Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2787

Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO
DEL SUR INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS. CITY OF SANTA CRUZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to convert the Municipality of Santa Cruz into a component city of the Province
of Davao del Sur to be known as the City of Santa Cruz.

Under the Local Government Code (LGC), political subdivisions shall enjoy genuine and
meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant
communities and make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. Toward this
end, the State shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted
through a system of decentralization whereby local government units shall be given more powers,

authority, responsi

ities, and resources. The process of decentralization shall proceed from the
National Government to the local units (Section 2 (a), LGC]

As such, Section 1 of the Republic Act. No. 11683 otherwise known as “An Act Amending
Section 450 of Republic Act No. 7160, Otherwise Known as the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended by the Republic Act 9009, by Providing for the Requisites for the Conversion of A
Municipality into a Component City, and For Other Purposes’ state that,

“A municipality or a cluster of barangays with a locally generated average annual income, as
certified by the Department of Finance, of at least Four Million Pesos (400,000,000.00) for the last two
(2) consecutive years based on 2012 constant prices may also be converted into a component city if it
has either a population of not less than one hundred thousand (100,000) inhabitants as certified by the
PSA ora contiguous territory of at least one hundred (100) square kilometers, as certified by the Land
Management Bureau: Provided, That three (3) years after the effectivity of this Act and every three (3)
years thereafter, the threshold amount of Four Hundred Million Pesos (P 400,000,000.00) shall be
increased by (5%).”



Santa Cruz is a coastal municipality in the province of Davao del Sur. The municipality has a
land area of 319.91 square kilometers or 123.52 square miles which constitutes 14.78% of Davao del
Sur's total area.

Its population as determined by the 2020 Census was 101,125. This represented 14.86% of the
total population of Davao del Sur province, or 1.93% of the overall population of the Davao Region.
Based on these figures, the population density is computed at 316 inhabitants per square kilometer or
819 inhabitants per square mile.

‘On October 5, 2013, during the town's 129th anniversary of its existence, its local government
leaders and populace have envisioned for a new aspiration for the town to become a city, given the
presence of large industrial companies like the San Miguel Corporation, Coco Davao Inc., Franklin
Baker Co., GSL Food Industries in the town. The municipal mayor then, Joel Ray Lopez commented,
As the oldest town in the province of Davao del Sur, we really wanted it to become a city soon.

Its infrastructure have greatly improved, and most of its cityhood requirements, specifically its
income and total land area requirements, have been already met. When the municipality of Santa Cruz
finally becomes a city, full industrialization in the area may be expected

Hence, Santa Cruz, has complied with the criteria set forth by the Republic Act No. 11683, and
other pertinent laws on the matter.

The proposed conversion will enhance Santa Cruz posture and capability of enticing more
business and industries in the locality, increase its pace of development and consequently improving
the lives of the inhabitants residing therein. Further, the cityhood, will considerably improve Santa Cruz
efficiency to respond to the ever-growing needs of its constituents for more and better services because
of the city’s greater power to generate its own resources of revenues for its exclusive use.

In view of thereof, support and approval of this measure is earnestly sopghtt

JOHN |. CAGAS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO._2787
Introduced by HON. JOHN TRACY F. CAGAS

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO
DEL SUR INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ

Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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 Santa Cruz.”

SEC. 2. The City of Santa Cruz — The Municipality of Santa Cruz shall be converted into a
component city to be known as the City of Santa Cruz, hereinafter referred to as “the City” which shall
comprise the present territory of the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Province of Davao del Sur.

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

The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution, by the appropriate agency
or forum, of existing boundary disputes or cases involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between
the City of Santa Cruz and the adjoining of local government units (LGUs): Provided, That the territorial
jurisdiction of the disputed area or areas shall remain with the LGU exercising powers, prerogatives
and authorities over such disputed area or areas under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, until the final resolution of the case.

‘SEC. 3. Corporate Powers of the City ~ The City constitutes a political body corporate and as
such, is endowed with the attributes of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers which pertain
to a municipal corporation to be exercised in conformity with the provision of this Charter. The City
shall have the following corporate powers:

(a) To have continuous succession in its corporate name;
(b) To sue and be sued;

(To have and use a corporate seal;

(d) To acquire, hold and convey real or personal property;

(€) To enter into any contract agreement; and


(£) To exercise such other powers, prerogatives, or authorities granted corporations, subject to
the limitations provided under the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended this Act or other
laws,

‘The City shall have a common seal and it may continue using, modify, or change their
existing corporate seals: Provided, That any change of corporate seal shall be registered with the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

SEC. 4. General Powers - The City shall exercise the power to levy taxes, fees and charges; to
close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks or squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey
and dispose of real and personal property for the general interests of the City; to expropriate or condemn
private property for public use; to contract and be contracted with, to sue and be sued; to prosecute and
defend to final judgement and execution suits wherein the City is involved or interested in; and to
exercise all the powers under Sections 18,19, 20, and 21, of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended, subject to the limitations provided therein.

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

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

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

SEC. 7. Jurisdiction of the City - The jurisdiction of the City, for police purposes, shall be
coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and for the purpose of protecting and ensuring the purity of
the water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend over all the territory within the
drainage area of such water supply,or within one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit,
canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the city water service.

‘The Municipal Trial Court in Cities of the City of Santa Cruz and the municipal courts of the
adjoining cities and municipalities shall have concurrent jurisdiction to try felonies and offenses
committed within the said drainage area or areas within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m.) of
any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the City water
service delivery.

‘The court first taking jurisdictions of such felonies and offenses shall have jurisdiction to try
cases to the exclusion of others. The police force of the municipalities and cities concemed shall have
concurrent jurisdiction with the police forces of the City for the maintenance of good order and the
enforcement of ordinances throughout said zone, are or space. Any license that may be issued within
the said zone, area or space shall be granted by the proper authorities of the city or municipality
concemed, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrue to the treasury of the said city or municipality
concemed.


