of tllf & 1
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No.
23 FEB-1 P2:32
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA TRINIDAD, PROVINCE OF 
BENGUET INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
CITY OF LA TRINIDAD
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Municipality of La Trinidad is a first-class municipality in the Province of 
Benguet. It is composed of sixteen (16) barangays, the largest in the province, namely: 
Alapang, AIno, Ambiong, Bahong, Balili, Beckel, Betag, Bineng, Cruz, Lubas, Pico, 
Poblacion, Puguis, Shilan, Tawang, and Wangal. During the colonial era. La Trinidad is 
relatively the most developed settlement in the Benguet area as it served as the 
gateway from the Southern Lowlands in to the mountain region and the center of 
administration for colonizers. La Trinidad is well cultivated with rice, sweet potatoes, 
gabi, sugarcane by its original settlers.
La Trinidad is the Strawberry and Rosa Capital of the Philippines. On 18 March 
2024, the municipality enters a larger Larger Giant Strawberry Cake into the Guinness 
Book of World Records. A year later, the record is confirmed with the title "Largest Fruit 
Shortcake". At present. La Trinidad is home to several higher learning institutions, a 
center for banking and finance, and an expanding area of socio-economic activities.
This bill seeks to convert the Municipality of La Trinidad into a component city 
of the Province of Benguet to be known as the City of La Trinidad. This will tap into the 
full economic potential of the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet, paving the way for 
additional development and services for the growing population.
MEE R. MARCOS


I4v4 Senate
o( tlK' g'H-C’etarj*
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
23 FEB-1 P 2 32
RECEIVcO Bv;
SENATE
S.B. No. 1529
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA TRINIDAD, PROVINCE OF 
BENGUET INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE 
CITY OF LA TRINIDAD
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the City of 
La Trinidad".
SEC. 2. City of La Trinidad. -The Municipality of La Trinidad is hereby converted 
into a component city to be known as the City of La Trinidad, hereinafter referred to 
as the City, which shall compromise of the present territory of the Municipality of La 
Trinidad in the province of Benguet.
La Trinidad is located 3 kilometers north of Baguio City and is 256 kilometers 
north of Manila. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Tublay, on the south 
by the City of Baguio, on the west by Sablan and Tuba. Its geographical coordinates 
are 16°21" north latitude 120°35" east longitude.
The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution of 
appropriate agency or forum of existing boundary disputes or cases involving questions 
of territorial jurisdiction between the Municipality of La Trinidad and the adjoining local 
government units. Provided, That the territorial jurisdiction of the disputed area or 
areas shall remain with the local government unit the fin al resolution of the case.
SEC. 3. Corporate Powers of the City. -The City constitutes a political body that 
is corporate in nature and as such is endowed with the attributes of perpetual


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succession and possessed the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation to be 
exercised in conformity 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;
e. To enter into any contracts or agreements; and
f. To exercise such other powers, prerogatives or authority subject to the
limitations provided under this Act or in existing laws.
SEC. 4. General Powers of the City. - 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 Interior and Local Government (DILG). It shall 
exercise the power to levy taxes; to close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks or 
squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold lease, convey and dispose of real and personal 
property for 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 powers as are granted to corporations or as 
hereinafter conferred.
SEC. 5. Liability for Damages. - The City and its officials shall not be exempt 
from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property.
SEC. 6. Jurisdiction of the City. - The jurisdiction of the City of La Trinidad for 
police purposes only, shall be coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and, for 
purposes of protecting and ensuring the purity of water supply of the City, such police 
jurisdiction shall also extend over all the territory within the drainage area of such water 
supply, or within one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, 
aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the city water service.
The regional trial courts and the city courts of the City of La Trinidad shall have 
concurrent jurisdiction with the regional trial courts and the metropolitan trial courts or 
city or municipal trial courts of the adjoining municipalities or cities to try crimes and 
misdemeanors committed within said drainage area or within said spaces of one 
hundred meters.
The court first taking cognizance of such an offense shall have jurisdiction to try 
cases to the exclusion of others. The police forces of the municipalities and cities 
concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the police forces of the City for the 
maintenance of good order and enforcement of ordinances throughout the said zone, 
area or space shall be granted by the proper authorities of the city or municipality 
concerned, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrue to the treasury of the said city 
or municipality concerned and not the City.
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CHAPTER II
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL
SEC. 7. The Officials of the City of La Trinidad. - a. There shall be in the City: 
A City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod Members, Secretary to the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod, a City Treasurer and an Assistant City Treasurer, a City 
Assessor, a City Accountant, a City Budget Officer, a City Planning and Development 
Coordinator, a City Engineer, a City Health Officer, a City Civil Registrar, a City 
Administrator, a City Legal Officer, a City Veterinarian, a City Social Welfare and 
Development Officer and a City General Services Officer;
a. In addition thereto, the City Mayor may appoint a City Architect, a City 
Population Officer, a City Information Officer, a City Environment and Natural 
Resources Officer, a City Agriculturist and a City Cooperatives Officers;
b. There shall established in the City a City Fire Station to be headed by a City Fire 
Marshall, a City Jail to be headed by a City Jail Warden, a City Schools Division 
to be headed by a City Schools Division Superintendent and a City Prosecution 
Service to be headed by a City Prosecutor; and
c.
b.
d.
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in subsections (a) and (b)
The Sangguniang Panlungsod may:
Maintain existing offices which are not included 
hereof;
Create such other offices as maybe necessary to carry-out the purposes of the
City; or 
. 
. 
r
Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest of
efficiency and economy.
Unless otherwise provided herein, the heads of departments and offices shall be 
appointed by the City Mayor with concurrence of the majority of the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod, subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations. 
The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall act on the appointment within fifteen (15) 
days from the day of its submission, otherwise the same shall be deemed 
confirmed.
Elective and appointive city officials shall receive compensation, allowances and 
other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance, subject to the 
budgetary limitations on personal services prescribed under Title Five, Book II 
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended: Provided, That no increase 
in the compensation of the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor and Sangguniang 
Panlungsod member shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of 
the local officials approving the increase.
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CHAPTER III
THE CITY MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR
SEC. 8. The City Mayor, - a. The City Mayor shall be the Chief Executive of the 
City and shall be elected at large by qualified voters of the City. No person shall be 
eligible for the position of City Mayor unless at the time of election, that the person is 
a citizen of the Philippines, at least Twenty-one (21) years of age, a resident of the City 
for at least one (1) year prior to the elections and qualified voter therein and is able to 
read and write Filipino or any other language or dialect. The City Mayor shall hold office 
for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, but shall serve for not more than three (3) 
consecutive terms in the same position. The City Mayor shall receive a minimum 
monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade 30 as prescribed under Republic 
Act No. 6758, as amended, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989", and the Implementing Guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
The City Mayor as the Chief Executive of the City Government, shall exercise 
such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided herein
b. For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose pf which is the 
general welfare of the City and its inhabitants, the City Mayor shall:
I. 1. Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services 
and activities of the city government and, in this connection shall: 
i, i. Determine the guidelines of city policies and be responsible to 
Sangguniang Panlungsod, implement the same;
IN. ii. Direct the formulation of the City Development Plan, with the assistance 
of the city development council and upon approval thereof by the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod, implement the same;
iii. Present the Program of Government and propose policies and projects 
for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the opening of the 
regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod every calendar year and as 
often as may be deemed necessary as the general welfare of the 
inhabitants and the needs of the City government may require;
iv. Initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sangguniang 
Panlungsod and as often as may be deemed necessary provide such 
information and data needed or requested by the said Sangguniang 
Panlungsod \r\ the performance of its legislative functions;
V. Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are wholly 
or mainly paid out of City funds and whose appointments are not otherwise
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IV.
