Eiepublic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 173 §

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOLANO IN THE PROVINCE OF NUEVA
VIZCAYA INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF SOLANO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the enactment of Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code
of 1991, municipalities and cities have both become more empowered to deal with local issues. This
is on account of the fact that the Local Government Code of 1991 has provided for the empowerment
of local government units (LGUs) by decentralizing government powers. Presently, LGUs have been
provided vast opportunities in effectively governing their respective area and constituents. Moreover,
the delivery of basic services mandated by RA 7160 has become more effective and responsive,
because LGUs are given wide latitude of discretion in determining the needs of the people residing
within their jurisdiction.

The agriculturally based province of Nueva Vizcaya is composed of fifteen (15)
municipalities which are mostly upland areas inhabited by various indigenous tribes. Despite of its
economic growth, however, Nueva Vizcaya has no city of its own

In order to bolster the development and progress of the province, and considering that one of
its municipalities, particularly the Municipality of Solano, could fairly meet the criteria set forth
under Section 450 of RA 7610 and other pertinent laws, it is imperative that a law be enacted for its
conversion into a city.

The Municipality of Solano is geographically located at the heart of the province which
strategically links the other towns and serves as the center of trade and commerce in the Province of
‘Nueva Vizcaya. Its conversion into a component city would serve as an engine of growth to spur
commercial and industrial activities and hasten the development of the entire province. The future
even looks more promising for the town and undoubtedly, its conversion into a component city
would pave the way to more opportunities both for Solano and the entire Province of Nueva Vizcaya.

In view of the foregoing, the urgent approval of this bill is strongly recommended

Z ae ISA REN Cased!


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1736

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Rep. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma
Lone District of Nueva Vizcaya

AN ACT
CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SOLANO IN THE PROVINCE OF NUEVA
VIZCAYA INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF SOLANO

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

SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the Charter of the City of Solano.

SECTION 2. The City of Solano. - The Municipality of Solano in the Province of Nueva
Vizcaya is hereby converted into a component city to be known as the City of Solano, comprising of
the current territory of the Municipality of Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, The territorial jurisdiction of the
City shall be within the present metes and bounds of the Municipality of Solano.

SECTION 3. Corporate Powers of the City. - The City constitutes a political body corporate
and as such, is endowed with the attributes of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers
which pertain to a municipal corporation to be exercised in conformity with the provisions of this
Charter. Just like all other cities endowed with powers under the Local Government Code, the City
shall have the following corporate powers:

(1) To have a 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 or personal property;

(5) To enter into contracts; and

(6) To exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to the limitations
provided in this Act and other laws.

SECTION 4. General Powers of the City. - The City shall exercise the power to levy taxes,
and may take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey and dispose of real and personal property for the
general interest of the City, condemn private property for public use, contract and be contracted with,
sue and be sued, profecute and defend to final judgment and execution suits wherein said City is a
party, and exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations and/or hereinafter conferred.

SECTION 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,


SECTION 6. Jurisdiction of the City. ~ The jurisdiction of the City of Solano, for police
purposes only, shall be co-extensive with its territorial jurisdiction and, for the purpose of protecting
and ensuring the safety of the water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend over
all 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 City Court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the city or municipal courts of
adjoining municipalities or cities to try crimes and misdemeanors committed within said drainage
area, or within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m.). Provided, that the court first taking
cognizance of such an offense shall have jurisdiction to try said cases to the exclusion of others. The
police force of the several municipalities and cities concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction with
the police force of the City for the maintenance of good order and the enforcement of ordinances
throughout said zone, area and spaces.

ARTICLE
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

SECTION 7. The Officials of the City of Solano, — (a) There shall be in the City of Solano a
City Mayor, a Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, a Secretary to the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, a City Treasurer and an Assistant City Treasurer, a City Assessor and an Assistant 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, a City General
Services Officer, and a City Agriculturist.

(b) In addition thereto, the City Mayor may appoint a City Architect, a City Information
Officer, a City Technology Officer, a City Population Officer, a City Environment and Natural
Resources Officer, a City Cooperatives Officer, a City Agroforestry Officer, and a City Indigenous
People Officer. The City Mayor may create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes and functions of the City.

(©) Unless otherwise provided herein, all appointive city officials of the City shall be
appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of the majority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod
Members, subject to pertinent Civil Service Law, rules and regulations. The Sangguniang
Panlungsod shall act on the appointments within fifteen (15) days from the date of its submission;
otherwise, the same shall be deemed confirmed.

