Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila [Ss RECEIVED 7
fe pare 97 JUL 2s
TWENTIETH CONGRESS (+ Tine eam
1" Regular Session e. BY
‘ S
House Bill No. 1509 0 mnex3

Introduced by Representatives ERIC GO YAP and EDVIC G. YAP

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Municipality of La Trinidad is a first-class municipality in the Province of
Benguet. It is composed of sixteen (16) barangays, the largest in the province,
namely: Alapang, Alno, Ambiong, Bahong, Balili, Beckel, Betag, Bineng, Cruz,
Lubas, Pico, Poblacion, Puguis, Shilan, Tawang, and Wangal.

During the colonial era, La Trinidad is relatively the most developed settlement in
the Benguet area as it served as the gateway from the Southern Lowlands in to the
mountain region and the center of administration for colonizers. At present, La
Trinidad is home to several higher learning institutions, a center for banking and

finance, and an expanding area of socio-economic activities.

This bill seeks to convert the Municipality of La Trinidad into a component city of
the Province of Benguet to be known as the City of La Trinidad. This conversion will
venture on the full economic potential of the Municipality of La Trinidad, Benguet -
as it will pave the way for more development and added services to the growing
population. Moreover, it will provide the means to properly address issues and

concerns of the provincial capital.

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

HON. ERIC GO YAP HON. EDVIC G. YAP


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
1* Regular Session

House Bill No. 1509

Introduced by Representatives ERIC GO YAP and EDVIC G. YAP

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF LA TRINIDAD, PROVINCE OF
BENGUET INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF LA
TRINIDAD

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

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Charter of the City
of La Trinidad.”

SEC. 2. City of La Trinidad. - The Municipality of La Trinidad is hereby
converted into a component city to be known as the City of La Trinidad, hereinafter
referred to as the City, which shall compromise of the present territory of the
Municipality of La Trinidad in the province of Benguet.

La Trinidad is located 3 kilometers north of Baguio City and is 256 kilometers
north of Manila. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Tublay, on the
south by the City of Baguio, on the west by Sablan and Tuba. Its geographical
coordinates are 16°21" north latitude 120°35" east longitude.

The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution of
appropriate agency or forum of existing boundary disputes or cases involving
questions of territorial jurisdiction between the Municipality of La Trinidad and the
adjoining local government units. Provided, That the territorial jurisdiction of the
disputed area or areas shall remain with the local government unit the fin al
resolution of the case.

SEC. 3. Corporate Powers of the City. - The City constitutes a political body that
is corporate in nature and as such is endowed with the attributes of perpetual


succession and possessed the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation to be
exercised in conformity corporate powers:

‘To have a continuous succession in its corporate name;

. To sue and be sued;

To have and use a corporate seal;

|. To acquire, hold and convey real or personal;

To enter into any contracts or agreements; and

To exercise such other powers, prerogatives or authority subject to the
limitations provided under this Act or in existing laws.

mepooe

SEC. 4. General Powers of the City. - The City shall have a common seal and
may alter the same at pleasure. Provided, That any change of corporate seal shall be
registered with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). It shall
exercise the power to levy taxes; to close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks or
squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold lease, convey and dispose of real and
personal property for public use; to contract and be contracted with; to sue and be
sued; to prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution suits wherein the
City is involved or interested in and to exercise all powers as are granted to
corporations or as hereinafter conferred.

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

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

The regional trial courts and the city courts of the City of La Trinidad shall
have concurrent jurisdiction with the regional trial courts and the metropolitan trial
courts or city or municipal trial courts of the adjoining municipalities or cities to try
crimes and misdemeanors committed within said drainage area or within said
spaces of one hundred meters.

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


CHAPTER II
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

SEC. 7. The Officials of the City of La Trinidad. - a. There shall be in the City: A
City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod Members, Secretary to the
Sangguniang Panlungsod, a City Treasurer and an Assistant City Treasurer, a City
Assessor, a City Accountant, a City Budget Officer, a City Planning and
Development Coordinator, a City Engineer, a City Health Officer, a City Civil
Registrar, a City Administrator, a City Legal Officer, a City Veterinarian, a City Social
Welfare and Development Officer and a City General Services Officer;

b. In addition thereto, the City Mayor may appoint a City Architect, a City
Population Officer, a City Information Officer, a City Environment and
Natural Resources Officer, a City Agriculturist and a City Cooperatives
Officers;

c. There shall established in the City a City Fire Station to be headed by a City
Fire Marshall, a City Jail to be headed by a City Jail Warden, a City Schools
Division to be headed by a City Schools Division Superintendent and a City
Prosecution Service to be headed by a City Prosecutor; and

d. The Sangguniang Panlungsod may:
(1) Maintain existing offices which are not included in subsections (a) and (b)
hereof;
(2) Create such other offices as maybe necessary to carry-out the purposes of
the City; or
(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest
of efficiency and economy.

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

f. Elective and appointive city officials shall receive compensation, allowances
and other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance, subject to
the budgetary limitations on personal services prescribed under Title Five,
Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended: Provided, That no
increase in the compensation of the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor and
Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall take effect until after the expiration of
the full term of the local officials approving the increase.