ARTICLE IL
OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

SEC. 8. The Officials of the City of Santa Cruz — (a) There shall be in the City of Santa Cruz:
a City Mayor, a City Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panglungsod members, a Secretary to the Sangguniang
Panglungsod,a City Treasurer and an Assistant City Treasurer, a City Assesor, and an Assistant City
Assesor, a City Accountant, a City Budget Officer, a City Planning and Development Officer, a City
Engineer and Assistant City Engineer a City Building Official, a City Health Officer and an Assistant
City Health Officer, a City Civil Registrar and an Assistant City Civil Registrar, a City Administrator,
a City Legal Officer, a City Social Welfare and Development Officer, a City Veterinarian, a City
General Services Officer and a City Register of Deeds.

(6) _ In addition, thereto, the City Mayor may appoint a City Environment and Natural
Resources Officer, a City Architect, a City Information Officer, a City Cooperatives Officer.a City
Population Officer.a City Public Order and Safety Officer, a City Agriculturista City Human Resource
Management Officer, and a Tourism Officer.

(©) The Sangguniang Panglungsod may:
(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof,

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

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

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

(©) Elective and appointive city officials shall be entitled to compensation, allowances and
other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance, subject to the budgetary
limitations for 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 the Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall take
effect until after the expiration of the full term of the local officials approving the increase.

ARTICLE IL
THE CITY MAYOR AND CITY VICE-MAYOR

SEC. 9. The City Mayor. - (a) The City Mayor shall be the Chief Executive of the City and
shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City

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

‘The City Mayor, who shall hold office for three (3) years unless sooner removed, and shall not serve
for more than three (30 consecutive terms in the same position, shall receive a minimum monthly


compensation corresponding to Salary Grade (SG) 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 and such other compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

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

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

(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and activities of
the City Government and, in this connection, shall:

(0)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

()

(vi)

ii)

(viii)

(ix)

&)

Determine the guidelines of city policies and be responsible to the Sangguniang
Panlungsod for the program of government;

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;

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;

Initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and, as often as
may be deemed necessary, provide such information and data needed or requested by said
Sanggunian in the performance of its legislative functions;

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

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

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

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

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

Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully discharge their
duties and functions as provided for by law and the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any


(xi)

(xii)

(xiii)

(xiv)

(xv)

(xvi)

(xvii)

(xviii)

(xix)

(xx)

(xxi)

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

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

Fumish copies of executive orders issued by the City mayor to the Office of the Provincial
Governor within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance;

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

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

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

Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or assigned to the City for advice
‘on matters affecting the City and make recommendations thereon;

Coordinate with said officials or employees in the formulation and the implementation of
plans, programs and projects; and when appropriate, initiate an administrative or judicial
action against a National Government official or employee, who may have committed an
offense in the performance of the official duties while stationed in or assigned to the City;

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

Solemnize marriages, any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding;

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 (DepEd); and

Submit to the provincial governor of 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 and situations arise at any time
during the year, particularly when man-made or natural disasters or calamities affect the
general welfare of the City.

2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and in the exercise of its
appropriate corporate powers provided under Section 22 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as


amended, implement all approved policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the City and
in addition to the foregoing, shall:

@

Gi)

Ensure that the acts of the City's component barangays and of its officials and
employees are in accordance with the scope of their prescribed powers, duties and
functions;

Call for the conduct of conventions, conferences, seminars or meetings of elective or
appointive officials of the City, including provincial and national officials and
employees stationed in or assigned to the City, at such time and place and on such
subjects as may be deemed important for the promotion of the general welfare of the
LGU and its inhabitants;

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

(i)

3)

(iii)

(wv)

w)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

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

Prepare and submit to the Sangguniang Panlungsod 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;

Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the City are collected and that city funds
are applied to the payment of expenses and settlement of obligations of the City, in
accordance with law or ordinance;

Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the
conditions stipulated by law or ordinance and upon which said licenses or permits had
been issued;

Issued permits, without need of approval therefor from any national agency, for the
holding of activities for any charitable or welfare purpose, excluding prohibited
‘games of chance or shows contrary to law, public policy, and public morals;

Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or other structures to obtain
the necessary permits, subject to such fines and penalties as may be imposed by law
or ordinance, or to make necessary changes in the construction of the same when said
construction violates any law or ordinance, or to order the demolition or removal of
said house, building or structure within the period prescribed by law or ordinance;

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

Provide efficient and effective property and supply management for the City
Government, and protect the funds, credits, rights and other properties of the City;
and

Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings for violation
of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees or charges, and for the recovery of funds


and property; and cause the City to be defended against all suits to ensure that its
interests, resources, and rights are adequately protected.

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities and, in addition
thereto:

() Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and highways funded by the National
Government shall be, as far as practicable, carried out in a spatially contiguous
‘manner and in coordination with the construction and repair of the roads and bridges
of the City and the province;

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

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

(d) The City Mayor shall hold office in the City Hall of the City of Santa Cruz.

Section 10. The City Vice-Mayor. - (a) There shall be a City Vice-Mayor who shall be elected in the
same manner as the City Mayor and shall at the time of the election possess the same qualifications as
the City Mayor. The City Vice-Mayor shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and
who shall not serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms in the same position, shall receive a
monthly compensation corresponding to SG 26 as prescribed under the Compensation and Position
Classification Act of 1989, as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto, and
such other compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by Taw.

(b) The City Vice-Mayor shall exercise the following duties:

(1) Actas presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and sign all warrants drawn on the
City Treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod.

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

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

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

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


ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD.

Section 11. Composition and Compensation. - (a) The Sangguniang Panlungsod, the legislative body
of the City, shall be composed of the City Vice-Mayor as the presiding officer, ten (10) regular
Sanggunian Members, the President of the City Chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay, the President of
the Pantungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan and the three (3) sectoral representatives
from the following sectors, as members: one (1) from the woman sector; and, as shall be determined by
the Sangguniang Panlungsod within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the local elections, one (1)
from the agricultural or industrial workers sector; and one (1) from the other sectors, including the urban
poor, indigenous cultural communities, or persons with disabilities (PWDs).

