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First Regular Session NS 1

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

HOUSE BILL NO.__3463

Introduced by Representative Nicasio M. Alipi

EXPLANATORY NOTE
This is a re-filed bill seeking to revise the century-old charter of the City of Baguio,

The preceding bills (HB 3617 in the 13'" Congress, HB 2813 in the 14" Congress, and
HB 121 in the 15 Congress) were filed primarily with the following objectives: settle the
boundary dispute of the city with the adjoining municipality of Tuba, effectively implement the
city government’s land use development plan, and address the problem in the disposition of
alienable and disposable public lands within the Baguio townsite reservation

This bill carries the same objectives given that these concerns continue to weigh heavily
on the City of Baguio. More importantly, this bill seeks the revision of the charter to adapt to
developments that have evolved since the enactment of the City’s original charter.

Consultation and dialogue were thus conducted with several stakeholders after the
President’s veto of the bill that was approved by the 15" Congress, This bill is substantially the

same but changes were made to address the objections raised in the veto message.

It is therefore ardently sought that this bill be approved.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3463

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Nicasio M. Aliping, Jr.

ANACT
REVISING THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF BAGUIO
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Revised Charter of the City
of Baguio”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Objectives and Core Values. — The objectives of the City of
Baguio are herein established, as follows:

(a) To make the City of Baguio a home of diverse and dynamic cultures, a center of
education, trade and tourism in harmony with nature, managed by God-loving, steadfast leaders

in partnership with responsible and peace-loving citizens;

(b) To utilize an integrated life cycle approach to environmental management; promote
eco-cultural tourism and tourism-related micro enterprises; ensure the sustenance of the City of
Baguio as an educational center of Northern Luzon; develop and implement an investment

portfolio and an aggressive marketing strategy;


(c) To achieve effectiveness and efficiency in local governance for the promotion of the

general welfare and the delivery of basic services;

(d) To maximize the exercise of the City’s proprietary functions for the general welfare,
the provision of basic services and facilities, the management of its economic enterprises and the
power to generate and apply resources, subject to such limitations as provided under this Act and

other laws.

In the pursuit of these objectives, the City of Baguio shall be guided by the following,
core values, namely: service, honesty, transparency, accountability, resourcefulness, and

creativity.

SEC. 3. The City of Baguio: Territorial Boundaries. — The City of Baguio, a highly-
urbanized city also popularly known as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, shall comprise
the present territory of the City of Baguio.

The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution by the appropriate
agency or forum of any boundary dispute or case involving questions of territorial jurisdiction, as
well as, agreements or exchange of portions of territories between the City of Baguio and the

adjoining local government units. Any such resolution or agreement shall be appended hereto.

SEC. 4. Political and Corporate Nature, — The City of Baguio is a body politic and
corporate entity endowed with powers to be exercised by it in conformity with law. As such, it
shall exercise powers as a political subdivision of the national government and as a corporate

entity representing the inhabitants of its territory.

As a political subdivision, the City shall exercise the following govemmental powers

(a) To create, merge, divide or abolish barangay units in accordance with the criteria set
forth by law: Provided, that existing barangay units that do not meet the criteria shall be merged

in accordance with law;

(b) To establish government centers for offices, agencies or branches of the national

government, local govemment units or government owned and controlled corporations;


(©) To change the names of barangay units, streets, roads, structures and public places in

coordination with the National Historical Institute;
(d) To promote the general welfare;
(€) To provide basic services and facilities;

(0 To give priority to basic and higher education to ensure its sustenance as an

educational center;
() To generate and apply resources;
(h) To exercise the power of eminent domain;
(i) To reclassify lands subject to national law; and

(i) To close or open roads, alleys, parks or squares within its jurisdiction.

As a conporate entity, the City shall exercise the following powers:
(1) To have continuous succession in its corporate name;

(2) To sue and be sued;

(3) To have and use a corporate seal;

(4) To acquire and convey real and personal property;

(5) To enter into contracts; and

(6) To exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to the

limitations provided by this Act and other laws.