CHAPTER Il
‘THE CITY MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR

SEC. 8. The City Mayor. - a. The City Mayor shall be the Chief Executive of the
City and shall be elected at large by qualified voters of the City. No person shall be
eligible for the position of City Mayor unless at the time of election, that the person
is a citizen of the Philippines, at least Twenty-one (21) years of age, a resident of the
City for at least one (1) year prior to the elections and qualified voter therein and is
able to read and write Filipino or any other language or dialect. The City Mayor shall
hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, but shall serve for not more
than three (3) consecutive terms in the same position. The City Mayor shall receive a
minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade 30 as prescribed
under Republic Act No. 6758, as amended, otherwise known as the “Compensation
and Position Classification Act of 1989”, and the Implementing Guidelines issued
pursuant thereto.

The City Mayor as the Chief Executive of the City Government, shall exercise
such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided herein

b. For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose pf which is
the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants, the City Mayor shall:

1. Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects,
services and activities of the city government and, in this connection shall:
i. Determine the guidelines of city policies and be responsible to
Sangguniang Panlungsod, implement the same;

ii, Direct the formulation of the City Development Plan, with the
assistance of the city development council and upon approval thereof
by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, implement the same;

Present the Program of Government and propose policies and projects

for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the opening of

the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod every calendar year
and as often as may be deemed necessary as the general welfare of the
inhabitants and the needs of the City government may require;

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

v. Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are
wholly or mainly paid out of City funds and whose appointments are
not otherwise provided for in the Act, and those whose appointment
may be under other laws;

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



vii.

viii.

xi.

xii.

xiii.

xiv.

xv.

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 and
wages of officials and employees, in accordance with law or ordinance;
Allocate and assign office space to City officials and employees who,
by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space in the City Hall, and
other building owned or leased by the city government;

Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully
discharge their duties and functions as provided for the law and the
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and cause to be
instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any official or
employee of the City who may have committed an offense in the
performance of his official duties

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

Furnish copies of Executive Orders issued by him to the Office of the
Governor of the Province of Benguet within seventy-two (72) hours
upon issuance;

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

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

Authorized official trips of officials and employees outside of the City
for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days. Provided, That trips abroad
for a longer period may be authorized in accordance with the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended.

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

Authorize the payment of medical care, necessary transportation,
subsistence, medical or hospital fees of City officials and employees
who are injured while in the availability of funds;


xviii.

xix.

x.

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; and

Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an Annual
Report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the
management, administration and development of the City and all
information and data relative to its political, social and economic
conditions; supplemental reports when unexpected events or
situations arise at any time during the year, particularly when
man-made or natural disasters or calamities affect the general welfare
of the City.

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

i.

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

Call conventions, conferences, seminars or meetings of elective or
appointive officials of the City, at such time and place and on such
subject he may deem important for the promotion of general welfare
of the local government unit and its inhabitants;

Issue such Executive Orders for the faithful and appropriate
enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;

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

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

Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress
disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedution or apprehend
violators of the law when public interest so requires and the city police
forces are inadequate to cope with the situation or the violators;

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

i.

Require each head of an office or department to prepare and submit
and estimate of appropriations for the calendar year in accordance
with the budget preparation process enshrined under Republic Act


No. 7160, as amended, otherwise known as the “Local Government
Code of 1991”;

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

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

iv. Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any
violation of the condition upon which said licenses or permits had
been issued pursuant to law or ordinance;

v. _ Issue permits without need of approval from any national agency, for
the holdings and activities for any charitable or welfare purpose,
excluding prohibited games or shows contrary to law, public policy
morals;

vi. Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or structures
to obtain the necessary permit, subject such fines and penalties as ay
be imposed by law or ordinance, or to order the demolition or removal
of said house, building or structure within the period prescribed by
law or ordinance;

vii. Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserved land, mineral,
forest, marine and other sources of the City;

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

ix. Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial
proceedings for the violation of ordinance in the collection of taxes,
fees or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property; and cause
the City to be defended against all suits to ensure that its interest,
resources and rights shall be adequately protected.

4, Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities and in addition thereto, shall;

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

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

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

. During the incumbency of the City Mayor, he shall hold office in the city
hall.


SEC. 9. The City Vice Mayor. - a. There shall be a City Vice Mayor who shall
be elected in the same manner as the City Mayor and at the time of his election shall
possess the same qualification as the City Mayor. The City Vice Mayor shall hold
office for a term of three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a
monthly compensation corresponding Salary Grade Twenty-six (26) as prescribed
under Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the “Compensation and Position
Classification Act of 1989”, as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued
pursuant thereto.

b. The City Vice Mayor Shall:

1. Act as the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Pantungsod and sign all
warrants drawn on the City Treasury for all expenditures appropriated
for the operations of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;

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

3. Assume the office of the City Mayor for the unexpired term of the latter
in the event of the permanent vacancy;

4. Exercise the powers and perform the duties functions of the city Mayor
in case of temporary vacancy; and

5. Perform other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as.
provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended.