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

(©) The members of the Sangguniang Panlngsod shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to SG 25 as prescribed under the Compensation and Position
Classification Act of 1989, as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant
thereto.

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

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

(i) __ Review all ordinances approved by the Sangguniang Barangay and executive orders
issued by the Punong Barangay to determine whether these are within the scope of the
prescribed powers of the Sangguniang Barangay and of the Punong Barangay;

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

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

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

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


(wi)

(vii)

(viii)

(x)

it)

(xi)

(xii)

(xiii)

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 or in the acceleration of siltation of rivers and lakes, or in ecological
imbalance;

‘Subject to the provisions of the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended, and the
pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the City;

Consistent with the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989, as
amended, determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other
emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from city
funds and provide for expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of programs,
projects, services, and activities of the City Government;

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

Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor 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 department of the government;

‘When the finance 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;

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

Provide for group insurance or additional insurance coverage for all barangay officials,
including members of barangay tanod brigades and other service units, by public or
Private insurance companies, when the finances of the City Government allow and
coverage.

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

@

Gi)

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;

Subject to the provisions of Book Il 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 ordinance levying taxes, fees and charges, prescribing


(iii)

(iv)

®)

(wi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

(c9)

(xi)

(xii)

(xiii)

the rates thereof for general and specific purposes and granting tax exemptions,
incentives or relief’;

Subject to the provisions of Book Il of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended, and upon the majority vote of all the members of the Sangguniang
Pnalungsod, authorize the City Mayor to negotiate and contract loans and other forms
of indebtedness;

Subject to the provisions of Book Il 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 authorizing the floating of bonds or other
instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose of raising funds to finance development
Projects;

Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the rental of buildings for
the use of the City; and, upon the majority vote of all the members of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod authorize by the City Mayor to lease to private parties such public
buildings held in proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

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

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

Reclassify lands within the jurisdiction of the City subject to the pertinent provisions
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

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

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 of the
City: Provided, however, That where approval of a national agency or office is
required, said approval shall not be withheld for more than thirty (30) days from receipt
of the application. Failure to act on the application within the period stated above shall
be deemed as approval thereof,

With the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefS to entities engaged in
community growth-inducing industries, subject to the provisions of the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended;

Grant loans or provide grants to other LGU or to national, provincial and city
charitable, benevolent or educational institutions: Provided, That said institutions are
operated and maintained within the City;

Implement a numbering system for residential, commercial and other buildings in the
City; and


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

(3) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, enact ordinances
that grant franchises and authorize the issuance of permits or licenses, upon conditions and for
purpose that promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the City, and pursuant to this
legislative authority, perform the following duties and functions:

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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 said business or practice of
profession may be revoked and enact ordinances levying taxes thereon;

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

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

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

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

Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, grant a franchise to any person, partnership, corporation or
‘cooperative to do business within the City; establish, construct, operate and
maintain markets or slaughterhouses; or undertake such other activities within the
City as may be allowed by existing laws: Provided, That cooperatives shall be
given preference in the grant of such a franchise.

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

(i) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(ii) Within the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod expressed during a meeting, deny the entry of legalized gambling by
ordinance into any part of the City;

(ii) Require that buildings and the premises thereof and any land within the City be kept

and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition; impose penalties for any violation
thereof; or upon failure to comply with said requirement, have the work done at the
‘expense of the owner, administrator or tenant concemed; or require the filling of any
land or premise to a grade necessary for proper sanitation;


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

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

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

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

(viii) Regulate the establishment, operation, and maintenance of any entertainment
or amusement facilities, including theaters, circuses, billiard halls, public dancing
schools, public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors, and other places for
entertainment or amusement; regulate such other events or activities for amusement
or entertainment, particularly those which tend to disturb the community or annoy the
inhabitants, or require the suspension or suppression of the same; or prohibit certain
forms of amusement or entertainment in order to protect the social and moral welfare
of the community;

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

(x) Enforce impounding activities to contain stray animals; designate a pounding area;
regulate the keeping of animals in homes or as a part of business, and the slaughter,
sale or disposition of the same; and adopt measures to prevent and penalize animal
cruelty.

(5) _ Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the basic services
and facilities as provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,
and in addition to said services and facilities, shall:

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

(ii) Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animal corrals and authorize the operation
thereof by the City Government; and regulate the construction and operation of
private markets, talipapa or other similar buildings and structures;

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

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



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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;

Subject to existing law, 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 water supply; regulate the construction,
‘maintenance, repair and use of hydrants, pumps, cistems 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 territories within the
drainage area of said water supply and within one hundred (100) meters of the
reservoir, canal, conduit, aqueduct, pumping station or watershed used in
connection with the water service; and regulate the consumption, use or wastage
of water and fix and collect charges therefor,

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

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, defective, or otherwise hazardous to the welfare of
the inhabitants;

Subject to the availability of funds and to existing laws, rules and regulations,
establish and provide for the operation of vocational and technical schools and
similar post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of the DepEd and
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), as the case
may be, fix and collect reasonable tuition fees and other school charges in
educational institutions supported by the City Government;

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

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

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

Provide for the care of PWDs, paupers, the elderly, the sick, persons of unsound
mind, abandoned minors, juvenile delinquents, drug dependents, abused children
and the youth below eighteen (18) years of age; and subject to availability of
funds, establish and provide for the operation of centers and facilities for the said
needy and disadvantaged persons;


(xiv)

(xv)

(xvi)

(6) Perform other
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance

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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 detained and convicted prisoners in the City;

Establish a council which shall promote culture and the arts, coordinate with
government agencies and nongovernmental organizations and, subject to the
availability of funds, appropriate funds for the support and development of the
same; and

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

duties and functions, and exercise other powers as provided under the Local

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

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

(b) The rules of procedure shall provide for the following:

‘The organization of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the election of its officers as
well as the creation of standing committees which shall include the committees on
Appropriations, Revenues, Engineering and Public Works, Education and Health,
Women and Family, Human Rights, Youth and Sports Development,
Environmental Protection, Peace and Order and Traffic, and Cooperatives; the
general jurisdiction of each committees; and the election of the chairperson and
members of each committee;

The order and calendar of business for 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 Sangguniang
Panlungsod members: Provided, further, That a member convicted by final
judgment to imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving moral
turpitude shall be automatically expelled from the Sangguniang Panlungsod; and

‘Such other rules as the Sangguniang Panlungsod may adopt.


