introduced by REPRESENTATIVE AURELIO "DONG" D. GONZALES, JR.

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Republic of the Philippines

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Caen City, Mises Manta

NINETEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session
1683

HOUSE BILL NO.

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF MEXICO IN THE PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA
INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF MEXICO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE
The time has come for the Municipality of Mexico in the Province of Pampanga to be

converted into a Component City of Pampanga.

Tne Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) as amended by

Republic Act No. 11683 most specifically in section 450 provides:

"SEC. 450. Requisites for Creation. - (a) A municipality or a cluster of
barangays may be converted into a component city if it has a locally
generated average annual income, as certified by the Department of
Finance, of at least One hundred million pesos (P100,000,000.00) for the

last two (2) consecutive years based on 2000 constant prices, and if it has
requisites:

either of the following

(@ A contiguous territory of at least one hundred (100) square
kilometers, as certified by the Land Management Bureau; or

(i) A population of not Jess than one hundred fy thousand
(150,000) inhabitants, as certified by the Philippine Statistics
Authority (PSA).

2%,

The town of Mexico, Pampanga was established in 24 April 1581.

The annual income of Mexico, Pampanga based on the certificate issued by the
Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of Finance for the following years

are as foliows:
YEAR AMOUNT
2017, f= PHP 105,518,000.00
2018 a PHP 105,518, 06

2024

~ PHP 193.427,992.51



The population as of 18 January 2020, as certified by the Philippine Statistics
Authority is 173,403 inhabitants.

m

Mexico, Pampanga has a total area of 119.9438 square kilometers or 11,994.38
nectares based on the new updated and approved Comprehensive Land Use Pian (CLUP)
2019-2026.

Mexico, Pampanga, classified as a first class municipality has met all the
requirements, and none of any disqualification as provided for in the Local Government
Code to become a Component City. It is a reward for the hardwork, perseverance, and self-
reliance of its citizenry through their elected and capabie local officials and able leadership of
the Honorable Mayor Teddy C. Tumang consistent with their vision:

“Mexico — a leading industrial and commercial city in the heart of
Pampanga; and @ disaster-resilient community inhabited by healthy,
educated and God-loving people governed by honest, dedicated and efficiont
public servants.”

The immediate passage of this Bill is earnestly sought.

REP. iG" D. GONZALES, JR.
3” District, Pampanga


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO,

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE AURELIO “DONG” D. GONZALES, JR.

AN ACT
‘CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF MEXICO IN THE PROVINCE OF PAMPANGA
INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF MEXICO

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

ARTICLE|
GENERAL PROVISIONS

‘Section 1. Title. — This Act shail be known as the “Charter of the City of Mexico.”

Section 2. The City of Mexico.— The Municipality of Mexico shall be converted into a
component city to be known as the City of Mexico, hereinafter referred to as the City, which
shall comprise the present jurisdiction of the Municipality of Mexico, Province of Pampanga.

‘The territorial jurisdiction of the City shall be within the present metes and bounds of the
Municipality of Mexico.

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 Mexico and the adjoining local government units
{LGUs): Provided, That, the territorial jurisdiction of the disputed area or areas shail remain
with the local government unit, which has existing administrative supervision over said area
or areas until the final resolution of the case.

Section 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 possessod of the
powers which pertains 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 info any contract andlor agreement; and


(f) To exercise such other powers, prerogatives or authority subject to the limitations
provided under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government
Code of 1991, as amended, this Act or laws,

Section 4, General Powers, - The City shall have a common seal and may alter the same at
pleasure: Provided, That any change of corporate seal shall be registered with the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It shall exercise the powers to levy
taxes, fees and charges; 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 hereinafler granted.

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

Within its territorial jurisdiction, the City shall ensure and support the preservation and
enrichment of its culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a
balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant
scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity
and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and
order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

Section 6. Liability for Damages. ~ The City and its officials shall not be exempt from liability
for death or injury to persons or damage to property.

Section 7. Jurisdiction of the City. The jurisdiction of the City, for police purposes only,
shall ba coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and for the purpose of protecting and
ensuring the purity of the water supply in 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 Mexico and the city or municipal courts of the adjoining cities and
municipalities shall have concurrent jurisdiction to try crimes and misdemeanors committed
within the said drainage area or areas within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m.) of
any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the City
water service delivery,

The court first taking jurisdiction of such offense shall have jurisdiction to try cases to the
exclusion of others, The police force of the municipalities and cities concemed shall have
concurrent jurisdiction with the police forces of the City for the maintenance of good order
and the enforcement of ordinances throughout said zone, area or space. Any license that
may be issued within said zone, area or space shall be granted by the proper authorities of
the city oF municipality concemed, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrue to the treasury
of the said city or municipality concerned and not to the City.


ARTICLE I
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

Section 8, The Officials of the City of Mexico. ~ (a) There shall be in the City of Mexico: 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 officer, a city engineer, a city health officer, a city social worker 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) The Sangguniang Pantungsod may:
(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof;

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

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

(d) Unless otherwise provided herein, heads of department and offices shall be
appointed by the City Mayor with the concurrence of the majority of all the
Sangguniang Panlungsod members, subject to civil service law, rules and
regulations. The Sangguniang Panlungsod shail act on the appointment within fifteen
(15) days from the day of its submission, otherwise the same shall be deemed
confirmed.

(@) Elective and appointive city officials shall receive compensation, allowances and
other emoluments 3s may be determined by law or ordinances subject to the
budgetary Imitations on personal services prescribed under title Five, Book Il of
Local Govarnment Code of 1991, as amended: Provided, That no increase in the
compensation of the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod
member shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of the local officials
approving the increase.

ARTICLE Il
THE CITY MAYOR AND CITY VICE MAYOR

Section 9. The City Mayor. - (a) The City Mayor shali be the chief executive of the City and
shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City.