ARTICLE
THE CITY MAYOR AND THE CITY VICE MAYOR

SECTION 8. The City Mayor. — (a) The city mayor shall be the Local Chief Executive of the
City. He shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City.

No person shail be eligible for the position of City Mayor unless at the time of the election:

(1) He is a Filipino citizen;

(2) At least twenty one (21) years of age;

(3) Able to read and write,

(4) An actual resident of the City for at least one (1) year prior to his election; and
(5) A qualified voter therein.

He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum
monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under
Republic Act No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

(b) The City Mayor shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided
herein:


(1) Exercise those powers expressly granted to him by law, those necessarily implied
therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate or incidental for the efficient and
effective governance of the City and those which are essential to the promotion of the
general welfare:

(2a) Determine the guidelines of city pol
Panlungsod for the program of government;

and be responsible to the Sangguniang

(bb) 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;

(cc) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects for the
consideration 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,

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

(ee) 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 this Act,
as well as those he may be authorized by law to appoint;

(£8) Represent the City in all its transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, and
obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or
pursuant to existing laws or ordinances;

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

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

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

ji) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully discharge their
duties and functions as provided by law and this Act 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,

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

(il) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him to the respective council chairman
within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance;

(mm) Visit component barangays of the City at least once every six (6) months to deepen
his understanding of problems and conditions, listen and give appropriate counsel to local
officials and inhabitants of general laws and ordinances 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;


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

(00) Authorize official trips of City officials and employees outside of the City for a
period not exceeding thirty (30) days;

(pp) 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 said officials or employees in the formulation and implementation of
plans, programs and projects, and, when appropriate, initiate any administrative or
judicial action against a national government official or employee who may have
committed an offense in the performance of his official duties while stationed in or
assigned to the City,

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

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

(ss) Conduct an annual Palarong Panlungsod which shall feature traditional sports and
disciplines included in national and international games, in coordination with the
Department of Education; and

(tt) Submit to the provincial governor and the President 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; and supplemental reports when unexpected events and situations arise at any
time during the year, particularly when man-made or natural disasters or calamities affect
the general welfare of the City;

(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the City and, in the exercise
of its appropriate corporate powers, implement all approved policies, programs, projects,
services and activities of the City;

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

(bb) Call conventions, conferences, seminars, or meetings of elective and appointive
officials of the City, including national officials and employees stationed in or assigned to
the City, at such time and place and on such subject as he may deem important for the
promotion of the general welfare of the local government unit and its inhabitants;

(cc) Issue such executive orders for the faithful and appropriate enforcement and
execution of laws and ordinances;

(dd) Act as the deputized representative of the National Police Commission, formulate the
peace and order plan of the City and, upon its approval, implement the same and as such
exercise general and operational control and supervision over the local police forces in
the City, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975; and

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

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


(aa) Require each head of office or department to prepare and submit an estimate of
appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in accordance with the budget preparation
process as provided for in the Local Government Code;

(bb) 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;

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

(dd) Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for any violation of the
conditions upon which said licenses or permits had been issued pursuant to law or
ordinance;

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

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

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

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

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

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facil
addition thereto:

fies and, in

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

(bb) Coordinate the implementation of technical services, including public works and
infrastructure programs rendered by national offices; and

(5) Pesform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers, as provided
under Republic Act N. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 9. The City Vice Mayor. ~ (a) There shall be a Vice Mayor who shall be elected
in the same manner as the City Mayor and shall, at the same time of his election, possess the same
qualifications as the city mayor. He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and
shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-Six (26), as
prescribed under Republic Act No. 6578, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.


(b) The Vice Mayor shall:

(1) Act as 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 for under existing laws,

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

(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor in
cases of temporary vacancy; and

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

ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUIANG PANLUNGSOD

SECTION 10. The Sangguniang Panlungsod. (a) The Sangguniang Panlungsod, the
legislative body of the City, shall be composed of the City Vice Mayor as Presiding Officer, the
regular 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 Sectoral
Representatives, as members.

(b) The three (3) sectoral representatives shall be: one (1) from the women; and as shall be
determined by the Sangguniang Panlungsod within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the local
elections, one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers, and one (1) from the other sectors,
including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities and disabled persons.