Section 14. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of Sangguniang Panlungsod Members. -
(a) Every Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall, upon assumption to office, make a full disclosure of
their respective businesses and financial interests. The disclosure shall also include any business,
financial, professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil
degree, which a Sangguniang member may have with any person, firm or entity affected by any
ordinance or resolution under consideration by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and which relationship
may result in conflict of interest. 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 provision applicable to the situation,
“conflict of interest” refers to a situation where it may be reasonably deduced that a member of
the Sangguniang Panlungsod may not act in the public interest due to some private, pecuniary
or other personal considerations that may tend to affect the exercise of judgment to the prejudice
of the service or the public.

(b) The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and submitted to the
Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or the Secretary of the concerned committee. The
disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the proceedings and shall be made in
the following manner:

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

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

Section 15. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of the session immediately following the election of its
members, the Sanggunigang Panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the day, time and place of its sessions.
The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week for the Sangguniang Panlungsod and
twice a month for the Sangguniang Barangay.

(b) When the public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the City
Mayor or by a majority of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

(©) All Sangguniang Panlungsod 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) persons, regular or special, may be held in a single day.

(d) In the case of special sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, 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 Sangguniang Panlungsod
members present, there being a quorum, no other matters may be considered at a special
session except those stated in the notice.


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

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

(b) Where there is no quorum, the presiding officer may declare a recess until such time 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
Sangguniang Panlungsod to escort a member to the place where the session is being conducted, with
the assistance of a member or members of the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the
City of Sta, Cruz arrest and present the absent member at the session.

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

Section 17. Approval of Ordinances. - (a) The Sangguniang Pantungsod shall present to the City Mayor
every ordinance enacted. Each page thereof shall contain the affixed signature of the City Mayor in case
of approval. Otherwise, the ordinance shall be vetoed and returned with statements of objections to the
Sangguniang Panlungsod, which may proceed to reconsider the same. The Sangguniang Panlungsod
may override the veto of the City Mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making
the ordinance effective for all legal intents and purposes.

(b) The City Mayor shall communicate the veto to the Sangguniang Panlungsod within ten (10)
days; otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if it has been signed.

Section 18. Veto Power of the City Mayor. - (a) The city Mayor may veto any ordinance of the
Sangguniang Pantungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or prejudicial to the public welfare, and
shall state the reasons for the veto in writing.

(b) The City Mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of an
appropriates ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local development plan and
public investment program, or an ordinance directing the payment of money or creating
liability. In such case, the veto shall not affect the item or items which are not objected
to. The vetoed item or items shall not take effect unless the Sangguniang 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 re-enacted.

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

Section 19, Review of City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a) Within three (3) days
after approval, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall forward to the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan for review, copies of approved ordinances and the resolutions approving the local
development plans and public investment programs formulated by the local development council.

(b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of copies of such ordinances and resolutions, the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan shall examine the documents or transmit them to the
Provincial Attorney, or if there be none, to the Provincial Prosecutor for prompt


examination. The provincial Attorney or the Provincial Prosecutor shall, within a period
of ten (10) days from receipt of the documents, inform the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in
writing of their comments or recommendations, which may be considered by the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan in making its decision.

(0) If the Sangguniang Panlalawigan finds that such an ordinance or resolution is beyond
the power conferred upon the Sangguniang Pantungsod, 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.

(4) 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.

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

(b) If the Sangguniang Panlungsod fails to take action on barangay ordinance within
thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, the same shall be deemed approved.

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

Section 21. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances or Resolutions. - Any attempt to endorse 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.

Section 22. Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions. - (a ) Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance or
the resolution approving the local development plan and public investment program, the same shall take
effect after ten (10) days from the date of a copy thereof is posted in a bulletin board at the entrance of
the City Hall of Santa Cruz, and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of Santa Cruz
not later than five (5) days after approval thereof.

(b) The Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall cause the posting of an ordinance or
resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the City Hall, and in at least two (2) conspicuous
places in the City not later than five (5) days after approval thereof.

The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or English and
in the language or dialect understood by the majority of the people in the City, and the Secretary of
the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates
of approval and posting,

(c) The gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall be posted at prominent places in the City
Hall, for a minimum period of three (3) consecutive weeks. Such ordinances shall also be published
in a newspaper of general circulation within the City and in the City’s official website.


ARTICLE VI
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION FOR ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Section 23. Disqualifications for Elective City Officials. - The following persons are disqualified
from running for any elective position in the City:

(a) Those sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or an offense
punishable by one (1) year or more imprisonment, within two (2) years after serving
sentence;

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

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

(d) Those with dual citizenship as a result of naturalization;
(©) Fugitives from justice in criminal or nonpolitical cases here and abroad;

(®) 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 1991, as amended; and

(g) The insane or feeble-minded.

Section 24. Permanent Vacancy in the Offices of the City Mayor and City Vice-Mayor. - Ifa permanent
vacancy occurs in the office of the City Mayor, the City Vice-mayor shall become the City Mayor. Ifa
permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Vice-mayor, the highest ranking Sangguniang
Pantungsod member or, in case of the latter’s permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking
Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall become the City Mayor or City Vice-Mayor, as the case may
be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically by the other Sangguniang
Pantungsod members according to their ranking as defined under the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended,

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

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

Section 25. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a) Permanent vacancies in the
Sangguniang Panlungsod where automatic succession, as provided above, does not apply shall be filled
by appointments in the following manner:

(1) The Provincial Governor shall make the aforesaid appointments;

(2) Only the nominee of the political party under which the Sangguniang Panlungsod member
concemed had been elected and whose elevation to the position next higher in rank created
the last vacancy in the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be nominated in the manner provided
herein. The appointee shall come from the political party as that of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod 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 shall be conditions sine qua
non, and any appointment without such nomination and certification shall be null and void ab
initio and shall be ground for administrative action against the official responsible therefor;

(3) In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a Sangguniang Panlungsod 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

(4) In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in the Sangguniang
Pantungsod, said vacancy shall be filled automatically by the official next in rank of the
organization concemed.