The City Mayor shall, at the time of the election, be at least twenty-one (21) years
ago, a resident of the City for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the day of
the election, a qualified registered voter therein and is able to read and write Filipino
or any local language or dialect

The City Mayor, who shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and
shall not serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms in the same policies, shall
receive a minimum monthly compensation to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed


under Republic Act No. 6758, as amended, otherwise known as the “Compensation
and Position Classification Act of 1989", and the implementing guideline issued
pursuant thereto and such other compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

(b) The City Mayor, as the Chief Executive of the City Government, shall exercise
such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided under the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended, this Act and other laws.

(c) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the City and its inhabitants, the City Mayor shail:

(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, pashects:
services, and activities of the city government and, in this connect i:

{i) Determine the guidelines of city polices 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 deemed necessary, provide such
information and data needed for requested by sald Sangguniang in
the parformance of its legislative functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are
wholly or mainly paid out of city funds and whose appointments are
not otherwise provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, as.
amended, and this Act, and those whose appointment the City Mayor
may be authorized by law to appoint:

(vi) Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign in its
behalf if ali bonds, contracts, obligations, and such other documents
upon the authority of the Sangguniang Paniungsod or pursuant to law
or ordinance;

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

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


(ix) Allocate and assign office space of the City and other officials and
employees who, by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space in the
city hall and their 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 as by law
and the Local Government Cade of 1991, as amended, and cause to
be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any official
‘or employee of the City who may have committed an offense in the
performance of official duties;

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

(xii) Fumish copies of executive orders issued by the City Mayor to the
office of the provincial governor within seventy-two (2) hours after their
issuance:

(xii Visit component barangays of the City at least once every six (6)
months to deepen his understanding of problems and conditions,
listen and give appropriate counsel to local officials and inhabitants,
inform component barangay 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 quailty of life of the inhabitants,

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

(xv) Authorize offical trips of city officials and employees outside of
the City for @ period not exceeding thirty (30) days: Provided, That
trips abroad for a longer period may be authorized in accordance with
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

{xvi} Call upon any national office or employee stationed in or
assigned to the City for advice 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 the official duties while stationed in or assigned to the City;

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


(xviii) Solemnize marriages, any provision of faw to the contrary
notwithstanding;

{xix} Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod which shall feature
traditional sports and discipline included in national and international
games, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd;
and

(000) Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an annual
report containing a summary of ali matters portinent to the
management. administration and development of the City and all
information and data relative to its political, social and economic
conditions; supplemental reports when unexpected events and
Situations arise at any time during the year, particularly when man-
made or natural disasters or calamities affect the general weltare of
the City,

(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and
in the exercise of its appropriate powers as well as implement all approved
policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the City and in addition
to the foregoing, shall:

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

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

(ii) 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 or her
territorial jurisdiction;

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

(vi) Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress
disorder, riot, lawiess violence, rebellion or sedition, or apprehend
violators of the law when public interest to requires and the city police
forces are inadequate to cope with the situation or the violations.

(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues and apply
the same to the implementation of development plans, program objectives
and priorities, particularly the resources and revenues programmed for agro~


industrial development and countryside growth and progress, ad relative
thereto, shall:

(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare and
submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in
accordance with the budget preparation process enshrined under the
Local Government Code of 1991;

(ii) Prepare and submit to the Sanggunian for approval the executive
and supplemental budgets of the City for the ensuing calendar year in
the manner provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended;

(iil) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the City are collected
and that city funds are applied to the payment of expenses and
settement 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 therefor 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 permits, subject to such fines and
penalties as may be imposed by law 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 remaval of
said house, building or structure within the period prescribed by law or
ordinance:

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

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

(ix) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial
proceedings for violation of ordinance 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.

(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 high ways
funded by the national government shall be, as far as practicable,


carried out spatially contiguous manner and in coordination with the
construction and repair of the roads and bridges of the City and of the
province; and

(i) Coordinate the implementation of technical services, including
public Works and infrastructure programs, rendered by national offices
and provincial office.

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, and that those are
prescribed or by law and ordinance.

(d) The City Mayor shall nold office in the City Hail

Section 10. 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 election possessed the same
quaifications as the City Mayor. The City Vice Mayor shall hold office for three(3) years,
uniess sooner removed, and shall received a monthly compensation corresponding to Salary
Grade Twenty Six(SG-26) as prescribed under the “Compensation and position classification
act of 1989°, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto, and such other
compensation, emolument's and allowances as maybe determined by law.

(b) The City Vice Mayor shal! exercise the following duties:

(1) Act as presiding officer as the Sangguniang Panlunsod and sign all
warrants drawn on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the
operation of the Sangguniang Paniunsod:

(2) Subject to divil service taw, rules and regulations, appoint alt officials and
employees including the secretary of the Sangguniang Panlunsod, except
those manner of appointment is specifically provided under the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(3) Assume the office of the City Mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in
the event of permanent vacancy as provided under the Local Government
Code of 1991, as amended;

(4) Exercise powers and perform the duties and functions of the City Mayor in
casos of temporary vacancy as provided under the Local Government Code
of 1991, as amended; and

(5) Pertorm such other duties and functions, and exercise such other powers
as provided under the Local Government Code 1991, as amended, and those
that are prescribed by the law and ordinance.

ARTICLE tv
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Section 11. Composition. - (a) The Sangguniang Panlungsod, the legislative body of the
City, shail be composed of the City Vice Mayor as the presiding officer, ten (10) regular
Sanggunian members, 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 three
(3) sectoral representatives from the following sectors as members: one (1) from the women



sector, and. as shall be determined by the Sangguniang Panlungsod within ninety (90) days
prior to the holding of the local elections, one (7) from the agricultural or industrial workers
sector; and one (1) from the other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural
communities, or persons with disabilities (PWDs).

(b) The regular members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the sectoral
representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law.

