Republic of the Philippines

& aN
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ea RECEIVED =\
Constitution Hills, Quezon City = oseJAN 3.1 2020

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5970

Introduced by Representative FAUSTINO “INNO” A. DY V

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to convert the Municipality of Echague into a component city of the
Province of Isabela.

Under Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, otherwise known as the “Local
Government Code of 1991,” as amended by Republic Act No. 9009, a municipality may be
converted into a component city if it has generated locally an annual average income of at
least 100 Million pesos for the last two consecutive years as certified by the Department of
Finance, and if it has a contiguous territory of at least 100 square kilometers, as certified by
the Land Management Bureau or a population of not less than 150,000 inhabitants, as
certified by the National Statistics Office.

The Municipality of Echague is a first class municipality in the Province of Isabela
with an area of 680,080 square kilometers. For the last two consecutive years, it has
generated an average annual income of more than 100 Million Pesos. Moreover, the
Municipality of Echague is a center for agro-industry in the Province of Isabela. It has
environment-friendly community with progressive and secured economy. It has banks,
schools, markets, hospitals, public transport systems and other amenities which easily entitle
Echague to cityhood.

The conversion of the Municipality of Echague into a component city will increase
the much-needed revenues of the proposed city which will ultimately redound to a more
efficient delivery of basic services to its inhabitants. Besides, it will further enhance the
momentum of growth which has marked the development of the municipality for the past
ears.

: The Municipality of Echague meets all the legal requirements and standards for
conversion into a component city. Further, the conversion of Echague into a component city
will not reduce the land area, population and income of the original unit, the Province of
Isabela to less than the minimum requirements prescribed under the Local Government Code,
as amended.


In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

JSTINO “INNO” A. DY V


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL Nt 5976

Introduced by Representative FAUSTINO “INNO” A. DY V

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF ECHAGUE IN THE PROVINCE OF
ISABELA INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF
ECHAGUE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION I. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Charter of the City of
Echague.”

SEC. 2. City of Echague. ~The Municipality of Echague in the Province of Isabela is
hereby converted into a component city to be known as the City of Echague, hereinafter
referred to as the City, which shall comprise of the present jurisdiction of the Municipality of
Echague, Province of Isabela. The territorial jurisdiction of the City shall be within the
present metes and bounds of the Municipality of Echague.

‘The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution by the appropriate
agency or forum of existing boundary disputes or cases involving questions of territorial
jurisdiction between the City and the adjoining local government units.

SEC. 3. Corporate Powers of the City. — The City constitutes a political body

corporate and as such is endowed with the attributes of perpetual succession and possessed of
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the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation to be exercised in conformity with the
provisions of this charter. The City shall have the following corporate powers:

(a) To have a continuous succession in its corporate name;

(b) To sue and be sued;

(©) To have and use a corporate seal;

(@) To acquire and convey real or personal property;

(e) To enter into contracts or agreements; and

(f) To exercise such other powers, prerogatives and authority granted to
corporations, subject to the limitations provided for in this Act or existing laws.

SEC. 4. General Powers, — The City shall have a common seal and may alter the
same at pleasure. It shall exercise the power to levy taxes; to close and open roads, streets,
alleys, parks or squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey and dispose of real
and personal property for the general interests of the City; to expropriate or condemn private
property for public use; to contract and be contracted with; to sue and be sued; to prosecute
and defend to final judgment and execution suits wherein the City is involved or interested in;
and to exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations as hereinafter granted.

SEC. 5. General Welfare Clause. — The City shall exercise the powers expressly
granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate or
incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the
promotion of the general welfare.

Within its territorial jurisdiction, the City shall, among others, preserve and enrich its
culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology,
encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant, scientific and

technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social


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justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order, and
preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

SEC. 6. Liability for Damages. — Unless otherwise provided by law, the City and its
officials shall not be exempt from liability for death, or injury to persons or property arising
from any act or omission while in the performance of their official functions.

SEC. 7. Jurisdiction. ~ The jurisdiction of the City, for police purpose only, shall be
coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction.

For the purpose of protecting and ensuring the purity of the water supply of the City,
such jurisdiction shall extend over all territories within the drainage area of such water supply
or within one hundred (100) meters of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping
station used in connection with the water service of the city.

The regional trial courts and the city courts of the City shall have concurrent
jurisdiction with the regional trial courts and the metropolitan trial courts or city or municipal
courts of the adjoining municipalities or cities, to try crimes and misdemeanors committed

within the drainage area or within spaces of one hundred (100) meters. The court first taking

jurisdiction of such offense shall thereafter retain exclusive jurisdiction thereof. But any
license that may be issued within the zone, area or space shall be granted by proper
authorities of the city or municipality concerned, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrue
to the treasury of the said city or municipality.
ARTICLE I
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

SEC. 8. Officials of the City. — (a) There shall be in the City of Echague, a city
mayor, a city vice mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang
panlungsod, a city treasurer and an assistant city treasurer, a city assessor and an assistant city

assessor, a city accountant, a city engineer, an assistant city engineer, a city architect, a city


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budget officer, a city planning and development officer, a city health officer, a city civil
registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city social welfare and development
officer, a city veterinarian, a city general services officer, a city cooperatives officer, a city
agriculturist, a city environment and natural resources officer, and a city tourism officer;

(b) In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint a city architect, a city information
officer and a city population officer;

(©) The City shall establish a city fire station to be headed by a city fire marshal, a city

jail to be headed by a city jail warden, a city school division to be headed by a city school

division superintendent and a city prosecution service to be headed by a city prosecutor;

(@) The City may:

(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b)
hereof;

(2) Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
of the city government; or

(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the
interest of efficiency and economy.

Unless otherwise provided herein, heads of departments and offices shall be appointed
by the city mayor with the concurrence of the majority of all the sangguniang panlungsod
members, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, ‘The sangguniang panlungsod
shall act upon the appointment within fifteen (15) days from the day of its submission,

otherwise the same shall be deemed confirmed.


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ARTICLE I
CITY MAYOR AND CITY VICE MAYOR
SEC. 9. City Mayor. — (a) The city mayor is the chief executive of the City. The city
mayor shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City. No person shall be eligible
for the position of city mayor unless at the time of election, the candidate is at least twenty-
one (21) years of age, a resident of the City for at least one (1) year prior to the election and a
qualified voter therein. The city mayor shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner
removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to salary grade
thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758, as amended, also known as the
“Salary Standardization Law,” and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto, and
such other compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law;
(1) The city mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall exercise
such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided under Republic Act
No. 7160, as amended, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991;”
(2) Exercise those powers expressly granted to city mayor by law, those
necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate or incidental
for the efficient and effective governance of the City, and those which are essential to

the promotion of the general welfare:

(i) Determine the guidelines of city poli

ies and be responsible to the
sangguniang panlungsod for the program of government;

(ii) Direct the formulation of the city development plan with the assistance
of the city development council and, upon approval by the sangguniang
panlungsod, implement the same;

(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects

for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod at the opening of the


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regular session of the sangguniang panlungsod every calendar year and as often
as may be deemed necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the
needs of the city government may require;

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang
panlungsod, as may be deemed necessary, and provide such information and
data needed or requested by the sanggunian in the performance of its legislative
functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are
wholly or mainly paid out of city funds and whose appointments are not
otherwise provided for in this Act, as well as those the mayor may be authorized
by law to appoint;

(vi) Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign on its
behalf all bonds, contracts, obligations and such other documents with authority
from the sangguniang panlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance;

(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary during and
in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

(viii) Determine the time, manner and place of payments of salaries or
wages of the officials and employees of the City, in accordance with law or
ordinance;

(ix) Allocate and assign office space to city officials and employees who,
by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space in the city hall and other
buildings owned or leased by the city government;

(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully
discharge their duties and functions as provided by law and this Act, and cause

to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any official or


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employee of the City who may have committed an offense in the performance
of their official duties;