Section 26. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. - (a) When the City Mayor is
temporarily incapacitated to perform the duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but not limited to,
leave of absence, travel abroad, or suspension from office, the City Vice-Mayor or the highest ranking
Sangguniang Panlungsod member, as the case may be, shall automatically exercise the powers and
perform the duties and functions of the City Mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss
employees which can only exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working
days,

(b) The temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission of the City Mayor of a written
declaration of having reported back to the office to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. In case where
the temporary incapacity is due to legal cause, the City Mayor shall also submit the necessary
documents showing that the legal cause no longer exists.

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

(d) If the City Mayor fails or refuses to issue such authorization, the City Vice-Mayor or the
highest ranking Sangguniang Pantungsod member, as the case may be, shall have the right to
assume the powers, duties and functions of the said office on the fourth (4th) day of absence of
the City Mayor, subject to the limitations provided in subsection (c) hereof.

(f) Except as provided above, the City Mayor shall, in no case, authorize any local official to
assume the powers, duties and functions of the office, other than the City Vice-Mayor or
the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member, as the case may be.

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

Section 27. The Secretary to 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
ahead of a department or office.

(©) The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod 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 signature to all ordinances, resolutions, and other
official acts of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and present the same for the signature of the
presiding officer;

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

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

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

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

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

(8) Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants all ordinance and resolutions
immediately after their approval and cause the publication of the same together with the original
version in the manner provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

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

(10) Perform other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided under
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that may be prescribed by law or
ordinance relative to his position.

Section 28, The City Treasurer. - (a) The City Treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of
the Department of Finance (DOF) from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees
of the City Mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations

(b) The City Treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the City Mayor, to whom
the City Treasurer shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City

(©) The City Treasurer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz,
of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor’s degree in commerce, public administration, or
law from recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent
and must have acquired at least five (5) years of expiration in treasury or accounting service.

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

(e) The City Treasurer shall supervise the City Finance Department, and shall:
(1) Advise the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other local government and

national officials concerned regarding the disposition of local government funds and on
such other matters relative to public finance;


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

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

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

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

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

Section 29. Assistant City Treasurer. - (a) The Assistant City Treasurer may be appointed by the
Secretary of the DOF from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the City Mayor,
subject to civil service law, rules and regulations;

(b) The Assistant City Treasurer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa
Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of bachelor’s degree preferably in commerce, public
administration or law from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in treasury or accounting service.

(c) The Assistant City Treasurer shall assist the City Treasurer and perform such duties as may be
assigned by the latter.

(a) The Assistant City Treasurer shall have authority to administer oaths concerning notices and
notifications to those delinquent in the payment of the real property tax and concerning official matters
relating to the accounts of the City Treasurer or otherwise arising in the office of the City Treasurer and
the City Assessor.

(e) The Assistant City Treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

Section 30. The City Assessor. - (a) The City Assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of bachelor’s degree preferably in civil or
mechanical engineering, commerce, or any other related course from a recognized college or university,
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years
experience in real property assessment work or in any related field immediately preceding the date of
appointment,

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

©) The City Assessor shall take charge of the City Assessor's Department, and shall:

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

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


(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;
(4) Install and maintain real property identification and accounting system;

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

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

(7) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for taxation purposes of all real
properties in the City;

(8) Prepare a schedule of the fair market value of the different classes of real properties in
accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

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

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

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

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

Section 31. The Assistant City Assessor. - (a) The Assistant City Assessor must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor's degree
preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any other related course from a recognized
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least
three (3) years’ experience in real property assessment work or in any related field immediately
preceding the date of the appointment.

(b) The Assistant City Assessor shall assist the City Assessor and perform such other duties as may be
assigned by the latter.

(©) The Assistant City Assessor shall have the authority to administer oaths on all declarations of real
property for purposes of assessments.

(d) The Assistant City Assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may
be determined by law.

Section 32. The City Accountant. - (a) The City Accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a certified public accountant and must have
acquired experience in either treasury or accounting work immediately preceding the date of the
appointment for at least five (5) years.


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

(c) The City Accountant shall take charge of both the office of the accounting and internal audit services
of the City, and shall:

(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the City;
(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the City Mayor and to the Sangguniang Panlungsod;

(3) ) Apprise 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 the
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 liquidation of the same and other adjustments
related thereto;

(8) Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledgers and other appropriate record keeping
instruments;

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

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

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

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

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

Section 33. The City Budget Officer. - (a) The City Budget Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of bachelor's degree preferably in
accounting, economics, public administration or any related course from a recognized college or university,
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience
in government budgeting or in any related field immediately preceding the date of appointment.

(b) The City Budget Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be
determined by law.


(c) The City Budget Officer shall take charge of the City Budget Department, and shall:

(1) Prepare forms, orders, and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary and appropriation matters
for the signature of the City Mayor,

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

(3) Provide assistance to the City Mayor in the preparation of the City's annual budget and in presenting
the same during the budget hearings,

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

(5) Submit periods 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
Officer for the purpose of budgeting;

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

(8) Coordinate with the City Planning and Development Officer in the formulation of the development
plan of the City; and

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

Section 34, 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 Santa Cruz, of good moral
character, a holder of a bachelor’s degree preferably in urban planning, development studies,
economics, public administration, or in any related course from a recognized college or university, a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have at least five (5) years experience in
development planning or in any related field immediately preceding the date of the appointment.

(b) The City Planning and Development Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(©) 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 or agencies;

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


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

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

(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 under the
Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law or
ordinance.

Section 35, The City Engineer. - (a) The City Engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a licensed civil engineer, and
must have practiced the engineering profession for at least five (5) years.