(c) The members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-Five (SG-25) as prescribed
under the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989", as amended, and
the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

Section 12. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation.- (a) The Sangguniang
Paniungsod, as the legislative body of the City, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions
and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to
Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and in the proper exercise
of the corporate powers of the City as provided under Section 22 of the Local sol Goveennvett
Code, as amended, and shall:

(1) Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective
city government and relative hereto shall:

()) 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;

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

(ili) Approve ordinances imposing fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos
(P5,000) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year, or both
at the discretion of the court, for violation of a city ordinances;

(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 and in the aftermath of said
disasters or calamities and in their return to productive livalihoad foliowing
said events;

{v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose appropriate
penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places, vagrancy, mendicancy,
prostitution, establishment and maintenance of houses of iitrepute, 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 the 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 fora and fauna,
siash-and-burs farming and such other activities which result in pollution,
acceleration of siltation of rivers and lakes or of ecological imbalance;

(vii) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and the
pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of
the City;

(vill) Consistent with the Salary Standardization Law, 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,
sarvicos and activities of the city government.

{b0) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person not in the
government service who fills up temporary vacancy or grant honorarium to
any qualified official or employee designated to fili a temporary vacancy in a
concurrent capacity at the rate authorized by law;

(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor, to ensure the
Safety and protection of all city govemment 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 adcitional
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;

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

(xii) Provide for group insurance or adcitional 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 allows said coverage.

(2) Generate and maximize the use of the resources and revenues for the
development plans, program objectives and priorities of the City, as provided under
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, with particular attention to agro-
industrial development and city-wide growth and progress, and relative thereto, shall:

(i) Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the city goverment 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;

(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book Il of the Local Government Code of
1991, as amended, and appiicable laws and upon the majority vote of all the


members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, enact ordinance levying taxes,
fees and charges, prescribing the rales thereof for general and spectic
purposes and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;

(ili) Subject to the provisions of Book 1! of the Local Government Code of
1991, as amended, and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
‘Sangguniang Panlungsod, authorize the City Mayor to negotiale and contract
Joans and other forms of indebtedness;

{iv) Subject to the provisions of Book Il of the Local Government Code of
1991, as amended, and applicable laws and upon the majority of 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 of the rental of
buildings for the use of the City: and, upon the majority vote of all the
members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, authorize the City Mayor to lease
to private parties such public buildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject
to existing laws, rules and regulations;

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

(vil) Adopt a comprehensive land use pian for the City: Provided, That, the
formulation, adoption or modification of said plan shall be in coordination with
the approved provincial comprehensive land use plan;

(vill) Reclassity lands within the jurisdiction of the City subject to the pertinent
provisions of the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended;

(ix) Enact integrated zoning ordinance in consonance with the approved
comprehensive land use plan, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;
establish fire limits or zones, particularly in populous centers, and regulate the
construction, repair or modification of buildings within said fire limits or zones
in accordance with the provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines;

(x) Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans for
residential, commercial or industrial purposes and other devalopment
purposes, and to collect processing fees and other charges, the proceeds of
which shall accrue entiraly 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. Fallure
to act on the application within the period stated above shall be deemed as
approval thereof;

(xi) Subject to the provisions of Book 1 of the Local Government Code of
1991, as amended, grant the exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or
fish pens, or the laking or catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag,
or fry of any species af fish within the city waters;

(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-including industries, subject to the
provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

(xiii) 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;

(xiv) Regulate the numbering of residential, cornmercial and other buildings;
and

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

{3) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,
‘enact ordinances granting franchises and authorize 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;

(li) 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;

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

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

(v) Any law 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
(DOT?) 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 ail the members of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, grant a franchise for any persons, 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 a 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 said purpose, shall:

(|) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(ii) With the concurrence of the 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;

(ili) 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 said requirement, have the
work done at the expense of the owner, administrator or tenant concemed
require the filling up of any land or premises to @ 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 or dispensing of any intoxicating malt,
vino, mixed or fermented liquors at any retail outlets;

(vil) Reguiate 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 Cit

(vill) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of any
entertainment or amusement facilities, including the theatrical performances,
circuses, billiard halls, public dancing schools, public dance halls, sauna
baths, massage parlors and other places for entertainment or 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) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of funeral parlors
and the burial or cremation of the dead, subject to existing laws, rules and
regulations; and

(x) 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 pravent and penalize cruelty
to animals.

(5) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the
basic services and facilities as provided for under the Local Government Code of
1991, as amended, and in addition to said services and facilities, shall:


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

(ii) 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;

(ili) Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation by the city
government of ferries, wharves and other structures intended to accelerate
productivity related to marine and seashore or offshore activities in the
preservation thereof,

(iv) Reguiate the preparation and salo of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits,
fresh dairy products, and other foodstufts 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; reguiate 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:

(vil) Subject to existing laws, establish and provide for the maintenance,
repair and operation of an efficient waterworks system to supply water for the
City's 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
lertilories 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
consumption, use or wastage of water and fix and collect charges therefore:

(viii) Regulate the ¢rilling 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, hve wires
and other similar hazards to life and property; and regulate the construction
and use of private water closets, privies and other similar structure in
buildings and homes;

(ix) Regulate the pricing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and
construction of all gas mains, electric telegraph and telephone wires,
conduits, meters and other apparatus; and provide for the correction,


condemnation or removal 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
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as the case
may be, and subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix and collect reasonable
tuition fees and other schoo! charges in educational institutions supported by
the city government;

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

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

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

(xiv) Provide for the care of persons with disabilities (PWDs), paupers, the
elderly, the sick, persons of unsound mind, abandoned minors, juvenile
delinquents, drug dependents, abused children and the youth below eighteen
(18) years of age, and subject to 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 detainaes and convicted prisoners in
the City;

(xvi) Establish a city council whose purpose is the promotion of culture and
the arts, coordinate with govemment agencies and nongovernmental
organizations and, subject to the availabilty 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 shail
formulate policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to the elderly and
fo 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.

