the preservation of the natural ecosystem in the province,
16 
including the proper collection and disposal of waste, in
17 
consonance with approved standards on human settlements
18 
and environmental sanitation;
19 
(ii) Subject to applicable laws, facilitate or provide for the
20 
establishment and maintenance of a waterworks system or
21 
district waterworks for supplying water to inhabitants of
22 
future component cities and municipalities;
23 
(iii) Subject to the availability of funds and to existing laws,
24 
rules and regulations, provide for the establishment and
25 
operation of vocational and technical schools and similar
26 
post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of the
27 
DepEd and subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix
28 
reasonable tuition fees and other school charges in
29 
educational institutions supported by the provincial
30 
government;
31 
(iv) Establish a scholarship fund for the poor but deserving
32 
students in schools located within its jurisdiction or of
33 
students residing within the province;
34 
(v) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to
35 
prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within its
36 
territorial jurisdiction;
37 
(vi) Provide for the care of paupers, the aged, the sick, persons
38 
of unsound mind, abandoned minors, abused children,
39 
disabled persons, juvenile delinquents, drug dependents, and
40 
other needy and disadvantaged persons, particularly children
41 
and youth below eighteen (18) years of age; subject to the
13


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20 
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25
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
26 
SECTION 16. Internal Rules of Procedure. - (a) On the first regular session
27 
following the election of its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter,
28 
the sangguniang panlalawigan shall adopt or update its existing rules of
29 
procedure.
30 
(b) The rules of procedure shall provide the following:
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
(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;
14


(3) The legislative process;
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
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14
15
16
17
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21 
22
23
24
25
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27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
(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.
SECTION 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:
15


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
(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.
10
11
12
13
14
SECTION. 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.
15
16
17
18
19
20 
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22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
(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.
SECTION. 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 is 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.
16


1 
(c) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately
2 
preceding subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer,
3 
upon proper motion duly approved by the members present, shall ten declare
4 
the session adjourned for lack of quorum.
5 
SECTION. 20. Approval of Ordinances. - (a) Every ordinance enacted
6 
by the sangguniang panlalawigan shall be presented to the provincial
7 
governor. The provincial governor shall sign each and every page of the
8 
ordinance to signify approval of the same; otherwise, the provincial governor
9 
shall veto it and return the same, stating therein the reasons for such
10 
objection. Thereafter, the sanggunian may override the veto of the provincial
11 
governor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the
12 
ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes.
13 
(b) The veto shall be communicated by the provincial governors to the
14 
sangguniang panlalawigan within fifteen (15) days from receipt of the
15 
ordinance; otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if the
16 
provincial governor had signed it.
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
SECTION 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
34 
SECTION 22. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial
35 
Governor. - (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the provincial
36 
governor, the provincial vice governor shall become the provincial governor or,
37 
in case of permanent inability, the highest ranking sanggunian member shall
38 
become the provincial governor.
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2
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8 
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28
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31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
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.
SECTION 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.
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1 
(d) In case of vacancy in the representation of the sangguniang
2 
kabataan, the sangguniang barangay and the provincial league of councilors
3 
in the sangguniang panlalawigan, said vacancy shall be filled in automatically
4 
by the next- in-rank official of the organization concerned.
5 
SECTION 24. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial
6 
Governor. - (a) When the provincial governor is temporarily incapacitated to
7 
perform the duties for physical or legal reasons such as leave of absence,
8 
travel abroad and suspension from office, the provincial vice governor shall
9 
automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the
10 
provincial governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss
11 
employees which can only be exercised if the period of temporary incapacity
12 
exceeds thirty (30) working days.
13 
(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the
14 
sangguniang panlalawigan of a written declaration by the provincial governor
15 
of having reported back to office, In case where the temporary incapacity is
16 
due to legal cause, the provincial governor shall also submit the necessary
17 
documents showing that the legal cause no longer exists.
18 
(c) When the provincial governor is traveling within the country but
19 
outside the territorial jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three (3)
20 
consecutive days, the same may designate in writing the officer-in-charge of
21 
the office. Such authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the
22 
local officials concerned shall exercise in the absence of the provincial
23 
governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees.
24 
(d) In the event, however, that the provincial governor fails or refuses to
25 
issue such authorization, the provincial vice governor shall have the right to
26 
assume the powers, duties and functions of the said office on the fourth (4th)
27 
day of absence of the provincial governor, subject to the limitations provided
28 
for in subsection (c) hereof.
29 
(e) Except as provided for in subsection (c) hereof, the provincial
30 
governor shall, in no case, authorize any local officials to assume the powers,
31 
duties and functions of the office other than the provincial vice governor.
ARTICLE VII
APPOINTIVE PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS: THEIR QUALIFICATIONS,
POWERS AND DUTIES
32 
SECTION 25. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a)
33 
There shall be a secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan with the rank and
34 
salary equal to a head of a department or office.
35 
(b) The secretary to the sanggunian must be a citizen of the Philippines,
36 
a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
37 
preferably in law, commerce or public administration from a recognized
19


