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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
1* Regular Session

House Bill No, 6367

Introduced by Representative ERIC GO 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.

At present, La Trinidad is home to several higher learning institutions, a center
for banking and finance, and an expansion area of socio-economic activities from
Baguio City. For several years, the municipality has surpassed the minimum annual
income of P100,000,000.00.

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 sought.

———..

ERIC GO YAP


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
1 Regular Session

House Bill No. 6367

Introduced by Representative ERIC GO 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. Itis 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:

(a) To have a continuous succession in its corporate name;

(b) To sue and be sued;

(0 To have and use a corporate seal;

(d) 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.

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;

(©) 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.

(©) 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 III
THE CITY MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR

SEC. 8. The City Mayor. - (a) The City Mayor shall be the Chief Executive of the
City and shall be elected at large by qualified voters of the City. No person shall be
eligible for the position of City Mayor unless at the time of election, that the person is
acitizen 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:

(® 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;

(iii) Present the Program of Government and propose policies and
projects for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the
opening of the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod every
calendar year and as often as may be deemed necessary as the
general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the City
government may require;

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the Sangguniang
Panlungsod and as often as may be deemed necessary provide such
information and data needed or requested by the said Sangguniang
Pantungsod 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)

(ix)

(xi)

(xii)

(aii)

(xiv)

(xv)

(xvi)

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;



(2)

@)

(xvii) Authorize the payment of medical care, necessary transportation,

subsistence, medical or hospital fees of City officials and employees

who are injured while in the availability of funds;

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

(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod which shall feature
traditional sports and disciplines included in national and

ation with the Department of

international games in coor:
Education; and

(xx) Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an Annual
Report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the
management, administration and development of the City and all
information and data relative to its political, social and economic
conditions; 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.

Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and

in the exercise of its appropriate powers as well as implement all approved

policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the City and in
addition shall:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:



10)

(i)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

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”;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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

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

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
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 Panlungsod and sign all
warrants drawn on the City Treasury for all expenditures appropriated for
the operations of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;

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

employees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, except those who manner of

appointmentis specifically provided under the Local Government Code of

1991, as amended;

Assume the office of the City Mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in

the event of the permanent vacancy;

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.

c)

@

CHAPTER IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD:

SEC. 10. Composition. - 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.


(©) 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:

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

@

(ii)

Gi)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

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

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

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

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

Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose
appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places,
vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, establishment and maintenance
of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited games if
chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain 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;
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;


(vii)

(viii)

(x)

&)

(xi)

(ii)

(xiii)

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;

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

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;

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;

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;

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

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.

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

@

Gi)

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

Subject to the provisions of Book Il of the Local Government Code
of 1991, as amended, and 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;

10


(iii)

(iv)

wv)

(vi)
(vii)

)

i)

(xii)

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

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

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;

Adopta 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

1


(xiv)

(xv)

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

(3) 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;

@
(i)

ii)

(iv)

v)

(vi)

(vii)

Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services
rendered by the city government to private persons or entities;
Regulate or fix license fees for any business or practice of
profession within the City and the conditions under which the
license for the said business or practice of profession may be
revoked and enact ordinances levying taxes thereon;

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

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

Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license
the establishment, operation and maintenance of cockpits, and
regulate cock fighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks:
Provided, That the existing rights should not be prejudiced;
Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of
Transportation (DOTr), regulate the operation of tricycles and
grant franchises for the operation thereof within the territorial
jurisdiction of the City; and

Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members if the
Sangguniang 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.

