Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
Quezon City es

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4644

Introduced by Rep. Eufranio ‘Franny’ C. Eriguel

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

This Bill seeks to merge and constitute the contiguous municipalities of Agoo
and Aringay, both in the Province of La Union, into a component city to be known as
the City of Agoo-Aringay.

The proposed City of Agoo-Aringay is capable and viable to become a
component city based on several grounds listed below.

a. The proposed City of Agoo-Aringay has:

i. Total land area of 137.38 square kilometers (per Land Management
Bureau), which is way above the land area requirement of 100 square
kilometers;

ii, Combined locally generated average annual income (albeit based on
current prices) in the total amount of P105,817,483.18 (which is obviously
more than the P20 Million income requirement of the Local Government
Code (LGC) prior to R.A. 9009 and the P100 Million requirement in R.A
9009) or a combined average annual income of P261,453,185.00
(including R.A. for CYs 2013 and 2014 per DBM)

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Total combined population of 105,545 persons based on the 2010 Census
of Population and Housing (CPH) conducted by the National Statistic Office
or a most recent total population count of 114,117 persons. These
inhabitants come from 73 barangays of Agoo (49 barangays) and Aringay
(24 barangays).

Agoo is a First Class municipality. It is a center of trade and commerce
with the presence of banks, three big tobacco industrial plants (which employ at least
3,500 workers), several fast food chains, Filipino and Chinese restaurants, hotels,
shopping centers and other business establishments. It is also a center of
educational and health excellence with the presence of the South-La Union
campus of the Don Mariano Marcos State University and the La Union Medical
Center, a 100-bed hospital which is a pioneer and model on government hospital
corporatization. It is point of convergence of transportation of buses, commercial
trucks and private cars from Metro Manila to Baguio City, Western Pangasinan and

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Dagupan City vice versa via Aspiras Highway. Also, the buses, trucks and private
vehicles plying the Manila-llocos provinces route via the Manila North Road
contribute to more economic activities in Agoo and the neighboring town of Aringay.
The jeepneys in Agoo town proper offer transportation for those going to the nearby
towns of Tubao, Pugo and Santo Tomas. The tricycles provide 24-hour
transportation service to both the local residents and visitors as well. Agoo is host to
various cultural, religious and tourism sites including a number of resorts, the
Eagle of the North and Museo de lloco as well as religious structures such as
Basilica of Our Lady of Charity and Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. It is also a model
for ecological awareness and environmental protection (as it has been
consistently recognized as the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality) and also a
model in literacy (as it is a recipient of the 2009 UNESCO Confucius Prize for
Literacy and a Hall of Fame awardee for National Literacy Awards).

Likewise, Aringay, a Second Class municipality, is an agricultural hub and
one of the fast developing towns in the Second District of La Union. It boasts of wide
hectarage of milkfish, prawn and oyster culture. The eastern part of the town is
cultivated with rice, tobacco, vegetables and other root crops. One of Aringay's
historical landmarks is the 500-meter tunnel where people sought refuge during the
‘American regime located in Barangay Salapak, Poblacion. It was endorsed to the
Department of Tourism for its restoration to become the gateway of the proposed
Aringay-Baguio Road. It is the birth place of our national hero Diego Silang and first
Filipina Miss Universe Gloria Diaz. Aringay is home of the Philippine National Police
Regional Training Center and the main office of La Union Electric Cooperative
(LUELCO), whose service area covers the Province of La Union and parts of
Pangasinan and Benguet. It is known for its resorts and the Aringay River, one of
the major rivers in the country.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill isearnestly sought.

Representative, 2™ District, La Union


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
‘First Regular Session

House Bill No, 4844

Introduced by Rep. Eufranio ‘Franny’ C. Eriguel

AN ACT
CONSTITUTING THE MUNICIPALITIES OF AGOO AND ARINGAY, PROVINCE OF
LA UNION, INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF AGOO-
ARINGAY

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

ARTICLE |
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Charter of the City of Agoo-Aringay.”

Sec. 2. The City of Agoo-Aringay - The adjoining municipalities of Agoo and Aringay
are hereby merged and constituted into a component city to be known as the City of
‘Agoo-Aringay hereinafter referred to as the City, which shall comprise of all the herein
consolidated territories of the present municipalities of Agoo and Aringay, both in the
Province of La Union.

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 of Agoo-Aringay and the adjoining local
government units: Provided, That the territorial jurisdiction of the disputed area or
areas shall remain with the local government unit which has existing administrative
supervision over said area or areas until the final resolution of the case.

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 the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation to be exercised in conformity

with the provision 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;


(c) To have and use a corporate seal;
(d) To acquire, hold and convey real or personal property;
(e) To enter into any contract and/or agreement; and

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

Sec. 4. General Powers of the City. - The City shall have a common seal and may
alter the same at pleasure. It shall exercise the powers 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 or as hereinafter conferred.