CHAPTER IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

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

b. The regular members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the Sectoral
Representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided by law.

c. The members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall receive a minimum
monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-five (25) as


prescribed under the “Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989”,
as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

SEC. 11. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. - The Sangguniang
Panlungsod, as a legislative body of the City, shall enact ordinances, approve
resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the City and its
inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended, and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the City as provided
under Section 23 of the Local Government Code of 199, as amended and shall:

a. Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and
effective city government and in this connection shall:

1. Review all ordinances approved by the Sangguniang Barangay and
Executive Orders issued by the Punong Barangay to determine whether
these are within the scope of the prescribed powers of the Sangguniang
Barangay and of the Punong Barangay;

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

3. Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding five thousand pesos (P
5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year, or
both at the discretion of the court, for violation of a city ordinance;

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

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

6. Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which
endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing and other forms of
destructive fishing, illegal logging, smuggling of logs, smuggling of
natural resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna,
slash-and-burn farming and such other activities which result in
pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and lakes or of
ecological imbalance;

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

8. Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other
emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or


mainly from city funds and provide expenditures necessary for the proper
conduct of programs, projects, services and activities of the city
government

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

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

11. When the finances of the city government allow, provide for additional
allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors, public elementary
and high school teachers, and other national government officials
stationed in or assigned to the City;

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

13. Provide for a group insurance or additional insurance coverage for all
officials, including members of barangay tanod brigaders and other service
units, with public or private insurance companies, when the finances of
the city government allows said coverage.

b. Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the
development plans, program objectives and priorities of the City, with
particular attention to agro-industrial development and city-wide growth
and progress, relative thereto, shall:

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

2. Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended, and other applicable laws and upon majority vote of all the
members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, enact ordinances levying taxes,
fees and charges, prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific
purposes and granting tax exemption, incentive or reliefs;

3. Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended, and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
Sangguniang Panlungsod, authorize the City Mayor to negotiate and contact
loans and other forms of indebtedness;

4, Subject to the provisions of Book of the Local Government code of 1991, as
amended, and applicable laws and upon the majority vote of all the
members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, enact ordinances authoring the
floating of bonds and other instrument of indebtedness, for the purpose of
raising funds to finance development projects;

10


a

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

.. 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 and ensure that the
formulation, adoption or modification of the said plan shall be in
coordination with the approved provincial comprehensive land-use plan;
Reclassify land within the jurisdiction of the City subject to pertinent
provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

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

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

. Subject to the provision of Book II of the “Local Government Code of
1991”, as amended, grant exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or
fish pens, or taking or catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag, or
fry of any species or fish within city waters;

. With the concurrence of at least two (2/3) of all the members of the
Sangguniang Panlungsod, grant tax exemptions, incentives or relief to
entities engaged in community growth-inducing industries, subject the
provisions of the “Local Government Code of 199”, as amended;

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

. Regulate the numbering of residential, commercial and other building;
and

>. Regulate inspection, weighing and measuring articles of commerce

. Subject to the provisions of Book II of the “Local Government Code of
1991”, as amended, enact ordinances granting franchises and authorizing
the issuance of permits or licenses, upon such conditions and for purposes
intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the City and
pursuant to this legislative authority, shall;


. Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services rendered by
the city government to private persons or entities;

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

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

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

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

. Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Transportation
(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 if the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, grant franchise to any person, partnership, corporation, or
cooperatives to do business within the City; establish, construct, operate
and maintain ferries, wharves, markets or slaughterhouses; or undertake
such other activities within the City as may be allowed by existing laws;
Provided, That cooperatives shall be given preference in the grant of such
franchise.

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

. Declare, prevent or abate any nuisances;

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

. Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals, clinics
and other similar establishments;

Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals, clinic
and other similar establishments;

. Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes,
restaurants, beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, lodging
houses and other similar establishments,

. Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing of any intoxication malt,
vino, mixed or fermented liquor at any retail outlet;

12


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

8. Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of any
entertainment or amusement facility, including the theatrical
performances, circuses, billiard pools, public dancing schools, public
dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors and other places for
entertainment or amusement or entertainment, particularly those which
tend to disturb the community or annoy the inhabitants, or require the
suspension or suppression of the same; or prohibit certain forms of
amusement or entertainment in order to protect the social and moral
welfare of the community;

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

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

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

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

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

3. Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation by the city
government of ferries, wharves, and other structures intended to
accelerate productivity related to marine life in the preservation thereof;

4. Regulate the preparation and sale of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits,
fresh dairy products, and other food stuffs for public consumption;

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

laces;

6. Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges; prohibit encroachments or
obstacles thereon and, when necessary, in the interest of public welfare,

13


authorize the removal of encroachments and illegal constructions in public
places;

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

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

9. Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and
construction of all gas mains, electric telegraph and telephone wires,
conduits, meters and other apparatus; and provide for the correction,
condemnation or removal of the same when found to be dangerous to the
welfare of City’s inhabitants;

10. Subject to the availability of fund and the existing laws, rules, and
regulations, establish and provide for the operation of vocational and
technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the
approval of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) and subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix and collect
reasonable tuition fees and other school charges in educational institutions
supported by the city government;

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

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

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

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

sons;

15, Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of jails and
detention centers, institute a sound jail management program, and

14


appropriate funds for the subsistence of detainees and convicted prisoners
in the City;

16, Establish a city council whose purpose is the promotion of culture and the
arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-government
organizations and, subject to the availability of funds, appropriate funds
for the support and development of the same; and

17.Establish a city council for the elderly and senior citizen which shall
formulate policies and adopt measure mutually beneficial to the elderly
and to the community; provide incentive for non-governmental entities
and, subject to the availability of funds, appropriate funds to support
programs and projects for the benefit of the elderly.

f. Perform other duties and functions and exercise such powers as provided
for under Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, and those that are
prescribed by law or ordinance.