V.
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X.
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XII.
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XVIII.
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provided for in the Act, and those whose appointment may be under other 
laws;
vi. Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign on its behalf 
bonds, contracts, obligations and such other documents with authority 
from the Sangguniang Panlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance;
vii. Carry-out such emergency measures as may be necessary during and 
in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;
viii. Determine the time, manner and place of payment of salaries and 
wages of officials and employees, in accordance with law or ordinance;
ix. Allocate and assign office space to City officials and employees who, by 
law or ordinance, are entitled to such space in the City Hall, and other 
building owned or leased by the city government;
X. Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully 
discharge their duties and functions as provided for the law and the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and cause to be instituted 
administrative or judicial proceedings against any official or employee of 
the City who may have committed an offense in the performance of his 
official duties
xi. Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices, officials, 
agents or employees of the City and, in aid of executive powers and 
authority, require all national officials and employees stationed in or 
assigned to the City to available books, records and other documents in 
their custody except those classified by law as confidential;
xii. 
Furnish copies of Executive Orders issued by him to the Office of 
the Governor of the Province of Benguet within seventy-two (72) hours 
upon issuance;
xiii. Visit component barangays of the City at least once every six (6) 
months to deepen understanding of the problems and conditions, listen 
and give appropriate counsel to local officials and inhabitants, inform the 
component barangay officials and inhabitants of general laws and 
ordinance which especially concern them, and otherwise conduct visits 
and inspections to ensure that the governance of the City will improve the 
quality of life of the inhabitants;
xiv. Act on leave application of officials and employees appointed and on 
the commutation of monetary value of their leave credits in accordance 
with law;
XV. Authorized official trips of officials and employees outside of the City 
for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. Provided, That trips abroad for
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a longer period may be authorized in accordance with the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended.
V. xvi. Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or assigned to 
the City to advise him on matters affecting the City and to make 
recommendations thereon; coordinate with the said officials and 
employees in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and 
projects; and when appropriate, initiate administrative or judicial action 
against national government official or employee who may have committed 
and offense in the performance of his official duties while stationed in or 
assigned to the City;
VI. 
xvii. Authorize the payment of medical care, necessary transportation, 
subsistence, medical or hospital fees of City officials and employees who 
are injured while in the availability of funds;
VII. 
xviii. Solemnize marriages, any provision of law to the contrary 
notwithstanding;
VIII. xix. Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod which shall feature traditional 
sports and disciplines included in national and international games in 
coordination with the Department of Education; and 
IX. 
xx.Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an Annual
Report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the management, 
administration and development of the City and all information and data 
relative to its political, social and economic conditions; supplemental 
reports when unexpected events or situations arise at any time during the 
year, particularly when man-made or natural disasters or calamities affect 
the general welfare of the City.
2. Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and in the 
exercise of its appropriate powers as well as implement all approved policies, 
programs, projects, services and activities of the City and in addition shall:
i. Ensure that acts of the City's component barangays and 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, at such time and place and on such subject he may deem 
important for the promotion of general welfare of the local government unit and 
its inhabitants;
iii. Issue such Executive Orders for the faithful and appropriate enforcement and 
execution of laws and ordinances;
iv. Be entitled to carry the necessary firearms within his territorial jurisdiction;
V. Act as the deputized representatives 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 over police 
forces in the City in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as 
the "Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990"; and
I.
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VI. vi. Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress disorder, 
riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedution or apprehend violators of the law 
when public interest so requires and the city police forces are inadequate to 
cope with the situation or the violators;
3. Initiate the maximize the generation of resources and revenues, the 
implementation development plans, program objectives and priorities, 
particularly the resources and revenues programed for agro-industrial 
development and countryside growth and progress, and relative thereto, shall:
i. 
Require each head of an office or department to prepare and submit and 
estimate of appropriations for the calendar year in accordance with the 
budget preparation process enshrined under Republic Act No. 7160, as 
amended, otherwise known as 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;
iii. Ensure that all taxes and revenues of the City are collected and the City funds 
are applied to the payment of expenses and the settlement of obligations of 
the City, in accordance with law or ordinance;
iv. Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation 
of the condition upon which said licenses or permits had been issued 
pursuant to law or ordinance;
V. Issue permits without need of approval from any national agency, for the 
holdings and activities for any charitable or welfare purpose, excluding 
prohibited games or shows contrary to law, public policy morals;
vi. Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or structures to 
obtain the necessary permit, subject such fines and penalties as ay be 
imposed by law or ordinance, or to order the demolition or removal of said 
house, building or structure within the period prescribed by law or ordinance;
vii. Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserved land, mineral, forest, 
marine and other sources of the City;
viii. Provide efficient and effective property and supply management in the City 
and protect the funds, credits, rights and other properties of the City; and
ix. Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings for 
the 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 interest, 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 of roads and highways funded by the national 
government shall be, as far as practicable, carried out in a spatially


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contiguous manner and in coordination with the construction and repair of 
the roads and bridges of the City; and
ii. Coordinate the implementation of technical services including public works 
and infrastructure programs, rendered by the national offices.
5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as 
provided for under Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law 
or ordinance.
c.During the incumbency of the City Mayor, he shall hold office in the city 
hall.
SEC. 9. The City Vice Mayor. - a. There shall be a City Vice Mayor who shall be 
elected in the same manner as the City Mayor and at the time of his election shall 
possess the same qualification as the City Mayor. The City Vice Mayor shall hold office 
for a term of three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a monthly 
compensation corresponding Salary Grade Twenty-six (26) as prescribed under 
Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989", as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued 
pursuant thereto.
b. The City Vice Mayor Shall:
1. Act as the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and sign 
all warrants drawn on the City Treasury for all expenditures 
appropriated for the operations of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;
2. Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials 
and employees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, except those who 
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 the permanent vacancy;
4. Exercise the powers and perform the duties functions of the city Mayor 
in case of temporary vacancy; and
5. Perform other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as 
provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended.
CHAPTER IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD
SEC. 10. Composition. - a. The Sangguniang Panlungsod, the legislatives body 
of the City, shall be composed of the City Vice Mayor as presiding officer, the ten (10)
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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, who shall come from the following sectors, as 
members; one (1) from the women sector; and, as shall be determined by the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod within the ninety (90) days prior to the holding of local 
elections; one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers sector; and one (1) from 
the other sectors, including 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 by law.
c.
The members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shaW receive a minimum monthly 
compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-five (25) as prescribed 
under the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989", as amended, 
and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
SEC. 11. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. - The Sangguniang 
Panlungsod, as a 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 23 of 
the Local Government Code of 199, as amended and shall:
a.
3.
5.
Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective 
city government and in this connection 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,
Maintain peace and order by enacting measure to prevent and suppress 
lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or sedition and impose penalties 
for the violation of said ordinances;
Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P 
5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year, or both 
at the discretion of the court, for violation of a city ordinance;
Adopt measure to protect the inhabitants of the City on 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 livelihood following said events;
Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose appropriate 
penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places, vagrancy, mendicancy, 
prostitution, establishment and maintenance of houses of ill repute, gambling 
and other prohibited games if chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain
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money or property, drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, 
juvenile delinquency, the printing or 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;
6. Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which 
endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing and other forms of 
destructive fishing, illegal logging, smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural 
resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash-and- 
burn farming and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of 
eutrophication of rivers and lakes or of ecological imbalance;
7. Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended 
and the pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and 
employees of the City;
8. Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other 
emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from 
city funds and provide expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of 
programs, projects, services and activities of the city government
9. Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person not in the 
government service who fills up a temporary vacancy or grant honorarium to 
any qualified official or employee designated to fill a temporary vacancy in a 
concurrent capacity at the rate authorized by law;
10. Provide a mechanism and appropriate funds thereof, to ensure the safety and 
protection of all city government property, public documents, or records such as 
those relating to property inventory, land ownership, record of births marriages, 
deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits and such other 
records and documents of public interest in the offices and departments of the 
city government;
11. When the finances of the city government allow, provide for additional 
allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors, public elementary and 
high school teachers, and other national government officials stationed in or 
assigned to the City;
12. Provide legal assistance to Barangay officials, who, in the performance of their 
official duties or on the occasion thereof, have to initiate judicial proceedings or 
defend themselves against legal actions; and
13. Provide for a group insurance or additional insurance coverage for all officials, 
including members of barangay tanod brigaders and other service units, with 
public or private insurance companies, when the finances of the city government 
allows said coverage.
b. Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the development 
plans, program objectives and priorities of the City, with particular attention to 
agro-industrial development and city-wide growth and progress, relative thereto, 
shall:
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3.
4.
1. Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the city government and 
appropriate funds for specific programs, projects, services and activities of 
the City, or for other purposes not contrary to law in order to promote the 
general welfare of the City and its inhabitants;
2. Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, 
as amended, and other applicable laws and upon majority vote of all the 
members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, enact ordinances levying taxes, 
fees and charges, prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific 
purposes and granting tax exemption, incentive or reliefs;
Subject to the provisions of Book II 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 negotiate and contact 
loans and other forms of indebtedness;
Subject to the provisions of Book of the Local Government code of 1991, as 
amended, and applicable laws and upon the majority vote of all the members 
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, enact ordinances authoring the floating of 
bonds and other instrument of indebtedness, for the purpose of raising funds 
to finance development projects;
5. Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or 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 as buildings held in a propriety capacity, subject to existing laws, rules 
and regulations;
6. Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of property within the 
jurisdiction of the City;
7. Adopt a comprehensive land use plan for the City and ensure that the 
formulation, adoption or modification of the said plan shall be in coordination 
with the approved provincial comprehensive land-use plan;
8. Reclassify land within the jurisdiction of the City subject to pertinent 
provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
9. Enact integrated zoning ordinances in consonance with the approved 
comprehensive land-use plan, subject 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;
10. Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans for residential, 
commercial or industrial purposes and other development purposes, and to 
collect processing fees and other charges, the proceeds of which shall accrue 
entirely to the City; Provided, however. That where the approval of a national 
agency or office is required, said approval shall not be withheld for more than 
thirty (30) days from receipt of application. Failure to act on the application 
within the period stated shall be deemed as approved thereof;
11. Subject to the provision of Book II of the "Local Government Code of 1991 , 
as amended, grant exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or fish pens,
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C.
2.
or taking or catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag, or fry of any 
species or fish within city waters;
12. With the concurrence of at least two (2/3) of all the members of the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod, grant tax exemptions, incentives or relief to 
entities engaged in community growth-inducing industries, subject the 
provisions of the "Local Government Code of 199", as amended;
13. 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;
14. Regulate the numbering of residential, commercial and other building; and
15. Regulate inspection, weighing and measuring articles of commerce
Subject to the provisions of Book II of the "Local Government Code of 1991 , as 
amended, enact ordinances granting franchises and authorizing the issuance of 
permits or licenses, upon such conditions and for purposes intended to promote 
the general welfare of the inhabitants of the City and pursuant to this legislative 
authority, shall;
1. Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services rendered by the 
city government to private persons or entities;
Regulate or fix license fees for any business or practice of profession within 
the City and the conditions under which the license for the said business or 
practice of profession may be revoked and enact ordinances levying taxes 
thereon;
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 
conditions under which the same may be leased to private persons or 
entities, preferably cooperatives;
Regulate the display of and fix the license fees for signs and signboards or 
billboards at the place or places where the profession or business advertised 
thereby is, in whole or in part, conducted;
Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license the 
establishment, operation and maintenance of cockpits, and regulate cock 
fighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided, That the existing 
rights should not be prejudiced;
Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Transportation 
(DOTr), regulate the operation of tricycles and grant franchises for the 
operation thereof within the territorial jurisdiction of the City; and 
Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members if the Sangguniang 
Paniungsod, grant franchise to any person, partnership, corporation, or 
cooperatives to do business within the City; establish, construct, operate and 
maintain ferries, wharves, markets or slaughterhouses; or undertake such 
other activities within the City as may be allowed by existing laws; Provided, 
That cooperatives shall be given preference in the grant of such franchise.
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Regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures within the
City in order to promote the general welfare and for the said purpose, shall:
1. Declare, prevent or abate any nuisances;
2. 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 concerned 
require the filling up of any land or premises to a grade necessary for proper 
sanitation;
3. Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals, clinics and 
other similar establishments;
4. Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals, clinic and 
other similar establishments;
5. Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes, 
restaurants, beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, lodging 
houses and other similar establishments,
6. Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing of any intoxication malt, vino, 
mixed or fermented liquor at any retail outlet;
7. Regulate the establishment and provide for the inspection of steam boilers 
or any heating devise in buildings and the storage of inflammable and highly 
combustible materials within the City;
Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of any 
entertainment or amusement facility, including the theatrical performances, 
circuses, billiard pools, public dancing schools, public dance halls, sauna 
baths, massage parlors and other places for entertainment or 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;
9. 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
10. Provide for the impounding of stray animals; regulate the keeping of animals 
in homes or as part of business, and the slaughter, sale or disposition of the 
same; and adopt measures to prevent or penalize cruelty to animals;
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:
1. Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection and conservation of 
communal forest and watersheds, tree parks, greenbelts, mangroves and 
other similar forest development projects;
8.
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3.
5.
6.
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;
Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation by the city 
government of ferries, wharves, and other structures intended to accelerate 
productivity related to marine life in the preservation thereof;
Regulate the preparation and sale of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, 
fresh dairy products, and other food stuffs for public consumption;
Regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, parks and other 
public places and approve the construction, improvement, repair and 
maintenance of the same; establish bus and vehicle stops and terminals or 
regulate the use of the same by privately-owned vehicles which serve the 
public; regulate garages and operation of conveyances for hire; designate 
stands to be occupied by public vehicles when not in use; regulate putting 
up of signs, signposts, awnings and awning posts in the streets; and provide 
for the lighting, cleaning and sprinkling of streets and public places;
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;
7. 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 
territory within the drainage area of the said water supply and within one 
hundred meters (100 m.) of the reservoir, canal, conduit, aqueduct, pumping 
station, or watershed used in connection with the water service; and regulate 
the consumption, use or wastage of water and fix and collect charges 
thereof;
Regulate the drilling and excavation of the ground for the laying of water, 
gas, sewer, and other pipes and the construction, repair and maintenance of 
public drains, sewers, cesspools, tunnels and similar structures; regulate the 
placing of poles and the use of crosswalks, curbs and gutters; adopt 
measures to ensure public safety against open canals, manholes, lives wires 
and other similar hazards to life and property; and regulate the construction 
and use of water closets, privies and other similar structures in buildings and 
homes;
Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and construction 
of all gas mains, electric telegraph and telephone wires, conduits, meters and 
other apparatus; and provide for the correction, condemnation or removal of 
the same when found to be dangerous to the welfare of City's inhabitants;
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f.