1 
college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.
2 
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:
3 
(1) Attend meetings of the sanggunian and keep a journal of its
4 
proceedings;
5 
(2) Keep the seal of the province and affix the same on all
6 
ordinances, resolutions and other official papers of the
7 
sanggunian, duly signing them before presenting the same to the
8 
presiding officer for the latter's signature;
9 
(3) Forward to the provincial governor, for approval, copies of
10 
ordinances enacted by the sanggunian and duly certified by the
11 
presiding officer, in the manner provided under Section 54 of the
12 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
13 
(4) Forward to the sangguniang bayan or sangguniang panlungsod,
14 
as the case may be copies of duly approved ordinances in the
15 
manner provided under Sections 56 and 57 of the Local
16 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
17 
(5) Furnish, upon the request of any interested party, certified
18 
copies of records of public character in the secretary's custody,
19 
upon payment to the treasurer of such fees as may be prescribed
20 
by ordinance;
21 
(6) Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and
22 
resolutions enacted or adopted by the sanggunian, with the dates
23 
of passage and publication thereof;
24 
(7) Keep the office and all nonconfidential records therein open to
25 
the public during usual business hours;
26 
(8) Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the
27 
inhabitants, all ordinances and resolutions immediately after their
28 
approval, and cause the publication of the same together with the
29 
original version in the manner provided under the Local
30 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
31 
(9) Take custody of the local archives and, where applicable, the
32 
local archives and, where applicable, the local library and annually
33 
account for the same; and
34 
(10) Exercise such powers and perform other duties and functions
35 
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance relative to his or her
36 
position.
20


1 
SECTION 26. The Provincial Treasurer. - (a) The provincial treasurer
2 
shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3)
3 
ranking eligible recommendees of the provincial governor, subject to civil
4 
service law, rules and regulations. The appointment of the provincial
5 
treasurer is mandatory.
6 
(b) The provincial treasurer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
7 
resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
8 
preferably in commerce, public administration or law from a recognized
9 
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and
10 
must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in treasury or
11 
accounting service.
12 
(c) The provincial treasurer shall be under the administrative
13 
supervision of the provincial governor and shall regularly report to the
14 
provincial governor on the tax collection efforts in the province.
15 
(d) The provincial treasurer shall take charge of the treasury office, and
16 
perform the duties as provided under Book II of the Local Government Code
17 
of 1991, as amended, and shall;
18
19
20 
21
22
23
(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;
24
25
26
(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;
27
28
29
30
(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;
31
32
(5) Maintain and update the tax information system of the local 
government unit;
33
34
35
36
(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.
37 
SECTION. 27. The Provincial Assessor. - (a) The provincial assessor
38 
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral
39 
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical
21