ARTICLE I
CITY OFFICIALS

SEC. 5. Officials of the City of Baguio. — (a) There shall be in the City of Baguio: a city
mayor, a city vice mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang
panlungsod, a city treasurer, a city assessor, a city engineer, a city buildings and architecture
officer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city accountant, a city social welfare and
development officer, a city budget officer, a city planning and development officer, a city

administrator, a city legal officer, a city general services officer, a city veterinarian, a city human

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resource management officer, a city environment and parks management officer, a city tourism
officer, a city information officer, and a city librarian, In addition thereto, the city mayor may
appoint a city agriculturist, a city population officer, a city natural resources officer, and a city

cooperatives officer.

(b) A congressman shall represent the City as a lone legislative district until otherwise

provided by law.

(©) The City, through the sangguniang panlungsod, may maintain existing offices not
mentioned in subsection (a) hereof, create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of the City, and consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the

interest of efficiency and economy.

(@) Unless otherwise provided herein, heads of departments and offices shall be
appointed by the city mayor with the concurrence of the majority of all the sangguniang
panlungsod members, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. The sangguniang
panlungsod shall act on the appointment within fifteen (15) days from the date of its submission,

otherwise the same shall be deemed confirmed.

(©) Elective and appointive city officials shall receive such 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 compensation of the mayor, vice mayor
and sangguniang panlungsod members shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term
of the said local officials approving such increase

ARTICLE IT
CITY MAYOR

SEC. 6. City Mayor. — (a) The city mayor shall be the chief executive of the City and
shall hold office in the city hall. He or she shall exercise such powers and perform such duties
and functions as provided by this Act and other laws

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the city and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Govemment
Code of 1991, as amended, the city mayor shall:


(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and

activities of the city government;
(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and, in the

exercise of the appropriate corporate powers provided for under this Act, implement all approved

policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the Ci

(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and apply the same
to the implementation of development plans, program objectives and priorities as provided for
under Section 18 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, particularly those
resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial development and countryside growth and
progress;

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities as
provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be

prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE IV
CITY VICE MAYOR

SEC. 7. City Vice Mayor: — The city vice mayor shall:

(1) Be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlungsod and sign all warrants drawn
on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the sangguniang
panlungsod;

(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and
employees of the sangguniang panlungsod, except those whose manner of appointment is
specifically provided in this Act;

(3) Assume the office of the city mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in the event
of permanent vacancy as provided for in Section 11 of this Act and Section 44, Book I of the
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;


(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor in cases
of temporary vacancy as provided for in Section 46, Book I of the Local Government Code of
1991, as amended, and;

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be
prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE V
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

SEC. 8. The Sangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) Composition - The sangguniang
panlungsod shall be composed of the city vice mayor as presiding officer, the twelve (12) elected
regular sangguniang panlungsod members, the president of the liga ng mga barangay, the
president of the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, and three (3) sectoral representatives
who shall come from the following sectors: one (1) from the women sector; and, as shall be
determined by the sangguniang panglunsod within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the
local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers sector and one (1) from the
other sectors, including urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or persons with

disabilities.

(b) Election. ~ The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod and the sectoral

representatives shall be elected in the manner provided by law.

SEC. 9. Powers, Duties, and Functions, ~ (a) The sangguniang panlungsod, as the
legislative body of the City, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for
the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the
City as provided for under this Act

(b) It shall exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as
may be prescribed by law or ordinance
ARTICLE VI

QUALIFICATIONS, DISQUALIFICATION AND SUCCESSION
OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS


SEC. 10. Qualifications and Disqualification of Elective City Officials. — Elective city
officials shall possess the same qualifications as those enumerated in Section 39 of the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and shall be disqualified from running for any elective
position in the city upon any of the grounds provided in Section 40 thereof or upon any other
‘ground provided by law.

SEC. 11. Permanent Vacancy in the Offices of the City Mayor and the City Vice Mayor,
— (a) If @ permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city mayor, the city vice mayor
concemed shall become the city mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city
vice mayor, the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member or, in 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) A tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod members shall
be resolved by drawing of lots.