10.Subject to the availability of fund and the existing laws, rules, and 
regulations, establish and provide for the operation of vocational and 
technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the 
approval of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA) and subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix and collect 
reasonable tuition fees and other school charges in educational institutions 
supported by the city government;
11. Establish a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students in schools 
located within its jurisdiction or for students residing within the City;
12. Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent the 
introduction and spread of diseases;
13. Provide for an efficient and effective system of solid waste and garbage 
collection and disposal and prohibit littering and the placing or throwing of 
garbage, refuse and other filth wastes;
14. Provide for the care of PWSs, 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 the availability of funds, establish and provide for the operation of centers 
and facilities for the said needy and disadvantaged persons;
15. Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of jails and 
detention centers, institute a sound jail management program, and 
appropriate funds for the subsistence of detainees and convicted prisoners 
in the City;
16. Establish a city council whose purpose is the promotion of culture and the 
arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-government 
organizations and, subject to the availability of funds, appropriate funds for 
the support and development of the same; and
17. Establish a city council for the elderly and senior citizen which shall formulate 
policies and adopt measure mutually beneficial to the elderly and to the 
community; provide incentive for non-governmental entities and, subject to 
the availability of funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects 
for the benefit of the elderly.
Perform other duties and functions and exercise such powers as provided for
under Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law
or ordinance.
CHAPTER V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION
SEC. 12. Internal Rules of Procedure. - a. On the First Regular session following 
the election of its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the Sangguniang 
Panlungsod st\aW adopt or update its existing Rules of Procedure.
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b. The Rules of Procedure shall provide the following:
2.
3.
4.
5.
The organization of the Sanggunian and the election of its officers as well as 
the creation of standing committees which shall include, but shall not be 
limited to , the committees on appropriations, revenues, engineering and 
public works, education and health, women and family, human rights, youth 
and sports development, environmental protection, peace and order and 
traffic, and cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of each committee; and the 
election of the chairperson and members of each committee;
The order and calendar of business of each session;
The legislative process;
The parliamentary procedures which include the conduct of members during 
sessions;
The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences without 
justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be 
censured, reprimanded, or excluded from the session, suspended for not 
more than sixty (60) days, or expelled. Provided, That the penalty of 
suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two thirds 
(2/3) vote of all the Sanggunian members; Provided, further. That the 
member convicted by final judgment to imprisonment or at least one (1) year 
for any crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from 
the Sanggunian; and
Such other rules as the Sanggunian may adopt.
SEC. 13. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interest of Sangguniang 
Panlungsod Members. — (a) Every Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall, upon 
assumption to office, make full of his business and financial interests. They shall also 
disclose any business, financial, professional relationship or any relation by affinity or 
consanguinity within the fourth civil degree with any person, firm or entity affected by 
any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the Sanggunian, which relationship 
may result in conflict of interests. Such relationship shall include:
1. Ownership of stock or capital, or investment in the entity or firm to which 
the ordinance or resolution may apply; and
2. Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which the ordinance or 
resolution under consideration may affect.
In the absence of a specific constitutional or statutory provisions applicable to 
this situation of a specific constitutional or statutory provisions applicable to this 
situation, "conflict of interest" refers, in general, to one where it may be 
reasonably deduced that a member of the Sanggunian may not act in the public 
interest due to some private, pecuniary or other personal considerations that 
may affect the exercise of judgment to the prejudice of the service or the public.
The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and shall be 
submitted to the Secretary of the Sanggunian or the secretary of the committee
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1.
2.
of membership. The disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the 
proceedings and shall be made in the following manner:
The disclosure shall be made before the member participates in the deliberations 
on the ordinance or resolution under consideration: Provided, That if the member 
did not participate during the deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before the 
voting on the ordinance or resolution on second and third readings; and 
Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a position or makes a privilege 
speech on a matter that may affect the business interest, financial connection, or 
professional relationship described herein.
SEC. 14. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of the session immediately following 
the election of its members, the Sdngguniang 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 Sdngguniang 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.
All Sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed- 
door session is ordered by an affirmative vote of a majority of the 
members present, there being a quorum, in the public interest or for 
reasons of security, decency or morality. No two (2) sessions, regular 
or special may be held in a single day.
d. In the case of special sessions of the Sanggunian, a written notice to 
the members shall be served personally at the members usual place 
of residence at least twenty-four (24) hours before the special session 
is held.
Unless otherwise concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the 
Sanggunian members present, there being a quorum, no other 
matters may be considered at a special session except those stated in 
the notice.
e. The Sanggunian Panlungsod shall keep a journal and record of its 
proceedings, which may be published upon resolution of the majority 
of the members.
SEC. 15. Quorum. - a. A majority of all the members of the Sanggunian who 
have been elected and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business. 
Should a question of quorum be raised during a session, the presiding officer shall 
immediately proceed to call the roll of members and thereafter announce the results.
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b. Where there is no quorum, the presiding officer may declare a recess until such 
time as a quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present may 
adjourn from day to day and may compel the immediate attendance of any 
member absent without justifiable cause by designating a member of the 
Sanggunian to be assisted by a member or members of the police force assigned 
in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of La Trinidad, to arrest the absent 
member and present him at the session.
c. If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately preceding 
subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper 
motion duly approved by the members present, shall then declare the session 
adjourned for lack of quorum.
SEC. 16. Approval of Ordinances. - a. Every ordinance enacted by the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be presented to the City Mayor. If the City Mayor 
approves the same, the signature shall be affixed on each and every page thereof; 
otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the Sanggunian, 
which may proceed to reconsider the same. The Sanggunian may override the veto of 
the City Mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the 
ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes.
b. The veto shall be communicated by the City Mayor to the Sanggunian within ten 
(10) days, otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if it had been,
SEC. 17. Veto Power of the City Mayor. - a. The City Mayor may veto any 
ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or 
prejudicial to the public welfare, stating his reasons thereof in writing.
b. The City Mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of an 
appropriations ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local 
development plan, any public investment program or an ordinance directing the 
payment of money or creating liability. In such case, the vetoed item or items 
shall not affect the item or items which are not objected to. The vetoed item or 
items shall not take effect unless the Sangguniang Panlungsod overrides the 
veto in the manner herein provided; otherwise, the item or items in the 
appropriations ordinance of the previous year corresponding to those vetoed, if 
any, shall be deemed enacted.
c. The City Mayor may veto an ordinance or resolution only once. The Sanggunian 
may override the veto of the City Mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its 
members, thereby making the ordinance effective without the approval of the 
City Mayor.
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SEC. 18. Review of City Ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a) 
Within three (3) days after the approval, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Paniungsod 
shall forward to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review, copies of the approved 
ordinances and the resolutions approving the local development plans and public 
investment programs formulated by the local development councils.
(b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of copies of such ordinances and 
resolutions, the Sangguniang Panlaiawigan shall examine the documents or transmit 
them to the provincial attorney or provincial prosecutor for prompt examination. The 
provincial attorney or the provincial prosecutor shall, within a period of ten (10) days 
from receipt of the documents, inform the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in writing of his 
comments and recommendations., which may be considered by the Sangguniang 
Panlalawigan in making its decision.
(c) If the Sangguniang Panlalawigan finds that such an ordinance or resolution 
is beyond the power conferred upon the Sangguniang Paniungsod concerned, it shall 
declare such ordinance or resolution invalid in whole or in part. The Sangguniang 
Panlalawigan shall enter its action in the minutes and shall advise the corresponding 
city authorities of the action it has taken.
(d) If no action has been taken by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan within thirty 
(30) days after submission of such an ordinance or resolution, the same shall be 
presumed consistent with law and therefor valid.
SEC. 19. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Paniungsod. - 
(a) Within ten (10) days after its enactment, the Sangguniang Barangay shall furnish 
copies of all barangay ordinances to the Sangguniang Paniungsod for review as to 
whether the ordinances are consistent with law or city ordinances.