(xi) Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices,
officials, agents or employees of the City and, in aid of the executive powers
and authority, require all national officials and employees stationed in or
assigned to the City to make available such books, records and other documents
in their custody, except those classified by law as confidential;

(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued to the provincial governor
within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance;

(xiii) Visit component barangays of the City at least once every six (6)
months to deepen the understanding of the problems and conditions, listen and
give appropriate counsel to local officials and inhabitants of general laws and
ordinances which especially concern them, and otherwise conduct visits and
inspections to ensure that the governance of the City will improve the quality of
life of the inhabitants;

(xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees appointed and
the commutation of their leave credits for monetary value in accordance with
law;

(xv) Authorize official trips of city officials and employees outside of the
City for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days:

(xvi) Call upon any national official or employce stationed in or assigned
to the City to advise on matters affecting the City and make recommendations
thereon; coordinate with the national officials or employees in the formulation
and implementation of plans, programs and projects; and when appropriate,

initiate an administrative or judicial action against a national government


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official or employee who may have committed an offense in the performance of
their official duties while stationed in or assigned to the City;

(xvii) Authorize payments for medical care, necessary transportation,
subsistence, hospital or medical fees of city officials and employees who are
injured while in the performance of their official duties and functions, subject to
the availability of funds;

(xviii) Solemnize marriages;

(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod which features traditional
sports and disciplines included in national and international games, in
coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Sports
Commission and other related agencies; and

(xx) Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an annual
report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the management,
administration and development of the City and all information and data relative
to its political, social and economic condition; 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 City;

(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and in

the exercise of its appropriate powers as provided for under Section 22 of the Local
Government Code, as well as implement all approved policies, programs, projects,

services and activities of the City and, in addition, shail:

(i) Ensure that the acts of the City’s component barangays and of its
officials and employees are within the scope of their prescribed powers, duties

and functions;


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(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars or meetings of elective or
appointive officials of the City, including national officials and employees
stationed in or assigned to the City, at such time and place and on such subject
deem important for the promotion of the general welfare of the local
government unit and its inhabitants;

(iii) Issue executive orders for the faithful and appropriate enforcement
and execution of laws and ordinances;

(iv) Carry the necessary firearm within the territorial jurisdiction after the
procurement of necessary permit and license from duly constituted authorities;

(v) Act as the deputized representative of the National Police
Commission, formulate the peace and order plan of the City and, upon its
approval, implement and exercise general and operational control and
supervision over the local police forces in the City in accordance with Republic
Act No. 6975, as amended, otherwise known as the “Department of the
Interior and Local Government Act of 1990;” and

(vi) Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress
disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition, or apprehend violators of
the law when public interest so requires and the city police forces 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, program objectives and
priorities, particularly the resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial

development and the provision of basic services and, relative thereto, shall:


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(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
provisions of the Local Government Code and other relevant laws;

(ii) Prepare and submit to the sanggunian for approval the executive and
supplemental budgets of the City for the ensuing calendar year in the manner
provided for under the Local Government Code;

(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the City are collected and
that city funds are applied to the payment of expenses and the settlement of
obligations of the City, 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 the licenses or permits had been issued,
pursuant to law or ordinance. This also includes the issuance of licenses and
permits to gambling operations authorized by law subject to the ordinance of the
sangguniang panlungsod;

(v) Issue permits, not requiring approval from any national agency, for the
holding of activities for any charitable or welfare purpose, excluding prohibited
games of chance or shows contrary to law, public policy and public morals;

(vi) Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or structures
to obtain the necessary permits, subject to such fines and penalties as may be
imposed by law or ordinance, or make necessary changes in the construction or
order the demolition or removal of these houses, buildings or structures within
the period prescribed by law or ordinance;

(vii) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral,

forest, marine and other resources of the City;


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(viii) Provide efficient and effective property and supply management in
the City, and protect the funds, credits, rights and other properties of the City;
and

(ix) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial
proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees or
charges, and for the recovery of funds and property, and cause the City to be
defended against all suits to ensure that its interests, resources and rights are

adequately protected;

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities

and, in addition thereto, shall:
(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads, bridges and highways
funded by the national government are, 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 City and of the province; and
(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services, including public
works and infrastructure programs rendered by national and provincial offices;
and
(5) Exercise other powers and perform other duties and functions as provided
for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by other relevant
laws or ordinances.
(c) The city mayor shall hold office in the city hall.
SEC. 10. City Vice Mayor. ~ (a) There shall be a city vice mayor who shall be
elected in the same manner as the city mayor and shall, at the time of the election, possess the
same qualifications as the city mayor. The vice mayor shall hold office for three (3) years,

unless sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to

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salary grade twenty-six (26) as prescribed under the Salary Standardization Law and the
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto, and other compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(b) The city vice mayor shall exercise the following duties:

(1) Act as presiding officer of the sangguniang panlungsod and sign all warrants
drawn on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the
sangguniang panlungsod;

(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and
employees, including the secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod, and such
employees of the individual members of the sangguniang panlungsod, except those
whose manner of appointment is specifically provided for under existing laws;

(3) Assume the office of the city mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in
the event of permanent vacancy;

(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor
in case of temporary vacancy; and

(5) Perform other duties and functions and exercise other powers as provided
for under Local Government Code and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE IV
SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD
SEC. 11. Sangguniang Panlungsod. — The sangguniang panlungsod, the legislative
body of the City, is composed of the city vice mayor as the presiding officer, the regular
sanggunian members, the president of the city chapter of the liga ng mga barangay and the
president of the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, and sectoral

representatives.


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‘The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod, the sectoral representatives and
other members are elected or appointed in the manner as may be provided for by law. The
elective members of the sangguniang panlungsod shall possess the qualifications as provided
for under Section 39 of Local Government Code.

They shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be
determined by law.

SEC. 12. Powers, Duties, Functions. — The sangguniang panlungsod shall:

(a) Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective
city government and, and relative thereto shall:

(1) Review all ordinances approved by the sangguniang barangay and executive
orders issued by the punong barangay to determine whether these are within the scope
of the prescribed powers of the sangguniang barangay and of the punong barangay;

(2) 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 ordinances;

(3) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos
(P5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year, or both, at
the discretion of the court, for violation of a city ordinance;

(4) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the City from harmful effects of
man-made or natural disasters and calamities, and provide relief services and
assistance to victims during and in the aftermath of disaster or calamity and in their
return to productive livelihood following these events;

(5) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose appropriate
penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places, vagrancy, mendicancy,

prostitution, establishment and maintenance of houses of ill repute, gambling and

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other prohibited games of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money or
property, drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, juvenile
delinquency, the printing, distribution or exhibition of obscene or pornographic
materials or publications and other activities inimical to the welfare and morals of the
inhabitants of the City;

(6) Protect the environment by setting aside a reasonable amount from its
development funds for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing the ecological
balance of the City and imposing appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the
environment and other activities which result in pollution, eutrophication of rivers and
other bodies of water, or of ecological imbalance;

(7) Subject to the provisions of Local Government Code and other pertinent
laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the City;

(8) Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other
emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from city
funds and provide for expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of programs,
projects, services and activities of the city government;

(9) Authorize the payment of compensation of a qualified person not in the
government service, who fills up a temporary vacancy or grant honorarium to any
qualified official or employee designated to fill up a temporary vacancy in a
concurrent capacity at the rate authorized by law;

(10) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds to ensure the safety and
protection of all city government properties, public documents or records such as
those relating to property inventory, land ownership, records of births, marriages,
deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits and other records and

documents of public interest in the offices and departments of the city government;


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(11) Provide for additional allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors,
public elementary and high school teachers and other national government officials
stationed in or assigned to the City, subject to the availability of funds;

(12) Provide legal assistance to city and barangay officials, including the
members of the city police who, in the performance of their official duties or on the
occasion thereof, have to initiate judicial proceedings or defend themselves against
legal actions or, if necessary, authorize the city mayor to engage the services of a
private counsel; and

(13) Provide for group insurance or additional insurance coverage for all
barangay officials, including members of barangay tanod brigades and other service

units, with public or private insurance companies, subject to the availability of funds;