CHAPTER V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

SEC. 12. Internal Rules of Procedure. - a. On the First Regular session
following the election of its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the
Sangguniang Panlungsod shall adopt or update its existing Rules of Procedure.

b. The Rules of Procedure shall provide the following:

1. The organization of the Sanggunian and the election of its officers as well
as the creation of standing committees which shall include, but shall not
be limited to , the committees on appropriations, revenues, engineering
and public works, education and health, women and family, human rights,
youth and sports development, environmental protection, peace and order
and traffic, and cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of each committee;
and the election of the chairperson and members of each committee;

.._ The order and calendar of business of each session;

3. The legislative process;

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

5. The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences without
justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be
censured, reprimanded, or excluded from the session, suspended for not
more than sixty (60) days, or expelled. Provided, That the penalty of
suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two thirds
(2/3) vote of all the Sanggunian members; Provided, further, That the
member convicted by final judgment to imprisonment or at least one (1)
year for any crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically
expelled from the Sanggunian; and

6. Such other rules as the Sanggunian may adopt.

Nv

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SEC. 13. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interest of Sangguniang
Panlungsod Members. - (a) Every Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall, upon
assumption to office, make full of his business and financial interests. They shall also
disclose any business, financial, professional relationship or any relation by affinity
or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree with any person, firm or entity
affected by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the Sanggunian, which
relationship may result in conflict of interests. Such relationship shall include:

1. Ownership of stock or capital, or investment in the entity or firm to which

the ordinance or resolution may apply; and

2. Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which the ordinance or

resolution under consideration may affect.

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

b. The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and shall be
submitted to the Secretary of the Sanggunian or the secretary of the committee
of membership. The disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the
Proceedings and shall be made in the following manner

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

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

SEC. 14. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of the session immediately following
the election of its members, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the
day, time and place of its sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be
once a week for the Sangguniang Panlungsod and twice a month for the Sangguniang
Barangay.

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

c. All Sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed-door
session is ordered by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present,
there being a quorum, in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency
or morality. No two (2) sessions, regular or special may be held in a single
day.

16


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

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

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

SEC. 15. Quorum. - a. A majority of all the members of the Sanggunian who
have been elected and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official
business. Should a question of quorum be raised during a session, the presiding
officer shall immediately proceed to call the roll of members and thereafter announce
the results.

b. Where there is no quorum, the presiding officer may declare a recess until
such time as a quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present
may adjourn from day to day and may compel the immediate attendance of
any member absent without justifiable cause by designating a member of the
Sanggunian to be assisted by a member or members of the police force
assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of La Trinidad, to arrest the
absent member and present him at the session.

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

SEC. 16. Approval of Ordinances. - a. Every ordinance enacted by the
Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be presented to the City Mayor. If the City Mayor
approves the same, the signature shall be affixed on each and every page thereof;
otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the Sanggunian,
which may proceed to reconsider the same. The Sanggunian may override the veto
of the City Mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the
ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes.

b. The veto shall be communicated by the City Mayor to the Sanggunian within
ten (10) days, otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if it had
been.

SEC. 17. Veto Power of the City Mayor. - a. The City Mayor may veto any

ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or
prejudicial to the public welfare, stating his reasons thereof in writing.

7


b. The City Mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of
an appropriations ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local
development plan, any public investment program or an ordinance directing,
the payment of money or creating liability. In such case, the vetoed item or
items shall not affect the item or items which are not objected to, The vetoed
item or items shall not take effect unless the Sangguniang Panlungsod
overrides the veto in the manner herein provided; otherwise, the item or items
in the appropriations ordinance of the previous year corresponding to those
vetoed, if any, shall be deemed enacted.

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

SEC. 18. Review of City Ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a)
Within three (3) days after the approval, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod
shall forward to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review, copies of the approved
ordinances and the resolutions approving the local development plans and public
investment programs formulated by the local development councils.

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

(©) If the Sangguniang Panlalawigan finds that such an ordinance or resolution
is beyond the power conferred upon the Sangguniang Panlungsod concerned, it shall
declare such ordinance or resolution invalid in whole or in part. The Sangguniang
Panlalawigan shall enter its action in the minutes and shall advise the corresponding,
city authorities of the action it has taken.

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

SEC. 19. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. -
(a) Within ten (10) days after its enactment, the Sangguniang Barangay shall furnish
copies of all barangay ordinances to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for review as to
whether the ordinances are consistent with law or city ordinances.

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

18


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

SEC. 20. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances or Resolutions. - Any
attempt to enforce any ordinance or any resolution approving the local development
plan and public investment program, after the disapproval thereof, shall be sufficient
ground for the suspension or dismissal of the official or employee concerned.

SEC. 21. Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions. - (a) Unless otherwise
stated in the ordinance or the resolution approving the local development plan and
public investment program, the same shall take effect after ten (10) days from the
date a copy thereof is posted in a bulletin board at the entrance of the city halll of La
Trinidad, and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of La Trinidad
not later than five (5) days after approval thereof.

(b) The Secretary of the Sanggunian Panlungsod shall cause the posting of an
ordinance or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the city hall and in at
least two (2) conspicuous places in the City not later than five (5) days after the
approval thereof. The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and
posted in Filipino or English and the Secretary of the Sanggunian Panlungsod shall
record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of approval and
posting.