(©) The regular members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the sectoral representatives
shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by the law. The elective members of the
Sangguniang Panlungsod shall possess the same qualifications as that of the city mayor and vice
mayor.

(d) They shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade
Twenty-Five (SG-25), as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines
issued pursuant thereto.

(e) The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall:

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

(aa) Review all ordinances approved by the Sangguniang Barangay and
executive orders issued by the Punong Barangay to determine whether these
are within the respective scope of their prescribed powers,

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

(cc) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos
(5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year, or
both, at the discretion of the cout, for the violation of a City Ordinance,


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

(ee) 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 of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain
money or property, drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing,
juvenile delinquency, the printing, distribution and exhibition of obscene or
pornographic materials or publications, and as such other activities inimical to
the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the City:

(ff) Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which
endanger the environment, such as but not limited to, dynamite fishing and
other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of natural
resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash-and-
burn farming, and as such other activities which result in pollution,
acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and lakes or of ecological imbalance,

(gg) Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other
emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly
from City funds and provide for expenditure necessary for the proper conduct
of programs, projects, services and activities of the City government,

(bh) 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;

(ii) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefore to ensure the
safety and protection of all City government property, public documents, or
records such as those relating to property inventory, land ownership, records
of births, marriages, deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits,
and such other records and documents of public interest in the offices and
governments of the City government,

(jj) 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;

(kk) 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 action; and

(Il) Provide for group insurance or additional insurance coverages for all
barangay officials, including members of barangay tanod brigades and other
service units, with public or private insurance companies, when the finances of
the City government allow such 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:

(aa) 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;


(bb) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code and
applicable laws and upon the 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 exemptions, incentives or reliefs;

(cc) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code and
upon the majority vote of all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,
authorize the City Mayor to negotiate and contract loans and other forms of
indebtedness,

(dd) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code and
upon the majority vote of all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, enact
ordinances authorizing the floating of bonds or other instruments of
indebtedness for the purpose of raising funds to finance development projects,

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

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

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

(hh) Reclassify land within the jurisdiction of the City, subject to the pertinent
provisions of the Local Government Code;

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

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

(kk) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code, grant
the exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or fish pens, or the taking or
catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag, or fry of any species or
fish within the City waters;

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

(mm) Grant foans or provide grants to other local government units or to
national, provincial, and city charitable, benevolent or education institutions:
Provided, That said institutions are operated and maintained within the Cit



(nn) Regulate the numbering of residential, commercial and other buildings;
and

(00) Regulate inspection, weighing and measuring of articles of commerce;

(3) Subject to the provisions of the Local Govemment Code of 1991, enact
ordinances granting franchises and authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses,
upon such conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general
welfare of the inhabitants of the City and pursuant to this legislative authority
shall:

(aa) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services rendered by
the City government to private persons or entiti

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

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

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

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

(€8) Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Transportation
and Communications, regulate the operation of tricycles and grant franchises
for the operation thereof within the territorial jurisdiction of the City; and

(gg) Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, grant a 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;

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

(aa) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(bb) Require that the 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 the said requirement, have the
work done at the expense of the owner, administrator or tenant concerned; or
require the filling of any land or premises to a grade necessary for proper
sanitation;

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


(dd) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes, restaurants,
beer houses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, and other similar
establishments, including tourist guides and transports;

(ee) Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing of any intoxicating malt, vino,
mixed or fermented liquors at any retail outlet;

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

(gg) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of any entertainment
‘or amusement facilities, including the theatrical performances, circuses, billiard
pools, public dancing schools, public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors,
and other places for 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;

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

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

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

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

(bb) Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animal corrals and authorize the
operation thereof by the City government and regulate the construction and
operation of private markets, talipapas or other similar buildings and structures,

(cc) Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation by the City
government of ferries, wharves and other structures intended to accelerate
productivity related to marine and seashore or offshore activities;

(4d) Regulate the preparation and sale of meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits,
fresh dairy products and other foodstuffs for public consumption;

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

(ff) 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;


(gg) Subject to existing laws, establish and provide for the maintenance, repair
and operation of an efficient waterworks system to supply water for the
inhabitants and to purify the source of the water supply and within one hundred
meters (100 m) of the reservoir, conduit, canal, 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:

(bh) Regulate the drilling and excavation of the ground for the laying of water,
gas, sewer, and other pipes and the 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, live wires and other similar hazards to life and property;
and regulate the construction and use of private water closets, privies and other
similar structures in buildings and homes,