(b) If the Sangguniang Paniungsod fa\\s to take action on barangay ordinances 
within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, the same shall be deemed approved.
(c) If the Sangguniang Paniungsod f inds a barangay ordinance 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 concerned for adjustment, amendment or modification; in 
which case, the effectivity of the barangay ordinance is suspended until such time as 
the revision called for is effected.
SEC. 20. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances or Resolutions. - Any attempt 
to enforce any ordinance or any resolution approving the local development plan and 
public investment program, after the disapproval thereof, shall be sufficient ground for 
the suspension or dismissal of the official or employee concerned.
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SEC. 21. Effectivity of Ordinances 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 La Trinidad, 
and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of La Trinidad not later than 
five (5) days after approval thereof.
(b) The Secretary of the Sanggunian 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 the 
approval thereof. The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and 
posted in Filipino or English and the Secretary of the Sanggunian Panlungsod shall 
record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of approval and 
posting.
(c) The main feature of the ordinance or resolution duly enacted or adopted 
shall, in addition to being posted, be published once in a local newspaper of general 
circulation within the City: Provided, That in the absence thereof, the ordinance or 
resolution shall be published in any newspaper or general circulation: Provided, further, 
That the gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall also be published in a 
newspaper of general circulation.
CHAPTER VI
DISQUALIFICATION AND SUCCESSION FOR 
ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS
SEC. 22. Disqualifications for Elective Public City Officials. - The following 
persons are not qualified from running for any eiective 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 after serving the sentence;
b. Those removed from office as a result of an administrative case;
c. Those convicted by final judgment for violating the oath of allegiance 
to the Republic of the Philippines;
d. Those with dual citizenship;
e. Fugitives from justice in criminal or nonpolitical cases here and 
abroad;
f. Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired 
the right to reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right after 
the effectivity of the Local Government Code of 199, as amended; and
g. The insane and feeble-minded.
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SEC. 23. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor and City Vice Mayor. 
- (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Mayor, the City Vice Mayor 
concerned shall become the City Mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of 
the City Vice Mayor, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member or, in a case 
of his or her permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking Sangguniang 
Panlungsod member becomes the City Mayor or the City Vice Mayor, as the case may 
be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically by the other 
Sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein
(b) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the Punong Barangay, the 
highest ranking Sangguniang Barangay member or, in case of his or her permanent 
incapacity, the second highest ranking Sanggunian member shall become the Punong 
Barangay.
(c) A tie between or among the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod 
members shall be resolved by drawing of lots.
(d) The successor 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 
official fills a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is 
removed from office, voluntarily resigns or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to 
discharge the functions of his or her office.
(f) For purposes of succession as provided in this Act, ranking in the Sanggunian 
shall be determined on the basis of proportion of votes obtained by each winning 
candidate to the total number of registered voters in the City immediately preceding 
local election.
SEC. 24. Permanent Vacancies in the Sanggunian 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 shall make the aforesaid appointments;
(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the Sanggunian member 
concerned had been elected shall be appointed in the manner herein provided. The 
appointee shall come from the same political party as that of the Sanggunian member 
who caused the vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office.
In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate of 
membership of the appointee from the highest official of the political party concerned 
are conditions sine qua non, and in any appointment without such nomination and
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certification shall be null and void db initio and shall be a ground for administrative 
action against the official responsible therefor;
(c) In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a Sangguniang member who 
does not belong to any political party, the City Mayor shall, upon recommendation of 
the Sangguniang Panlungsod, 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 Sangguniang Kabataan or barangay concerned.
SEC. 25. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. - (a) When the 
City Mayor is temporarily incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal 
reasons, including leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the City 
Vice Mayor of the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall automatically 
exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the City Mayor, except the 
power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees which only be exercised if the period 
of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.
(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission 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 also 
submit necessary documents showing the said legal cause no longer exist.
(c) When the City Mayor is travelling within the country but outside CLLA OL 
territorial jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three (3) consecutive BEGNE days, the 
City Mayor may designate in writing the officer-in-charge of the office. The 
authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the local official concerned 
shall exercise in the absence of the City Mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend 
or dismiss employees.
(d) In the event, however, that the City Mayor fails or refuses to issue such 
authorization, the City Vice Mayor or the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod 
member shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the office 
on the fourth (4th) day of absence of the City Mayor, subject to the limitations provided 
in subsection (c) hereof.
(e) . Except as provided above, the City Mayor shall, in no case, authorize any 
local official to assume the powers, duties and functions of the office, other than the 
City Vice Mayor or the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member, as the case 
may be.
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CHAPTER VII
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY
SEC. 26. The Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a) There shall be a 
secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who shall be a career official with the rank 
and salary equal to a head of a department or office.
(b) No person shall be appointed secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod 
unless one is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, 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 receive compensation, 
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.
(d) The secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall take charge of the office 
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and shall:
(1) Attend meetings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and keep a journal of its
proceedings;
(2) Keep the seal of the City and affix it with one's signature to all ordinances, 
resolutions, and other official acts of the Sangguniang Panlungsod au6 present 
these for signature to the pre presiding officer;
(3) Forward to the City Mayor for approval, copies of ordinances enacted by the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod and duly certified by the presiding officer in a manner 
provided in Section 54 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(4) Forward to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) copies of the 
appropriations ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod as provided 
under Section 326, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(5) Forward to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan copies of duly approved 
ordinances in the manner provided in Section 56 and 57 of the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended;
(6) Furnish, upon requests of any interested party, certified copies of records of 
public character in one's custody, upon payment to the City Treasurer of such 
fees as may be prescribed by ordinance;
(7) Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and resolutions enacted 
or adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, with the dates of passage and 
publication thereof;
(8) Keep in the office all nonconfidential records therein open to the public 
during usual business hours;
(9) Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants all 
ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval and cause their 
publication together with the original version in the manner provided under the 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
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(10) Take custody of the local archives and where applicable, the local library 
and annually account for the same; and
(11) Perform other duties and function 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.
SEC. 27. 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 recommends 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 whom one shall report regularly on the tax collection effort of the City.
(c) No person shall be appointed Treasurer unless he is a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of 
a college degree in commerce, public administration or law obtained from a recognized 
college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must 
have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years.
(d) The City Treasurer shall receive compensation, emoluments and allowances 
as may be determined by law.
shall:
(e) The City treasurer shall take charge of the City Finance Department, and
1) Advise the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsodand other local government 
and national officials concerned regarding disposition of local government funds 
on such other matters relative to public finance;
Take custody of and exercise proper management of the funds of the City; 
Take charge of the disbursement of all funds of the City and other funds, the 
custody of which has been entrusted by law or other competent authority; 
Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the jurisdiction 
of the City in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances pursuant to the 
provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended:
Maintain and update the tax information system of the City; and 
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.
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
SEC. 28. The City Assessor. - (a) The City Assessor must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of 
a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any other 
related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade eligible or its 
equivalent and must have acquired experience in real property assessment work or in
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any related field 
appointment.
for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
(b) The City Assessor shall receive 
allowances as may be determined by law.
such compensation, emoluments and
shall'
(c) The City Assessor shall take charge of the City Assessor's Department, and
(1) Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment of 
real properties for taxation are properly executed;
(2) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans 
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the evaluation and 
assessment of real properties for taxation purposes;
(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;
(4) Install and maintain a real property identification and accounting systems;
(5) Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing graphically 
all properties subject to assessment and gather all data concerning the same;
(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine whether all real 
properties with the City are properly listed in assessment of 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 Local Government Code of 1991, 
as amended;
(9) Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment 
records of real properties on all other records relative to its assessment, upon 
payment of as service charge or fee to the City Treasurer;
(10) Submit every semester a report of all assessments, as well as cancellations 
and modifications of assessments to the City Mayor and the Sangguniang 
Panlungsod] and
(11) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as 
provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the "Local 
Government Code of 1991", as amended, and those that are prescribed by law 
or ordinance.