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

CHAPTER VI
DISQUALIFICATION AND SUCCESSION FOR
ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

SEC. 22. Disqualifications for Elective Public City Officials. - The following
persons are not qualified from running for any elective position in the City:

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

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

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

19


d. Those with dual citizenship;

e. Fugitives from justice in criminal or nonpolitical cases here and abroad;

f, Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the
right to reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right after the
effectivity of the Local Government Code of 199, as amended; and

g. The insane and feeble-minded.

SEC. 23. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor and City Vice
Mayor, - (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Mayor, the City
Vice Mayor concerned shall become the City Mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs
in the office of the City Vice Mayor, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod
member or, in a case of his or her permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking
Sangguniang Panlungsod member becomes the City Mayor or the City Vice Mayor, as
the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically
by the other Sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein

(b) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the Punong Barangay, the
highest ranking Sangguniang Barangay member or, in case of his or her permanent
incapacity, the second highest ranking Sanggunian member shall become the Punong,
Barangay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the Sanggunian
member concerned had been elected shall be appointed in the manner herein
provided. The appointee shall come from the same political party as that of the
Sanggunian member who caused the vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of
the vacant office.

20


In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate of
membership of the appointee from the highest official of the political party
concerned are conditions sine qua non, and in any appointment without such
nomination and certification shall be null and void ab initio and shall be a ground for
administrative action against the official responsible therefor;

(©) In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a Sangguniang member who
does not belong to any political party, the City Mayor shall, upon recommendation
of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy; and

(d) In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in
the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said vacancy shall be filled automatically by the official
next-in-rank of the Sangguniang Kabataan or barangay concerned.

SEC. 25. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. - (a) When the
City Mayor is temporarily incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal
reasons, including leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the
City Vice Mayor of the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall
automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the City
Mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees which only be
exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.

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

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

(d) In the event, however, that the City Mayor fails or refuses to issue such
authorization, the City Vice Mayor or the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod
member shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the office
‘on the fourth (4th) day of absence of the City Mayor, subject to the limitations
provided in subsection (c) hereof.

(©). 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.

a


CHAPTER VIL
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY

SEC. 26. The Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a) There shall be a
secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who shall be a career official with the rank
and salary equal to a head of a department or office.

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

(©) The secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall receive compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(d) The secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall take charge of the office

of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and shall:
(1) Attend meetings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and keep a journal of its
proceedings;
(2) Keep the seal of the City and affix it with one's signature to all ordinances,
resolutions, and other official acts of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and present
these for signature to the pre presiding officer;
(3) Forward to the City Mayor for approval, copies of ordinances enacted by
the Sangguniang Panlungsod and duly certified by the presiding officer in a
manner provided in Section 54 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended;
(4) Forward to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) copies of
the appropriations ordinance passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod as
provided under Section 326, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as
amended;
(5) Forward to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan copies of duly approved
ordinances in the manner provided in Section 56 and 57 of the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(6) Furnish, upon requests of any interested party, certified copies of records
of public character in one’s custody, upon payment to the City Treasurer of
such fees as may be prescribed by ordinance;
(7) Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and resolutions
enacted or adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, with the dates of passage
and publication thereof;
(8) Keep in the office all nonconfidential records therein open to the public
during usual business hours;
(9) Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants all
ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval and cause their
publication together with the original version in the manner provided under
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(10) Take custody of the local archives and where applicable, the local library
and annually account for the same; and

22


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

SEC. 27. The City Treasurer. - (a) The City Treasurer shall be appointed by the
Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) from a list of at least three (3) ranking
eligible recommends of the City Mayor, subject to the civil service law, rules and
regulations.

(b) The City Treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the
City Mayor whom one shall report regularly on the tax collection effort of the City.

(©) No person shall be appointed Treasurer unless he is a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of
a college degree in commerce, public administration or law obtained from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent and must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service for
at least five (5) years.

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

(e) The City treasurer shall take charge of the City Finance Department, and
shall:
(1) Advise the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other local
government and national officials concerned regarding disposition of local
government funds on such other matters relative to public finance;
2) Take custody of and exercise proper management of the funds of the City;
3) _ Take charge of the disbursement of all funds of the City and other funds, the
custody of which has been entrusted by law or other competent authority;
(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:
(6) Maintain and update the tax information system of the City; and
(6) __ Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that
are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 28. The City Assessor, —(a) The City Assessor must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of
a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any
other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade eligible
or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in real property assessment
work or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date
of appointment.

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

23


shall”

(c) The City Assessor shall take charge of the City Assessor’s Department, and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEC. 29. The City Accountant. — (a) The City Accountant must be a citizen of

the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a
Certified Public Accountant and must have acquired experience in the treasury or
accounting service for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
appointment.

(b) The City Accountant shall receive compensation, emoluments and

allowances as may be determined by law,

Audit

(©) The City Accountant shall take charge of both the Accounting and Internal
Services, and shall:

(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the City

(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the City Mayor and to the
Sangguniang Panlungsod;

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

24


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

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

(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, allowances,
reimbursement and remittances pertaining to the City;

(2) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and their liquidations and other
adjustments related thereto;

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEC. 30. The City Budget Officer. —(a) The City Budget Officer must be a
good citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in accounting, economics, public
administration, or any related course obtained from a recognized college or
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired
experience in government budgeting or in any related field for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

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

(1) Prepare forms, order and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary

and appropriation matters for signature of the City Mayor;

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

offices of the City;

3) Assist the City mayor in the preparation of the budget and during budget

hearings;

(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and

submit comments and recommendations thereon;

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

Management (DBM);

(6) Coordinate with the City Treasurer, the City Accountant and the City

Planning and Development Coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;

(7) Assist the Sangguniang Panlungsod in reviewing the approved budgets for

the component barangays;

25


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

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

SEC. 31. The City Planning and Development Officer. — (a) The City
Planning and Development Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of
the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in urban planning, development studies, economics, public
administration, or any related course obtained from a recognized college or
university, a first grade civil service eligible and must have acquired experience in
development planning or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of appointment.