Sec. 5. Liability for Damages. - The City and its officials shall not be exempt from
liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property.

Sec. 6. Jurisdiction of the City. - The jurisdiction of the City of Agoo-Aringay for police
purposes only, shall be coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and for the purpose
of protecting and ensuring the purity of the water supply of the City, such police
jurisdiction shall also extend over all the territory within the drainage area of such water
supply, or within one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal,
aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the city water service.

The city court of the City of Agoo-Aringay shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the
city or municipal court of the adjoining municipalities or cities, to try crimes and
misdemeanors committed within the said drainage area, or within said spaces of one
hundred meters (100 m.). The court first taking cognizance of such an offense shall
have jurisdiction to try said cases to the exclusion of the other. The police force of the
several municipalities and cities concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the
police of the City for the maintenance of good order and the enforcement of ordinances
throughout said zone, area or spaces. But any license that may be issued within said
zone, area or spaces shall be granted by the proper authorities of the city or
municipality concerned, and the fees arising there from shalll accrue to the treasury of
the said city or municipality concerned and not to the City.

ARTICLE Il
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

Sec. 7. The Officials of the City of Agoo-Aringay —

(a) There shalll be in the City of Agoo-Aringay 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 budget officer, a city
planning and development coordinator, a city engineer, a city health officer, a

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city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city social welfare
and development officer a city veterinarian and a city general services officer.

(b) In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint a city environment and
natural resources officer, a city architect, a city information officer, a city
cooperatives officer, a city population officer and a city agriculturist.

(c) There shall be established in the City 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 schools
division to be headed by a city schools division superintendent and a city
prosecution service to be headed by a city prosecutor.

(d) The City of Agoo-Aringay may:

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

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

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

(e) 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
members of the sangguniang panlungsod, subject to civil service law, rules and
regulations. The sangguniang panlungsod shall act on the appointment within
fifteen (15) days from the day of its submission, otherwise the same shall be
deemed confirmed

ARTICLE Ill
THE CITY MAYOR AND THE CITY VICE MAYOR

Sec. 8. The City Mayor. -

(a) The city mayor shalll be the chief executive of the City. He shall be elected
at large by the qualified voters of the City. No person shall be eligible for the
position of the city mayor, unless at the time of the election, he is at least twenty-
one (21) years of age, an actual resident of the City for at least one year prior
to his election and a qualified voter therein. He shall hold office for three years,
unless sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation
corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act
No. 6758, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law, and the
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

The city mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall exercise
such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided herein.

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose of which is
the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants, the city mayor shall

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(1) Exercise those powers expressly granted to him 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 policies 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
thereof 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 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 and, as often as may be deemed necessary, provide
such information and data needed or requested by said
sanggunian in the performance of its legislative functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose appointments are
not otherwise provided for in this Act, as well as those he may be
authorized by law to appoint;

(vi) Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign on
its behalf all bonds, contracts and obligations, and such other
documents upon the authority of 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 or
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 the City and other 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 for by
law and this Act and cause to be instituted administrative or
judicial proceedings against any official or employee of the City

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who may have committed an offense in the performance of his
official duties;

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

(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him to the Office
of the President and the Office of the Secretary of the Interior and
Local Government within seventy-two (72) hours after their
issuance;

(xiii) Visit component barangays of the City at least once every six
months to deepen his 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 by him and the commutation of the monetary value of
their leave credits 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: Provided, That the trips abroad or for a longer period may
be authorized in accordance with the Local Government Code of
1991;

(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or
assigned to the City to advise him on matters affecting the City
and to make recommendations thereon; coordinate with said
officials and employees in the formulation and the implementation
of plans, programs and projects; and, when appropriate, initiate
an administrative or judicial action against a national government
official or employee who may have committed an offense in the
performance of his official duties while stationed in or assigned to
the City;

(xvii) Authorize payments for medical care, necessary
transportation, subsistence and 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, any provision of law to the contrary
notwithstanding;

(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod which shall feature
traditional sports and disciplines included in national and
intemational games, in coordination with the Department of
Education (DepEd); 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
conditions; and supplemental reports when unexpected events
and situations arise at any time during the year, particularly when
man-made and 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 corporate powers, as well as
implement all approved policies, programs, projects, services and
activities of the City and, in addition, shall:

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

(li) 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 as he may deem
important for the promotion of the general welfare of the local
government unit and its inhabitants;

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

(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearms within his territorial
jurisdiction;

(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 the same and as such, exercise the
general and operational control and supervision over the police
forces in the City in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975,
otherwise known as the Philippine National Police Law; 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;

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(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and
apply the same to the implementation of the development plans,
program objectives and priorities, particularly those resources and
fevenues programmed for agro-industrial development and countryside
growth and progress, and shall:

() Require each head of an office or department to prepare and
submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar
year, in accordance with the budget preparation process and in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160,
otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991;

(ji) 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 of 1991;

(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 said licenses or
permits had been issued, pursuant to law or ordinance;

(v) Issue permits, without need of approval therefore 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
other structures to obtain the necessary permit, subject to such
fines and penalties as may be imposed by law or ordinance, or to
make necessary changes in the construction of the same when
said construction violates any law or ordinance, or to order the
demolition or removal of the said house, building or structure
within the period prescribed by law or ordinance;

(vii) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land,
mineral, forest and other resources of the City;

(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 shall be adequately protected;

7,


(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 and highways
funded by the national government shall be, as far as practicable,
carried out in a spatially contiguous manner and in coordination
with the construction and repair of the roads and bridges of the
City; and

(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services, including
public works and infrastructure programs, rendered by national
offices; and

(5) 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.

(c) During his incumbency, the city mayor shall hold office in the city hall
Sec. 9. The 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 his election, possess the same
qualifications as the city mayor. He shall hold office for three years, unless
sooner removed, and shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to
Salary Grade Twenty-six (26) as prescribed under the Salary Standardization
Law, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto

(b) The city vice mayor shall:

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

(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials
and employees 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 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.


ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Sec. 10. The Sangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) There shall be two (2) sanggunian
districts comprising the City of Agoo-Aringay namely: Agoo (District !) and Aringay
(District Il), Each sanggunian district shall elect six (6) regular representatives to the
Sangguniang panlungsod. The sangguniang panlungsod, the legislative body of the
City, shall be composed of the city vice mayor as presiding officer, the twelve (12)
regular sanggunian members representing the two (2) sanggunian districts of the
City, the president of the city chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the president of
the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan and the sectoral
representatives, as members.

(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three sectoral representatives: one from
the women; and, as shall be determined by the sangguniang panlungsod
within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the local elections, one from the
agricultural or industrial workers; and one from the other sectors, including the
urban poor or disabled persons.

(c) The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod and the sectoral
representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law.

Sec. 11. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. -

(a) The sangguniang panlungsod, as the legislative body of the City, shall enact
ordinances, approved resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare
of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government
Code and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the City as provided
for under Section 22 of the Local Government Code, and shall:

(1) Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient
and effective city government and, in this connection, shall

(i) 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;

(ji) Maintain peace and order by enacting measures to prevent
and suppress lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or
sedition and impose penalties for the violation of said ordinance;

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

(iv) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the City from the

harmful effects of man-made or natural disasters and calamities,

and to provide relief services and assistance for victims during
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and in the aftermath of said disasters or calamities and in their
return to productive livelihood following said events;

(v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose
appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places,
vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, the establishment and
maintenance of houses of ill-repute, gambling and other
prohibited games of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to
obtain money or property, drug addiction, maintenance of drug
dens, drug pushing, juvenile delinquency, the printing, distribution
or exhibition of obscene or pornographic materials or
publications, and such other activities inimical to the welfare and
morals of the inhabitants of the City;

(vi) Protect the environment. To this end, it may set aside at least
ten percent (10%) of its development funds for the purpose of
maintaining and enhancing the ecological balance of the City. It
may also impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger
the environment, such as dynamite fishing and other forms of
destructive fishing, illegal logging, smuggling of logs, smuggling
of natural resources products and of endangered species of flora
and fauna, slash-and-burn farming and such other activities which
result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and
lakes or of ecological imbalance;

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

(viii) 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;

(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person
not in the government service who fills in a temporary vacancy in
a concurrent capacity at the rate authorized by law;

(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefore to
ensure the safety and the protection of all city government
property, public documents or records such as those relating to
property inventory, land ownership, record of births, marriages,
deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits and
such other records and documents of public interest in the offices
and departments of the city government;

(xi) When the finances of the city government allow, 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;

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(xii) Provide legal assistance to barangay officials who, in the
performance of their official duties or on the occasion thereof,
have to initiate judicial proceedings or defend themselves against
legal actions; and

(xiii) 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, when the finances of the city government allow said
coverage;

(2) 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 and citywide growth
and progress, and shall

(i) 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;

(ji) Subject to the provisions of Book I of the Local Government
Code and the 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 exemption,
incentive or relief;

(iii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government
Code 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;

(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government
Code and the applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all
the 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;

(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the
rental of the 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,
ules and regulations;

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

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(vii) Adopt a comprehensive land-use plan for the City and that
the formulation, adoption or modification of said plan shall be in
coordination within the approved provincial comprehensive land-
use plan;

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

(ix) Enact integrated zoning ordinances in consonance with the
approved comprehensive land use plan, subject to existing laws,
ules 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;