1 
engineering, commerce or any other related course from a recognized college
2 
or university, a duly registered and licensed real estate service practitioner as
3 
provided under Section 30 of Republic Act No. 9646, otherwise known as the
4 
"Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines", a first grade civil service eligible
5 
or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience
6 
in real property assessment work or in any related field. The appointment of
7 
the provincial assessor is mandatory.
8 
(b) The provincial assessor shall take charge of the assessor's office and
9 
perform the duties provided under Book II of the Local Government Code of
10 
1991, as amended, and shall:
11
12
13
(1) Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and 
assessment of real properties for taxation purposes are properly 
executed;
14
15
16 
17
(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;
18
(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;
(4) Install and maintain a real property identification and 
accounting system;
19
20 
21
(5) Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing 
graphically all properties subject to assessment and gather all data 
concerning the same;
22
23
24
(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine 
whether all real properties within the province are properly listed in 
the assessment rolls;
25
26
(7) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for 
taxation purposes of all real properties in the province;
27
28 
29
(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;
30
31
32
33
(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;
34
35
36
(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;
22


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
(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
11
12
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
13 
SECTION 28. The Provincial Accountant. - (a) The provincial
14 
accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of
15 
good moral character, a certified public accountant and must have acquired
16 
at least five (5) years of experience in the treasury or accounting service. The
17 
appointment of a provincial accountant is mandatory.
18 
(b) The provincial accountant shall take charge of both the accounting
19 
and internal audit services of the province, and shall:
20
(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;
21
22
(4) Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment from which 
expenditures and obligations may be properly charged;
23
24
(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers 
to determine completeness of requirements;
25
26 
27
(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, 
allowances, reimbursements and remittances pertaining to the 
provincial government;
28
29
(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and liquidations of the 
same and other adjustments related thereto;
30
31
(8) Post individual disbursements to subsidiary ledgers and index 
cards;
32
33
(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the 
provincial government pertaining to payrolls and deductions;
23


1 
(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchased furniture,
2 
fixtures and equipment, including disposal thereof, if any;
3 
(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and
4 
keep all records and reports related thereto;
5 
(12) Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain
6 
and keep all records and reports related thereto; and
7 
(13) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and
8 
functions as may be provided by law or ordinance.
9 
SECTION. 29. The Provincial Budget Officer. - (a) The provincial
10 
budget officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province,
11 
of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in accounting,
12 
economics, public administration or any related course from a recognized
13 
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and
14 
must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in government
15 
budgeting or in any related field. The appointment of the provincial budget
16 
officer is mandatory.
17 
(b) The provincial budget officer shall take charge of the budget office,
18 
and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
19 
(1) Prepare forms, orders and circulars embodying instructions on
20 
budgetary and appropriation matters for the signature of the
21 
provincial governor;
22 
(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different
23 
departments and offices of the province;
24 
(3) Assist the provincial governor in the preparation of the budget
25 
and during the budget hearings;
26 
(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed
27 
legislation and submit comments and recommendations thereon;
28 
(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget
29 
and Management (DBM);
30 
(6) Coordinate with the provincial treasurer, the provincial
31 
accountant and the provincial planning and development
32 
coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;
33 
(7) Assist the sangguniang panlalawigan in reviewing the approved
34 
budgets of the component cities and municipalities;
24


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(8) Coordinate with the provincial planning and development 
coordinator in the formulation of the provincial development plan; 
and
4 
(9) Exercise such powers and perform other duties and functions as
5 
may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
6 
(c) The appropriations for personal services of the provincial budget
7 
officer provided under the DBM shall, upon the effectivity of this Charter, be
8 
transferred to the new province. Thereafter, the appropriations for personal
9 
services of the budget officer shall be provided in full in the budget of the local
10 
government unit.
11 
SECTION 30. The Provincial Planning and Development
12 
Coordinator.-
13 
(a) The provincial planning and development coordinator must be a
14 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character,
15 
a holder of a degree preferably in urban planning, development studies,
16 
economics, public administration, or any related course from a recognized
17 
college or university, a duly registered and licensed environmental planner,
18 
as provided under Section 34 of Republic Act No. 10587, or the
19 
"Environmental Planning Act of 2013," a first grade civil service eligible or its
20 
equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in
21 
development planning or in any related field.
22 
The appointment of a provincial planning and development coordinator is
23 
mandatory.
24 
(b) The provincial planning and development coordinator shall take
25 
charge of the planning and development office, and pursuant thereto, perform
26 
the following:
27 
(1) Formulate integrated economic, social, physical and other
28 
development plans and policies for consideration of the local
29 
government development council;
30 
(2) Conduct continuing studies, researches and training programs
31 
necessary to evolve plans and programs for implementation;
32 
(3) Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies
33 
undertaken by the different functional groups and agencies;
34 
(4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different
35 
development programs, projects and activities in the province in
36 
accordance with the approved development plan;
37 
(5) Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning
38 
documents for the consideration of the provincial development
39 
council;
25