(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 infrastructure development and public works
policies, objectives, plans and programs of the City, and the techniques, procedures and
practices to be implemented relative thereto;

(2) Advise the City Mayor on infrastructure, public works and other engineering matters;

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

(4) Provide engineering service 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 provided for
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by
law or ordinance.

Section 36, The Assistant City Engineer. - (a) The Assistant City Engincer must be a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder
of a bachelor's degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any
related course from a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible
or its equivalent and must have practiced the engineering profession or any related field for
at least three (3) years

(b) The Assistant City Engineer shall assist in the City Engineer and perform such other
duties as may be assigned by the latter.


(©) The Assistant City Engineer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

Section 37. The City Building Official. - (a) The City Building Official shall be appointed
by the Secretary of the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) from a list of
at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the City Mayor, subject to civil service
law, rules and regulations.

(b) The City Building Official shall be under the administrative supervision of the City
Mayor, to whom the City Building Official shall report regularly;

(©) The City Building Official must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of
Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a licensed architect or civil engineer, a member of
good standing of a duly accredited organization of his profession and have practiced his
profession for at least five (5) years with diversified and professional experience in b
design and construction, and attended and successfully completed a seminar workshop on
Presidential Decree No. 1096, otherwise known as the National Building Code, conducted
by the DPWH

(d) The City Building Official shall take charge of the City Building Office, independent
of the City Engineering Office, and shall:

(1) Be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of the National Building
Code and its implementing rules and regulations, as well as circulars, memoranda,
opinions and decisions/orders issued pursuant thereto. His actions shall always be
guided by appropriate orders/directives from the Secretary;

(2) Have overall administrative control and/or supervision over all works pertinent to
buildings/structures in his area of responsibility and shall be charged with the
processing of all permit applications and certificates as well as the issuance of the same;

(3) Ensure that all changes, modifications, and alterations in the design plans during the
construction phase shall not start until the modified design plan has been evaluated and
the necessary amendatory permit issued;

(4) Undertake annual inspections of all buildings/structures and keep an up-to-date record
of their status;

(5) Keep a permanent record and accurate account of all fees and other charges fixed and
authorized to be collected and received under Presidential Decree No. 1096, otherwise
known as the National Building Code; and

(6) Perform other duties and functions, and exercise such other powers as provided under
the National Building Code, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law or
ordinance, or as may thereafter be delegated to him from time to time.

Section 38. The City Health Officer. - (a) The City Health Officer must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a licensed
medical practitioner, and must have practiced the medical profession for at least five
(5) years.



(b) The City Health Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(c) The City Health Officer shall take charge of the City Health Services Office, and
shall:

(1) Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, formulate program
implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the operation of the said
office for the approval of the City Mayor in order to assist him in efficient, effective
and economical implementation of health service program geared to implement
health-related projects and activities,

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

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

(4) Coordinate with national, regional and provincial health officials and with other
agencies of the government in the implementation of mitigation policies and other
measures during public health emergencies;

(5) Supervise the delivery of basic health service, all city health centers, hospitals, and
clinics in accordance with city and national health policies and programs such as
those on dental health, maternal health, family planning, nutrition, immunization,
and environmental safety and sanitation;

(6) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the City Health Officer shall:

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

(ii) Advise the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Pnalungsod on matter's pertaining
to health;

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

(iv) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, through the Local Health Board,
the passage of such ordinances necessary for the preservation of public health;

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


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

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

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

(7) Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly du ring and in the
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; and

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

Section 39. The Assistant City Health Officer. - (a) The Assistant City Health Officer
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good
moral character, a licensed medical practitioner, and must have practiced the
medical profession for at least three (3) years.

(b) The Assistant City Health Officer shall assist the City Health Officer and perform
such other duties as may be assigned by the latter.

(©) The Assistant City Health Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

Section 40, The City Civil Registrar. - (a) The City Civil Registrar must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a
holder of a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university, a first grade
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years
experience in civil registry work.

(b) 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 Carmona pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code, and other
pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to implement them.

(d) The City Civil Registrar shall take charge of the office of the City Civil Registrar,
and shall:

(1) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and
administration-related programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered
to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide
under the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as amended;

a. In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the City Civil Registrar shall:


(©) The City Administrator shall receive such compensations, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law.

(a) The City Administrator shall take charge of the City Administrator's Office, and shall

(1) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
same, particularly those which have to do with the management of 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 the officials of the City under the supervision,
direction and control of the City Mayor, and for this purpose, may convene the chiefs of
offices and other officials of the LGU;

(3). Establish and maintain a sound human resource development program designed to promote
career development and uphold the merit principle in the local government service;

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

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

(6) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the City Mayor policies, programs and
activities, relative to the management and administration of the City; and

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

Section 43. The City Legal Officer. - (a) The City Legal Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a member of the Philippine Bar, and must
have practices the law profession for at least five (5) years.

(b) The term of City Legal Officer shall be coterminous with that of the appointing authority

(©) The City Legal Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be
determined by law.

(d) The City Legal Officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the Office of the City
Legal Service, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures and ordinances 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 provisions of adequate facilities,

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


which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is
empowered to provide;

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

(4) When required by the City Mayor or 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 an opinion in writing on any question of law when requested to do so by the City Mayor
or Sangguniang Pantungsod;

(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
‘Sangguniang Panlungsod, as the case may be;

(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm, or corporation holding any franchise
of exercising any public privilege for failure to comply with any term or condition in the grant
of such franchise or privilege, and recommend appropriate action to the City mayor or
Sangguniang Panlungsod, as the case may be;

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

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

(10) Advise the City Mayor on all matters related to upholding the rule of law;

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

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

Section 44. The City Social Welfare and Development Officer. - (a) The City Social Welfare
and Development Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa
Cruz, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a bachelor's degree
preferably in the fields of social work, sociology, or any other related course from a recognized
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired
at least five (5) years experience in the practice of the social work profession 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.