(x) Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans
for residential, commercial or industrial purposes and other
development purposes, and to collect processing fees and other
charges, the proceeds of which shall accrue entirely to the City:
Provided, however, That where approval of a national agency or
office is required, said 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 shall be deemed
as approval thereof,

(xi) With the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) 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;

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

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

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

(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II 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:

(i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services
rendered by the city government to private persons or entities

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(ii) Regulate or fix license fees for any business or practice of
profession within the City and the conditions under which the
license for said business or practice of profession may be revoked
and enact ordinances levying taxes thereon;

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

(iv) Regulate the display of 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;

(v) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license
the establishment, operation and maintenance of cockpits, and
regulate cookfighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks:
Provided, That existing rights should not be prejudiced;

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

(vii) 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 shall be given preference in the grant of such
franchise;

(4) Regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures
within the City in order to promote the general welfare and, for the said
purpose, shall:

(i) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(ii) 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;

(iii) 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 said requirement, have the work done at the

expense of the owner, administrator or tenant concerned; or
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require the filling up of any land or premises to a grade necessary
for proper sanitation;

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

(v) 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;

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

(vii) 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;

(viii) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of
any entertainment or amusement facilities, including the theatrical
performances, circuses, billiard pools, public dancing schools,
public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors and other
places for entertainment and amusement; regulate such other
events or activities for amusement or entertainment, 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 in
order to protect the social and moral welfare of the community;

(ix) 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

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

(6) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective
delivery of basic services and facilities as provided for under the Local
Government Code and, in addition to said services and facilities, shall

(i) Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection and
conservation of tree parks and greenbelts;

(ji) 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;

14


(iii) Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation by
the city government of ferries, wharves and/or other structures
intended to accelerate productivity related to marine life in the
preservation thereof,

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

(v) 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
of the same by privately-owned vehicles which serve the public;
regulate garages and 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;

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

(vii) Subject to existing laws, 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 said water supply and
within one hundred meters (100 m.) 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;

(viii) 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,

(ix) Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair

and construction of all gas mains, electric telegraph and

telephone wires, conduits, meters and other apparatus; and
15


provide for the correction, condemnation or removal of the same
when found to be dangerous to the welfare of the inhabitants;

(x) Subject to the availability of funds and the existing laws, rules
and regulations, establish and provide for the operation of
vocational and technical schools and similar post-secondary
institutions and, with the approval of the DepEd, and subject to
existing laws on tuition fees, fix and collect reasonable tuition fees
and other school charges in educational institutions supported by
the city government;

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

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

(xiii) Provide for an efficient and effective system of solid waste
and garbage collection and disposal and prohibit littering and the
placing and throwing of garbage, refuse and other filth and
wastes;

(xiv) Provide for the care of disabled persons, paupers, the aged,
the sick, persons of unsound mind, abandoned minors, juvenile
delinquents, drug dependents, abused children and other 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 said needy and disadvantaged persons;

(xv) Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement
of jails and detention centers, institute a sound jail management
program and appropriate funds for the subsistence of detainees
and convicted prisoners in the City;

(xvi) 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; and

(xvii) Establish a city council for the elderly and senior citizens
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

(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.

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(b) The members of the sangguniang panlungsod of the City of Agoo-Aringay
shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade
Twenty-five (25) as prescribed under the Salary Standardization Law and the
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

Sec. 12. 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 existing rules of procedure.

(b) The rules of procedure shall 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 shall include, but shall
not be limited to, the committees on appropriations, revenues,
engineering and public works, education and health, women and family,
human rights, youth and sports development, environmental protection,
peace and order and traffic, and cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of
each committee; and the election of the chairman and members of each
committee;

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

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

(8) The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences
without justifiable cause for four consecutive sessions for which they
may be censured, reprimanded or excluded from the session,
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 sanggunian members: Provided,
further, That the member convicted by final judgment to imprisonment of
at least one 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. 13. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of Sangguniang
Panlungsod Members. -

(a) Every sangguniang panlungsod member shall, upon assumption to office,

make a full disclosure of his business and financial interests, He shall also

disclose any business, financial, professional relationship or any relation by

affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, which he may have with
17


any person, firm or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under
consideration by the sanggunian of which he is a member, which relationship
may result in conflict of interests. Such relationship shall include:

(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 his 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 he 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 or third readings; and

(2) Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a position or makes
a privilege speech on a matter that may affect the business interest,
financial connection or professional relationship described herein.

Sec. 14. 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 for the sangguniang panlungsod and twice a month for the
sangguniang barangay.

(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 sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day.

(d) In the case of special sessions of the sanggunian, a written notice to the
members shall be served personally at the members’ usual place of residence
at least twenty-four (24) hours before the special session is held.

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Unless concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the sanggunian members
present, there being a quorum, no other matters may be considered at a special
session except those stated in the notice.