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(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.
SECTION 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 of experience in the practice of the civil engineering profession. The 
appointment of the provincial engineer is mandatory.
of the engineering office.
(b) The provincial engineer shall take charge 
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.
SECTION 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 of experience in the practice of the medical


profession. The appointment of a provincial health officer is mandatory,
1 
(b) The provincial health officer shall perform the following duties and
2 
functions:
3 
(1) Formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and projects
4 
to promote the health of the people of the province;
5 
(2) Advise the provincial governor and the sanggunian on matters
6 
pertaining to health;
7 
(3) Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relating
8 
to public health;
9 
(4) Recommend to the sanggunian, through the provincial health
10 
board, the passage of such ordinances as he or she may deem
11 
necessary for the preservation of public health;
12 
(5) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws,
13 
ordinances and regulations;
14 
(6) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments
15 
selling food items or providing accommodations, such as hotels,
15 
motels, lodging houses, pension houses and the like, in accordance
17 
with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines;
18 
(7) Conduct health information campaigns and render health
19 
intelligence services;
20 
(8) Coordinate with other government agencies and
21 
nongovernmental organizations involved in the promotion and
22 
delivery of health services;
23 
(9) Exercise general supervision over health offices of the component
24 
cities and municipalities;
25 
(10) Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly
25 
during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or
27 
calamities;
28 
(11) The provincial health officer shall take charge of the office on
29 
health services, and shall:
3Q 
(i) Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, formulate
31 
program implementation guidelines and rules and regulations
32 
for the operation of the said office for the approval of the
33 
provincial governor in order to assist the latter in the efficient,
34 
effective and economical implementation of health services and


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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.
SECTION 33. The Provincial Administrator. - (a) The provincial 
administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the provir^e, 
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 (5) years of experience in management and 
administration work. The term of the provincial administrator is cotermmous 
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;


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(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.
SECTION. 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 ofticer 
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;


1 
(4) When required by the provincial governor or the sanggunian,
2 
draft ordinances, contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments,
3 
involving any interest of the province and provide comments and
4 
recommendations on any instrument already drawn;
5 
(5) Render an opinion in writing on any question of law when
6 
requested to do so by the provincial governor or the sanggunian;
7 
(6) Investigate or cause to be investigate any provincial official or
8 
employee for administrative neglect or misconduct in office and
9 
recommend appropriate action to the provincial governor or the
10 
sangguniang panlalawigan;
11 
(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm, or
12 
corporation holding any franchise or exercising any public
13 
privilege for failure to comply with any term or condition in the
14 
grant of such franchise or privilege, and recommend appropriate
15 
action to the provincial governor or the sanggunian]
16 
(8) When directed by the provincial governor or the sanggunian,
17 
initiate and prosecute, in the interest of the province, any civil
18 
action on any bond, lease or other contract upon any breach or
19 
violation thereof;
20 
(9) Review and submit recommendations on ordinances approved
21 
and executive orders issued by the component 
cities and
22 
municipalities;
23 
(10) Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlalawigan and
24 
advise the provincial governor on all other matters related to
25 
upholding the rule of law;
26 
(11) Be in the frontline of protecting human 
rights and
27 
prosecuting any violation, thereof, particularly those which occur
28 
during and in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters
29 
and calamities; and
30 
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and
31 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
32 
SECTION 35. The Provincial Agriculturist. - (a) The provincial
33 
agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province,
34 
of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in agriculture or in any
35 
related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service
36 
eligible or its equivalent and must have practiced for at least five (5) years the
37 
agriculturist profession or acquired experience in the related field.
38 
The appointment of the provincial agriculturist is mandatory.
39
(b) The provincial agriculturist shall:


1 
(1) Take charge of the office of agricultural services, and pursuant
2 
thereto, perform the following:
3 
(i) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and
4 
provide technical assistance and support to the provincial
5 
governor in carrying out said measures to ensure the delivery
6 
of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative
7 
to agricultural services as provided under Section 17 of the
8 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
9 
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by
IQ 
the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly
11 
those which have to do with agricultural programs and projects
12 
which the provincial governor is empowered to implement and
13 
which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local
14 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
15 
(2) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in
16 
the production, processing and marketing of agricultural and
17 
aqua-cultural and marine products are extended to farmers,
18 
fishermen and local entrepreneurs;
19 
(3) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural
20 
researches 
and assist in making available the appropriate
21 
technology arising out of and disseminating information on basic
22 
research on crops, preventive control of plant diseases and pests,
23 
and other agricultural matters which will maximize productivity,
24 
(4) Assist 
the provincial governor in the establishment and
25 
extension services of demonstration farms on aquaculture and
26 
marine products;
27 
(5) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and
28 
aquaculture;
29 
(6) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental
3Q 
organizations which promote agricultural productivity through
31 
appropriate technology compatible with environmental integrity,
32 
(7) Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic agricultural services,
33 
particularly those needed for the survival of the inhabitants during
34 
and in the aftermath 
of man-made and natural 
disasters or
35 
calamities;
36 
(8) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial
37 
governor on all matters related to agriculture and aquaculture
3g 
which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the
39 
inhabitants; and


1 
(9) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and
2 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
3 
SECTION 36. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development
4 
Officer.
5 
(a) The provincial social welfare and development officer must a citizen
6 
of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a duly
7 
licensed social worker, or a holder of a college degree preferably in sociology
8 
or in any related course from a recognized college or university, a first-grade
9 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience for
10 
at least five (5) years in the practice of social work.
11 
The appointment of a provincial social welfare and development officer is
12 
mandatory.
13 
(b) The provincial social welfare and development officer take charge of
14 
the office for social welfare and development services, and shall perform the
15 
following functions:
16 
(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and
17 
provide technical assistance and support to the provincial governor
1 g 
in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services
19 
and the provision of adequate facilities relative to social welfare
20 
and development services as provided under Section 17 of the
21 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
22 
(2) Develop plan and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the
23 
provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those which
24 
have to do with the social welfare programs and projects which the
25 
provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the
26 
sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government
27 
Code of 1991, as amended;
28 
(3) Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and
29 
the impoverished and develop and implement appropriate
30 
measures to alleviate their problems and improve their living
31 
conditions;
32 
(4) Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of
33 
abuse and exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to
34 
defer further abuse and exploitation;
35 
(5) Assist the provincial governor in implementing the barangay
36 
level program for the total development and protection of children
37 
up to six (6) years of age;
38 
(6) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs 
for the
39 
disabled, the elderly and victims of drug addiction of juvenile
4Q 
delinquency and such other activities which would eliminate or
41 
minimize the ill effects of poverty;


1 
(7) Initiate and support welfare programs that will enhance the role
2 
of the youth in nation-building;
3 
(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental
4 
organizations which have for the purpose the promotion and
5 
protection of all the needy, disadvantaged, underprivileged or
6 
impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified to
7 
be vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse and neglect;
8 
(9) Be in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those which
9 
have to do with the immediate relief and assistance during and in
10 
the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;
11 
(10) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial
12 
governor on all other matters related to social welfare and
13 
development service which will improve the livelihood and living
14 
conditions of the inhabitants; and
15 
(11) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and
16 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
17 
SECTION 37. The Provincial Veterinarian. - (a) The provincial
18 
veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, of
19 
good moral character, a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine and must have
20 
practiced for at least three (3) years the veterinary profession. The
21 
appointment of a provincial veterinarian is mandatory.
(b) The provincial veterinarian shall perform the following duties and 
functions:
22 
(1) Take charge of the office of the veterinary services, and
23 
pursuant thereto, perform the following:
24 
(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian
25 
and provide technical assistance and support to the provincial
26 
governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic
27 
services and the provision of adequate facilities pursuant to
28 
Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
29 
(3) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by
30 
the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those
31 
which have to do with veterinary-related activities which the
32 
provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the
33 
sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local
34 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
35 
(4) Advise the provincial governor on all matters pertaining to
36 
the slaughter of animals for human consumption and the
37 
regulation of slaughterhouses;