(©) The City Social Welfare and Development Officer shall take charge of the Office of Social
Welfare and Development, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures and strategies to ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision
of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and development services for the approval
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and to assist the City Mayor in carrying out these measures;

(2) In addition to the foregoing duties, the City Social Welfare and Development Officer shall:

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

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

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

(iv) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, elderly and victims of
drug addition, 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;

(v) Initiate and support youth welfare program that will enhance the role of youth in nation-
building;

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

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

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

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

Section 45. The City Veterinarian. - (a) The City Veterinarian must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a licensed doctor
of veterinary medicine and must have practiced the profession for at least three (3) years.


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

(©) The City Veterinarian shall take charge of the Office of Veterinary Services, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Pantungsod 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 Panlungsod 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 public consumption;

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

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

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

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

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

Section 46. The City General Services Officer. - (a) The City General Services Officer must a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor’s
degree in public administration, business administration, or management conferred by a recognized
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least
five (5) years experience in general services, including the management of supply, property, solid waste
disposal and general sanitation,

(b) The City General Services Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law.

(c) The City General Services Officer shall take charge of the Office of the General Services, and 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 of adequate facilities that require general services expertise in
technical support services;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
‘same, particularly those which have to do with the general services 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 accountable for all properties, real or personal, owned by the City, and
those conveyed 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 the space;

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

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

(7) 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;

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

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

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

a) 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;

(12) ‘Advise the City Mayor on all matters relative to general services; and

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

Section 47. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. - (a) The City Environment
and Natural Resources Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of
Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor's degree preferably in environment,


forestry, agriculture or any other related course from a recognized college or university, a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years
experience in environment and natural resources management, conservation, and utilization
work.

(b) The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c) The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall take charge of the Office of the
Environment Service Department, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures and ordinances for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and provide assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out measures to ensure
the delivery of basic services and provisions of adequate facilities relative to environment
and natural resources services as provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code
of 1991, as amended;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
same, particularly those which have to do with environment and natural resources programs
and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang
Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, tree parks,
mangroves, green belt lands, commercial forests and similar projects 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;

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

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

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

(9) Recommend measures to the Sangguniang Pantungsod 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
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by
law or ordinance.


Section 48. The City Architect. - (a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the Phi
of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a duly licensed architect and must have practiced
the architectural profession for at least five (5) years.

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

(c) The City Architect 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 measures to ensure the
delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to architectural planning
and design;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
same, particularly those which have to do with architectural planning and design programs and
projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang
Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod the architectural
plan and design for the City or a part thereof, including the renewal of slums and blighted areas,
land reclamation activities, the greening of landscapes, the development of appropriate plans
for the preservation and protection of marine and foreshore areas,

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

(5) Coordinate with government and nongovernmental entities and individuals involved in the
aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the land and water within the jurisdiction of the City
in the implementation of plans and programs for the preservation of environmental integrity
and ecological balance;

(6) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services involving architectural planning, design, and
spatial distribution of basic facilities and physical structures especially in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters or calamities;

(7) Advise the City Mayor on all matters relative to architectural planning and design as its
relates to the total socio-economic development of the City; and

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

Section 49. The City Information Officer. - (a) The City Information Officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of bachelor's,
degree preferably in journalism, mass communications, or any related course from a recognized
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at


least three (3) years experience in writing articles and research papers, or writing for print, television,
or broadcast media,

(b) The City Information Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

(c) The term of the City Information Officer shall be coterminous with that of the appointing authority;

(@) The City Information Officer shall take charge of the Office of the City Information and Community
Relations Department, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and provide
technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in providing the appropriate information and
research data required for the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities so
that the public becomes aware of said services and may fully avail of the same;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
same, particularly those which have to do with public information and research data to support
programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the
Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the City and its residents;

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

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

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

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

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

Section 50. The City Cooperatives Officer. - (a) The City Cooperatives Officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character. a holder of a bachelor's degree
preferably in business administration with special training on cooperatives or any related course from a
recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have
acquired at least five (5) years experience on cooperative development, organization, and management.

(b) The City Cooperatives Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.


(©) The City Cooperatives Officer shall take charge of the Office of the Development of
Cooperatives, and shall:

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

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

(3) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

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

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

(7) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on all other
matters relative to cooperatives development and viability enhancement which will
improve the livelihood and quality of life of the inhabitants; and

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

Section 51. The City Population Officer. - (a) The City Population Officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character. a holder of a bachelor's degree
in any of the social science discipline conferred by a recognized college or university, and preferably
specialized training in population development, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and
must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the implementation of programs on population
development or responsible parenthood

(b) The City Population Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances
‘as may be determined by law.

(©) The City Population Officer shall take charge of the Office on 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
censure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities through the
integration of the population development principles and in providing access to said
services and facilities;


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

(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 and
understanding of population development;

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

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

Section 52. The City Agriculturist. (a) The City Agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor's degree in agriculture
or any other related course conferred by a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service
eligible or its equivalent, and must have practiced the agriculture profession or acquired at least five (5)
years experience in agriculture or a related field.

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

(©) The City Agriculturist shall take charge of the Office for Agricultural Services, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and provide
technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out measures to ensure
the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to 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 City Agriculturist shall.

(i) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the 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 making available the appropriate technology arising out of and
disseminating information on basic research on crops, prevention and control
of plant diseases and pests, and other agricultural matters which will maximize

productivity;


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

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

(v) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations
which promote agricultural productivity through applied technology
compatible with environmental integrity.

(4) Be in the frontline in the delivery of basic agricultural services and provide technical advice to
farmers and fisher-folk in the adoption of critical climate adaptation and disaster mitigation practices
and techniques, and ensure the availability of staple food such as rice, com, and produce especially in
reparation for an impending natural calamity, and in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters;

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

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

Section 53. The City Human Resource Management Officer. - (a) The City Human Resource
Management Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good
‘moral character, a holder of a bachelor's degree preferably in human resource, psychology, and other
related course conferred by a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in organization design and strategic
workforce planning, recruitment and staffing, performance management, compensation and benefits,
and training and development traffic management immediately preceding the date of appointment.