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

(c) The city planning and Development Officer shall take charge of the City

Planning and Development Coordinating Office, and shall:
(1) Formulate integrated economic, social, physical and other development
plans and policies for consideration of the City;
(2) Conduct continuing studies, researches, and training programs necessary
to evolve plans and programs for implementation;
3) Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the
different functional groups and agencies;
(4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different development
programs, projects and activities in the City in accordance with the approved
development plan;
(6) Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning documents
for the consideration of the Local Development Council;
(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and
recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance
committee of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;
(7) Promote people's participation in development planning within the City;
(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the Local
Development Council; and
(9) Perform such other functions and duties and exercise such other powers as.
provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended, and
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 32. The City Engineer. ~
a. The City Engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City
of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a licensed civil engineer and must

have acquired experience in the practice of the profession for at least five (5)
years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

26


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

¢. The City Engineer shall take charge of the City Engineering Office, and shall:
(1) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure
development and public works in general of the City;
(2) Advise the City Mayor on infrastructure, public works and other
engineering matters.
(3) Administer, coordinate, supervise and control the construction,
maintenance, improvement and repair of roads, bridges, and other
engineering and public works projects of the City;
(4) Provide engineering services to the City, including investigation and
survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies and project management; and
(5) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
may be provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as
amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 33. The City Health Officer —

a. The City Health Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a licensed medical practitioner
that must have acquired experience in the practice of the profession for at
least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

c. The City Health Officer shall take charge of the Office of the Health Services,
and shall:
(1) Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, formulate program
implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the operation of the
said office for the approval of the City Mayor in order to assist him in the
efficient, effective and economical implementation of health service programs
geared to implement health-related projects and activities;
(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying
out activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of
adequate facilities relative to health services provided under Section 17 of the
“Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended;
(3) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement these health 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;
(4) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the City Health Officer
shall:

a


(i) Formulate and implement policies, plans and projects to promote
the health of the people in the City;
(ii) Advise the City Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod on matters
pertaining to health;
(iii) Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to
public health;
(iv) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod through the Local
Health Board, the passage of the ordinance as may be deemed
necessary for the preservation of public health;
(v) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws,
ordinances and regulations;
(vi) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments, stores
selling food items or providing accommodations such as hotels, motels,
lodging houses, pension house, and the like, in accordance with the
Sanitation Code of the Philippines; and
(vii) Conduct health information campaigns and render health
intelligence services;
(viii) Coordinate with other government agencies and nongovernment
organizations involved in the promotion and delivery of health
services;
(ix) Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly
during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and
calamities; 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.

SEC. 34. The City Civil Registrar —

.. The City Civil Registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service
eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in civil registry
work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
appointment.

. The City Civil Registrar shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

.. The City Civil Registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program
in the City of La Trinidad, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Omnibus
Election Code, and the other pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to
implement them.

. The City Civil registrar shall take charge of the City Civil Registry, and shall:
(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the civil
registry programs and projects which the City mayor is empowered to

28


implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide

under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended.

(2) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the City Civil Registrar

shall.

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

) File, keep and preserve in a secure place the books required by law;
(ii) Transcribe and enter immediately upon receipt all registrable
documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in
the appropriate civil registry books;

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

(v) Issued certified transcripts or copies of any certificate or registered
document upon payment of the required fees to the City Treasurer;

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

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

(3) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as

provided for the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended, and those

that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 35. The City Administrator —

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

. The term of the City Administrator is co-terminus with that of the appointing
authority.

The City Administrator shall receive compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law;

|. The City Administrator shall take charge of the City Administrator's Office,
and shall:
(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof and upon
approval thereof by the City Mayor, particularly those which have to do with

29


the management and administration-related programs and projects which the
City mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang
Panlungsod is empowered to provide under the “Local Government Code of
1991”, as amended;

2) Assist in the coordination of the work of all officials of the local
government unit, under the supervision, direction and control of the City
Mayor and, for this purpose, convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of
the local government uni
(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the local
government unit designed to promote career development and uphold the
merit principle in the local government service;

(4) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the local government
unit with the end view of instituting effective administrative reforms;

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

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

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

SEC. 36. The City Legal Officer —

a. The City Legal Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a member of the Philippine Bar
and must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of appointment.

b. The term of the City Legal Officer shall be co-terminus with that of the
appointing authority;

c. The City Legal Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments and allowances
as may be determined by law;

d. The City Legal Officer, the Chief Legal Counsel of the City, shall take charge of
the Office of the City Legal Service, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and provide legal assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have programs and
projects related to legal services which the City Mayor is empowered to
implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide
under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended.
(3) Represent the local government unit in all civil actions and special
proceedings wherein the local government unit or any official thereof, in his

30


or her official capacity, is a party. Provided, that in actions or proceedings
where the City of La Trinidad is a party adverse to the provincial government
or to another component city, a special legal officer may be employed to
represent the adverse party.