12


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

@
(ii)

(iii)
(iv)
(vy)

(vi)
(vii)

iit

)

&)

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;

Regulate the establishment and provide for the inspection of steam
boilers or any heating devise in buildings and the storage of
inflammable and highly combustible materials within the City;
Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of any
entertainment or amusement facility, including the theatrical
performances, circuses, billiard pools, public dancing schools, public
dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors and other places for
entertainment or amusement or entertainment, particularly those
which tend to disturb the community or annoy the inhabitants, or
require the suspension or suppression of the same; or prohibit
certain forms of amusement or entertainment in order to protect the
social and moral welfare of the community;

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

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;

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

and faci

(i)

ies, shall:

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

Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animal corrals and authorize
the operation thereof by the city government; and regulate the

13


ii)

(iv)

wv)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

construction and operation of private markets, talipapas or other
similar buildings and structures;

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

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

Regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, parks and
other public places and approve the construction, improvement,
repair and maintenance of the same; establish bus and vehicle stops
and terminals or regulate the use of the same by privately-owned
vehicles which serve the public; regulate garages and operation of
conveyances for hire; designate stands to be occupied by public
vehicles when not in use; regulate putting up of signs, signposts,
awnings and awning posts in the streets; and provide for the
lighting, cleaning and sprinkling of streets and public places;
Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges; prohibit encroachments or
obstacles thereon and, when necessary in the interest of public
welfare, authorize the removal of encroachments and illegal
constructions in public places;

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

Regulate the drilling and excavation of the ground for the laying of
water, gas, sewer, and other pipes and the construction, repair and
maintenance of public drains, sewers, cesspools, tunnels and similar
structures; regulate the placing of poles and the use of crosswalks,
curbs and gutters; adopt measures to ensure public safety against
open canals, manholes, lives wires and other similar hazards to life
and property; and regulate the construction and use of water closets,
privies and other similar structures in buildings and homes;
Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and
construction of all gas mains, electric telegraph and telephone wires,
conduits, meters and other apparatus; and provide for the
correction, condemnation or removal of the same when found to be
dangerous to the welfare of City’s inhabitants;

14


(x) 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;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(6) 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.

15


(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;

(2) 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;

(©) 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.

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,

16


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.

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

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

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

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

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

(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.

(©) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately
preceding subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon

7


proper motion duly approved by the members present, shall then declare the session
adjourned for lack of quorum.

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

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

SEC. 17. Veto Power of the City Mayor. - (a) The City Mayor may veto any
ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or
prejudicial to the public welfare, stating his reasons thereof in writing.

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

(©) 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.

18


(0) If the Sangguniang Panlalmvigan 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.

(©) 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 hall of La
Trinidad, and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of La Trinidad
not later than five (5) days after approval thereof.

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

posting.

(©) 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

19


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;

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

(a) Those with dual citizenship;

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

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

(©) 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

20


removed from office, voluntarily resigns or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to
discharge the functions of his or her office.

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

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

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

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

In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate of
membership of the appointee from the highest official of the political party concerned
are conditions sine qua non, and in any appointment without such nomination and
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.

a


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

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

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

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;

22


(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

(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
(©) years.

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

(© The City treasurer shalll 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;

23


(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:

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

(6) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under 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
acollege 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.

(©) The City Assessor shalll take charge of the City Assessor’s Department, and

shall”
(1) Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment of
real properties for taxation are properly executed;
(2) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the evaluation and
assessment of real properties for taxation purposes;
(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;
(4) Install and maintain a real property identification and accounting systems;
(5) Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing graphically
all properties subject to assessment and gather all data concerning the same;
(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine whether all real
properties with the City are properly listed in assessment of rolls;
(7) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for taxation
purposes of all real properties in the City;
(8) Prepare a schedule of the fair market value of the different classes of real
properties in accordance with the provisions of Local Government Code of
1991, as amended;
(9) Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment
records of real properties on all other records relative to its assessment, upon
payment of as service charge or fee to the City Treasurer;
(10) Submit every semester a report of all assessments, as well as cancellations
and modifications of assessments to the City Mayor and the Sangguniang
Panlungsod; and

24


(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,

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

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

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

Sangguniang Panlungsod;

(3) Appraise the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other officials on the financial

condition and operations of the City;

(4) Certify the availability of budgetary allotment to which expenditures and

obligations may be properly charged;