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


ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

Section 13. internal Rules of Procedure, - (a) On the first regular session following the
election of ils members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the Sangguniang Panlungsoo
shail adopt or update its existing rules of procedure

(b) The rules of procedure shail provide the following:

(1) The organization of the Sanggunian and the election of its officers as wells
as the creation of standing committees which shall include 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;

(5) The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absence without
justifiable cause for four (4) 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 the
Sangguniang members: Provided, further, That a members convicted by final
judgment to imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving
‘moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from the Sanggunian; and

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

Section 14. 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 their business and financial interests. Such disclosure shall also
include @ professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the
fourth civil degree, which a sanggunian member may have with any person, firm or entity
affected by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the Sanggunian and which
relationship may result in conflict of interests. Such relationship shall include:

(1) Ovmership 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 a specific constitutional or statutory provision applicable to the
situation, “conflict of interest" refers to a situation where it may be reasonably
deduced that a member of the Sanggunian may not act in the public interest due to


some private, pecuniary or other personal considerations that may tend to affect the
‘exercise of 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 concerned committee, The
disclosure shail, in all cases, form part of the record of the proceedings and shall be
‘mace in the following manner:

{1) Disclosure shall be made before the member participates in the
deliberations on the ordinance or resotution under
consideration: Provided, That if the member did not participate during the
deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before voting on the ordinance or
resolution on second and third readings; and

(2) Disclosure shal! 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 descrided herein,

Section 15. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of the session immediately following the election
fits 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 @ closed-door session
is ordered by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present, there being a
quorum, in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency or morality. No two
(2) sessions, regular or special, may be heid in a single day.

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

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

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

Section 16. Quorum. - (a) A majority of all the members the Sanggunian who have been
elecied and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business. Shoul¢ a
question of quorum be raised during a session, the presiding officer shal immediately
proceed to call the roll of the members and thereafter announce the results.

(b) Where there is no quorum, the presiding officer may dectare a recess until such
time as a quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present may adjourns
frlom 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 Mexico, to arrest the absent member and present him at the session.


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

Section 17. Approval of Ordinances. - (a) Every ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang
Panlungsod shall be presented to the City Mayor. If the City Mayor approves the same, tne
signature shall be affixed on each and every page thereot; otherwise, the ordinance shall be
vetoed and returned the same with statements on the objections to the Sanggunian, which
may proceed to reconsider the same. The Sanggunian may override the veto of the City
Mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the ordinances 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 it had been
signed.

Section 18. Veto Power of the City Mayor. - (a) The City Mayor may veto any ordinance of
‘the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or prejudicial to the public
welfare, stating the reasons for the veto 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 development
plan and public investment program or an ordinance directing the payment of money
or creating liability. In such case, the veto shalt 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 reenacted.

(c) The City Mayor may veto in ordinance or resolution only once. The Sanggunian
may override the veto of the City Mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members,
thereby making the ordinance effective even without the approval of the City Mayor.

Section 19. Review of the City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (2} Witnin
three (3) days after approval, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod shail 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.

(0) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of copies of such ordinances and resolution,
the Sangguniang Panialawigan shall examine the documents or transmit them to the
provincial attomey or the provincial prosecutor for prompt examination. The provincial
attorney or the provincial prosecutor shall, within a penod of ten (10) days from
Teceipt of the documents, inform the Sangguniang Panialawigan in writing of the
comments or recommendations, which may be considered by the Sangguniang
Panialawigan in making its decision.

(c) If the Sangguniang Panialawigan 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 the iaw and therefore valid.

Section 20. Review of Barangay Ordinances of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a) Within
ten (10) days after their enactment, the Sangguniang Barangay shall furnish copies of all
barangay ordinances to the Sangguniang Paniungsod for review as to whether the
ordinance is consistent with law or 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.

(c) If the Sangguniang Panlungsod finds the barangay ordinances inconsistent with
law or city ordinances, the Sangguniang Paniungsod shall, within thirty (30) days
from receipt thereof, return the same with its comments and recommendations to the
Sangguniang Barangay concemed for adjustment, amendment or modification in
Which case, the effectivity of the barangay ordinance is suspended until such lime as
the revision called for is effected

Section 21. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances or Resolutions.- Any attempt to
enforce any ordinance or any resolution approving the local development plan and public
investment program, after the disapproval thereof, shall be sufficient ground for the
Suspension or dismissal of the official or employee concermed.

Section 22. Effectivity of Ordinance or Resolutions. - (a) Unless otherwise stated in the
ordinance or the resolution approving the local 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 Mexico, and in at least two (2}
‘other conspicuous places in the City of Mexico not later than five (5) 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, and in at
least two (2) conspicuous places in the City not later than five (5) days after approval
thereof

The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or
English and in the fanguage or dialect understood by the majority of the peopie in the
City and the secretary of the Sangguniang Paniungsod shall record such fact in a
book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of approval and posting.

{c) Ordinances with penal sanctions shall be posted at prominent places in the City
Hall, for a minimum period of three (3) consecutive weeks, Such ordinances shall
also be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City.

ARTICLE Vi
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION FOR
ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Section 23. Disqualifications for Elective City Officiats.- 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 or an
offense punishable by one (1) year or more of imprisonment within two (2) years afler
serving sentence;

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

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

(8) Those with dual citizenship;
{e} Fugitives from justice in criminal or nonpolitical cases here and abroad;

(f) Parmanent 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 of 1991, as amended; and

(g) The insane or feebie-minded.

Section 24, Permanent Vacancy in the Offices of the Mayor and City Vice Mayor. - (a) It a
permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the Gity Mayor, the City Vice Mayor shall become
the City Mayor. If @ permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Vice Mayor, the
highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member or, in case of the latter's permanent
incapacity, the second highest ranking Sanggunuang Panlungsod member shall become the
City Mayor or City Vice Mayor, as the case may be, Subsequent vacancies in the said office
shall be filled automatically by the other Sannggunian members according to their ranking as
defined under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,

{b) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the oifice of the Punong Barangay, the highest
ranking Sangguniang Barangay member or, in case of the latter's incapacity, the
second highest Sanggunian member shall become the Punong Barangay.