(b) Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the development

plans, program objectives and priorities of the City with particular attention to agro-industrial

development, citywide growth and progress, and relative thereto, shall:

(1) Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the city government and
appropriate funds for specific programs, projects, services and activities of the City
or for other purposes not contrary to law, in order to promote the general welfare of
the City and its inhabitants;

(2) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code and
applicable laws, and upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges, prescribing the rates
thereof for general and specific purposes, and granting tax exemptions, incentives or

reliefs;


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(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code and
applicable laws, and upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, authorize the city mayor to negotiate and contract loans and other forms
of indebtedness;

(4) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code and
applicable laws, and upon the majority vote of all members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of bonds or other instruments
of indebtedness for the purpose of raising funds to finance development projects;

(5) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the rental of
buildings for the use of the City, and upon the majority vote of all the members of
the sangguniang panlungsod, authorize the city mayor to lease to private parties such
public buildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, rules and
regulations;

(6) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of property within the
jurisdiction of the City;

(7) Adopt a comprehensive land-use plan for the City and ensure that the
formulation, adoption or modification of the plan is in coordination with the
approved provincial comprehensive land-use plan;

(8) Reclassify lands within the jurisdiction of the City, subject to pertinent
provisions of the Local Government Code;

(9) Enact integrated zoning ordinances in consonance with the approved
comprehensive land-use plan, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,
establish fire limits or zones, particularly in populous centers, and regulate the
construction, repair or modification of buildings within said fire limits or zones in

accordance with the provisions of the Fire Code;


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(10) Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans for
residential, commercial or industrial purposes and other development purposes and
collect processing fees and other charges, the proceeds of which shall accrue entirely
to the City where approval of a national agency or office is required, the approval
shall not be withheld for more than thirty (30) days from receipt of the application.
Failure to act on the application within the period stated above is deemed as approval
thereof;

(11) With the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the members of
the sangguniang panlungsod, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs to entities
engaged in community growth-inducing industries, subject to the provisions of the
Local Government Code;

(12) Grant loans or provide grants to other local government units or to
national, provincial and city charitable, benevolent or educational institutions:
Provided, That the institutions are operated and maintained within the City;

(13) Regulate the numbering of residential, commercial and other buildings;
and

(14) Regulate the inspection, weighing and measuring of articles of commerce;

(c) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code, enact ordinances

granting franchises and authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, upon such conditions
and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the City

and pursuant to this legislative authority, shall:

(1) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services rendered by the

city government to private persons or entities;


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(2) Regulate or fix license fees for any business or practice of profession within
the City and the conditions under which the license for business or practice of

profession may be revoked, and enact ordinances levying taxes thereon;

(3) Provide for and set the terms and conditions under which public utilities
‘owned by the City shall be operated by the city goverment and prescribe the
conditions under which the same may be leased to private persons or entities,
preferably cooperatives;

(4) Regulate the display and fix the license fees for signs, signboards or
billboards at the place or places where the profession or business advertised thereby
is, in whole or in part, conducted;

(5) Authorize and license the establishment, operation and maintenance of
cockpits, regulate cockfighting and commercial breeding gamecocks: Provided, That
existing rights are not prejudiced;

(© Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Transportation,
regulate the operation of tricycles and grant franchises for the operation thereof within
the territorial jurisdiction of the City; and

(7) Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, grant a franchise to any person, partnership, corporation or cooperative to
do business within the City; establish, construct, operate and maintain ferries,
wharves, markets or slaughterhouses; or undertake such other activities within the
City as may be allowed by existing laws: Provided, That cooperatives are given
preference in the grant of such franchise;

(d) Regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures within the

City in order to promote the general welfare and, for the purpose, shall:

(1) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

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(2) With the concurrence of a majority of the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, a quorum being present, deny the entry of legalized gambling by
ordinance into any part of the City or regulate its location in the City;

(3) Require that buildings and the premises thereof and any land within the City
be kept and maintained in a sanitary condition, impose penalties for any violation
thereof or, upon failure to comply with the requirement, have the work done at the
expense of the owner, administrator or tenant concerned, or require the filling up of
any land or premises to a grade necessary for proper sanitation;

(4) Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals, clinics and
other similar establishments;

(5) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes, restaurants,
beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, lodging houses and other similar
establishments, including tourist guides and transports;

(6 Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing of any intoxicating malt, vino,
mixed or fermented liquors at any retail outlets;

(7) Regulate the establishment and provide for the inspection of steam boilers or
any heating device in buildings and the storage of inflammable and highly
combustible materials within the City;

(8) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of entertainment or
amusement facilities, including the theatrical performance, circuses, billiard halls,
public dancing schools, public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors and other
places for entertainment or amusement, particularly those which tend to disturb the
community or annoy the inhabitants or require the suspension or suppression of the
same; or prohibit certain forms of amusement or entertainment to protect the social

and moral welfare of the community;

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(9) Provide for the impounding of stray animals; regulate the keeping of animals
in homes or as part of a business, and the slaughter, sale or disposition of the same;
and adopt measures to prevent and penalize cruelty to animals; and

(10) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of funeral parlors
and burial or cremation of the dead, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

(e) Approve ordinances which ensure the efficient and effective delivery of basic

services and facilities as provided for under the Local Government Code and, in addition to

such services and facilities, shall:

(1) Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection and conservation of
communal forest and watersheds, tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves and other similar
forest development projects;

(2) Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animal corrals and authorize the
operation thereof by the city government; and regulate the construction and operation
of private markets, talipapas or other similar buildings and structures;

(3) Regulate the preparation and sale of fish, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits,
fresh dairy products and other foodstuffs for public consumption;

(4) Regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, parks and
other public places, and approve the construction, improvement, repair and
maintenance of the same; establish bus and vehicle stops and terminals or regulate the
use thereof by privately-owned vehicles which serve the public; regulate garages and
the operation of conveyances for hire; designate stands to be occupied by public
vehicles when not in use; regulate the putting up of signs, signposts, awnings and
awning posts on the streets; and provide for the lighting, cleaning and sprinkling of

streets and public places;

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(5) Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges; prohibit encroachment or
obstacles thereon and, when necessary in the interest of public welfare, authorize the
removal of encroachments and illegal constructions in public places;

(6) Subject to existing laws and when necessary, establish and provide for the
maintenance, repair and operation of an efficient waterworks system to supply water
for the inhabitants and to purify the source of the water supply; regulate the
construction, maintenance, repair and use of hydrants, pumps, cisterns and reservoirs;
protect the purity and quantity of the water supply of the City and, for this purpose,
extend the coverage of appropriate ordinances over all territory within the drainage
area of the water supply within one hundred (100) meters of the reservoir, canal,
conduit aqueduct, pumping station or watershed used in connection with the water
service; and regulate the consumption, use or wastage of water and fix and collect
charges therefor;

(7) Regulate the drilling and excavation of the ground for the laying of water,
gas, sewer and other pipes and the construction, repair and maintenance of public
drains, sewers, cesspools, tunnels and similar structures; regulate the placing of poles
and the use of crosswalks, curbs and gutters; adopt measures to ensure public safety
against open canals, manholes, live wires and other similar hazards to life and
property; and regulate the construction and use of private water closets, privies and
other similar structures in buildings and homes;

(8) Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and construction
of all gas mains, electric telegraph and telephone wires, conduits, meters and other
apparatus; and provide for the correction, condemnation or removal thereof when
found to be dangerous, defective or otherwise hazardous to the welfare of the

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(9) Subject to the availability of funds and the existing laws, rules and
regulations, establish or maintain, or provide for the operation of a city college,
vocational and technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the
approval of the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education or the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, as the case may be, and
subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix and collect reasonable tuition fees and
other school charges in educational institutions supported by the city government;

(10) Ensure the physical maintenance of educational institutions under the
operational control of the City and the provision of books and other capital equipment
for the same:

(11) Establish a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students in schools
located within its jurisdiction or for students residing within the City;

(12) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent the
introduction and spread of diseases;