(b) The City Human Resource Management Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments,
and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c) The City Human Resource Management Officer shall take charge of the City Human
Resource and Management Office, and shall:

(1) Develop a human resource management plan aimed at improving the productivity
and professional growth of the City Government's employees, and recommend the
same to the City Mayor, and if warranted, to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval
and implementation;

(2) Ensure that the recruitment, selection and placement is based on merit and fitness;

(3) Design, develop, coordinate, implement, deliver and evaluate training programs that
support organization objectives that are aligned with the organizations strategic plans;

(4) Develop and implement heads and staff development programs that support the
organizations succession plans;

(5) Ensure the implementation of a Strategic Performance Management System that
includes individual Performance Contracts, ensures results-based performance, and the
provision of rewards and recognition for outstanding performance and loyalty in the
service; and


(6) Perform such other duties and functions, and exercise such other powers as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section $4. The City Tourism Officer. - (a) The City Tourism Officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character. a holder of a bachelor's degree
in tourism or a related field conferred by a recognized college or university, and preferably specialized
training in tourism development, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have
acquired at least five (5) years experience in implementing programs on tourism development.

(b) The City Tourism Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law.

(©) The City Tourism Officer shall assist the City mayor and the local tourism council in
developing and implementing programs and shall:

(1) Encourage the LGU to enact local legislation adopting the Department of Tourism
(DOT) accreditation stands for tourism facilities and services;

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

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

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

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

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

Section 55. The Public Order and Safety Officer. - (a) The City Public Order and Safety Officer must
be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Santa Cruz, of good moral character, a holder
of a bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or
its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in public safety management for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

Section 56. The City Fire Station Service. - (a) There shall be established in the City of Santa Cruz 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 DILG. The City shall provide necessary
site for the station.


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

(c) The City Fire Station Service shall be headed by a City Fire Marshal whose qualifications
shall be as provided under Republic Act No, 9263, as amended, otherwise known as the "Bureau
of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of
2004".

Section 57. The City Jail Service. - (a) At least five (5) months from the commencement of the
corporate existence of the City, the DILG shall establish and maintain a secured, clean, adequately
equipped and sanitary jail facility for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any fugitive from justice,
or person detained awaiting investigation or trial or transfer to the national penitentiary, or a violent
mentally-ill persona who may endanger oneself or the safety of others, as duly certified by the proper
‘medical health officer, prior to the transfer ot such person to a mental institution

(b) The City Jail Service shall be headed by a City Jail Warden whose qualifications shall be
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".
The Provincial Jail Warden shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or
detention of prisoners. Great care must be exercised so that human rights of these prisoners are
respected and protected, and their spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promptly
attended to.

Section 58. The City Schools Division. - The Department of Education (DepEd) shall establish and
maintain a City Schools Division of the City of Santa Cruz whose area of jurisdiction will cover all the
school districts within the City.

‘The City Schools Division shall be headed by a City Schools Division Superintendent who must possess
the necessary qualifications required by the DepEd.

Section 59. The City Prosecution Service. - (a) The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall, within two (2)
months from the commencement of the corporate existence of the City, establish and maintain a
prosecution service. It shall be headed by a City Prosecutor, who shall be assigned by such number of
assistant prosecutors as may be necessary, and whose qualifications, manner of appointment, rank,
salary and benefits shall be governed by existing laws covering prosecutors in the DOJ. The City
Prosecution Service shall be organizationally part of the DOJ, and under the supervision and control of
the Secretary of the DOJ.

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

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


ARTICLE IX
THE CITY REGISTRY OF DEEDS

Section 60. The City Registry of Deeds Office. - There shall be established in the City a Registry of
Deeds Office, subject to the standards, rules, and regulations as may be promulgated by the DOJ, which
shall discharge its duties under the general supervision of the Administrator of the Land Registration
Authority and the Secretary of the DOJ.

Section 61. The City Register of Deeds. - (a) The City Register of Deeds shall be the head of the City
Registry of Deeds Office, He must be a citizen of the Philippines, of good moral character, a member
of the Integrated Bar, and must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

(b) The City Register of Deeds shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances
‘as may be determined by law.

(c) The City Register of Deeds shall take charge of the City Registry of Deeds Office and shall
perform such duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided by law.

ARTICLE X
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVI

Section 62, Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. - All municipal
ordinances of the Municipality of Santa Cruz existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall
continue to be in force within the City of Santa. Cruz until the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall provide
otherwise.

Section 63. Plebiscite. - The City of Santa Cruz shall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification
of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in
the present Municipality of Santa Cruz within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act.

‘The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite. The expenses
for such plebiscite shall be bone by the Municipality of Sta. Cruz.

Section 64. Holdover Authority of the Officials of the Municipality of Santa Cruz. - The present
elective officials of the Municipality of Santa Cruz shall continue to exercise their powers and functions
until such time that a new election is held ad the duly-elected officials shall have already qualified and
assumed their offices. Appointive officials and employees of the Municipality of Santa Cruz shall,
likewise, continue exercising their functions and duties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the
City Government of the City of Santa Cruz.

Section 65. Succession Clause. - The City of Santa Cruz shall succeed to all the assets, properties,
liabilities and obligations of the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

Section 66. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of the Province
‘of Davao del Sur. - The qualified voters of the City of Santa Cruz shall be qualified to vote and run for
any elective position in the elections for provincial govemnor, provincial vice governor, Sangguniang
Panlalawigan members and other elective offices of the Province of Davao del Sur.


Section 67. Jurisdiction of the Province of Davao del Sur. - The City of Santa Cruz shall, unless
otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of Davao del Sur.

Section 68. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. - No increase in the rates of local taxes
shall be imposed by the City of Santa Cruz within the period of five (5) years from its acquisition of
corporate existence.

Section 69. Legislative District. - Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Santa Cruz shall continue
to be part of the Lone Legislative District of the Province of Davao del Sur.

Section 70. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended, and such other laws as are applicable to component cities shall govern the City of Santa Cruz
insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Section 71. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Charter
shall be held unconstitutional, invalid or inconsistent with the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force
and effect.

Section 72. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,