(5) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;
2 
(6) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for
3 
public consumption;
4 
(7) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty
5 
to animals;
6 
(8) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all
7 
forms of animal diseases;
8 
(9) Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as the
9 
outbreak of highly contagious and deadly diseases and in
10 
situations resulting in the depletion of animals for work and for
11 
human consumption particularly those arising from and in the
12 
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;
13 
(10) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial
14 
governor on all other matters relative to veterinary service which
15 
will increase the number and improve the quality of livestock,
15 
poultry and other domestic animals used for work or for human
17 
consumption; and
18 
(11) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and
19 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
20 
SECTION 38. The Provincial General Services Officer. - (a) The
21 
provincial general services officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
22 
resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
23 
in public administration, business administration or management from a
24 
recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its
25 
equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in
26 
general services, including the management of supply, property, solid waste
27 
disposal and general sanitation.
28 
The appointment of a provincial general services officer is mandatory.
29 
(b) The provincial general services officer shall perform the following
30 
duties and functions;
31
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33
34
35
36
37
38
(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


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in
or
are
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 
the form of donation, reparation, assistance and the counterpart of joint 
projects;
(3) With the approval of the provincial governor, assign building 
land space to provincial officials or other public officials who, by law, 
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;


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(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.
SECTION 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


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maximum utilization of the land and water within the jurisdiction 
of the province, compatible with 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.
SECTION 40. The Provincial Population Officer. - (a) The provincial 
population officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident ofthe 
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 of 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;


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(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.
SECTION 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 
of experience in environmental and natural resources management, 
conservation and utilization.
The appointment of a provincial environment and natural resources ollicer 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;


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(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 o 
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.
SECTION 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 semce eligib e 
or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years of 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:


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(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 ol 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 mari- 
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 gov^nor 
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.
SECTION 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 charaeter, a holder of college degree preferably in 
iournalism, 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 of experience in writing articles


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and research papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast media.
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The term of the provincial information officer is coterminous with that of the
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appointing authority. The appointment of the provincial information officer is
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optional.
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(b) The provincial information officer shall perform the following duties
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and functions:
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(1) Take charge of the office for public information, and pursuant
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thereto, perform the following:
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(i) Formulate measures for the consideration 
of the
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sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to
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the provincial governor in providing the information and
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research data required for the delivery of basic services and
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the provision of adequate facilities 
so that the public
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becomes aware of the said service and may fully avail of the
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same; and
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(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof
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by the provincial governor, implement the same particularly
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those which have to do with public information and research
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data to support the programs and 
projects which the
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provincial governor is empowered to implement and which
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the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local
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Government Code of 1991, as amended;
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(2) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the provincial
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government and its inhabitants;
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(3) Maintain effective liaison with the various sectors of the community
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on matters and issues that affect the livelihood and quality of life of the
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inhabitants and encourage support for programs of the local and
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national government;
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(4) Furnish information and data on the province to government
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agencies or offices as may be required by law or ordinance and
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nongovernmental organizations to be furnished to said agencies and
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organizations;
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(5) Be in the frontline of providing information during and in the
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aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities, with
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special attention to the victims thereof, to help minimize injuries and
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casualties during and after emergency, and accelerate relief and
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rehabilitation;
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(6) Recommend to the 
sanggunian and advise the provincial governor
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on all other matters relative to public information and research data as
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it relates to the total socioeconomic development of the province; and