(13) Provide for an efficient and effective system of solid waste and garbage
collection and prohibit littering and the placing or throwing of garbage, refuse and
other filth and wastes; and provide for incentive schemes for industries engaged in the
recycling of waste and garbage;

(14) Provide for the care of disabled persons, paupers, the aged, the sick,
persons of unsound mid, abandoned minors, juvenile delinquents, drug dependents,
abused children and other needy and disadvantaged persons, particularly children and
the youth below eighteen (18) years of age and, subject to the availability of funds,
establish and provide for the operation of centers and facilities for the needy and

disadvantaged persons;

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(15) Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of jails and
detention centers, institute a sound jail management program, including a continuing
education and training program for jail personnel assigned or detailed in jails and
detention centers within the jurisdiction of the City, and the provision of separate
detention centers for women and minors;

(16) Establish a city 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;

(17) Establish a city council for the elderly which shall formulate policies and
adopt measures mutually beneficial to the elderly and to the community; provide
incentives for nongovernmental agencies and entities and, subject to the availability of
funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects for the benefit of the
elderly; and

(18) Perform for a social housing fund for the provision of housing for the poor
and, for this purpose, allocate a reasonable amount annually for the acquisition of land
and development of the same; and
(f) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such powers as provided for

under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by other relevant laws or by
ordinance.
ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION
SEC. 13. Internal Rules of Procedure. — a) On the first regular session following
the election of its members and, within ninety (90) days thereafter, the sangguniang

panlungsod shall adopt or update its rules of procedure.

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(a) The rules of procedure shalll provide for the following:

(1) The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as well as
the creation of standing committees which include, but are not be limited to, the
committees on appropriations, women and family, human rights, youth and sports
development, environmental protection and cooperatives, the general jurisdiction of
each committee and the election of the chairperson and members of each committee;

(2) The order and calendar of business for each session;

(3) The legislative process;

(4) The parliamentary procedures, which include the conduct of members
during sessions;

(5) The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences without
justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be censured,
reprimanded or excluded from the sessions, 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) vote of all the sangguniang members:
Provided, further, That a member convicted by final judgment to imprisonment of at
east one (1) year for any crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically
expelled from the sanggunian; and

(6) Such other rules as the sanggunian may adopt.

SEC. 14, Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of Sangguniang
Pantungsod Members. ~ (a) Every sangguniang panlungsod member shall, upon assumption
to office, make a full disclosure of business and financial interests. The member shall also
disclose any professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the

fourth civil degree, which the member may have with any person, firm or entity affected by

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any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the sanggunian member, which
relationship may result in conflict of interests. Such relationship includes:

(1) Ownership of stock or capital, or investment in the entity or firm to which
the ordinance or resolution may apply; and

(2) Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which the ordinance or
resolution under consideration may affect.

In the absence of specific constitutional or statutory provisions applicable to this
situation, “conflict of interest” refers in general to one where it may be reasonably deduced
that a member of a sanggunian may not act in the public interest due to some private,
pecuniary or other personal considerations that may tend to affect the judgment to the
prejudice of the service or the public.

(b) The 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 which the sanggunian is a
member. The disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the proceedings and
shall be made in the following manner:

(1) Disclosure shall be made before the member participates in the
deliberations on the ordinance or resolution under consideration: Provided, That if the
member did not participate during the deliberations, the disclosure shall be made
before voting on the ordinance or resolution on second and 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 therein.

SEC. 15. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of the session immediately following the
election of its members, the sangguniang panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the day, time

and place of its sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week;

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(b) When the public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the city
mayor 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 member’s 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.

(©) The sanggunian shall keep a journal and a record of its proceedings which may be
published upon a resolution of the sangguniang panlungsod.

SEC. 16. 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 a session, the presiding officer shall immediately
proceed to call the roll of the members and thereafter announce the result.

(b) Where 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 compel the immediate attendance of any member absent without justifiable cause by
designating a member or members of the sanggunian to be assisted by a member or members
of the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the City, to arrest and present the

absent member at the session; and

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(c) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately preceding
subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion and
duly approved by the members present, shall then declare the session adjoumed for lack of
quorum.

SEC. 17. Approval of Ordinances. — (a) Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang
panlungsod shall be presented to the city mayor. If the city mayor approves the same, the
city mayor shall affix signature on each and every page thereof; otherwise, otherwise the city
mayor shall veto it and return the same with the objections to the sanggunian, which may
proceed to reconsider the same. The sanggunian may override the veto of the city mayor by
two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the ordinance or resolution effective
for all legal intents and purposes; and

(b) The veto shall be communicated by the city mayor to the sanggunian within ten
(10) days; otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if the city mayor signed it.

SEC. 18. Veto Power of the City Mayor. — (a) The city mayor may veto any
ordinance of the sangguniang panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or prejudicial to
public welfare, stating the reasons thereof in writing;

(b) The city mayor may veto any particular item or items of an appropriations
ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local development plan, any public
investment program or an ordinance directing the payment of money or creating liability. In
such case, the vetoed item or items shall not take effect unless the sangguniang panlungsod
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, is

deemed enacted; and

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(©) The city mayor may veto an ordinance or resolution only once. The sanggunian
may override the veto by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the

ordinance effective even without the approval of the city mayor.

SEC. 19. Review of City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. -

(a) Within three (3) days after approval, the secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod
shall forward to the sangguniang panlalawigan for review, copies of approved ordinances and
resolutions approving the local development plans and public investment programs
formulated by the local development councils;

(b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of copies of such ordinances and resolutions,
the sangguniang panlalawigan shall examine the documents or transmit them to the provincial
attorney or the provincial prosecutor for prompt examination. The provincial attorney or the
provincial prosecutor shall, within a period of ten (10) days from receipt of the documents,
inform the sangguniang panlalawigan in writing of comments or recommendations, which
may be considered by the sangguniang panlalawigan in making its decision;

(c) If the sangguniang panlalawigan finds that such ordinance or resolution is beyond
‘the power conferred upon the sangguniang panlungsod, it shall declare such ordinance or
resolution invalid in whole or in part. The sangguniang panlalawigan shall enter its action in
‘the minutes and shall advise the corresponding city authorities of the action it has taken; and

(@) If no action has been taken by the sangguniang panlalawigan within thirty (30)
days after submission of such ordinance or resolution, the same is presumed consistent with
law and therefore valid.

SEC. 20. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Pantungsod. ~ (a)

Within ten (10) days after the enactment, the sangguniang barangay shall furnish copies of

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all barangay ordinances to the sangguniang panlungsod for review as to whether the
ordinance is consistent with law and city ordinances;

(b) If the sangguniang panlungsod fails to take action on barangay ordinances within
thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, the same is deemed approved; and

(0) If the sangguniang panlungsod finds the barangay ordinance inconsistent with law
or city ordinances, the sangguniang panlungsod shall, within thirty (30) days from receipt
thereof, return the same with comments and recommendations to the sangguniang barangay
for adjustment, amendment or modification; in which case, the effectivity of the barangay
ordinance is suspended until such time as the revision called for is effected.

SEC. 21. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances or Resolutions. — Any attempt to
enforce any ordinance or any resolution approving the local development plan and public
investment program after its disapproval is sufficient ground for the suspension or dismissal
of the official or employee concemed.

SEC. 22. Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions. — (a) Unless otherwise stated in
the ordinance or the resolution approving the local development plan and public investment
program, it shall take effect after ten (10) days from the date a copy thereof is posted in a
bulletin board at the entrance of the city hall and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places
in the City;

(b) The secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod shall cause the posting of an
ordinance or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the city hall and in at least two
(2) other conspicuous places in the City not later than five (5) days after its approval. The
text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or English and
in the language or dialect understood by a majority of the people in the City, and the secretary
of the sangguniang panlungsod shall record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating

the dates of approval and posting; and

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(c) The main features of the ordinance or resolution duly enacted or adopted shall, in
addition to being posted, be published once in a local newspaper of general circulation within
the City: Provided, That in the absence thereof, the ordinance or resolution shall be published
in any newspaper of general circulation: Provided, further, That the gist of all ordinances
with penal sanctions shall also be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

ARTICLE VI
SUCCESSION FOR ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

SEC. 23. Permanent Vacancy in the Offices of the City Mayor and the City Vice
Mayor. ~ (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city mayor, the city vice
mayor shall become the city mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city
vice mayor, the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, or in case of permanent
incapacity, the second highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member shall become the
city vice mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said office shall be filled in
automatically by the other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein;

(b) A tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod members
shall be resolved by drawing of lots; and

(c) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their
predecessors.