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

Sec. 15. 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 results

(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 may compel the immediate attendance of any
member absent without justifiable cause by designating a member of the
sanggunian, to be assisted by a member or members of the police force
assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Agoo-Aringay to arrest the
absent member and present him at the session.

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

Sec. 16. Approval of Ordinances. -

(a) Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang paniungsod shall be
presented to the city mayor. If the city mayor approves the same, he shall affix
his signature on each and every page thereof; otherwise, he shall veto it and
return the same with his 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.

(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 he had
signed it.

Sec. 17. 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 the public welfare, stating his
reasons thereof in writing.

(b) The city mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of
an appropriations ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local
19


development plan, any public investment program or an ordinance directing the
payment of money or creating liability. In such case, the veto shall not affect the
item or items, which are not objected to. The vetoed item or items shall not take
effect unless the sangguniang 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, shall be deemed
enacted.

(c) The city mayor may veto an ordinance or resolution only once. The
sanggunian may overtide the veto of the city mayor by two-thirds (213) vote of
all its members, thereby making the ordinance effective even without the
approval of the city mayor.

Sec. 18. Review of City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. -

(a) Within three days after approval, the secretary to the sangguniang
panlungsod shall forward to the sangguniang panlalawigan for review, copies
of approved ordinances and the 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 his comments or recommendations, which may be
considered by the sangguniang panlalawigan in making its decision

(0) If the sangguniang panlalawigan finds that such an ordinance or resolution
is beyond the power conferred upon the sangguniang panlungsod concerned,
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

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

Sec. 19. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. -

(a) Within ten (10) days after its enactment, the sangguniang barangay shall
furnish copies of 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 shall be deemed approved.

(0) If the sangguniang panlungsod finds the barangay ordinances inconsistent

with law or city ordinances, the sangguniang panlungsod shall, within thirty (30)

days from receipt thereof, return the same with its comments and
20


recommendations to the sangguniang barangay concerned 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. 20. 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 the disapproval thereof, shall be sufficient ground for
the suspension or dismissal of the official or employee concerned.

Sec. 21. Effectivity of Ordinances and Resolutions. -

(a) Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance or the resolution approving the
focal development plan and public investment program, the same 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 of Agoo-Aringay and in at least two other
conspicuous places in the City of Agoo-Aringay not later than five days after
approval thereof.

(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 of
‘Agoo-Aringay and in at least two conspicuous places not later than five days
after approval thereof.

The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in
Filipino or English 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.

(c) The main features of the ordinance or the 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
DISQUALIFICATION AND SUCCESSION OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Sec. 22. Disqualifications of Elective City Officials. - The following persons are
disqualified from running for any elective position in the City:

(a) Those sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude
oran offense punishable by one year or more of imprisonment, within two years
after serving sentence;

(b) Those removed from office as a result of an administrative case;

(c) Those convicted by final judgment for violating the oath of allegiance to the
Republic of the Philippines;

(d) Those with dual citizenship;
ey


(e) Fugitives from justice in criminal or-nonpolitical cases here and abroad;

(f) Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the
right to reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right after the effectivity
of the Local Government Code; and

(g) The insane or feeble-minded.
Sec. 23. Permanent Vacancy in the Office 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 concerned 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 his permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking
sangguniang panlungsod member shall become the city mayor or the city vice
mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be
filled 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.

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

(d) For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective local
official fills 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 functions of his office

(e) For purposes of succession as provided in this Act, ranking in the
sanggunian shall be determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained
by each winning candidate to the total number of registered voters in the City
immediately preceding local election.

Sec. 24. Permanent Vacancies in the Sanggunian. - Permanent vacancies in the
sangguniang panlungsod where automatic succession as provided above does not
apply shall be filled by appointments in the following manner:

(a) The governor shall make the aforesaid appointments;

(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the sanggunian member
concerned had been elected shall be appointed in the manner herein provided
The appointee shall come from the 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
cettificate of membership of the appointee from the highest official of the
political party concerned are conditions sine qua non, and any appointment
without such nomination and certification shall be null and void ab initio and
shall be a ground for administrative action against the official responsible
therefor;
22


(0) In case 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 the vacaney; and

(d) In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in
the sangguniang panlungsod, said vacancy shall be filled 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 his 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 or the highest ranking
sangguniang panlungsod member 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 can only be exercised if the period of
temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.

(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the
sangguniang panlungsod of a 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 said
legal causes no longer exist.

(c) When the city mayor is traveling within the country but outside territorial
jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three consecutive days, he may
designate in writing the officer-in-charge of his office. Such authorization shall
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.

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

(e) 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 member of the sangguniang
panlungsod, as the case may be.

ARTICLE Vil
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY

Sec. 26. The Secretary fo the Sangguniang Panlungsod, -

(a) There shall be a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod who should be a
career official with the rank and salary equal to a head of a department or office.