(©) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers to

determine completeness of requirements;

(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, salaries, allowances,

reimbursement and remittances pertaining to the City;

(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and their liquidations and other

adjustments related thereto;

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

(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the City

pertaining to payrolls and deductions;

(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchases furniture, fixtures and

equipment, including disposal thereof, if any;

(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and keep all

records and reports related thereto;

(12) Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain and keep all

records and reports related thereto; and

(13) Perform such the duties and functions and exercise such other powers as

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

that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 30. The City Budget Officer. — (a) The City Budget Officer must be a good
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in accounting, economics, public
administration, or any related course obtained from a recognized college or
university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired

25


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;

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

Management (DBM);

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

Planning and Development Coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;

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

the component barangays;

(8) Coordinate with the City Planning and Development Coordinator in the

formulation of the development plan of the City; and

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

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

that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

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

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

(©) 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;

26


(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.

(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
(©) 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.

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

7


(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:

(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 — (a) 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

28


experience in civil registry work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the
date of appointment.

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

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

(d) The City Civil registrar shall take charge of the City Civil Registry, and shall:
(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the City Mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the civil registry
programs and projects which the City mayor is empowered to implement and
which the Sangguniang 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;
(ii) File, keep and preserve in a secure place the books required by law;
(iii) Transcribe and enter immediately upon receipt all registrable
documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in
the appropriate civil registry books;
(iv) Transmit to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General within the
prescribed period, duplicate copies of the registered documents
required by law;
(v) Issued certified transcripts or copies of any certificate or registered
document upon payment of the required fees to the City Treasurer;
(vi) Receive applications for the issuance of a marriage license and, after
determining that the requirements and supporting certificates and
publication thereof for the prescribed period have been complied with,
issue the license upon payment of authorized fee to the City Treasurer;
and
(vii) Coordinate with the National Statistics Office in conducting
educational campaigns for vital registration and assist in the preparation
of demographic and other statistics for the City of La Trinidad.
(2) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended, and those
that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 35. The City Administrator — (a) The City Administrator must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in public administration, law or other
related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in management

29


and administrative work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
appointment.

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

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

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

(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof and upon

approval thereof by the City Mayor, particularly those which have to do with

the management and administration-related programs and projects which the

City mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod

is empowered to provide under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as

amended;

(2) Assist in the coordination of the work of all officials of the local government

unit, under the supervision, direction and control of the City Mayor and, for

this purpose, convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the local

government unit;

(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the local government

unit designed to promote career development and uphold the merit principle

in the local government service;

(4) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the local government

unit with the end view of instituting effective administrative reforms;

(6) 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

(© Recommend the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City mayor on all

matters relative to the management and administration of the City.

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

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
(6) 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;

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

30


(d) The City Legal Officer, the Chief Legal Counsel of the City, shall take charge

of the Office of the City Legal Service, and shall:

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

and provide legal assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out the

delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor,

implement the same, particularly those which have programs and projects

related to legal services which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and

which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide under the “Local

Government Code of 1991”, as amended.

(3) Represent the local government unit in all civil actions and special

proceedings wherein the local government unit or any official thereof, in his or

her official capacity, is a party. Provided, that in actions or proceedings where

the City of La Trinidad is a party adverse to the provincial government or to

another component city, a special legal officer may be employed to represent

the adverse party.

(4) When required by the City Mayor or Sangguniang Panlungsod, draft

ordinances, contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments involving any

interest of the City and provide comments and recommendations on any

instruments already drawn;

(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 - (a) 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

31


equivalent and must have acquired experience in the practice of social work for at
least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