(©) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their

predecessors,

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

of his or her office.
(e) For purposes of succession as provided herein, ranking in the sanggunian shall be

determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by each winning candidate to the

total number of registered voters in the constituency in the immediately preceding local election

SEC. 12. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) Permanent
vacancies in the sangguniang panlungsod where automatic succession as provided in the
immediately preceding section does not apply shall be filled by appointment by the President.

(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the sanggunian member
concemed had been elected and whose elevation to the position next higher in rank created the

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last vacancy in the sanggunian shall be appointed in the manner hereinabove provided. The
appointee shall come from the same political party as that of the sanggunian member who caused
the vacaney 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 concemed are conditions sine qua non, and any appointment
without such nomination and certification shall be null and void ab initio and shall be ground for

administrative action against the official responsible therefor.

(©) In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a sanggunian member who does not
belong to any political party, the city mayor shall, upon recommendation of the sanggunian

concemed, appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy.

(d) In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in the
sanggunian, said vacancy shall be filled automatically by the official next in rank of the

organization concerned.

ARTICLE VIL
COMPENSATION OF CITY OFFICIALS

SEC. 13. Compensation of City Officials. — Incumbent city officials and employees shall
continue to receive their present salaries and benefits in accordance with the salary grades and
rates 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.

ARTICLE VII
APPOINTIVE CITY OFFICIALS AND THEIR QUALIFICATIONS,
FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SEC. 14. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. ~ (a) There shall be a secretary
to the sangguniang panlungsod who shall be a career official with the rank and salary equal to a
head of a department or office and who shall be appointed by the city vice mayor with the

concurrence of the majority of all sangguniang panlungsod members as provided herein.

(b) No person shall be appointed secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod unless he or
she is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, 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. He or she must have
acquired experience in legislative service for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the

date of his or her appointment.

(©) The secretary to the sanggunian shall take charge of the office of the sangguniang
panlungsod and shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such powers as provided
for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are prescribed by law

or ordinance.

SEC. 15. The City Treasurer. — (a) The city treasurer shall be appointed by the
Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the city

mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations

(b) The city treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the city mayor, to
whom he or she shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City, and shall take
charge of the city treasury office

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

or her appointment,

(d) The city treasurer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are

prescribed by law or ordinance

SEC. 16. The City Assessor. — (a) The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil or
mechanical engineering, commerce or any other related course from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she 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 his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city
assessor's office

(b) The city assessor shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are
prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 17, The City B

a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed civil engineer. He or she must have

ineer. — (a) The city engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines,

acquired experience in the practice of his or her profession for at least five (5) years immediately

preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city engineering office.

(b) The city engineer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such powers as.
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are

prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 18. The City Buildings and Architecture Officer. - (a) The city buildings and
architecture officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral
character, and a licensed architect or civil engineer. He or she must have acquired experience in
the practice of his or her profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city buildings and architecture office

(b) The city buildings and architecture officer shall perform such duties and functions and
exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 19. The City Health Officer. — (a) The city health officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed medical practitioner.
He or she must have acquired experience in the practice of his or her profession for at least five
(5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the
city health services office.

(b) The city health officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that

are prescribed by law or ordinance.

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SEC. 20. The City Civil Registrar. — (a) The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she
must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the office of the city civil
registry.

(b) The city civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the
City pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code and other pertinent laws, rules and

regulations issued to implement them,

(©) The city civil registrar shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, including extra-
judicial functions under Republic Act No. 9048, and those that are prescribed by law or

ordinance.

SEC. 21. The City Accountant. — (a) The city accountant must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a certified public accountant. He
or she must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of both the city

accounting office and the city internal audit services office.

(b) The city accountant shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such powers
as provided for under the Local Govemment Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are
prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC, 22. 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
good moral character, a duly licensed social worker and a holder of a college dearee preferably
in sociology, social work or any other related course from a recognized college or university and
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have acquired experience in
the practice of social work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her
appointment and shall take charge of the office of social welfare and development

wn


(b) The city social welfire and development officer shall perform such duties and
functions and exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991,

as amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance

SEC. 23. The City Budget Officer. — (a) The city budget officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in accounting, economics, public administration or any related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she
must have acquired experience in government budgeting or in any related field for at least five
(5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the
city budget office.