23


(b) No person shall be appointed secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod
unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Agoo-Aringay,
of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in law,
commerce or public administration from a recognized college or university, and
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.

(c) The secretary to the sangguniang 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 his signature to all
ordinances, resolutions and other official acts of the sangguniang
panlungsod, and present the same to the presiding officer for his
signature;

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

(4) Forward to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
copies of the appropriations ordinances passed by the sangguniang
panlungsod as provided for under Section 326, Book II of the Local
Government Code;

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

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

(7) 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,

(8) Keep his office and all non-confidential records therein open to the
public during usual business hours;

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

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

24


(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. 27. The City Treasurer. -

(a) The city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list
of at least three ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor, subject to
civil service law, rules and regulations.

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

(c) No person shall be appointed city treasurer unless he is a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Agoo-Aringay 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. He must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting
service for at least five years.

(d) The city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(e) The city treasurer shall take charge of the city finance department and shall:

(1) Advise the city mayor, the sangguniang panlungsod and other local
government and national officials concerned regarding disposition of
local government funds and on such other matters relative to public
finance;

(2) Take custody 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 him 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) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known

as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

25


Sec. 28. The Assistant City Treasurer. -

(a) The assistant city treasurer may be appointed by the Secretary of Finance
from a list of at least three ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor,
subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

(b) No person shall be appointed assistant city treasurer unless he is a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired at least five years
experience in treasury or accounting,

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

(d) The assistant city treasurer shall assist the city treasurer and perform such
other duties as the latter may assign to him. He shall have authority to
administer oaths concerning notices and notifications to those delinquent in the
payment of the real property tax and 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. The City Assessor. -

(a) The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City
of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired experience in real property
assessment work or in any related field for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his 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 assessment department 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;
26


(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 assessment primarily for
taxation purposes of all real properties in the City;

(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 records relative to its
assessment, 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 Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance,

Sec. 30. The Assistant City Assessor. -

(a) The assistant city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired experience in assessment or
in any related field for at least three years immediately preceding the date of
his 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 to him. He shall have the authority to
administer oaths on all declarations of all real properties for purposes of
assessment.

Sec. 31. The City Accountant. -
(a) The city accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the

City of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character and a certified public accountant.
27


He must have acquired experience in the treasury or accounting service for at
least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(0) 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 operations of the City;

(4) Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment to 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 liquidation of the same
and other adjustments related thereto;

(8) Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledgers 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;

(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and
keep alll 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 Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.


Sec. 32. The City Budget Officer. -

(a) The city budget officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired experience in government
budgeting or in any related field for at least five years immediately preceding
the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The city budget officer shall take charge of the city budget department 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 budget and during
budget hearings;

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

(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the DBM;

(6) Coordinate with the city treasurer, the city accountant and the city
planning and development coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;

(7) Assist the sangguniang panlungsod in reviewing the approved
budgets of the component City;

(8) Coordinate with the city planning and development coordinating
office 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 Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law and ordinance.

Sec. 33. The City Planning and Development Coordinator. -

(a) The city planning and development coordinator must be a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He
29


must have acquired experience in development planning or in any related field
for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The city planning and development coordinator 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 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;

(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 consideration of the finance
committee of the sangguniang panlungsod;

(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 functions and duties and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 34. The City Engineer. -

(a)The city engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City
of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character and a licensed civil engineer. He must
have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five years
immediately preceding the date of his 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
30


(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, improvements 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

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991 and those that are prescribed by
law or ordinance.

Sec. 35. The City Health Officer. -

(a) The city health officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character and a licensed medical
practitioner. He must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession
for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) 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 said office, formulate
program implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the
operation of the said office for the approval of the city mayor in order to
assist him in the efficient, effective and economical implementation of
health service 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 as
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;

31


(4) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city health officer
shall:
() Formulate and implement policies, plans and projects to
promote the health of the people in the City;

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

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

(iv) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod through the
local health board, the passage of such ordinances as he may
deem necessary for the preservation of public health;

(v) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws,
ordinances or regulations;

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

(vii) Conduct health information campaigns and render health
intelligence service;

(viii) Coordinate with other government agencies and
nongovernmental organizations involved in the promotion and
delivery of health services; and

(ix) 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 Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 36. The City Civil Registrar. -

(a) The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at
least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

32


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

(d) The city civil registrar shall take charge of the office of the city civil registry
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 transcripts or copies of any certificate or
registered documents upon payment of the required fees to the
treasurer;

(vi) Receive appropriations 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
‘Agoo-Aringay; and

(8) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

33


Sec. 37. The City Administrator. -

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

(b) The term of the city administrator is coterminous with that of his appointing
authority,

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

(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 implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government
Code;

(2) 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;

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

(4) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
Powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 38. The City Legal Officer. -