For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective local official
fills in a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is removed from
office, voluntarily resigns or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the function
of the office.

For purposes of succession as provided for in this Act, ranking in the sanggunian is
determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by each winning candidate to the

total number of registered voters in the City in the immediately preceding local election.

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SEC. 24. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. — Permanent
vacancies in the sangguniang panlungsod, where automatic succession as provided above
does not apply, shall be filled in by appointments in the following manner:

(a) The provincial governor shall make the aforesaid appointments;

(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the sanggunian member had
been elected 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 are conditions sine gua non, and
any appointment without such nomination and certification is null and void ab initio and is a
ground for administrative action against the official responsible therefor;

(©) Incase the permanent vacancy is caused by a sanggunian member who does not
belong to any political party, the city mayor shall, upon the recommendation of the
sangguniang panlungsod, appoint a qualified person to fill in the vacancy; and

(@ In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth, the barangay and other
sectors in the sangguniang panlungsod, the vacancy shall be filled in automatically by the
official next-in-rank of the organization concerned.

SEC. 25. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. - (a) When the city
mayor is temporarily incapacitated to perform duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but
not limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the city vice mayor
shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city
mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees which may only be

exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days;

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(b) The temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the sangguniang
panlungsod of written declaration by the city mayor that he has reported back to office. In
case where the temporary incapacity is due to legal cause, the city mayor shall also submit
necessary documents showing that the legal cause no longer exists;

(©) When the city mayor is traveling within the country but outside the territorial
jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three (3) consecutive days, the city mayor may
designate in writing the officer-in-charge of the office. The authorization must specify the
powers and functions that the local official concerned shall exercise in the absence of the city
mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees;

(@) In the event, however, that the city mayor fails or refuses to issue such
authorization, the city vice mayor or the highest ranking sangguniang paniungsod member, as
the case may be, shall assume the powers, duties and functions of the office of the city mayor
‘on the fourth day of absence of the city mayor subject to the limitations provided in
subsection (c) hereof; and

(@) Except as provided above, the city mayor shall, in no case, authorize any local
official to assume the powers, duties and functions of the office other than the city vice

mayor or the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, as the case may be.

ARTICLE VII
APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY
SEC. 26. Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. —
(a) There shall be a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod who is a career official
with the rank and salary equal to a head of a department or office;
(b) No person shall be appointed secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod unless that

person is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character,

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preferably, a holder of a master’s degree in law, commerce or public administration from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent;

(c) The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law;

(d) The secretary to the sanggunian panlungsod shall take charge of the office of the
sangguniang panlungsod, and shall:

(1) Attend meetings of the sangguniang panlungsod and keep a journal of its
proceedings;

(2)Keep the seal of the City and affix the same with signature to all
ordinances, resolutions and other official acts of the sangguniang panlungsod and
present the same to the presiding officer for signature;

(3) Forward to the city mayor for approval copies of ordinances enacted by the
sangguniang panlungsod, duly certified by the presiding officer;

(4) Forward to the sangguniang panlalawigan copies of duly approved
ordinances in the manner as provided in Sections 56 and 57 under Book I of the Local
Government Code;

(5) Furnish, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of records of
public character in custody, upon payment to the city treasurer of such fees as may be
prescribed by ordinance:

(6) Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and resolutions
enacted or adopted by the sangguniang panlungsod, with the dates of passage and
publication thereof;

(7) Keep the office and all nonconfidential records therein open to the public

during usual business hours;

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(8) Translate into the dialect used by a majority of the inhabitants all
ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval and cause the publication
of the same together with the original version in the manner provided for under the
Local Government Code;

(9) Take custody of the local archives and, where applicable, the local library
and annually account for the same; and

(10) Exercise powers and perform such other duties and functions as provided
for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law or
ordinance.

SEC. 27. City Treasurer. ~ (a) The city treasurer is appointed by the Secretary of
Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor,
subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations.

(6). The city treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the city mayor,
to whom the city treasurer shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City;

(©) No person shall be appointed city treasurer unless such person is a citizen of the

ines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in commerce, public administration or law from a recognized college or university
and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee must have acquired
experience in treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years;

(@) The city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances
as may be determined by law;
(©) The city treasurer shall take charge of the city treasury office, and shall:

(1) Advise the city mayor, the sangguniang panlungsod and other local
government and national officials regarding disposition of local government funds

and on such other matters relative to public finance;

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(2) Take custody and exercise proper management of the funds of the City;

(3) Take charge of the disbursement of all funds of the City and such other
funds, the custody of which may be entrusted to the city treasurer by law or other
competent authority;

(4) Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the
jurisdiction of the city in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances pursuant to
the provisions of the Local Government Code;

(5) Maintain and update the tax information system of the City; and

(6) Exercise powers and perform such other duties and functions as provided
for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law or
ordinance.

SEC. 28. Assistant City Treasurer. — (a) The assistant city treasurer may be
appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible
recommendees of the city mayor, subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations;

(b) No person shall be appointed assistant city treasurer unless such person is a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a degree
preferably in commerce, public administration or law from a recognized college or university
and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee must have acquired at
least three (3) years experience in treasury or accounting;

(c) The assistant city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law; and

(d) The assistant city treasurer shall assist the city treasurer and perform such other
duties as the latter may assign. The assistant city treasurer shall have authority to administer

oaths concerning notices to those delinquents in the payment of the real property tax and

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concerning official matters relating to the accounts of the city treasurer or otherwise arising
from the offices of the city treasurer and the city assessor.

SEC. 29. City Assessor. — (a) The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil
or mechanical engineering, commerce or any other related course from a recognized college
or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee must
have acquired experience on real property assessment work or in any related field for at least
five (5) years immediately preceding the date of the appointment;

(b) The city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law;

(c) The city assessor shall take charge of the city assessor’s office, and shall:

(1) Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment of
real properties for taxation purposes are properly executed;

(2) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the evaluation and assessment
of real properties for taxation purposes;

(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;

(4) Install and maintain real property identification and accounting systems;

(5) Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing graphically
all properties subject to assessment and gather all data concerning the same;

(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine whether all real
properties within the City are properly listed in the assessment rolls;

(7) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessments primarily for taxation

purposes of all real properties in the City;

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(8) Prepare a schedule of the fair market value of the different classes of real
properties in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code;

(9) Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment
records of real properties and all other upon payment of a service charge or fee to the
city treasurer;

(10) Submit every semester a report of all assessments as well as cancellations
and modifications of assessments to the city mayor and the sangguniang panlungsod;
and

(11) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by
law or ordinance.

SEC. 30. Assistant City Assessor. — (a) The assistant city assessor must be a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The
assistant city assessor must have experience in assessment or in any related field for at least
three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

(b) The assistant city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(©) The assistant city assessor shall assist the city assessor and perform such other
duties as the latter may assign. The assistant city assessor shall have authority to administer
oaths on all declarations of real property for purposes of assessment.

SEC. 31. City Accountant. — (a) The city accountant must be a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a certified public accountant.