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(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and functions
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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
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SECTION. 44. The Provincial Fire Station. - (a) There shall be
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established in the province at least four (4) fire stations with adequate
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personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment by the DILG, at least five (5)
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months upon the commencement of the corporate existence of the new
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province. The provincial government shall provide the site where the
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provincial fire station shall be located.
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(b) The provincial fire station service shall be headed by a provincial fire
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marshal whose qualifications shall be as those provided under Republic Act
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No. 9263, as amended, otherwise known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and
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Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004".
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(c) The provincial fire stations shall provide various emergency services
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such as the rescue and evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents
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and, in general, fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety
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of life and property of the citizenry.
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SECTION 45. The Provincial Jail Service. - (a) The DILG shall, at
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least five (5) months from the commencement of the corporate existence of the
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new province, establish and maintain a secured, clean, adequately equipped
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and sanitary jail facility for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any
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fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting investigation or trial and/or
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transfer to the national penitentiary, or a violent mentally ill person who may
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endanger oneself or the safety of others, as duly certified by the proper
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medical health officer, prior to the transfer of such person to a mental
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institution.
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(b) The provincial jail service shall be headed by a provincial jail warden
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whose qualifications shall be as those provided under Republic Act No. 9263,
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otherwise known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail
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Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004". The provincial jail
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warden shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention
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of prisoners. Great care must be exercised so that human rights of these
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prisoners are respected and protected, and their spiritual and physical well-
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being are properly and promptly attended to.
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SECTION 46. The Provincial Schools Division. - (a) The DepEd shall,
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within two (2) months from the commencement of the corporate existence of
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the province herein created, establish and maintain a separate schools
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division in the province whose jurisdiction shall cover all the municipalities
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of the new province.


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(b) The provincial schools division shall be headed by a division
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superintendent who must possess the necessary qualifications required by
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the DepEd.
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SECTION 47. The Provincial Prosecution Service. - (a) The
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Department of Justice (DOJ) shall, within two (2) months from the
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commencement of the corporate existence of the province herein created,
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establish and maintain a prosecution service. It shall be headed by a
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provincial prosecutor who shall be assisted by such number of assistant
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prosecutors as may be necessary, and whose qualifications, manner of
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appointment, rank, salary and benefits shall be governed by existing laws
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covering prosecutors in the DOJ. The Provincial Prosecution Service shall be
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organizationally part of the DOJ, and under the supervision and control of
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the Secretary of the DOJ.
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(b) The provincial prosecutor shall handle the prosecution of criminal
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cases in the municipal trial courts in the province, as well as in the regional
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trial courts for criminal cases originating in the territory of the new province
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and shall render to and for the province such other services as are required
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by law or regulation of the DOJ.
ARTICLE IX
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS
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SECTION 48. Plebiscite. - The Moro Province shall be created as
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provided for in this Chapter upon approval by the majority of the votes cast
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by the voters of the affected areas in a plebiscite to be conducted and
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supervised by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) within ninety (90)
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days from the date of the effectivity of this Act. The expenses for the conduct
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of the plebiscite shall be borne by appropriate agency in the BARMM.
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SECTION 49. Commencement of Corporate Existence. - The
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corporate existence of the Moro Province shall commence upon the
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composition, qualification and assumption of the provincial governors,
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provincial vice governors and majority of the members of the sangguniang
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panlalawigan.
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SECTION 50. Officials of the Newly Created Provinces. - The elective
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officials of the newly created province shall be elected on the second Monday
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of May 2028; national/local elections: Provided, That if this Act is approved
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and ratified within six (6) months or more prior to the 2028 national/local
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elections.
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SECTION 51. Organization of the Provincial Government. - All
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provincial appointive positions in the newly created provinces shall be filled
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within sixty (60) days upon commencement of its corporate existence.


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SECTION 52. Suspension of Increase in the Rates of Local Taxes.
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- No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the new province
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within a period of five (5) years from its acquisition of corporate existence.
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SECTION S3. Appropriation - An initial budget for the new province,
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shall be appropriated. This amount may be increased or decreased by
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supplemental appropriation in aeeordanee with the necessary amount for the
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successful operation of the new province.
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SECTION 54. Laws Applicable to the Congressional District- All laws
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pertinent to the congressional district shall be governed by the Constitution,
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the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended and related congressional
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laws.
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SECTION 55. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of the Local
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Government Code of 1991, as amended, the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro
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Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and other laws are applicable to
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provinces shall govern the herein created province insofar as they are not
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
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SECTION 56. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is
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declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions not affected
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thereby shall remain valid and effective.
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SECTION 57. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15)
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days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
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cireulation.
Approved,