(a) The city legal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character and a member of the Philippine
Bar. He must have practiced his profession for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(0) The city legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of
the office of the city legal service and shall:
34


(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang
Panlungsod 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 the
programs and projects related to legal services which the city mayor is
empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is
empowered to provide;

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

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

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
Powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 39. The 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 Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired
experience in the practice of social work for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The city social welfare and development officer shall take charge of the office
of the 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;

(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;

35


(3) 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;

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

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance,

Sec. 40. The City Veterinarian. -

(a) The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character and a licensed doctor of
veterinary medicine. He must have practiced his profession for at least three
years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The city veterinarian shall take charge of the office of veterinary 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;

(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;

(3) Be in the frontline of the veterinary-related activities, such as the
outbreak of highly contagious and deadly diseases and in situations
resulting in the depletion of animals for work and for human
consumption, particularly those arising from and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters or calamities;

(4) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city
mayor on all other matters relative to veterinary services which will
increase the number and improve the quality of livestock; poultry and
other domestic animals used for work or for human consumption; and

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
36


as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 41. The City General Services Officer. -

(a) The city general services officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree in public administration, business administration and
management from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent, He must have acquired experience in general
services, including management of supply, property, solid waste disposal and
general sanitation for at least three years immediately preceding the date of his
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 on 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
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;

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

(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 other matters relative to general services; and

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

37


Sec. 42. The 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 Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired experience
in the environment and natural resources management, conservation and
utilization work for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his
appointment.

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

(c) The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the
environment service department 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;

(3) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services conceming 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;

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

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 43. The City Architect. -

(a) The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City
of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character and a duly licensed architect. He
must have practiced his profession for at least five years immediately preceding
the date of his appointment

38


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

(c) The city architect shall take charge of the office on 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;

(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) 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.

(4) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city
mayor on all other matters relative to architectural planning and design
as it relates to the total socioeconomic development of the City; and

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 44. The City Information Officer. -

(a) The city information officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of
the City of Agoo-Aringay, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in journalism, mass communication or any related course from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent. He must have acquired experience in writing articles and research
papers, or writing for print, television or broadcast media for at least five years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment

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

(c) The city information officer shall take charge of the city information and
community relations department and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang
panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city
39


mayor in providing information and research data required for the
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities so that
the public becomes aware of said 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;

(3) 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;

(4) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city
mayor on all other 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 Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 45. The City Cooperatives Officer. -

(a) The city cooperatives officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired
experience in cooperatives organization and management for at least five years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) 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 cooperative principles and methods in programs which the

40


city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Be in the frontline of cooperative 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;

(4) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city
mayor on all other matters relative to cooperatives development and
viability enhancement which will improve the livelihood and the quality
life of the inhabitants; and

(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

Sec. 46. The City Population Officer. -

(a) The city population officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of
the City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must have acquired experience in the implementation of
programs on population development or responsible parenthood far at least five
years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) 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 facilities relative to the integration of
population development principles and in providing, access to said
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; and

(3) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance.

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Sec. 47. The City Agriculturist. -

(a) The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Agoo-Aringay, 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. He must
have practiced his profession in agriculture or acquired the experience in a
related field for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his
appointment.

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

(c) The city agriculturist shall take charge of the office for the 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;

(8) 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 and marine products are extended to farmers,
fishermen and local entrepreneurs,

(i) Conduct or cause to be considered 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
maximize productivity;

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

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

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(v) 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;

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

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other
powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed
by law or ordinance,

ARTICLE Vill
THE CITY FIRE STATION SERVICE, THE CITY JAIL SERVICE, THE CITY
SCHOOLS DIVISION AND THE CITY PROSECUTION SERVICE

Sec. 48. The City Fire Station Service. -

(a) There shall be established in the City at least one 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 (DILG). The City shall provide the necessary land or site of
the station.

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

Sec. 49. The City Jail Service. -

(a) There shall be established and maintained in the City a secure, clean,
adequately equipped and sanitary jail for the custody and safekeeping of
prisoners, any fugitive from justice or person detained awaiting investigation or
trial and/or 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.

(b) The city jail service shall be headed by a city jail warden who must be a
graduate of a four-year course in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, nursing,
social work or criminology. He shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of
individuals or detention of prisoners. Great care must be exercised so that
human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected, and their spiritual
and physical well-being are properly and promptly attended to.

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Sec. 50. The City Schools Division. -

(a) There shall be established and maintained by the DepEd a city schools
division of the City of Agoo-Aringay whose area of jurisdiction will cover all the
school districts within the City.

(b) The city schools division shall be headed by a division superintendent who
must possess the necessary qualifications required by the DepEd.

Sec. 51. The City Prosecution Service. -

(a) There shall be established in the City a city prosecution service to be headed
by a city prosecutor and such number of assistant city prosecutors as may be
necessary, who shall be organizationally part of the Department of Justice
(DOJ), 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 DOJ

(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 DOJ.