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‘The city accountant must have experience in the treasury or accounting services for at least
five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The city accountant shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances
as may be determined by law.
(c) The city accountant shall take charge of both the office of the accounting and
internal audit services, and shall:
(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the City;
(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the city mayor and to the
sangguniang panlungsod;
(3) Apprise the sangguniang panlungsod and other officials on the financial
condition and operation of the City;
(4) Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment from which expenditures
and obligations may be properly charged;
(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers to
determine the completeness of requirements;
(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, allowances,
reimbursements and remittances pertaining to the City;
(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and liquidations of the same and
other adjustments related thereto;
(8) Post individual disbursements on the subsidiary ledger and index cards;
(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the City
pertaining to payrolls and deductions;
(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchased furniture, fixtures and

equipment, including disposal thereof, if any;


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(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and keep all
records and reports related thereto;

(12) Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain and keep all
records and reports related thereto; and

(13) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by
law or ordinance.

SEC. 32. City Engineer. - (a) The city engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed civil engineer. The city
engineer must have experience in the practice of the profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city engineer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law;

(c) The city engineer shall take charge of the city engineering office, and shall:

(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 City;

(2) Advise the city mayor on infrastructure, public works and other
engineering matters;

(3) Administer, coordinate, supervise and control the construction,
maintenance, improvement and repair of roads, bridges, other engineering and public
works projects of the City;

(4) Provide engineering services to the City, including investigations and

surveys, engineering designs, feasibility studies and project management; and

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(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 33. Assistant City Engineer. — (a) The assistant city engineer must be a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The
appointee must have acquired experience in engineering or in any related field for at least
three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The assistant city engineer shall assist the city engineer and perform such other
duties as the latter may assign; and

(c) The assistant city engineer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

SEC. 34. City Architect. — (a) The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character and a duly licensed architect. The city
architect must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding
the date of appointment;

(b) The city architect shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law; and

(©) The city architect shall take charge of the office of the architectural planning and
design, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate

facilities relative to architectural planning and design;

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(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city
mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with architectural
planning and design programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to
implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under
the Local Government Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city architect shall:

(® Prepare and recommend, for consideration of the sanggunian, the
architectural plan and design for the City or a part thereof, including the
greening of land and the renewal of slums and blighted areas;

(ii) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the sanggunian or
the mayor, as the case may be, the architectural plans and designs submitted
by governmental and nongovernmental entities or individuals particularly
those for undeveloped, underdeveloped and poorly-designed areas; and

(iii) Coordinate with government, nongovernment entities and
individuals involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the land
and water within the jurisdiction of the City, compatible with environmental
integrity and ecological balance;

(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of 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 or calamities;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on
all matters relative to architectural planning and design as it relates to the total

socioeconomic development of the City; and

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(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are
prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 35. City Budget Officer. — (a) The city budget officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in accounting, economics, public administration or any related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The
city budget officer must have acquired experience in government budgeting or in any related
field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city budget officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city budget officer shall take charge of the city budget office, and shall:

(1) Prepare forms, orders and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary and
appropriation matters for the signature of the city mayor;

(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different departments and
offices of the City;

(3) Assist the city mayor in the preparation of the proposed legislation and
submit comments and recommendations thereon;

(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implementation of proposed legislation and
submit comments and recommendations thereon;

(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget and

Management;

(6) Coordinate with the city treasurer, the city accountant and the city planning

and development officer for the purpose of budgeting;


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(7) Assist the sangguniang panlungsod in reviewing the approved budgets of
component local government units;

(8) Coordinate with the city planning and development officer in the
formulation of the development plan of the City; and

(9) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 36. City Planning and Development Officer. — (a) The city planning and
development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Echague, of
good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning, development
studies, economics, public administration or any related course from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The city planning and
development officer must have acquired experience in development planning or in any
related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city planning and development officer shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law;

(c) The city planning and development officer shall take charge of the city planning
and development coordinating office, and shall:

(1) Formulate integrated economic, social, physical and other development
plans and policies for the consideration of the City;

(2) Conduct continuing studies, researches and training programs necessary to
evolve plans and programs for implementation;

(3) Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the

different functional groups or agencies;

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(4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different development
programs, projects and activities in the City in accordance with the approved
development plan;

(5) Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning documents
for the consideration of the local development council;

(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and
recommend fiscal plans and policies for the consideration of the finance committee of
the City as provided for under the Local Government Code;

(7) Promote people's participation in development planning within the City;

(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the local
development council; and

(9) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 37. City Health Officer. — (a) The city health officer must be a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed medical
practitioner. The city health officer must have experience in the practice of profession for at

least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city health officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and

allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city health officer shall take charge of the office of the city health services,

and shall:

(1) Supervise the personnel and staff of the office, formulate program
implementation guidelines, and rules and regulations for the operation of the office

for the approval of the city mayor in order to assist the city mayor in the efficient,

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effective and economical implementation of health services programs geared to
implement health-related projects and activities;

(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out
activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities relative to health services provided for under Section 17 of the Local
Government Code;

(3) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with health programs and
projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code;

(4) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city health officer shall:

(i Formulate and implement policies, plans and projects to promote the
health of the people in the City;

(ii) Advise the city mayor and the sangguniang panlungsod on matters
pertaining to health;

(iii) Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to
health;

(iv) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod, through the local health
board, the passage of such ordinance as may be deemed necessary for the
preservation of public health;

(v) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws,

ordinances or regulations;

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(vi) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments selling
food items or providing accommodation, such as hotels, motels, lodging houses
and the like, in accordance with the Sanitation Code;

(vii) Conduct health information campaigns and render health intelligence
services; and
(viii) Coordinate with other government agencies and non-government
organizations involved in the promotion and delivery of health services;
(5) Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly during and
in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; and
(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 38. Assistant City Health Officer. — (a)The assistant city health officer must be
a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed
medical practitioner. The assistant city health officer must have experience in assessment or
in any related field for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The assistant city health officer shall assist the city health officer and perform such
other duties as the latter may assign; and

(©) The assistant city health officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

SEC. 39. City Civil Registrar. — (a) The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree from
a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.
The city civil registrar must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five

(5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

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(b) The city civil registrar shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

(c) The city civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the
City pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code and other pertinent laws, rules and
regulations issued to implement them;

(4) The city civil registrar shall take charge of the office of the city civil registrar, and
shall:

(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and
administration-related programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to
implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under
the Local Government Code;

(2) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city civil registrar
shall:

(i) Accept all registrable documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil
‘status of persons;

(ii) File, keep and preserve in a secure place the books required by law;

(iii) Transcribe and enter immediately upon receipt all registrable
documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in the
appropriate civil registry books;

(iv) Transmit to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General, within the
prescribed period, duplicate copies of registered documents required by law;

(v) Issue certified transcript or copies of any certificate or registered

document upon payment of the required fees to the treasurer;

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(vi) Receive applications for the issuance of a marriage license and after
determining that the requirements and supporting certificates and publication
thereof for the prescribed period have been complied with, issue the license upon
payment of the authorized fee to the treasurer; and

(vii) Coordinate with the National Statistics Office in conducting
educational campaigns for vital registration and assist in the preparation of
demographic and other statistics for the City of Echague; and

(3) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 40. City Administrator. — (a) The city administrator must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in public administration, law or in any other related course from a recognized
college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee
must have acquired experience in management and administrative work for at least five (5)
years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The term of the city administrator is co-terminus with that of the appointing
authority;

(c) The city administrator shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law; and

(d) The city administrator shall take charge of the city administrator’s office, and
shall:

(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and

administration-related programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to

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implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under

the Local Government Code;

(2) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city administrator
shall assist in the coordination of the work of all the officials of the City under the
supervision, direction and control of the city mayor and, for this purpose, the city
administrator may convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the City;

(3) 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 or calamities;

(4) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on
all matters relative to the management and administration of the City; and

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 41. City Legal Officer. — (a) The city legal officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a member of the Philippine
Bar. The city legal officer must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The term of the city legal officer shall be co-terminus with the appointing
authority;

(c) The city legal officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

(@) The city legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the

office of the city legal service, and shall:

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(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang pantungsod and
provide legal assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out the delivery of
basic services and the provision of adequate facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with programs and projects
related to legal services which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which
the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide under the Local Government
Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city legal officer shall:

(i) Represent the City in all civil actions and special proceedings wherein
the City or any official thereof, in official capacity, is a party: Provided, That in
actions or proceedings where the City 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;

(ii) When required by the city mayor or sanggunian, draft ordinances,
contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments involving any instruments already
drawn;

(iii) Render an opinion in writing on any question of law when requested
to do so by the city mayor or sanggunian;

(iv) Investigate or cause to be investigated any local official or employee
for administrative neglect or misconduct in office and recommend the
appropriate action to the city mayor or sanggunian, as the case may be;

(v) When directed by the city mayor or sanggunian, is

itiate and prosecute, in
the interest of the City, any civil action on any bond, lease or other contract upon

any breach or violation thereof; and

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(vi) Review and submit recommendations on ordinances approved and
executive orders issued by component units;

(4) Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city
mayor on all matters related to upholding the rule of law;

(5) Be in the frontline of protecting human rights and prosecuting any violations
thereof, particularly those which occur during and in the aftermath of man-made and
natural disasters or calamities; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law or
ordinance.