(c) The City Social Welfare and Development Officer shall take charge of the
Office of the Social Welfare and Development, and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out
measures to ensure delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities relative to social welfare and development services;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon arrival thereof by the City Mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with social welfare
programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and
which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;
(3) Identify basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and impoverished and
develop and implement appropriate measures to alleviate their problems and
improve their living conditions;
(4) Provide relief and appropriate crisp intervention for victims of abuse and
exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and
exploitations;
(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;
(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment organizations
which have for their purpose the promotion and the protection of all the needy,
disadvantaged, underprivileged or impoverished groups or individuals,
particularly those identified to be vulnerable and high risk to exploitation,
abuse and neglect;
(9) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services particularly those which have
to do with immediate relief and assistance during and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters and calamities;
(10) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on
all matters related to social welfare and development services which will
improve the livelihood and living conditions of the City’s inhabitants; and
(11) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for in the “Local Government Side of 1991”, as amended and those
that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 38. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer — (a) The City
Environment and Natural Resources Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a

32


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

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

(©) 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
empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod
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.

33


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
icensed architect and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of appointment.

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

() 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;
(5) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for forest and tree
parks;
(6) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects
and render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and utilization
activities consistent with ecological balance;
(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernment organizations
in the implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water
pollution with the assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources;
(8) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment
and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the
environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters
and calamities;
(9) Recommend the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on all
matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization,
application of appropriate technology and other matters related to the
environment and natural resources; and
(10) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers
as provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended and
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 39. The City Architect —(a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good moral character, a duly

34


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;
(3) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the Sanggunian the
architectural plan and design for the local government unit or a part thereof,
including the renewal of slums and blighted areas, land reclamation activities,
the greening of land, and appropriate planning or marine and foreshore areas;
(4) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the Sanggunian or the
City Mayor as the case may be, the architectural plans and design submitted by
governmental and nongovernmental entities or individuals, particularly those
of undeveloped, underdeveloped, and poorly designed areas; and
(©) 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.

35


(©) The City Information Officer shall take charge of the Office on Public
Information and Community relations Department and shall:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
and provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in providing
the information and research data required for the delivery of basic services
and 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;
(6) Be in the front line in providing information during and in the aftermath of
man-made and natural disasters and calamities, with special attention to the
victims thereof, to help minimize injuries and casualties during and after the
emergency, and to accelerate relief and rehabilitation;
(7) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on
all matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the
socioeconomic development of the City; and
(8) Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as
provided for under the “Local Government Code of 1991”, as amended, and
those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 41. The City Cooperatives Officer—(a) The City Cooperatives Officer
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of La Trinidad, of good
moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in Business Administration
with special training on cooperatives or any related course obtained from a recognized
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have
acquired experiences in cooperatives organization and management for at least five
(©) 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;

(3) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

(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;

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(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.

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

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

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

(0) 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

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(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;

(3) Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal,

‘owned by the City, and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation,

assistance and counterpart of joint projects;

(4) With the approval of the City Mayor, assign building or land space to local

officials or other public officials, who by law, are entitled to space;

(5) Recommend to the City Mayor reasonable rental rates for local government

properties, whether real or personal, which will be leased to public or private

entities by the local government;

(6) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, landscaping and other related

services in all local government public buildings and other real property,

whether owned or leased by the City;

(7) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and other

costs of supplies and other items commonly used by the City;

(8) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of offices

and the department of local government unit;

(9) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property management

heretofore performed by the local government treasurer and enforce policies

on records creation, maintenance, and disposal;

(10) Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the possible

and imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties, and

structure materials or debris, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-

made and natural disasters and calamities;

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(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.

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



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

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

CHAPTER VIII

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

SEC. 46. The City Fire Station Service. —(a) There shall be established in the
City at least one (1) fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and
equipment, subject to the standards, rules and regulations that may be promulgated
by the Department of Interior and Local Government. The City shall provide the
necessary land or site of the station.

(b) The City Fire Station Service shall be headed by a City Fire Marshal whose
qualifications shail 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.

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.

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(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 (DOJ), and under the supervision and control of the
Secretary of Justice and whose qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary,
and benefits shall be governed by existing laws covering prosecutors of DOJ.

(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.

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.

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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
ina 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.

Approved,