(©) A tie between or among the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod members
shall be resolved by drawing of lots.

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

{e) For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective local
officials fils in a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to quality, dies. is
removed from office, voluntarily resigns or otherwise permanently incapacitated to
discharge the functions of the office.

(f) 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 in the immediately
preceding local election.

Section 25. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - 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 provincial governor shail make the aforesaid appointments;


(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the Sanggunian member
concemad had been elected and whose evaluation to the position next higher in rank
created the last vacancy in the Sanggunian shall be appointed in the manner
provided herein. 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, 2 nomination and a certificate of membership
of the appointee from the highest official of the political party concerned are
conditions sine qua non, and any appointment without such nomination and
certification shall be null and void ab initio and shall be a ground for administrative
action against the official responsible therefore;

{c) In case of the permanent vacancy is caused by a Sanggunian member who does
not belong to any political party, the City Mayor shall, upon recommendation of the
Sangguniang Paniungsod, appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy; 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.

Section 26. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of tho City Mayor. - (a) When the City Mayor is
temporarily incapacitated to perform the duties for physical or legal reasons such as leave of
absences, 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 lo 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 of having reported back to
office. In case where the temporary incapacity is due to legal cause, the City Mayor
shall submit the necessary documents showing that said ‘egal cause no longer
exists,

(c) When traveling within the country but outside the territorial jurisdiction of the City
for a period nol exceeding three (3} consecutive days, the City Mayor may designate
in writing the officer-in-charge of the 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) if 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 (4th) day of absence of the City Mayor, subject to the limitation 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 Sangguniang Panlungsod member, as the case

may be.


ARTICLE Vil
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY: THEIR
QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES

Section 27. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a) There shall be a secretary
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who shail be career official wilh the rank and salary equal
toa head of a department or office.

(b) The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, 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) Attenc meetings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and keep a journal of its
proceedings;

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

(3) Forward to the City Mayor, for approval, copies of ordinances enacted by
the Sangguniang Panlungsod duly certified by the presiding officer, in the
manner provided in Section 54 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended;

(4) Forward to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan copies duly approved
ordinances in the manner provided in Sections 56 end 57 of the Local
Goverment Code of 1991, as amended;

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

(6) Record in a book kept for the purpose, alf ordinances and resolutions
enacted or adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, with the dates of
passage and publication thereof,

{7) Keep the office and all noncontidential records therein open to public
during usual business hours;

{8) Transiate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants ail
ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval and cause the
publication of the same together with the orginal version in the manner
provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

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


(10) Pertorm other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided under the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended, and those
are prescribed by law or ordinance,

Section 28. The City Treasurer. - (a) The city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary
of the Department of Finance (DOF) from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible
recomimendees of the City Mayor, subject to the 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) The city treasurer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of
Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in commerce, public
administration or law from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years of
experience in treasury or accounting service.

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

(e) The city treasurer shall take charge of the City Finance Department, and shalt:

(1) Advise the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other local
government and national officials concemed regarding the 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 the city treasurer by law or
other competent authority;

(4) Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the
jurisdiction of the City in relation to the implementation of tax ordinance
pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended;

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

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

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

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


(c) The city assessor shall take charge of the City Assessor's Department, and shail:

(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 ano
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 system,

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

(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and cetermine 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 Govemment Code of
1991, as amended;

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

(10) Submit every semester a report of all assessment, as well as
cancellation and modifications of assessments to the City Mayor and the
Sangguniang Paniungsod;

(11) Attend personally or through an authorized representative all sessions of
the Local Board of Assessment Appeals whenever the assessment is subject
of the appeal, and present or submit any information or record in its
possessions as may be required by the Board; and

(12) Perform such other duties and functions, and exercises such other
powers as provided under the Local Gavernment Code of 1991, as amended,
and thosse that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 30. The City Accountant. - (a) The city accountant must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a certified public
accountant and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the treasury or
accounting service immediately preceding the date of the appointment.

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


(c) The city accountant shail take charge of both the office of the Accounting and
Internal Audit Service of the City 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 tne
Sangguniang Panlungsod;

(3) Appraise the Sangguniang Paniungsod and other officials on the financial
condition and operations of the City;

(4) Centfy the availability of budgetary allotment to which expenditures and
obligations may be properly charges;

(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers to
determine the completeness of requirements;

(8) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, allowances,
reimbursements and remittances pertaining to the City,

(7) Prepare staternents of journal vouchers and liquidation of the same and
other adjustments related thereto;

(8) Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledger and index cards;

(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the City
pertaining to payrolls and deductions;

(10) Record and post in index card details of purchased furniture, fixtures and
equipment, including disposal thereof, if any;

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

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

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

Section 31. The City Budget Officer. - (a) The city budget office must be a citizen of the
Philippines, resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree preferably in accounting, economics, public administration, or any related course
from a tecognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent,
and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in government budgeting or in any
‘elated field immediately preceding the date of 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 the different departments
and offices of the City;

(3) Assist the City Mayor in the preparation of the annual budget and during
and after budget hearings;

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

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

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

(7) Assist the Sangguniang Pantungsod in reviewing the approved budgets of
component barangays;

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

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

Section 32. The City Planning and Development Officer.- (a) The city planning and
development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of
good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning,
development studies, economics, public administration, or in any related course from a
recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must
have acquired at least five (5) years experience in development planning or in any related
field immediately preceding the date of the appointment.

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

{c) The city planning and development officer shall take charge of the City Planning
and Development Coordinating Office, and shalt;

(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;

(8) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and
recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance
committee of the City as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991;

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

(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the Local
Deveiopment Council; and

(9) Perform such other functions and duties and exercise such other powers
as provided under the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended, and
those that are prescribed by faw or ordinance.