SEC. 42, City Social Welfare and Development Officer. ~ (a) The city social
welfare and development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of
good moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably
in sociology or any other related course from a recognized college or university and a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee must have experience in the
practice of social work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
appointment;

(b) The city social welfare and development officer shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city social welfare and development officer shall take charge of the office of
social welfare and development, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sangguniang panlungsod and

provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to

ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to

social welfare and development services;

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(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with social welfare programs
and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city social welfare and
development officer shall:

(i) Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and the
impoverished and develop and implement appropriate measures to alleviate their
problems and improve their living conditions;

(ii) Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of abuse
and exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and
exploitation;

(iii) Assist the city mayor in implementing the barangay level program for
the total development and protection of children up to six (6) years of age;

(iv) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the differently-
abled, elderly and victims of drug addition, the rehabilitation of prisoners and
parolees, the prevention of juvenile delinquency and such other activities which
would eliminate or minimize the ill-effects of poverty;

(¥) Initiate and support youth welfare program that enhances the role of the
youth in nation-building; and

(vi) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations which have for their purpose the promotion and protection of all
the needy, disadvantaged, underprivileged or impoverished groups or
individuals, particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high-risk to

exploitation, abuse and neglect;

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(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services particularly those which have
to do with the immediate relief and assistance during and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters or calamities;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
other matters related to social welfare and development services which improve the
livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 43. City Veterinarian. — (a) The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed doctor of veterinary

medicine, The city veterinarian must have practiced the profession for at least three (3) years

immediately preceding the date of appointment;

() The city veterinarian shall receive such compensation, emoluments and

allowances as may be determined by law;

shall:

(©) The city veterinarian shall take charge of the office of veterinary services, and

(1) Formulate measures for consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to
ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with veterinary-related
activities which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the

sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

SS


1 (3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city veterinarian

2 shall:
3 (i) Advise the city mayor on all matters pertaining to the slaughter of
4 animals for human consumption and the regulation of slaughterhouses;
5 (ii) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;
6 (iii) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public
7 consumption;
8 (iv) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty to
9 animals; and
10 (v) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of
n animal diseases;
12 (4) Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as the outbreak of
3 highly contagious and deadly diseases and in situations resulting in the depletion of
14 animals for work and for human consumption, particularly those arising from and in
Is the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;
16 (5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
17 matters relative to veterinary services which increase the number and improve the
18 quality of livestock, poultry and other domestic animals used for work or for human
19 consumption; and
20 (6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
21 provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
n or ordinance.
23 SEC. 44. City General Services Officer. - (a) The city general services officer must

24 be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a

25 college degree in public administration, business administration or management from a

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recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The
appointee must have experience in general services, including management of supply, solid
waste disposal and general sanitation for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the
date of appointment;

(b) The city general services officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

(c) The city general services officer shall take charge of the office of the general
services, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities which require general services expertise and technical support services;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the general services
supportive of the welfare of the inhabitants of the City which the city mayor is
‘empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to
provide for under the Local Government Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city general services
officer shall:

(i Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal,
owned by the City and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation,
assistance and counterpart of joint projects;

(ii) With the approval of the city mayor, assign building or land space to

local officials or other public officials who by law, are entitled to space;

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(iii) Recommend to the city mayor the reasonable rental rates for local
government properties, whether real or personal, which are leased to public or
private entities by the local government;

(iv) Recommend to the city mayor reasonable rental rates for private
properties which may be leased for the official use of the City;

(v) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, landscaping and other
related services in all local government public buildings and other real
property, whether owned or leased by the City;

(vi) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and
other costs of supplies and other items commonly used by the City;

(vii) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of
offices and development of the City; and

(viii) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property
management and enforce policies on records creation, maintenance and
disposal;

(4) Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the possible
and imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties and structure
materials or debris, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural
disasters or calamities;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
matters relative to general services; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law

or ordinance.

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SEC. 45. City Information Officer. — (a) The city information officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree preferably in journalism or mass communications or any related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The
appointee must have acquired experience in writing articles and research papers or writing for
print, television, broadcast and other forms of mass media for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city information officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city information officer shall take charge of the office on public information,
and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in providing the
information and research data required for the delivery of basic services and the
provision of adequate facilities so that the public becomes aware of such services and
may fully avail of the same;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with public information and
research data to support programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to
implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under
the Local Government Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city information
officer shall:

(i) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the City and its

residents;

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(ii) Furnish information and data on the City to government agencies or
offices as may be required by law or ordinance and nongovernmental
organizations to be furnished to said agencies and organizations; and

(iii) Maintain effective liaison with the various sectors of the community

‘on matters and issues that affect the livelihood and the quality of life of the

inhabitants and encourage support for programs of the local and national

governments;

(4) Be in the frontline in providing information during and in the aftermath of
man-made and natural disasters or calamities, with special attention to the victims
thereof, to help minimize injuries and casualties during and after the emergency, and
to accelerate relief and rehabilitation;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total
socioeconomic development of the City; and

(6 Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 46. City Cooperatives Officer. ~ (a) The city cooperatives officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree preferably in business administration with special training on cooperatives or any
related course from a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible
or its equivalent, The appointee for the position of the city cooperatives officer must have
experience in cooperatives development for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the

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(b) The city cooperatives officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and

allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city cooperatives officer shall take charge of the office for the development of

cooperatives, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of facilities
through the development of cooperatives, and in providing access to such services and
facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of
cooperatives principles and methods in programs and projects which the city mayor is
empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to
provide for under the Local Government Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city cooperatives
officer shall:

(@ Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

(ii) Provide technical and other forms of assistance to existing
cooperatives to enhance their viability as an economic enterprise and social
organization; and

(iii) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government
agencies and nongovernmental organizations involved in the promotion and
integration of the concept of cooperatives in the livelihood of the people and

other community activities;

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(4) Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization, rehabilitation or viability
enhancement, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural
disasters or calamities, to aid in their survival and, if necessary, subsequent
rehabilitation;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
other matters relative to cooperatives development and viability enhancement which

improve the livelihood and the quality of life of the inhabitants; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 47. City Population Officer. — (a) The city population officer must be a citizen

of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee for the
position of city population officer must have acquired experience in the implementation of
programs on population development or responsible parenthood for at least five (5) years

immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city population officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and

allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city population officer shall take charge of the office of the population

development, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out

measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate

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facilities relative to the integration of the population development principles and in
providing access to such services and facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of
population development principles and methods in programs and projects which the
city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is
empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city population
officer shall:

(i) Assist the city mayor in the implementation of the constitutional
provisions relative to population development and the promotion of responsible
parenthood;

(ii) Establish and maintain an updated data bank for program operations,
development planning and an educational program to ensure people’s participation
in and understanding of population development; and

(iii) Implement appropriate population training programs responsive to the
cultural heritage of the inhabitants; and

(4) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 48. City Agriculturist. — (a) The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in agriculture or any other related course from a recognized college or university

and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee for the position of the

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city agriculturist must have practiced the profession in agriculture or acquired experience for
at least five (5) years preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city agriculturist shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