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

(6) Render his opinion in writing on any question of law when requested to
do so by the City Mayor or the Sangguniang;

(6) Investigate or cause to be investigated any local official or employee for
administrative neglect or misconduct in office, and recommend the
appropriate action to the City Mayor or the Sangguniang, as the case may be.
(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm or corporation
holding any franchise or exercising any privilege for failure to comply with
any term or condition in the grant of such franchise or privilege and
recommend appropriate actions to the City Mayor or Sanggunian, as the case
may be;

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

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

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

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

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

SEC. 37. The City Social Welfare and Development Officer -

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

.. 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 the Social Welfare and Development, and shall:

31


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(®) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment organizations
which have for their purpose the promotion and the protection of all the
needy, disadvantaged, underprivileged or impoverished groups or
individuals, particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high risk to
exploitation, abuse and neglect;

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

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

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

SEC. 38. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer —

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

32


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

c. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall take charge of the
Office of the Environment and Natural Resources, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and to provide assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
facilities relative to environment and natural resources as provided for under
Section 17 of the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the
environment and natural resources programs and projects which the City
Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is
empowered to provide.
(3) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds,
tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest products and commercial
forests, like industrial tree farms and agro-forestry projects;
(4) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects
and technical, financial and infrastructure assistance;
(6) Manage and maintain seeds and procedure seedlings for forest and tree
parks;
(6) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects
and render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and
utilization activities consisted with ecological balance;
(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment organizations
in the implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water
pollution with the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources;
(8) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment
and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the
environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters
and calamities;
(9) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City mayor on
all matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization,
application of appropriate technology and other matters related to the
environment and natural resources; and
(10) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended and
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 38. The City Architect —(a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a duly
licensed architect and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment.

33


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

(c) The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer shall take charge of
the Office of the Environment and Natural Resources, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and to provide assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
facilities relative to environment and natural resources as provided for under
Section 17 of the “Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(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.
(8) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds,
tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest products and commercial
forests, like industrial tree farms and agro-forestry projects;
(4) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects
and technical, financial and infrastructure assistance;
(6) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for forest and tree
parks;
(6) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects
and render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and
utilization activities consistent with ecological balance;
(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment organizations
in the implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water
pollution with the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources;
(8) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment
and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the
environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters
and calamities;
(9) Recommend the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on all
matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization,
application of appropriate technology and other matters related to the
environment and natural resources; and
(10) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended and.
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 39. The City Architect —(a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a duly
licensed architect and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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


(©) 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 provisions of
adequate facilities relative to architectural planning and design;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement these architectural planning and design programs and
projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and which the
Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide under the “Local
Government Code of 1991”, as amended;
(@) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the Sanggunian the
architectural plan and design for the local government unit or a part thereof,
including the renewal of slums and blighted areas, land reclamation activities,
the greening of land, and appropriate planning or marine and foreshore areas;
(4) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the Sanggunian or the
City Mayor as the case may be, the architectural plans and design submitted
by governmental and nongovernmental entities or individuals, particularly
those of undeveloped, underdeveloped, and poorly designed areas; and
(8) Coordinate with government and non-government entities and
individuals involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the
land and water within the jurisdiction of the local government unit to
implement plans and programs that shall preserve environmental integrity
and ecological balance;
(6) Be in the front line of the delivery of services involving architectural
planning and design, particularly those related to the redesigning of spatial
distribution of basic facilities and physical structures during and in the
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;
(7) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended, and
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 40. The City Information Officer —(a) The City Information Officer
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good
moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in Journalism, mass
communication or any related course obtained from a recognized college or
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired
experience in writing articles and research papers, or writing for print, television or
broadcast media for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of
appointment.

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

(©) The City Information Officer shall take charge of the Office on Public
Information and Community relations Department and shall:

35


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEC. 41. The City Cooperatives Officer —

(a) The City Cooperatives Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree preferably in Business Administration with special training on cooperatives
or any related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experiences in
cooperatives organization and management for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of appointment.

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

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

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod

and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying

out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of facilities

36


through the development of cooperatives and in providing access to such
services and facilities;

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

(8) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

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

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

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

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

SEC, 42. The City Population Officer — (a) The City Population Officer must
be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, a good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably with specialized training in
population development obtained from a recognized college or university, a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in the
implementation of programs on population development or responsible parenthood
for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

() The City Population Officer shall take charge of the Office of Population
Development and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying
out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provisions for
adequate facilities relative to the integration of the population development,
principles and providing access to said services and facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement these with the integration of population development
principles and methods in programs and projects which the City Mayor is
empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod;

37


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

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

(6) Implement appropriate training programs responsive to the cultural
heritage of the inhabitants.