Section 33. The City Engineer. - (a) The city engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a licensed civil engineer and must
have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the practice of profession.

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

(c) The city engineer shail take charge of the City Engineering Office, and shail:

(1) Initiate, review and recommend charges in policies and objectives, plans
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure
development and public works in general in the City;

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

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

(4) Provide engineering services 10 the City, including investigation and
survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies and project management; and

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

Section 34. The City Health Otticer. - (a) The city health officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a licensed medical
practitioner, and must have at least five (5) years experience in the practice of profession.

(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 shail:

(1) Supervised the personne! 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 program
geared to implement health-related projects and activities;

(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang
Panlungsad and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in
carrying out activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of
adequate facilities relative to health services provided under Section 17 of the
Local Govemment Code of 1991, as amended;

(3) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof of the City
Mayor, implement these with the health programs and projects which the City
Mayor is empowered to implement and which Sangguniang Panlungsod is
empowered to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended;

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

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

(i) Advise the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod on
matters pertaining to health;

(iii) 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 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,
jodging houses, and pension houses, in accordance with the
Sanitation Cade;

(vil) Conduct health information campaigns and render health
intelligence services;

(vill) Coordinate with other goverment agencies and .
nongovernmental organizations involved in the promotion and delivery
of health services;


(ix) Be in the frontiine of the delivery of health services, particularly
during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and
calamities; and

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

Section 35. The City Civil Registrar, - (a) The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the
Philippines, @ resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree from a recognized college or university. a first grade civil service eligible or its
‘equivaient and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in civil registry work.

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

(c) The city civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the
City of Mexico, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code, and other pertinent
laws, rules and reguiations 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 under the Local Govemment Code of 1991, as
amended:

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

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

(ii) File, keep and preserve in a secure piace the books required by
hawe:

(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 payments of the required fees to the city treasurer,

(vi) Receive applications for the issuance of a marriage license and,
after determining that the requirements and supporting certificates and
publication thereof for the prescribed period have been complied with,


issue the license upon payment of the authorized fee to the city
treasurer. and

(vil) Coordinate with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in
conducting educational campaigns for vital ragistration and assist in
the preparation of demographic and other statistics for the City a?
Mexico.

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

Section 36. The City Administrator. - (a) The city administrator must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, @ holder of a college
degree preferably in public administration, law or any folated course from a recognized
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have
acquired at least five (5) years experience in management and administrative work.

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

{c} The city administrator shail receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(4) The city administrator shall take charge of the City Administrator's Office, and
shali:

(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 Paniungsod is
empowered to provide under the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as
amended;

(2) Assist in the coordination of the work of all the officials of the City under
the supervision, direction and control of the City Mayor, and for this purpose,
may convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the local government
unit

(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the LGU designed
to promate career development and uphold the merit principle in the local
government service;

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

(5) Be in the frontline of the delivery of administrative support services,
particularly those related to situations during and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters or calamities:

(6) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor
on all matters relative to the management and administration of the City; and


(7) Perform such other duties and functions, and exercise such other powers
as provided by law or ordinance.

Section 37. The City Logal Officer. - (a) The city tegal officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, 2 resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a member of the
Philippine Bar, and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years

(b) The term of the city legal officer shall be coterminous with that of the appointing
authority.

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

(d} The city legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of tne
Office of the City Legal Service, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod and provide legal assistance and support to the City Mayor in
carrying out the detivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities:

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement the same. particularly those which have to do with
programs and projects related to legal services which the City Mayor is
empowered to Implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is
‘empowered to provide;

(3) Represent the City in all civil actions and special proceedings wherein the
local government unit or any official thereof, in official capacity, is a
party: Provided, Thet. in actions or proceedings where the City of Mexico is a
party adverse to the provincial government or to another component city or
municipality, a special legal officer may be employed to represent the adverse
party,

(4) When required by the City Mayor or Sanggunian, draft ordinances,
contracts, bonds, leases and other instrumonts involving any interest of the
City and provide comments and recommendations on any instruments
already drawn;

(5) Render an opinion in writing on any question of law when requested to do
sa by the City Mayor or Sanggunian;

(6) Investigate or cause to be investigated any local official or employee for
administrative neglect or misconduct in office and recommend the appropriate
action to the City Mayor or Sanggunian, as the case may be:

(7) Investigate ot cause to be investigated any person, firm or corporation
holding any franchise of exercising any public privilege for failure to comply
with any term or condition in the grant of such franchise or privilege, and
fecommend appropriate action to the City Mayor or the Sanggunian, @s the
case may be:


(8) When directed by the City Mayor or Sanggunian, initiate and prosecute, in
the interest of the City, any civil action on any bond, lease or other contract
upon any breach or violation thereof;

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

(10) Recommend measures to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the
City Mayor on all matters related to upholding the rule of law;

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

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

Section 38, 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 Mexico,
of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree
preferably in social work, sociology, or any related course from a recognized college or
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivaient, and must have at least five (5)
years experience in the practice of social work immediately precoding the date of
appointment.

(b) 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 delivery of basic services and 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 these which have to do with social
welfare programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to
implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide:

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

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

(5) Assist the City Mayor in implementing the barangay level program for the
total development and protection of children up to six (6) years of age;

(6) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, elderly
and victims of drug addiction, the rehabilitation of prisoners and parolees, the


prevention of juvenile delinquency and such other activities which would
eliminate and minimize the ill-effects of poverty,

(7) Initiate and support youth welfare programs that will enhance the role of
youth in nation-building:

(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations
whose purpose is the promotion and the protection of all the needy,
disadvantaged, underprivileged or impoverished groups or individuals,
particularly those identified to be vuinerable and high risk to exploitation,
abuse and neglect;

(9) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services particularly those concemed
with immediate relief and assistance during and in the aftermath of man-made
and natural disasters and calamities;

(10) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor
on all other matters related to social welfare and development services that
will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the City's inhabitants; and

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

Section 39. The City Veterinarian, - (a) The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a licensed doctor of
veterinary medicine and must have practiced the profession for at least three (3) years.

(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 the Veterinary Services,
‘and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguiang Panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
tacilties;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof of 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) Advise the City Mayor on al! matters pertaining to the slaughter of animals
for human consumption and the regulation of slaughterhouses;

(4) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals,

{5) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public
consumption;

(6) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruetty to animals;


(7) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of
animal diseases:

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

(9) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor
‘on all matters relative to veterinary services which will increase the number
and improve the quality of livestock, poultry and other domestic animals
issued for work or human consumption: and

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

Section 40. The City General Services Officer. - (a) The city general services officer must be
a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a
holder of a college degree in public administration, business administration or management
from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and
must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in general services, including
management of supply, property, solid waste disposal and general sanitation.

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

(c) The city general services officer shall take charge of the Office of the General
‘Services, and shai:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sannguniang
Panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in
carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision
of adequate facilities that require general services oxportise in technical
support services;

(2) Develop pians and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement the same, particularly those which nave to do with the
general services that are 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, rela or personal,
owned by the City, and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation,
assistance end counterpart of joint projects;

(4) With the approval of the City Mayor, assign building or land space to local
officials or other public officials, who by law, are entitled to the space;

(5) Recommend to the City Mayor the reasonable rental rates for tocal
government properties, whether real or personal, which will leased to public
or private entities by the local government;


(6) Recommend to the City Mayor reasonable rental rates of private
properties which may be leased for the official use in the City;

(7) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, tandscaping and other related
services in all local goverment public buildings and other real property,
whether owned or leased by the local government unis;

(8) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and other
costs of supplies and other items commonly used by the local government
nit;

(9) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of
offices and departments of the focal government unit;

(10) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property
management heretofore performed by the local goverment treasurer and
enforce policies on records creation, maintenance and disposal,

(11) Be in the frontine of general services-related activites, 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 and calamities;

(12) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor
on ail matters relative to general services; and

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

Section 41. 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
Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment,
forestry, agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or university, a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years
experience in the environment and natural resources management, conservation and
Utilization work.

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

{c} The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the Office
of the Environment Service Department, and shall:

(1) Formutate 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 provision of
adequate facilities relative to environment and natural resources services as
provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with


environment and natural resources programs and projects which the City
Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is
empoweres to provide;

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

(4) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects
and technical, financial and infrastructure assistance;

(5) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for torest and
tree parks;

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

(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations
in the implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water
pollution with the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources;

(8) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment
and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the
environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters
and calamities;

(9) Recommend measures to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the
City Mayor on all matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum
utilzation, application of appropriate technology and other matters rolated to
the environment and natural resources; and

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

Section 42. The City Architect. - (a) The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
tesident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a duly licensed architect and must
have practices the profession for at least five (5) years.

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

{c) The city architect shail take charge of the Office of the Architectural Planning and
Design, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in
carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and 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;

(3) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the Sangguntang
Panlungsod the architectural plan and design for the local government unit or
part thereof, including the renewal of slums and blighted areas, tand
reclamation activities, the greening of land, and appropriate planning of
marine and foreshore areas;

(4) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod or City Mayor, as the case may be, the architectural plans and
design submitted by govemmental and nongovemmental entities or
individuals, particularly those for undeveloped, underdeveloped and poorly
designed areas;

(5) Coordinate with goverment and nongovernment entities and individuals
involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the land and water
within the jurisdiction of the local government unit, to implement plans and
programs that shall preserve environmental integrity and ecological balance;

(6) 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;

(7) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor
on ail matters relative to architectural planning and design as it related to the
total sociceconomic development of the City:

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

Section 43. The City Information Officer. - (a) The city information officer must be a citizen
Of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree preferably in journalism, mass communications, or any related course from a
recognired colege or univers 8 frst grade cd service eligible or ds equivalent end must
have at least three (3) years experience in writing articles and research papers, or writing for
print, television or broadcast media

» The city information officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
as may be determined by law.

{c) The term of the city information officer shall be coterminous with that of the
appointing authority.

(d} The city information officer shall take charge of the Office of the City Information
and Community Relations Department, and shalt:


(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang
Panlungsed and provide technicat assistance and support to the City Mayor in
providing the information and research data required for the delivery of basic
services and 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
Gity Mayor Is empowered to implament and which the Sangguniang
Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the local govenrment
units and its residents;

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

(5) Maintain effective liaison with the various sectors of the community on
matters and issues that affect the livelihood and the quality of life of the City's
inhabitants and encourage support for programs of the local and national
government;

(6) 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;

(7) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor
on all matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to
the total socioeconomic development of the City; and

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

Section 44. The City Cooperatives Officer. - (a) The city cooperatives officer must be a
citizen of te Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a holder
of college degree preferably in business administration with special training on cooperatives
or any felalad course from a recognized college or university. a first grade civil service
eligible or its equivalent and must have at least five (5) years experience on cooperatives
development, organization and management.

{b) The city cooperatives officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments ang
allowances as may be determined by law,

(c) The city cooperatives officer shall take charge of the Officer 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 facilites through the development of cooperatives, and in
providing access to such services and facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, Implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the
integration of cooperatives principles and methods in programs which the City
Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is
empowered to provide;

(3) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

(5) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies
and nongovermmental organizations involved in the promotion and integration
‘of the concept of cooperatives in the livelihood of the people and other
‘community activities;

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

(7) 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 quality of life of the
inhabitants; and

(8) Perform such other duties and functions, and exercise such other powers
a5 provided under the Local Govemment Code of 1991, as amended, and
those thal are prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 45. The City Population Officer. - (a) The city population officer must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree preferably with specialized training in population development from a
recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must
have at least five (5) years experience in the implementation of programs on population
development or responsible parenthood.

(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 on Population
Development, and shail:

(3) 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 provision
of adequate facilities relative to the integration of the 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,

(3) Assist the City Mayor in the implementation of the constitutional provisions
relative to population development and the promotion of responsible
parenthood;

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

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

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

Section 46. The City Agricuiturist. - (a) The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree in agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or university, a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have practiced the profession in
agriculture or acquired at least five (5) years experience in related field.

(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 Agricultural Services, and
shail;

(1) Formulate measures form the approval of the Sangguniang Paniungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
said measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of
adequate facilities relative to agricultural services;

{2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof of 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 Pantungsod is empowered to provide;

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

(i) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the
production, processing and marketing of agricultural and aquacultural
and manne products are extended to farmers, fishermen and loca!
entrepreneurs,

(i) Conduct or cause to be conducted locetion-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,

(iit) Assist the City Mayor in the establishment and extension services
of demonstration farms on aquaculture and marine products;

(Ww) Enforce rulos and regulations relating to agriculture and
aquaculture; and

(v) Coordinate with goverment agencies and nongovemmental
organizations which promote agricultural productivity through applied
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 City’s inhabitants during and in the
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

(5) Recommend to the Sangguniang Paniungsod and advise the City Mayor
on all other matters related to agriculture and aquaculture which will improve
the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants; and

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

Section 47. The Gity Business Permits and Licensing Olficer. - (a) The city business permits
and licensing officar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Mexico, of
good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration or
in any related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service
eligible or its equivalent and must have at least five (5) years experience in management.

{b) The city business permits and licensing ofticer shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

{c) The city business permits and licensing officer shall take charge of Business
Permits and Licensing Office, and shall:

(1) Supervise the conduct of spotipost inspection of all business
establishments, gaming and other entities requiring permits and licenses for
compliance with existing laws and ordinances;

(2) Review the application for permits and licenses and recommend its
approvalidisapproval to the City Mayor or his authorized representatives; and

(3) Exercise overall supervision in the City Business Permits and Licensing
Office.


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

Section 48. The City Fire Station Service. - (a) There shall be established in the City at least
one (1) fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment, subject to
the standards, rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG). The City shall provide the necessary site of the
station,

(b} The City Fire Station Service shall be headed by a city fire marshal whose
quaiifications shall be as those provided under Republic Act No. 9263, as amended,
otherwise known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004",

(c) The City Fire Station shall be responsible for the provision of various em
services such as rescue and evacuation of injured people related to fire incidents
and, in general, fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety of life
and property of the citizenry.

Section 49. The City Jail Service. - (a) The DILG shall, at least five (5) months from the
commencement of the corporate existence of the city, establish and maintain @ secured,
clean, adequately equipped and sanitary jail facility for the custody and safekeeping of
prisoners, any fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting investigation or trial andior
transfer to the national penitentiary, or a violent mentally ill person who may endanger
oneself of the safety of others, as duly certified by proper medical health officer, prior to the
transfer of such person to a mental institution,

(b) The City Jall Service shall be headed by a city jail warden whose qualifications
shall be as those provided under Republic Act No, 9263, as amended, otherwise
known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology Professionalization Act of 2004", The city jail warden shall assist In the
immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention of prisoners. Great care must be
exercised so that human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected, and
their spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promplly attended to

Section 50. The City Schools Division. - (a) The Department of Education (DepEd) shall
establish and maintain a city schoois division of the City of Mexico whose area of jurisdiction
will cover all the schoo! districts within the City.

(b) The city school division shall be headed by a City Schools Division
Superintendent who must possess the necessary qualifications required by the
DepEd.

Section 51. The City Prosecution Service. ~

(2) The Department of Justice (DQJ} shall within two (2) months from the
commencement of the corporate existence of the City, establish and maintain a
prosecution service. It shall be headed by a city prosecutor, who shall be assisted by
such number of assistant prosecutors as may be necessary. and whose
qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary and benefits shall be governed by
existing laws covering prosecutors in the DOJ. The City Prosecution Service shall be


organizationally part of the DOJ, and under the supervision and control of the
of the DOJ

(b) The City Prosecutor shall handle the criminal prosecution In the municipal tral
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.

Section 52. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of Approval of this Act. - All municipal
ordinance of the Municipality of Mexico, existing at the time of approval of this Act, shall
continue to be in force within the City of Mexico until the new Sangguniang Panlungsod shail
provide otherwise.

Section 53. Piobiscite.- The City of Mexico shall acquire corporate existence upon
ralification of its creation by majority of the voles cast by qualified voters in a plebiscite to be
conducted in the present Municipality of Mexico within ninety (90) days from the approval of
this Act, and the Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite and
the expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Mexico,

Section 54. The present elective officials of the Municipality of Mexico shall continue to
exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new election is held and that the
duly elected officials shall have qualified and assumed their offices, and the officials and
employees of the Municipality shail likewise continue exercising their functions and duties
and they shall automatically be absorbed by the city government of the City of Mexico.

Section 55. Succession Clause. - The City of Mexico shall succeed to all the assets,
properties, liabilities and obligations of the Municipality of Mexico.

Section 56. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Membors of the
Province of Pampanga. - The qualified voters of the City of Mexico shall be qualified to vote
and run for any elective position in the elections for provincial governor, provincial vice
govemor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and other elective offices for the Province of
Pampanga.

‘Section 57. Jurisdiction of the Province of Pampanga. - The City of Mexico shall, unless
otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of
Pampanga.

‘Section 58. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. - No increase in the rates of
local taxes shail be imposed by the City within the period of five (5) years from its acquisition
of corporate existence.

Section 59. Legislative District. - Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Mexico shall
continue to be a part of the Third Legislative District of the Province of Pampanga.

Section 60. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended, and such other laws as are applicable to component cities shall govern the City
of Mexico insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Section 61. 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, as amended, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected shall
continue to be in full force and effect.


Section 62. Effectivity.- This Act shail take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
Publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,