SEC. 29. The City Accountant - (a) The City Accountant must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a Certified 
Public Accountant and must have acquired experience in the treasury or accounting 
service for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Accountant shall receive compensation, emoluments and allowances 
as may be determined by law.
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(c) The City Accountant shall take charge of both the Accounting and Internal 
Audit Services, and shall:
(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the City
(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the City Mayor and to the 
Sangguniang Panlungsod;
(3) Appraise the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other officials on the financial 
condition and operations of the City;
(4) Certify the availability of budgetary allotment to which expenditures and 
obligations may be properly charged;
(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers to 
determine completeness of requirements;
(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, allowances, 
reimbursement and remittances pertaining to the City;
(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and their liquidations and other 
adjustments related thereto;
(8) Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary edger and index cards;
(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the City pertaining 
to payrolls and deductions;
(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchases 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 the 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.
SEC. 30. The City Budget Officer. - (a) The City Budget Officer must be a good 
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, 
a holder of a college degree preferably in accounting, economics, public administration, 
or any related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in government 
budgeting or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the 
date of appointment.
(b) The City Budget Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) the City Budget Officer shall take charge of the City Budget Department, and
(1) Prepare forms, order and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary and 
appropriation matters for signature of the City Mayor;
shall:
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(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different departments and 
offices of the City;
(3) Assist the City mayor in the preparation of the budget and during budget 
hearings;
(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and 
submit comments and recommendations thereon;
(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM);
(6) Coordinate with the City Treasurer, the City Accountant and the City Planning 
and Development Coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;
(7) Assist the Sangguniang Panlungsod in reviewing the approved budgets for 
the component barangays;
(8) Coordinate with the City Planning and Development Coordinator in the 
formulation of the development plan of the City; and
(9) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise other powers as 
provided under the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and those 
that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 31. 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 
La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban 
planning, development studies, economics, public administration, or any related course 
obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible and 
must have acquired experience in development planning or in any related field for at 
least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Planning and Development Officer shall receive compensation, 
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The city planning and Development Officer shall take charge of the City 
Planning and Development Coordinating Office, and shall:
(1) Formulate integrated economic, social, physical and other development plans 
and policies for 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 and 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;
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(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and 
recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance committee 
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;
(7) Promote people's participation in development planning within the City;
(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the Local 
Development Council; and
(9) Perform such other functions and duties and exercise such other powers as 
provided for under the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and 
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 32. The City Engineer. —
a. The City Engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City 
of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a licensed civil engineer and must 
have acquired experience in the practice of the profession for at least five (5) 
years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
b. The City Engineer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
c. The City Engineer shall take charge of the City Engineering Office, and shall:
(1) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans 
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure 
development and public works in general of the City;
(2) Advise the City Mayor on infrastructure, public works and other engineering 
matters.
(3) Administer, coordinate, supervise and control the construction, maintenance, 
improvement and repair of roads, bridges, and other engineering and public 
works projects of the City;
(4) Provide engineering services to 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 
may be provided for under the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, 
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 33. The City Heaith Officer. -
The City Health Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the 
City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a licensed medical practitioner 
that must have acquired experience in the practice of the profession for at least 
five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
The City Health Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
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c. The City Health Officer shall take charge of the Office of the Health Services, and
2 
shall:
3 
(1) Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, formulate program
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implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the operation of the said
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office for the approval of the City Mayor in order to assist him in the efficient,
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effective and economical implementation of health service programs geared to
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implement health-related projects and activities;
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(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
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and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
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activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
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facilities relative to health services provided under Section 17 of the "Local
12 
Government Code of 1991", as amended;
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(3) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor,
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implement these health programs and projects which the City Mayor is
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empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod \s empowered
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to provide under the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended;
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(4) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the City Health Officer
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shall:
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(i) Formulate and implement policies, plans and projects to promote the
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health of the people in the City;
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(ii) Advise the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod on matters
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pertaining to health;
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(iii) Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to
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public health;
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(iv) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod through the Local
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Health Board, the passage of the ordinance as may be deemed necessary
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for the preservation of public 
health;
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(v) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws,
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ordinances and regulations;
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(vi) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments, stores
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selling food items or providing accommodations such as hotels, motels,
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lodging houses, pension house, and the like, in accordance with the
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Sanitation Code of the Philippines; and
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(vii) Conduct health information campaigns and render health intelligence
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services;
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(viii) Coordinate with other government agencies and nongovernment
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organizations involved in the promotion and delivery of health services,
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(ix) Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly during
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(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
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provided for under the "Local Government Code of 1991 , as amended, and
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those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
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C.
d.
SEC. 34. The City Civil Registrar. —
The City Civil Registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City 
of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree obtained from 
a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent 
and must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five (5) years 
immediately preceding the date of appointment.
The City Civil Registrar shall receive such compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
The City Civil Registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the 
City of La Trinidad, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Omnibus Election Code, 
and the other pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to implement them.
The City Civil registrar shall take charge 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 civil registry 
programs and projects which the City mayor is empowered to implement and 
which the Sangguniang Paniungsod is empowered to provide under the "Local 
Government Code of 1991", as amended.
(2) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the City Civil Registrar 
shall.
(i) Accept all registrable documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil 
status of persons;
(ii) File, keep and preserve in a secure place the books required by law;
(iii) Transcribe and enter immediately upon receipt all registrable 
documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in the 
appropriate civil registry books;
(iv) Transmit to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General within the 
prescribed period, duplicate copies of the registered documents required 
by law;
(v) Issued certified transcripts or copies of any certificate or registered 
document upon payment 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 authorized fee to the City Treasurer; 
and
(vii) Coordinate with the National Statistics Office in conducting 
educational campaigns for vital registration and assist in the preparation 
of demographic and other statistics for the City of La Trinidad.
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(3) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as 
provided for the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and those that 
are prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 35. The City Administrator—
a. The City Administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of 
La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in public 
administration, law or other related course obtained from a recognized college or 
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its eguivalent and must have acquired 
experience in management and administrative work for at least five (5) years 
immediately preceding the date of appointment.
b. The term of the City Administrator is co-terminus with that of the appointing 
authority.
c. The City Administrator shall receive compensation, emoluments and allowances as 
may be determined by law;
d. The City Administrator shall take charge of the City Administrator's Office, and shall:
(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof and upon approval 
thereof by the City Mayor, 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 Government Code of 1991 , as 
amended;
(2) Assist in the coordination of the work of all officials of the local government 
unit, under the supervision, direction and control of the City Mayor and, for this 
purpose, convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the local government 
unit;
(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the local government 
unit designed to promote career development and uphold the merit principle in 
the local government service;
(4) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the local government 
unit with the end 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 and calamities; and
(6) Recommend the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City mayor on all 
matters relative to the management and administration of the City.
(e) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as 
provided for the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and those that are 
prescribed by law or ordinance.
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SEC. 36. The City Legal Officer —
a. The City Legal Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City 
of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a member of the Philippine Bar and 
must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately 
preceding the date of appointment.
b. The term of the City Legal Officer shall be co-terminus with that of the appointing 
authority;
c. The City Legal Officer shall receive 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 
the 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 
delivery 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 programs and projects 
related to legal services which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and 
which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide under the "Local 
Government Code of 1991", as amended.