(ii) Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and construction of
all gas mains, electric, telegraph and telephone wires, conduits, meters, and other
apparatus; and provide for the correction, condemnation or removal of the same
when found to be dangerous, defective or otherwise hazardous to the welfare of
the inhabitants;

(jj) Subject to the availability of funds and 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 Department of
Education and subject to existing laws on tuition fees and other schoo! charges in
educational institutions supported by the City government;

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

(ll) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent the
introduction and spread of disease;

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

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

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

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

(qq) Establish a City Council for the elderly which shall formulate policies and
adopt measures beneficial to the elderly and to the community; provide incentives
for non-governmental agencies and entities and, subject to the availability of
funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects for the benefit of the
elderly;


(6) 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, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

SECTION 11. Internal Rules of Procedure. ~ (a) On the first regular session following the
election of its members, and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall
adopt or update its existing rules of procedure.

(b) The rules of procedures shall provide for 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, women and family, human rights, youth and
sports development, environmental protection, and cooperatives; the general
jurisdiction of each committee; and the election of the chairman and members of
each committee;

(2) The order and calendar of business for each session;
(3) The legislative process;

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

(5) The discipline of members for disorderly behaviour 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 a member convicted by final judgment to
imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving moral turpitude shall
be automatically expelled from the Sanggunian; and

(6) Such other rules as the Sanggunian may adopt.

SECTION 12. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interest of Sangguniang
Panlungsod Members. — (a) Every Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall, upon assumption
to office, make a full disclosure of his business and financial interest.

He shall also disclose any business, financial or professional relationship or any
relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, which he may have with
any person, firm or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the
Sanggunian of which he is a member, which relationship may result in conflict of interest.
‘Such relationship shall include:

(1) Ownership of stock or capital, or investment, in the entity or firm to which the
ordinance or resolution may apply; and

(2) Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which the ordinance or
resolution under consideration may affect;

In the absence of a specific constitutional or statutory provision applicable to
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 tend to affect his
judgment to the prejudice of the service or the public.


(b) The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and submitted to the
Secretary of the Sanggunian or the Secretary of the Committee of which he is a member. The
disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the proceedings and shall be made in the
following manner:

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

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

SECTION 13. 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 regular sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions for the Sangguniang
Panlungsod shall be once a week.

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

(©) All sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed-door session is ordered by the
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, if practicable, at the member’s usual place of residence at least twenty-four (24)
hours before the special session is held. Under extraordinary circumstances or when the matter to be
taken is of extreme importance or urgency, however, notice may be served through e-mail or any
other form of electronic communication. Unless concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
Sanggunian members present, there being a quorum, no other matter may be considered at a special
session except those stated in the notice.

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

SECTION 14. 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 the members and thereafter announce the results.

(b) Where there is no quorum, the Presiding Officer may declare a recess until such time as a
quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present may adjourn from day to day and may
compel the immediate attendance of any member absent without justifiable cause by designating a
member of the Sanggunian, to be assisted by a member or members of the police force assigned to
the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Solano, 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 proper motion duly
approved by the members present, shall then declare the session adjourned for lack of quorum

SECTION 15. Approval of Ordinances. — (a) Every ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang
Panlungsod shall be presented to the City Mayor. If he approves the same, he shall affix his
signature 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-thrds (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 he had signed it.

SECTION 16. 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 response therefore in writing. .

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

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

SECTION 17. Transmittal of City Ordinances to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. —
Within THREE (3) days after approval, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall forward
to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review, copies of approved ordinances and the resolutions
approving the local development plans and public investment programs formulated by the local
development councils. 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 therefore valid.

SECTION 18, 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 ordinance is
consistent with law and city ordinances.

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

(©) If the Sangguniang Panlungsod finds the barangay ordinances inconsistent with law or
city ordinances, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall, within THIRTY (30) days from receipt thereof,
retum 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

SECTION 19. 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 Solano, and in at least two (2) conspicuous places in the City of
Solano.