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

SEC. 43. The City Veterinarian — (a)The City Veterinarian must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a
licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and must have practiced the profession at
least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

(b) The City Veterinarian shall receive 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 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;
(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;
() Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for human
consumption;
(6) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty of animals;
(7) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of
animal diseases
(8) Be in the frontline veterinary-related activities, such as the outbreak of
highly contagious and deadly diseases and in situations resulting in the
depletion of animals for work and in human consumption, particularly those
arising from and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and
calamities;
(9) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on
all matters relative to veterinary services which will increase the number and
improve the quality of livestock, poultry and other domestic animal used for
work or human consumption; and


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

‘SEC. 44. The City General Services Officer —

(a) The City General Services Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree in public administration, business administration and management obtained
from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent and must have acquired experience in general services, including
management of supply, solid waste disposal, and general sanitation for at least five
(5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

(©) The City General Services Officer shall take charge of the Office of General
Services, and shall:

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

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement these with the general services that are supportive of the
welfare of the inhabitants of the City which the City Mayor is empowered to
implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;
(@) Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal,
owned by the City, and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation,
assistance and counterpart of joint projects;

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

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

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

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

(8) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of offices
and the department of local government unit;

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

(10) Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the
possible and imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties,

39


and structure materials or debris, particularly during and in the aftermath of
man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

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

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

SEC. 45. The City Agriculturist —

(a) The City Agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably
in agriculture or any other related course obtained from a recognized college or
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have
practiced his profession in agriculture or acquired experience in a related filed for at
least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

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

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate
facilities relative to agricultural services;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City
Mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with
agricultural programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to
implement and which the Sangguniang Parilungsod is empowered to provide;
(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the agriculturist shall:
() Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in
production, processing and marketing of agricultural and aqua-cultural
and marine products are extended to farmers, fishermen and local
entrepreneurs;
(ii) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural
researches and assist in marking available the appropriate technology
arising out of and disseminating information on basic research on crops,
prevention and control of plant diseases and pests, and other
agricultural matters which will maximize productivity;
(iii) Assist the City Mayor in the establishment and extension services of
demonstration farms of aqua-culture marine products;
(iv) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and
aqua-culture; and
(v) Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental
organizations in the promotion of agricultural productivity through
appropriate technology compatible with environmental integrity;


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

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

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

CHAPTER VIII
THE CITY FIRE STATION SERVICE, THE CITY JAIL SERVICE, THE CITY
SCHOOL DIVISION AND CITY PROSECUTION SERVICE

SEC. 46. The City Fire Station Service. —

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

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

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

SEC. 47. The City Jail Service. —

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

(b) The City Jail Service shall be headed by a City Jail Warden whose
qualifications shall be as those provided for under the Bureau of Fire Protection and
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004. One shall
assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention prisoners. The City
Jail Warden shall ensure that great care is exercised at all times so that human rights
prisoners are respected and protected, and their spiritual and physical well-being are
properly and promptly attended to.

41


SEC. 48. The City School Division —

a. There shall be established and maintained by the Department of Education
(DepEd), a city schools division of the City of La ‘Trinidad whose area of
jurisdiction will cover all the schools districts within the City.

b. The City School Division shall be headed by a City Schools Division
Superintendent who must possess the necessary qualifications required by
the Department of Education.

SEC. 49, The City Protection Service. —

a. There shall be established in the City, a prosecution service to be headed by
a City Prosecutor and be organizationally part of the Department of Justice
(DO}), and under the supervision and control of the Secretary of Justice and
whose qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary, and benefits
shall be governed by existing laws covering prosecutors of DOJ.

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 required by law, ordinance or regulation of the DOJ.

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

CHAPTER IX
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 50. Municipal Ordinance Existing at the time of Approval of this Act.
~The City of La Trinidad shall, unless otherwise provided for by law, continue to be
under the jurisdiction of the Province of Benguet.

SEC. 51. Jurisdiction of the Province of Benguet. —The City of La Trinidad
shall, unless otherwise provided for by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of
the Province of Benguet.

SEC. 52, Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. — No increase in the

rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within a period of five (5) years from
its acquisition of corporate existence.

42


SEC. 53. Legislative District. — Until otherwise provided for by law, the City of
La Trinidad shall continue to be part of the First District of Benguet.

SEC. 54. Applicability of Laws. —The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160,
otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and such laws
as are applicable to the component cities shall govern the City of La Trinidad in so
far as they are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 55. Plebiscite. — The City of La Trinidad shall acquire corporate existence
upon the ratification of its creation by a majority of votes cast by the qualified voters
in a plebiscite to be conducted in the present Municipality of La Trinidad within
sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, The expenses for such plebiscite shall
be borne by the Municipality of La Trinidad. The Commission on Elections shall
conduct and supervise the plebiscite.

SEC. 56. Officials of the City of La Trinidad. — The present elective officials of
the Municipality of La Trinidad shall continue to exercise their powers functions
until such time that a new election is held and the duly-elected officials shall have
already qualified and assumed their offices. The appointive officials and employees
of the Municipality of La Trinidad shall likewise continue exercising their functions
and duties and they shall be automatically absorbed by the City Government of La
Trinidad.

SEC. 57. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan
Members of the Province of Benguet. ~The qualified members of the City of La
Trinidad shall qualify to vote and run for any elective position in the elections for
Provincial Governor, Provincial Vice Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members
and other elective offices for the Province of Benguet.

SEC. 58. Reservation. —Nothing herein contained shall preclude the
determination by the appropriate agency or forum of boundary disputes or cases
involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between the City of La Trinidad and
any of the adjoining local government units even after the effectivity of this Act.

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

SEC. 60, Separability Clause. —If, for any reason or reasons, any part of
provision of this Charter shall be held unconstitutional, invalid or inconsistent with
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, the other parts or provisions
hereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 61. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, decrees, rules and regulations or
parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 62. Effectivity.—This Act shall take effect upon its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general and local circulation.

43,


Approved,