(3) Represent the local government unit in all civil actions and special 
proceedings wherein the local government unit or any official thereof, in his or 
her official capacity, is a party. Provided, that in actions or proceedings where 
the City of La Trinidad is a party adverse to the provincial government or to 
another component city, a special legal officer may be employed to represent 
the adverse party.
(4) When required by the City Mayor or Sangguniang Panlungsod, draft 
ordinances, contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments involving any 
interest of the City and provide comments and recommendations on any 
instruments already drawn;
(5) Render his opinion in writing on any question of law when requested to do 
so by the City Mayor or the Sangguniang;
(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 the Sangguniang, as the case may be.
(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm or corporation 
holding any franchise or exercising any privilege for failure to comply with any 
term or condition in the grant of such franchise or privilege and recommend 
appropriate actions to the City Mayor or Sanggunian, as the case may be.
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a.
(8) When directed by the City Mayor or the Sangguniang, initiate and prosecute, 
in the interest of the local government unit concerned any civil action on any 
bond, lease or other contact upon any breach or violation thereof; and
(9) Review and submit recommendations on ordinances approved and executive 
orders issued by component units;
(10) Recommend measures to the Sangguniang Panlungsodand advise the City 
Mayor on all matters related to the upholding of the rule of law;
(11) Be in the frontline of protecting human rights and prosecuting any violations 
thereof, particularly those which occur during and in the aftermath of man-made 
or natural disasters and calamities; and
(12) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as 
provided for in the "Local Government Side of 1991", as amended, and those 
that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 37. The City Sociai Welfare and Development Officer. -
The City Social Welfare and Development Officer must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a duly 
licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably in sociology or any 
other related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in the 
practice of social work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of 
appointment.
b. The City Social Welfare and Development Officer shall receive compensation, 
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.
c. The City Social Welfare and Development Officer shall take charge of the Office of
the Social Welfare and Development, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and 
provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out 
measures to ensure delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate 
facilities relative to social welfare and development services;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon arrival thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with social welfare 
programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and 
which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;
(3) Identify 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 crisp intervention for victims of abuse and 
exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and 
exploitations;
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(5) Assist the City Mayor, as the case may be, 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 welfare programs that will enhance the role of the youth 
in nation building;
(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment organizations 
which have for their purpose the promotion and the protection of all the needy, 
disadvantaged, underprivileged or impoverished groups or individuals, 
particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high risk to exploitation, abuse 
and neglect;
(9) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services particularly those which have 
to do 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 matters related to social welfare and development services which 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 for in the "Local Government Side of 1991", as amended and those 
that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
SEC. 38. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. -
The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder 
of a college degree preferably in environment, forestry, agriculture or any related 
course obtained from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil 
service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in the 
environment and natural resources management, conservation and utilization for 
at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
b. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall receive compensation, 
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.
c. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall take charge of the Office 
of the Environment and Natural Resources, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 
and to 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 as provided for under Section 17 
of the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended;
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(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City mayor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the environment 
and natural resources programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered 
to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod \s empowered to provide.
(3) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, 
tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest products and commercial 
forests, like 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 seeds and procedure seedlings for forest and tree 
parks;
(6) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects 
and render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and utilization 
activities consisted with ecological balance;
(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment 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 to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City mayor on 
all matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization, 
application of appropriate technology and other matters related to the 
environment and natural resources; and
(10) 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.
SEC. 38. The City Architect. - (a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a duly 
licensed architect and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years 
immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall receive 
compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall take charge of the 
Office of the Environment and Natural Resources, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 
and to provide assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out measures 
to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities
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relative to environment and natural resources as provided for 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 \s empowered to provide.
(3) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, 
tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest products and commercial 
forests, like 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 forest 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 nongovernment 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 the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on all 
matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application 
of appropriate technology and other matters related to the environment and 
natural resources; and
(10) 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.
SEC. 39. The City Architect. - (a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a duly 
licensed architect and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years 
immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Architect shall receive compensation, emoluments and allowances 
as may be determined by law.
(c) The City Architect shall take charge of the Office of 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
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measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provisions of adequate 
facilities relative to architectural planning and design;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement these architectural planning and design programs and projects which 
the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang 
Panlungsod is empowered to provide under the "Local Government Code of 
1991", as amended;
(3) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the Sanggunian the 
architectural plan and design for the local government unit or a part thereof, 
including the renewal of slums and blighted areas, land reclamation activities, 
the greening of land, and appropriate planning or marine and foreshore areas;
(4) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the Sanggunian or the City 
Mayor as the case may be, the architectural plans and design submitted by 
governmental and nongovernmental entities or individuals, particularly those of 
undeveloped, underdeveloped, and poorly designed areas; and
(5) Coordinate with government and non-government 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 front line 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 and calamities;
(7) 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.
SEC. 40. The City Information Officer. - (a) The City Information Officer must 
be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral 
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in Journalism, mass communication 
or any related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in writing 
articles and research papers, or writing for print, television or broadcast media for at 
least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Information Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The City Information Officer shall take charge of the Office on Public 
Information and Community relations Department and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in providing the 
information and research data required for the delivery of basic services and
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provision of adequate facilities so that the public becomes aware of the said 
services and may fully avail of the same;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with public information 
and research data to support programs and projects which the City Mayor is 
empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod \s empowered 
to provide.
(3) Provide relevant, adequate, and timely information to the City and its 
residents;
(4) Furnish information and data on local government agencies or offices as may 
be required by law or ordinance; and nongovernmental organizations to be 
furnished to the said agencies and organizations; and
(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 
inhabitants and encourage support for programs of the local and national 
government;
(6) Be in the front line in providing information during and in the aftermath of 
man-made and natural disasters and 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 
socioeconomic development of the City; and
(8) 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.
SEC. 41. The City Cooperatives Officer. -
(a) The City Cooperatives Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident 
of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree 
preferably in Business Administration with special training on cooperatives or any 
related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil 
service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experiences in cooperatives 
organization and management for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the 
date of appointment.
(b) The City Cooperatives Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The City Cooperatives Officer shall take charge of the Office for the 
Development of Cooperatives and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
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measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of facilities 
through the development of cooperatives and in providing access to such 
services and facilities;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement the same, particularly these with the integration of cooperative 
principles and methods in programs and projects which the City Mayor is 
empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsodis empowered 
to provide;
(3) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;
(4) Provide technical assistance 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 
nongovernmental 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 cooperative organization, rehabilitation or viability 
enhancement, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural 
disasters and calamities, to aid in their survival and, if necessary, subsequent 
rehabilitation;
(7) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on 
all matters relative to cooperatives development and viability enhancement 
which will improve the livelihood and quality of life of inhabitants; and
(8) 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.
SEC. 42. The City Population Officer. - a) The City Population Officer must be 
a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, a good moral character, 
a holder of a college degree preferably with specialized training in population 
development obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service 
eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in the implementation of 
programs on population development or responsible parenthood for at least five (5) 
years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Population Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The City Population Officer shall take charge of the Office of Population 
Development and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out 
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provisions for adequate
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facilities relative to the integration of the population development, principles and 
providing access to said services and facilities;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement these 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;
(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.
(6) 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.
SEC. 43. The City Veterinarian. - (a)The City Veterinarian must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a licensed 
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and must have practiced the profession at least three (3) 
years immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Veterinarian shall 
allowances as may be determined by law.
receive compensation, emoluments and
(c) The City Veterinarian shall take charge of the Office of Veterinary Services, 
and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for consideration of the Sangguniang Paniungsod 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;
(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City mayor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with veterinary-related 
activities which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the 
Sangguniang Paniungsod is empowered to provide;
(3) Advise the City Mayor on all 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 human 
consumption;
(6) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty of animals;
(7) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of 
animal diseases
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(8) Be in the frontline 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 in human consumption, particularly those arising from and 
in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and 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 animal used for work 
or human consumption; and
(10) 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.