(©) The Secretary of Justice shall always ensure the adequacy and quality of
prosecution service in the City and, for this purpose, shall, in the absence or
Jack or insufficiency in number of the 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
RECLAMATION OF FORESHORE LANDS AND OWNERSHIP OF
WATERWORKS SYSTEM, WATER SPRINGS OR WATER SOURCES, ROADS
AND STREETS

Sec. 52. Reclamation of Foreshore Lands. - The City alone shall have the authority to
reclaim foreshore lands, including submerged lands within its jurisdiction in
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 1899: Provided, however, That
should the City desire to reclaim the said foreshore lands and submerged lands
through third parties, the contracts relating thereto shall become effective only when
the said contracts shall have been approved by the city council and the city mayor.

Sec. 53. Ownership of Waterworks System, Water Springs or Water Sources, Roads,
Streets, etc. - Notwithstanding the provisions of Republic Act No. 1383 and other
existing laws, all existing waterworks belonging to the national government, water
springs and water sources shall be owned by the City of Agoo-Aringay and any
revenues therefrom shall accrue to the general fund of the City. All existing municipal,
provincial and national roads, streets, bridges, docks, piers, wharves, machineries,
equipment and other public works improvements shall be owned by the City of Agoo-
Aringay.

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ARTICLE X
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 54. Two (2) Sanggunian Districts. — The present territories of the two (2)
municipalities of Agoo and Aringay shall constitute the two (2) sanggunian districts of
the City, separately identified as Agoo District and Aringay District. The two (2) above
named districts shall be equally represented in the sangguniang panlungsod as
provided in Section 10(a) of this Act.

Sec. 55. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. - All
municipal ordinances of the municipality of Agoo and Aringay existing at the time of
the approval of this Act shall continue to be in force within the City of Agoo-Aringay
until the sangguniang panlungsod ordinance shall provide otherwise.

Sec. 56. Plebiscite. - The City of Agoo-Aringay 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 municipalities of Agoo and Aringay within
thirty (30) days from the approval of this Act. The expenses for such plebiscite shall
be borne equally by the municipalities of Agoo and Aringay. The Commission on
Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.

Sec. 57. Officials of the City of Agoo-Aringay - The present elective officials of the
municipalities of Agoo and Aringay 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 municipalities of Agoo and Aringay shall likewise continue exercising
their functions and duties and they shall be automatically absorbed by the City
Government of the City of Agoo-Aringay and continue to receive the salaries they are
receiving at the time of the approval of this Act until the new readjustment of salaries
in accordance with law.

Sec. 58. Succession Clause. - The City of Agoo-Aringay shall succeed to all the
assets, properties, liabilities and obligations of the municipalities of Agoo and Aringay.

Sec. 59. Transition Committee. — To lay the groundwork for the final merger of the
municipalities of Agoo and Aringay, and to ensure that the quality of service to the
city’s populace will not be adversely affected during the period of transition, there shall
be created a transition committee to be composed of the incumbent mayors and vice
mayors of the present municipalities of Agoo and Aringay. The municipal planning
and development officers (MPDOs) of the two (2) municipalities shall assist the said
committee. The committee may require, as may be needed in the performance of
specific tasks, the presence and/or technical assistance of any local or national office.
it shall elect from among its members the chairperson, vice-chairperson and other
committee officials. The transition committee shall conclude all its tasks and submit its
final report and recommendation at the first joint session of the executive and
sangguniang panlungsod of the City of Agoo-Aringay

Sec. 60. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of
the Province of La Union. - The qualified voters of the City of Agoo-Aringay shall be
qualified to vote and run for any elective position in the elections for provincial

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governor, provincial vice governor, sangguniang panlalawigan members and other
elective offices for the Province of La Union.

Sec. 61. Jurisdiction of the Province of La Union. - The City of Agoo-Aringay shall,
unless otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province
La Union.

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 years from its
acquisition of corporate existence.

Sec. 63. Representative District. - Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Agoo-
Aringay shall continue to be a part of the Second Congressional District of the Province
of La Union.

Sec. 64. Reservation. - Nothing herein contained shalll preclude the determination by
the appropriate agency or forum of boundary disputes or cases involving questions of
territorial jurisdiction between the City of Agoo-Aringay and any of the adjoining local
government units even after the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 65. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise
known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and other laws pertaining to the
Province of La Union and such laws as are applicable to cities shall govern the City of
Agoo-Aringay insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 66. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of
this Charter shall be held unconstitutional, invalid or inconsistent with the Local
Government Code of 1991, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. Moreover, in cases where this
Charter is silent or unclear, the pertinent provisions of the Local Government Code
shall govern, if so provided therein.

Sec. 67. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in at least two newspapers of general and local circulations.

Approved,

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