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

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


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

ARTICLE VE
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

SECTION 20. Disqualifications for Elective City Officials. ~ The following persons are
disqualified from running for any elective position in the City
(a) Those sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or for an
offense punishable by one (1) year or more of imprisonment, within two (2) years after
serving sentence;

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

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

(4) Those with dual citizenship;
(©) Fugitives from justice in criminal or non-political cases here and abroad;

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

(g) The insane and feeble-minded

SECTION 21. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor and City Vice Mayor. —
(a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Mayor, the City Vice Mayor
concerned shall become the City Mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the
City Vice Mayor, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member or, in case of his
permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member, shall
become 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, which shall be determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by
each winning candidates to the total number of registered votes in the City in the immediately
preceding local election.

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

(©) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their
predecessors. For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective local official
fills a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is removed from office,
voluntarily resigns, or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the functions of his office.

SECTION 22. Permanent Vacancy in the Sanggunian. — Permanent vacancies in the
Sangguniang Panlungsod where automatic succession as provided above does not apply shall be
filled by appointment in the following manner:

(1) The Provincial Governor shall make the aforesaid appointment,


(2) Only the nominee of the political party under which the Sanggunian member concerned
had been elected and whose elevation to the next higher in rank created the last vacancy
in the Sanggunian shall be appointed in the same 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 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,

(3) 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 Sangguniang
Panlungsod, appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy;

(4) 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
organization concerned.

SECTION 23. 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 such as, but not
limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad, and suspension from office, the City Vice Mayor or 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 can only be exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds THIRTY (30)
working days.

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

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

(d) In the event, however, that the City Mayor falls or refuses to issue such authorization, the
City Vice Mayor or the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member, as the case may be, shalt

have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the said office on the fourth day of
absence of the City Mayor, subject to the limitations provided in subsection (c) hereof.

ARTICLE Vil
CITY OFFICERS IN GENERAL

SECTION 24. City Offices. — (a) There shall be established in the City Government of
Solano the following offices for its elective officials:

(1) The Office of the City Mayor;

(2) The Office of the City Vice Mayor; and
(3) The Office of the Members of the Sangguniang Pantungsod.

(b) The City shall likewise establish the following offices:


(1) Finance Department — to be composed of the Office of the City Treasurer and
Assistant City Treasurer; the Office of the City Assessor and Assistant City Assessor,
the Office of the City Accountant and the Office of the City Budget Officer;

(2) Health Department — to be composed of the City Health Officer; the Office of the
City Veterinarian; and the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources
Officer;

(3) Legal Department - to be composed of the office of the City Legal Officer,

(4) General Services Department — to be composed of the Cffice of the City General
Services; the Office of the City Civil Registrar; the Office of the City Administrator;
the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer; the Office of the City
Information Officer, the Office of the City Population Officer; the Office of the City
Cooperatives Officer; and the Office of the Secretary of the Sanggunian; and

(5) Planning Department — to be composed of the Office of the City Engineer; the Office
of the City Architect; and the Office of the City Planning and Development
Coordinator,

SECTION 25. The Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary. - The Secretary to the
Sangguniang Panlungsod shall take charge of the Office of the Sanggunian, and shall:
(1) Attend and keep a journal of proceedings of meetings of the Sangguniang
Panlungsod.

(2) Keep the seal of the City and affix the same with his signature to all ordinances,
resolutions, and other official acts of the Sangguniang Panlungsod,

(3) Present copies of the ordinances, resolutions and other official acts of the Sanggunian
to the Presiding Officer for his signature;

(4) Forward for approval by the City Mayor, copies of ordinances enacted by the
Sangguniang Panlungsod,

(5) Forward to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan copies of duly approved ordinances and
resolutions as provided under Section 56, Book I of the Local Government Code of
1991;

(6) Furnish, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of records of public
character in his 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 his office and all non-confidential records herein open to the public during the
usual business hours;

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

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

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


SECTION 26. 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 shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City.

(©) No person shall be appointed treasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City of Solano, 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 must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service for at
least five (5) years.

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

(d) The City Treasurer shall take charge of the Treasury Office and shall:

1, Advise the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod and other local government and
national officials concemed regarding disposition of local government funds and on such
other matters relative to public finance;

2. Take custody and exercise proper management of funds of the city;

3. Take charge of the disbursement of all funds of the City and such other funds the custody
of which may be entrusted to him 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,

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 Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 27. The Assistant City Treasurer. — (a) The Assistant City Treasurer may 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 laws, rules and regulations.