(©) The city agriculturist shall take charge of the office for agricultural services, and
shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to
ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to
agricultural services;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with agricultural programs
‘and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government
Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city agriculturist shall:

(i Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the
production, processing and marketing of agricultural and aquaculture products
are extended to farmers and local entrepreneurs;

(ii) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural
researches and assist in making available the appropriate technology arising out
of and disseminating information on basic research on crops, prevention and
control of plant diseases and pests and other agricultural matters which will

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(iii) Assist the city mayor in the establishment and extension services of
demonstration farms on aquaculture products;

(iv) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and aquaculture;

(¥) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental
organizations which promote agricultural productivity through appropriate
technology compatible with environmental integrity;

(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic agricultural services, particularly
those needed for the survival of the inhabitants during and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters or calamities;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
other matters related to agriculture and aquaculture which improve the livelihood and
living conditions of the inhabitants; and

(© Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

SEC. 49. City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. - (a) The city
environment and natural resources officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of
the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment,
forestry, agriculture or any other related course from a recognized college or university and a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee must have experience in
environment and natural resources management, conservation and utilization work for at least
five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city environment and natural resources officer shall receive such

compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law;

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(c) The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the office

of the environment and natural resources, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod
and provide assistance and support to the city mayor 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 for under Section 17 of the
Local Government Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the environment and
natural resources programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to
implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under
the Local Government Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city environment and
natural resources officer shall:

(i) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests,
watersheds, tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts, commercial forests and similar
forest projects like industrial tree farms and agro-forestry projects;

(ii) Provide extension service to beneficiaries of forest development
projects and render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and
utilization activities consistent with ecological balance;

Gi) Promote the small-scale mining and utilization of mineral resources,
particularly the mining of gold; and

(iv) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental

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air and water pollution, with the assistance of the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources;

(4) 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;

(5) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
matters relative to protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application of
appropriate technology and other matters related to the environment and natural
resources; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

SEC. 50. City Tourism Officer. — (a) The city tourism officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably with specialized training in tourism development from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The appointee for city
tourism officer must have acquired experience in the implementation of programs on tourism
development for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment;

(b) The city tourism officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(©) The city tourism officer shall take charge of the city tourism office and shall assist
the city mayor and the local tourism council in developing and implementing programs, and

shall:

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(1) Encourage the local government unit to enact local legislation adopting the
Department of Tourism accreditation standards for tourism facilities and services;

(2) Ensure a pleasant experience and stay of tourists while at the same time
protecting the interests, welfare and rights of the City;

(3) Develop tourist products and destinations that benefit the City and its local
community;

(4) Pursue the implementation of the national tourism master plans, the national
ecotourism strategy and the area specific plans of the national and local government
units;

(5) Support the local government unit in promoting festivals, fiestas and other
tourism-related activities; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

SEC. 51. City Human Resource Development Officer. — (a) The city human resource

development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in psychology or any related course ftom a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The
appointee city human resource development officer must have acquired experience in
personnel administration for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of

appointment;

(b) The city human resource development officer shall receive such compensation,

emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(©) The city human resource development officer shall take charge of the human

resource development office, and shall:

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(1) Develop a human resource management program for approval by the city
mayor and the sangguniang panlungsod;

(2) Assist the city mayor in implementing the city’s policies and programs
relative to recruitment and selection, appointments, training, promotion, compensation
and other personnel actions involving officials and employees of the City;

(3) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all
matters relative to human resource management and development;

(4) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the City designed to
promote career development and uphold the merit principle in the local government
service;

(5) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the City, with the end
in view of instituting effective administrative reforms; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.

ARTICLE VIL
CITY FIRE STATION SERVICE, CITY JAIL SERVICE, CITY SCHOOLS
DIVISION AND CITY PROSECUTION SERVICE
SEC. 52. City Fire Station Service. — (a) There shall be established in the City at
least one (1) fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment,
subject to the standards, rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the Department of
the Interior and Local Government. The City shall provide the necessary land or site of the

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(b) The city fire station service shall be headed by a city fire marshal whose
qualifications shall be as those provided for under Republic Act No. 6975, as amended,
otherwise known as the “Philippine National Police Law;” and

(©) The city fire station shall be responsible for the provision of various emergency
services such as the rescue and evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents and, in
general, fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety of life and property of
the citizenry.

SEC. 53. City Jail Service. ~ (a) There shall be established and maintained in the
City a secured, clean and adequately equipped jail for the custody and safekeeping of
prisoners, any fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting investigation or trial or
transfer to the national penitentiary, or the violent mentally ill person who endangers himself
or the safety of others, duly certified as such by the proper medical health officer, pending the
transfer to a mental institution; and

(b) The city jail service shall be headed by a city jail warden who must be a holder of
a Bachelor's degree in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, nursing, social work or
criminology, who shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention of
prisoners. Great care must be exercised so that the human rights of these prisoners are
respected and protected, and their spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promptly
attended to. Likewise, the City shall ensure that proper separate detention centers for
juveniles and women are provided for.

SEC. 54. City Schools Division. — (a) The Department of Education shall establish
and maintain a city schools division of the City whose area of jurisdiction covers all the
school districts within the City; and

(b) The city schools division shall be headed by a city schools division superintendent

who must possess the necessary qualifications required by the Department of Education.

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SEC. 55. City Prosecution Service. - (a) There shall be established in the City a
prosecution service to be headed by a city prosecutor and such number of assistant city
prosecutors as may be necessary who are organizationally part of the Department of Justice,
and under the supervision and control of the Secretary of Justice and whose qualifications,
manner of appointment, rank, salary and benefits shall be governed by existing laws covering
prosecutors in the Department of Justice;

(b) The city prosecutor shall handle the criminal prosecution in the municipal trial
courts in the City as well as in the regional trial courts for criminal cases originating in the
territory of the City, and shall render to or for the City such services as are required by law,
ordinance or regulation of the Department of Justice; and

(©) The Secretary of Justice shall always assure the adequacy and quality of
prosecution service in the City and for this purpose shall, in the absence or lack or
insufficiency in number of assistant city prosecutors as provided hereinabove, designate from
among the assistant provincial prosecutors a sufficient number to perform and discharge the
functions of the city prosecution service as provided hereinabove.

ARTICLE IX
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 56. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of This Act. —
All municipal ordinances of the Municipality of Echague existing at the time of the approval
of this Act shall continue to be in force and effect within the City until the sangguniang
panlungsod shall provide otherwise.

SEC. 57. Plebiscite. — The City shall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification
of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be

conducted in the present Municipality of Echague within thirty (30) days from the approval

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of this Act. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Echague.
The Commi

ion on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.

SEC. 58. Officials of the City. — The present elective officials of the Municipality of
Echague shall continue to exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new
election is held and the duly elected officials shall have already qualified and assumed their
offices. The appointive officials and employees of the municipality shall likewise continue
exercising their functions and duties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the city
government of Echague.

SEC. 59. Succession Clause. — The City shall succeed to all the assets, properties,
liabilities and obligations of the Municipality of Echague.

SEC. 60. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan
Members of the Province of Isabela. - The qualified voters of the City of Echague shall be
qualified to vote and run for any elective position in the elections for provincial governor,
provincial vice governor, sangguniang panlalawigan members and other elective offices for
the Province of Isabela.

SEC. 61. Jurisdiction of the Province of Isabela. ~ The City of Echague shall, unless
otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of Isabela.

SEC. 62. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. No increase in the rates
of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within the period of five (5) years from its
acquisition of corporate existence.

SEC. 63. Applicability of Laws. — The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, as
amended, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, and such laws as are applicable
to component cities shall govern the City insofar as they are not inconsistent with the

provisions of this Act.


SEC. 64. Reservation. — Nothing herein contained shall preclude the determination by
the appropriate agency or forum of any boundary dispute or case involving question of
territorial jurisdiction between the City and any of the adjoining local government units even
after the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 65. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby
shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 66. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, rules and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 67. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

B