(b) The city budget officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that

are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 24. 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 good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban or environmental planning,
development studies, economics, public administration or any related course from a recognized
college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, He or she must have
acquired experience in development planning or in any related field for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city

planning and development coordinating office.

(b) The city planning and development officer shall perform such duties and functions
and exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as

amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance

SEC. 25. The City Administrator. — (a) The city administrator must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in public administration, law or any other related course from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have acquired

experience in management and administrative work for at least five (5) years immediately

12


preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city administrator's

office.
(b) The term of the city administrator is co-terminus with that of the appointing authority

(©) The city administrator shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that

are prescribed by law or ordinance,

SEC. 26. The City Legal Officer. ~ (a) The city legal officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character and a member of the Integrated Bar
of the Philippines. He or she must have practiced his or her profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and, as the chief legal counsel of the
City, shall take charge of the city legal services office.

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

(c) The city legal officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that
are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 27. The City General Services Officer. — (a) The city general services officer must
be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree in public administration, business administration or management from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, He or she
must have acquired experience in general services, including the management of supply and
property, for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and

shall take charge of the city general services office.

(b) The city general services officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise
such 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 Veterinarian. ~ (a) The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, and a licensed doctor of veterinary

medicine. He or she must have practiced his or her profession for at least three (3) years

13


immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city

veterinary services office.

(b) The city veterinarian shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that

are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 29. The City Human Resource Management Officer. ~ (a) The city human resource
management officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral
character, a human resource management or development practitioner and a holder of a college
degree in management or any other related course from a recognized college or university and a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have acquired experience in the
practice of human resource management or development, the administration, execution,
coordination and supervision of activities involving personnel operations, and the
implementation of civil service laws, rules and regulations for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city human resource

management office

(b) The city human resource management officer shall perform such duties and functions
and exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as

amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance or civil service rules and issuances.

SEC. 30. The City Environment and Parks Management Officer. ~ (a) The city
environment and parks management officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City, of good moral character, a duly licensed sanitary engineer or a holder of a college degree in
forestry, watershed and parks management or any other related course from a recognized college
or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have
acquired experience in solid and liquid waste management, general sanitation, and foresty,
watershed and parks management for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his

or her appointment and shall take charge of the city environment and parks management office.

(b) The city environment and parks management officer shall perform such duties and
functions and exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991,

as amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

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SEC. 31. The City Tourism Officer. ~ (a) The city tourism officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably with specialized training in tourism development from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, He or she must have acquired
experience in the implementation of programs on tourism development for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city

tourism office,

(b) The city tourism officer shall assist the city mayor and the local tourism council in
developing and implementing tourism-related programs and perform such duties and functions
and exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Goverment Code of 1991, as

amended, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 32. The City Public Information Officer. — (a) The city public information officer
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree preferably in journalism, mass communications or any related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she
must have acquired experience in writing articles and research papers or in writing for print,
television or broadcast media for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or
her appointment and shall take charge of the city public information office.

(b) The city public information officer shall perform such duties and functions and
exercise such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended,

and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 33. The City Librarian, — (a) The city librarian must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in library
science or any related course from a recognized college or university, a licensed librarian and a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have acquired experience in
library administration for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her
appointment and shall take charge of the city library.

(b) The city librarian shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such powers as
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that are

prescribed by law or ordinance.

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SEC. 34, The City Agriculturist, — (a) The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in agriculture or any other related course from a recognized college or university and
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have practiced his or her
profession in agriculture or acquired the experience for at least five (5) years preceding the date
of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city agricultural services office

(b) The city agriculturist shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that

are prescribed by law or ordinance

SEC. 35. The City Population Officer. — (a) The city population officer must be a citizen
of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she 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 his or her appointment
and shall take charge of the city office on population development

(b) The city population officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such
powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those that

are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 36. The City Natural Resources Officer. — (a) The city natural resources officer
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree preferably in environment, forestry, agriculture or any other related course from a
recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she
must have acquired experience in environmental protection and ecology, and natural resources
management, conservation and utilization work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding

the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of the city natural resources office.