(b) No person shall be appointed Assistant City Treasurer unless he is a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, 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 must have acquired at
least five (5) years experience in treasury or accounting,

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

(@) The Assistant City Treasurer shall assist the City Treasurer and perform such other
duties as the latter may assign him. He shall have authority to administer oaths concerning
notices and notifications to those delinquent in the payment of the real property tax and
concerning official matter relating to the accounts of the City Treasurer or otherwise arising
from the offices of the City Treasurer and the City Assessor.

SECTION 28. The City Assessor. - (a) The City Assessor must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, 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 must
have acquired experience in real property assessment work or in any related field for at least five (5)
years immediately preceding the day of his appointment.


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

(c) The City Assessor shall take charge of the city Assessor's Office, and shall:

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

(2) Initiate, review, and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and
programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the valuation 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 system;

(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 within the City are properly listed in the assessment rolls;

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

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

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

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

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

SECTION 29. The Assistant City Assessor. — (a) The Assistant City Assessor must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of
college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any related course from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must
have acquired experience in assessment or in any related field for at least three (3) years immediately
preceding the day of his appointment.

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

(c) The Assistant City Assessor shall assist the City Assessor and perform such other
duties as the latter may assign to him. He shall have the authority to administer oaths on
all declarations of real property for purposes of assessment.

SECTION 30. The City Accountant. — (a) The City Accountant must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, and a certified public
accountant. He must have acquired experience in the treasury or accounting service for at
least five (5) years immediately preceding the day of his appointment.

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

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

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

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


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

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

(© Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidation, salaries, allowances,
reimbursements and remittances pertaining to the City;

(7) Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledger and index cards;

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

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

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

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

(12) 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, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 31. The City Budget Officer. - (a) The City Budget Officer must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, 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 must
have acquired experience in government budgeting or in any related field for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(©) The City Budget Officer shall take charge of the City Budget Office and shall:

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

(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of 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 thereof,

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

(6) Coordinate with the city treasurer, the city accountant and the city planning and
development coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;

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

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

SECTION 32. The City Planning and Development Coordinator. - (a) The City Planning
and Development Coordinator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano,
of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban 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 must have acquired experience
in development planning or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the
date of his appointment.

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


(c) The City Planning and Development Coordinator shall take charge of the City Planning
and Development 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 of agencies;

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

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

(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and recommend fiscal plans
and policies for consideration of the finance committee of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;

(7) Promote people participation in development planning within the City, and

(8) 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,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 33. The City Engineer. - (a) The City Engineer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, and a licensed engineer. He
must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The City Engineer shall take charge of the City Engineering Office, and shall:

(1) In general, initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and
programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure development and public
works of the City,

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

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

(4) Provide engineering services to the City, including investigation and survey, engineering
designs, feasibility studies, and project management; and

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

SECTION 34, The City Health Officer. — (a) The City Health Officer must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, and a licensed medical
practitioner. He must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five (5)
years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

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

(J) Supervise the personnel and staff of 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 services program geared to the implementation of health-related
projects and activities;


(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlu
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;

(3) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the
same, particularly those concerning health programs and projects which the City Mayor is
empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to

rovide;

@) 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

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

SECTION 35. The City Civil Registrar. ~ (a) The City Civil Registrar must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, 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 must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his 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 Solano, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code, and other pertinent laws, rules and
regulations issued to implement them.

(d) The City Civil Registrar shall take charge of the Office of the City Civil Registry, and
shall

(1) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the
same, particularly those concerning civil registry programs and projects which the City
Mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is
empowered to provide; and

(2) 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,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 36. The City Administrator. - (a) The City Administrator must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in public administration, law, or any related course from a recognized college or
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience
in management and administration work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
his appointment.

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

(©) The City Administrator shall take charge of the Office of the City Administrator, and
shall:

(1) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the
same, particularly those which have to do with the management and administration of
related programs and projects which the City Mayor is empowered to implement and
which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

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


(3) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters
relative to the management and administration of the City; and

(4) 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,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 37. The City Legal Officer. — (a) The City Legal Officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, and a member of the
Philippine Bar. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment

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

(c) The City Legal Officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the Office
for Legal Services, 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 provisions of adequate facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement
the same, particularly those concerning programs and projects related to legal services
which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang
Panlungsod is empowered to provide;

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

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

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

SECTION 38, The City Veterinarian. — (a) The City Veterinarian must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, and a licensed doctor or
veterinary medicine, He must have practiced his profession for at least three (3) years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

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

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

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

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement
the same, particularly those concerning veterinary related activities which the City Mayor
is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Pantungsod is empowered to
provide;