SEC. 44. The City General Services Officer. -
(a) The City General Services Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a 
resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree 
in public administration, business administration and management obtained from a 
recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and 
must have acquired experience in general services, including management of supply, 
solid waste disposal, and general sanitation for at least five (5) years immediately 
preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City General Services Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments 
and allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The City General Services Officer shall take charge of the Office of General 
Services, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and 
provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out 
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services expertise and technical support 
services;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement these 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, real or personal, 
owned by the City, and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation, 
assistance and 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 space;
(5) Recommend to the City Mayor reasonable rental rates for local government 
properties, whether real or personal, which will be leased to public or private 
entities by the local government;
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(6) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, landscaping and other related 
services in all local government public buildings and other real property, whether 
owned or leased by the City;
(7) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and other 
costs of supplies and other items commonly used by the City;
(8) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of offices 
and the department of local government unit;
(9) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property management 
heretofore performed by the local government treasurer and enforce policies on 
records creation, maintenance, and disposal;
(10) Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the possible 
and imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties, and 
structure materials or debris, particularly during and in the aftermath of man­
made and natural disasters and calamities;
(11) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on 
all matters relative to general services; and
(12) 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.
SEC. 45. The City Agriculturist -
(a) The City Agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the 
City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in 
agriculture or any other related course obtained from a recognized college or university, 
a first grade civil service eligible or its eguivalent and must have practiced his profession 
in agriculture or acquired experience in a related filed for at least five (5) years 
immediately preceding the date of appointment.
(b) The City Agriculturist shall receive compensation, emoluments and 
allowances as may be determined by law.
(c) The City Agriculturist shall take charge of the Office for the Agricultural 
Services, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and 
provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out 
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate 
facilities relative to agricultural services;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, 
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with agricultural 
programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and 
which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;
(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the agriculturist shall:
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(i) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in production, 
processing and marketing of agricultural and aqua-cultural and marine 
products are extended to farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs;
(ii) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural 
researches and assist in marking available the appropriate technology 
arising out of and disseminating information on basic research on crops, 
prevention and control of plant diseases and pests, and other agricultural 
matters which will maximize productivity;
(iii) Assist the City Mayor in the establishment and extension services of 
demonstration farms of aqua-culture marine products;
(iv) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and aqua-culture; 
and
(v) 
Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental 
organizations in the promotion of agricultural productivity through 
appropriate technology compatible with environmental integrity;
(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic agricultural services, particularly 
those needed for the survival of the inhabitants during and in the aftermath of 
man-made and natural disasters and calamities;
(5) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on 
all 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 for under the "Local Government Code of 1991", as amended, and 
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.
CHAPTER VIII
THE CITY FIRE STATION SERVICE, THE CITY JAIL SERVICE, THE CITY 
SCHOOL DIVISION AND CITY PROSECUTION SERVICE
SEC. 46. 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 Interior and Local 
Government. The City shall provide the necessary land or site of the station.
(b) The City Fire Station Service shall be headed by a City Fire Marshal whose 
qualifications shall be as those provided for under Republic Act No. 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 protection and various 
emergency services such as reduce and evacuation of injured people at fire-related
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incidents and, in general fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety 
of life and property of the citizenry.
SEC. 47. The City Jail Service. -
(a) There shall be established an maintained in the City, a secured, clean, 
adequately equipped and sanitary jail for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any 
fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting investigation or trial and or transfer 
to the national penitentiary, and/or violent mentally ill person who endangers himself 
or the safety of others, surly certified as such by the proper medical health officer, 
pending the transfer to a mental institution.
(b) The City Jail Service shall be headed by a City Jail Warden whose qualifications 
shall be as those provided for under the Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail 
Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004. One shall assist in the 
immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention prisoners. The City Jail Warden shall 
ensure that great care is exercised at all times so that human rights prisoners are 
respected and protected, and their spiritual and physical well-being are properly and 
promptly attended to.
SEC. 48. The City School Division. -
There shall be established and maintained by the Department of Education (DepEd), a 
city schools division of the City of La Trinidad whose area of jurisdiction will cover all 
the schools districts within the City.
The City School Division shall be headed by a City Schools Division Superintendent who 
must possess the necessary qualifications required by the Department of Education.
SEC. 49. The City Protection Service. -
There shall be established in the City, a prosecution service to be headed by a 
City Prosecutor and be organizationally part of the Department of Justice 
(DOJ), and under the supervision and control of the Secretary of Justice and 
whose qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary, and benefits shall 
be governed by existing laws covering prosecutors of DOJ.
The City Prosecutor shall handle the criminal prosecution in the municipal trial 
courts in the City as well as in the regional trial courts for criminal cases 
originating in the territory of the City, and shall render to or for the City such 
services as required by law, ordinance or regulation of the DOJ.
The Secretary of Justice shall always ensure the adequacy and the quality of 
prosecution service in the City and, for this purpose, shall, in the absence, lack or
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insufficiency in number of assistant city prosecutors as provided herein-above, 
designate from among the assistant provincial prosecutors a sufficient number to 
perform and discharge the functions of the city prosecution service as provided herein­
above.
CHAPTER IX
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS
SEC. 50. Municipal Ordinance Existing at the time of Approval of this Act. - The 
City of La Trinidad shall, unless otherwise provided for by law, continue to be under 
the jurisdiction of the Province of Benguet.
SEC. 51. Jurisdiction of the Province of Benguet. - The City of La Trinidad shall, 
unless otherwise provided for by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the 
Province of Benguet.
SEC. 52. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. - No increase in the 
rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within a period of five (5) years from 
its acquisition of corporate existence.
SEC. 53. Legislative District. - Until otherwise provided for by law, the City of La 
Trinidad shall continue to be part of the First District of Benguet.
SEC. 54. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, 
otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and such laws 
as are applicable to the component cities shall govern the City of La Trinidad in so far 
as they are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 55. Plebiscite. - The City of La Trinidad shall acquire corporate existence 
upon the ratification of its creation by a majority of votes cast by the qualified voters 
in a plebiscite to be conducted in the present Municipality of La Trinidad within sixty 
(60) days from the approval of this Act. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne 
by the Municipality of La Trinidad. The Commission on Elections shall conduct and 
supervise the plebiscite.
SEC. 56. Officials of the City of La Trinidad. - The present elective officials of the 
Municipality of La Trinidad shall continue to exercise their powers functions until such 
time that a new election is held and the duly-elected officials shall have already qualified 
and assumed their offices. The appointive officials and employees of the Municipality 
of La Trinidad shall likewise continue exercising their functions and duties and they 
shall be automatically absorbed by the City Government of La Trinidad.
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SEC. 57. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members 
of the Province of Benguet. - The qualified members of the City of La Trinidad shall 
qualify to vote and run for any elective position in the elections for Provincial Governor, 
Provincial Vice Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members and other elective 
offices for the Province of Benguet.
SEC. 58. Reservation. - Nothing herein contained shall preclude the 
determination by the appropriate agency or forum of boundary disputes or cases 
involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between the City of La Trinidad and any of 
the adjoining local government units even after the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 59. Succession Clause. - The City of La Trinidad shall success to all the 
assets, properties, liabilities, and obligations of the Municipality of La Trinidad.
SEC. 60. Separability Clause. -If, for any reason or reasons, any part of 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.
SEC. 61. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, rules and regulations or 
parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 62. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its publication in at least 
two (2) newspapers of general and local circulation.
Approved,
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