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(b) The city natural resources officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise
such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those

that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SEC. 37. The City Cooperatives Officer. — (a) The city cooperatives officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree preferably in business administration with special training on cooperatives or any related
course from a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent, He or she must have acquired experience in cooperatives development for at least
five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment and shall take charge of

the city office for the development of cooperatives.

(b) The city cooperatives officer shall perform such duties and functions and exercise
such powers as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and those
that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE IX
BOARDS AND COUNCILS

SEC. 38. Boards and Councils, — The boards and councils, created pursuant to the Local
Government Code of 1991, as amended, such as, but not limited to, city school board, city health
board, city development council, and city peace and order council, shall exist and function as
provided for by law. Other boards and councils such as, but not limited to, city tourism council,

city convention and visitors bureau, sister-cities committee, character city committee, city traffic

and transportation management committee, city disaster and risk reduction management council,
city solid waste management board, city market authority, and Burnham Park management
authority shall exist and function as provided for by law or ordinance

ARTICLE X
BAGUIO TOWNSITE RESERVATION AND WATERSHEDS

SEC. 39. Alienable and Disposable Lands. — The disposition and award to actual
‘occupants or qualified applicants of alienable and disposable residential lands within the Baguio
Townsite Reservation shall be by means of application for free patent or miscellaneous sales

application filed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources pursuant to

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Republic Act No. 10023, otherwise known as “An Act Authorizing the Issuance of Free Patents
to Residential Lands”, and such other law authorizing the grant of award directly to qualified
actual occupants of alienable and disposable residential lands.

SEC. 40. City Watersheds. — The City shall protect, preserve and develop its watersheds

and shall impose penal sanetions on anyone who infringes on said water sources of the City.

ARTICLE XI
ANCESTRAL LANDS

SEC. 41. Ancestral Lands. — The legitimate ancestral lands pursuant to Republic Act
No, 8371, otherwise known as the “Indigenous People’s Rights Act”, are considered as private

properties or lands which are not part of the Baguio Townsite Reservation

ARTICLE XI
CAMP JOHN HAY RESERVATION

SEC. 42. The Camp John Hay Reservation. ~ The former Camp John Hay Reservation,
including that portion of its area that was created and designated under Proclamation No. 420
dated July 5, 1994 as the John Hay Special Economic Zone pursuant to Republic Act No. 7227,
otherwise known as the “Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992”, is considered as
private property or land which is not part of the Baguio Townsite Reservation: Provided, that the
19 conditionalities in the formulation by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority of
the master development plan for Camp John Hay set under City Resolution No, 362, series of

1994, shall continue to be respected and remain in force and effect.

ARTICLE XIN
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 43. Ordinances and Provisions of the Old Charter Existing at the Time of the
Approval of this Act. — Unless inconsistent with this Act, all ordinances of the City of Baguio
and the provisions of the old Charter of the City of Baguio as contained in the Revised
Administrative Code of 1917, as amended, existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall

continue to be in force and effect.



SEC. 44, Incumbent Representative and other Elective and Appointive Officials of the
City of Baguio. — The incumbent Representative of the Lone Legislative District of the City of
Baguio and other elective and appointive officials of the City shall continue to exercise their

powers and functions during their term or tenure pursuant to existing laws.

SEC. 45, Representative District. — Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Baguio

shall continue to exist as a Lone Legislative District.

SEC. 46. Identity of the City, — The City shall retain its identity as a highly-urbanized
city, and shall remain part of the Cordillera Administrative Region, The City may form part of
any growth corridor that will be established or of any grouping of local government units that
will be undertaken to consolidate or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes
commonly beneficial to them such as, but not limited to, the BLISTT concept (Baguio, La
frinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay)

ARTICLE XIV
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 47, Separability Clause. ~ If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or

unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions hereof shall remain valid and effective.

SEC, 48, Applicability of Laws, — The provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended, and such other laws applicable to highly-urbanized cities shall govern the City

insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 49. Repealing Clause. — The provisions of the Charter of the City of Baguio as
contained in the Revised Administrative Code of 1917, as amended, and all other laws, decrees,
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 50. /iffectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

its publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

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