(3) Be in the frontline of 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 human consumption, particularly those arising from and in the aftermath of
man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

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

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


SECTION 39. 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
Solano, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker or any related course fiom a
recognized college or university, and a first degree civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must
have acquired experience in the practice of social work for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The City Social Welfare and Development Officer shall take charge of the Office on
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 the delivery of
basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and development
services;

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
same, particularly those concerning social welfare programs and projects which the city
mayor is empowered to implement and which the Sangguniang Panlungsod is empowered to
provide;

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

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

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

SECTION 40. The City General Services Officer. — (a) The City General Services Officer
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a
holder of a college degree on public administration, business administration and management from a
recognized college or university, and a first degree civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must
have acquired experience in general services for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the
date of his appointment.

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

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

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

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement
the same, particularly those concerning general services 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) Be in the frontline of general services related activities, such as the possible or 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;

(5) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advise the City Mayor on all other
matters related to general services; and



(6) 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,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 41. The City Architect. - (a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, and a duly licensed architect.
He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
his appointment.

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

(c) The City Architect shall take charge of the Office on Architectural Planning and Design,
and shall:

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

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement the
same, particularly those concerning architectural planning and design of programs and
projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Be in the frontline 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;

(4) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advice the City Mayor on all other matters
relative to architectural planning and design as it relates to the total socioeconomic
development of the City; and

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

SECTION 42. The City Information Officer. - (a) The City Information Officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication or any related course from a
recognized college or university, and a first degree civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must
have experience in writing articles and research papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast
media for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The City Information Officer shall take charge of the Office on Public Informaton, and
shail:

(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 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 concerning 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) Be in the frontline of 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;


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

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

SECTION 43. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. - (a) The City
Environment and Natural Resources Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the
City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment,
forestry, agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first degree
civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in the environment and
natural resources management, conservation, and utilization work for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

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

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the City Mayor in carrying out measures
to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities to
environment and natural resources services;

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

(3) 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;

(4) Recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod and advice the City Mayor on all other
matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application of
appropriate technology and other matters related to the environment and natural
resources; and

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

SECTION 44, The City Cooperatives Officer. - (a) The City Cooperative Officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree preferably in business administration with special training in cooperatives or any
related course from a recognized college or university, and a first degree civil service eligible or its
equivalent. He must have experience in cooperatives organization and management for at least five
(5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c) The City Cooperative 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 providing the
information and research data required for the delivery of basic services and provision
of adequate facilities through the development of cooperatives, and in providing
access to such services and facil



(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement
the same, particularly those concerning 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 provid

(3) Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization, rehabilitation of 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,

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

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

SECTION 45. The City Population Officer. - (a) The City Population Officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or
university, and a first degree civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in the
implementation of programs on population development or responsible parenthood for at least five
(5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

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

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

(2) Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the City Mayor, implement
the same, particularly those concerning 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 is empowered to provide; and

(3) 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,
and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

SECTION 46. The City Agriculturist. - (a) The City Agriculturist must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of Solano, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in
agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first degree civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have practiced his profession in agriculture or acquired
experience in a related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his
appointment.

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

(c) The City Agricutturist shall take charge of the Office of Agricultural Services, and shall:

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


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

(3) 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, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE Ix
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 47. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. —
All municipal ordinances of the Municipality of Solano existing at the time of the approval of this
‘Act shall continue to be in force within the City of Solano until the sangguniang pantungsod shall, by
ordinance, provide otherwise.

SECTION 48. 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.

SECTION 49. Plebiscite. — The City of Solano acquires existence upon the ratification of its
creation by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in the
present Municipality of Solano within SEXTY (60) days from the approval of this Act. The expenses
for such plebiscite shall be bome by the Municipality of Solano. The Commission on Elections shall
conduct and supervise such plebiscite

SECTION 50. Officials of the City of Solano. — The present elective officials of the
municipality shall continue to exercise their powers and 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 shall likewise continue exercising their
functions and duties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the city government of the City of
Solano

SECTION 51. Jurisdiction of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya. ~ The City of Solano shall,
unless otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of Nueva
Vizcaya.

SECTION 52. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions thereof shall remain valid and effective

SECTION 53. Applicability of Laws. ~ The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise
known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and such laws as are applicable to component cities
shall govern the City of Solano insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 54. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved