EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHIUPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
)
)
SENATE
S. No. 1824
ii( lljc &f»rrterr
20 SEP 14 P1 32
RECLi .. “ :
(P-
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
DIVIDING THE PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO INTO TWO (2) PROVINCES, 
NAMELY: NORTHERN MAGUINDANAO AND SOUTHERN MAGUINDANAO
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Maguindanao has been blessed with rich and abundant natural resources 
which other provinces wouid be right to envy. However despite the existence of this 
vast potentiai, the province ironically remains to be one of the poorest provinces in 
the country. Reforms must be done in order to remedy this predicament as 
unlocking Maguindanao's potential is not just vital to help the people living in the 
province but also in bringing down poverty in the entire country.
In order to achieve this goal, one solution wouid be to focus on socio­
economic development activities in the province and making sure that these 
programs actually reach majority of the people. One way to ensure this is through 
the enactment of this biii and splitting the province into two. With this new set-up, 
government officials of each new province would be able to more properly focus 
their efforts in assisting lesser constituents and lesser territorial jurisdiction. The 
government of each province will now be able to create projects and programs that 
would better address the intricacies and special needs of their respective


jurisdictions. If two heads are better than one, then two provinces with dedicated 
government officials would definitely be better as well in uplifting and unlocking the 
potentials of this promising province that is Maguindanao.
This bill, therefore, seeks to divide the province of Maguindanao into two (2) 
provinces - Northern Maguindanao and Southern Maguindanao.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
TOL" N. TOLENTINO


■ f
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
i
ul Uji' g’ttrrtnrjp
20 SEP 14 PI-.32
SENATE
S. No. 1824
RECE:,i:>P
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
DIVIDING THE PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO INTO TWO (2) 
PROVINCES, NAMELY: NORTHERN MAGUINDANAO AND SOUTHERN
MAGUINDANAO
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the 
Provinces of Northern Maguindanao and Southern Maguindanao".
Sec. 2. Division of the Province of Maguindanao. — The Province of 
Maguindanao is hereby divided into two (2) distinct and independent provinces 
to be known as Northern Maguindanao and Southern Maguindanao
Sec. 3. Composition. - The provinces of Northern Maguindanao and 
Southern Maguindanao shall be composed of the following municipalities:
(a) Province of Northern Maguindanao
(1) Barira;
(2) Buldon;
(3) Datu Blah Sinsuat;
(4) Datu Odin Sinsuat;
(5) Kabuntalan;
1


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(6) Matanog;
(7) Northern Kabuntalan;
(8) Parang;
(9) North Upi;
(10) Sultan Kudarat;
(11) Sultan Mastura; and
(12) Talitay;
(b) Province of Southern Maguindanao
(1) Ampatuan;
(2) Buluan;
(3) Datu Abdulah Sangki;
(4) Datu Anggal Midtimbang;
(5) Datu Hofier Ampatuan;
(6) Datu Montawal;
(7) Datu Paglas;
(8) Datu Piang
(9) Datu Salibo;
(10) Datu Saudi Ampatuan;
(11) Datu Unsay;
(12) Gen. Saiipada K. Pendatun;
(13) Guindulungan;
(14) Mamasapano;
(15) Mangudadatu;
(16) Pagalungan;
(17) Paglat;
(18) Pandag;
(19) Rajah Buayan;
(20) Sharif Aguak;
(21) Sharif Saydona Mustafa;
(22) Sultan sa Barongis;
(23) Talayan; and
(24) South Upi.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 4. Territorial Jurisdiction. - The territorial jurisdiction 
of the provinces of Northern Maguindanao and Southern 
Maguindanao shall be within the present metes and bounds of all 
the municipalities that comprise the respective provinces.
The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the 
resolution by the appropriate agency or forum of existing boundary 
disputes or cases involving questions of territorial jurisdiction 
between the new provinces and adjoining local government units: 
Provided, That the territorial boundaries of the disputed area or 
areas shall remain with the local government unit which has 
existing administrative supervision over said area or areas until 
final resolution of the case.
Sec. 5. Capital Towns and Seats of Government. - The capital 
towns and seats of government of the provinces of Northern 
Maguindanao and Southern Maguindanao shall be the 
municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Buluan, respectively.
Sec. 6. Corporate Powers of the Provinces. — Each province 
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 provincial corporation to be exercised 
in conformity with the provision of this Charter and Republic 
Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code of 
1991", as amended. Each province shall have the following corporate 
powers:
(a) To exercise continuous succession in its corporate name;
(b) To sue and be sued;
(c) To use a corporate seal;
(d) To acquire and convey real or personal property;
(e) To enter into contracts; and
(f) To exercise such other powers granted to corporations, 
subject to the limitations provided under the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended, and other laws.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 7. General Powers. - Each province shall have a 
common seal and may alter the same at Its pleasure: Provided,
That any change of corporate seal shall be registered with the 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Each 
province shall have the power to create its sources of revenue 
and to levy taxes, fees and charges; to close and open roads, 
streets, alleys, parks, or squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold, 
lease, convey and dispose of real and personal property for the 
general interests of the province; to expropriate or condemn private 
property for public use; to contract and to be contracted with; to sue 
and be sued; to prosecute and defend to final judgment and 
execution, suits wherein the province is involved or interested in 
and to exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or 
as hereinafter granted, subject to the provisions of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended.
Sec. 8. Liability for Damages. - Each province and its 
officials shall not be exempt from liability for death or injury to 
persons or damage to property.
Sec. 9. Legislative Districts. — Each province shall have its 
own legislative district comprising of the municipalities enumerated 
under Section 3 of this Charter, which shall take effect upon the 
election and qualification of its representative to be held on the 
second Monday of May 2022.
For the purpose of this section, the City of Cotabato shall be a 
part of the Lone Legislative District of the Province of Northern 
Maguindanao.
The incumbent Representatives of the present Province of 
Maguindanao shall continue to represent their respective legislative 
districts until the expiration of their terms of office.
ARTICLE II
PROVISIONAL OFFICIALS IN GENERAL


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 10. Officials of the Provincial Government. - (a) In each 
of the provinces of Northern Maguindanao and Southern 
Maguindanao, there shail be a provinciai governor, a provinciai 
vice governor, the reguiar members of the sangguniang 
panialawigan, a secretary to the sangguniang paniaiawigan, 
a provincial treasurer, a provincial assessor, a provincial accountant, 
a provincial budget officer, a provincial planning and development 
coordinator, a provincial engineer, a provincial health officer, 
a provincial administrator, a provincial legal officer, a provincial 
agriculturist, a provincial social welfare and development officer, 
a provincial veterinarian and a provincial general services officer.
(b) In addition thereto, the provincial governor may appoint 
a provincial architect, a provincial population officer, a provincial 
environment and natural resources officer, a provincial cooperatives 
officer and a provincial information officer.
(c) The sangguniang panialawigan may:
(1) Maintain existing offices mentioned in subsections (a) and 
(b) hereof;
(2) Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out 
the purposes of the provincial government; or
(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of 
another in the interest of efficiency, economy, and public welfare;
Unless otherwise provided herein or der the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, the heads of departments 
and offices shall be appointed by the provincial governor with the 
concurrence of a majority of all the sangguniang panialawigan 
members, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. The 
sangguniang panialawigan shall act on the appointments within 
fifteen (15) days from the day of submission; otherwise, the same 
shall be deemed confirmed.
Sec. 11. Residence and Office. - The official residence 
and office of the provincial governor, during the latter's


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
incumbency, shall be in the capital of the province. All elective 
and appointive provincial officials shall hold office In the 
provincial capital: Provided, That, upon the resolution of the 
sangguniang panlalawigan, elective and appointive provincial 
officials may hold office in any component city or municipality 
within the province for a period of not more than seven (7) days for 
any given month.
Elective and appointive provincial officials shall receive 
such compensation, allowances and other emoluments as may 
be determined by law or ordinance, subject to the budgetary 
limitations on personal services prescribed under Section 325 
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended: Provided, That 
no increase in compensation shall take effect until after the 
expiration of the full term of all the elective officials approving 
such increase.
ARTICLE III
Elective Provincial Officials
Sec. 12. The Provincial Governor. - (a) The provincial 
governor, as the chief executive of the provincial government, 
shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions 
as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, 
and other laws.
(b) For efficient, effective and economic governance, the 
purpose of which is the general welfare of the province and its 
inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 
1991, as amended, the provincial governor shall:
(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all 
programs, projects, services and activities of the provincial 
government and, in this connection, shall:
(i) Determine the guidelines of provincial policies and be 
responsible to the sangguniang panlalawigan for the program of 
government;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(ii) Direct the formulation of the provincial development 
plan, with the assistance of the provincial development council, and 
upon approval thereof by the sangguniang panlalawigan. Implement 
the same;
(ill) Present the program of government and propose policies 
and projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlalawigan 
at the opening of the regular session of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan every calendar year, and as often as may be deemed 
necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs 
of the provincial government may require;
(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the 
sangguniang panlalawigan and, as often as may be deemed 
necessary, provide such information and data needed or requested in 
the performance of its legislative functions;
(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and 
wages are wholly or mainly paid out of provincial funds and whose 
appointments are not otherwise provided for in this Act, as well as 
those that the provincial governor may be authorized by law to 
appoint;
(vi) Represent the province in ail its business transactions, 
and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts and obligations, and 
such other documents upon the authority of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan or pursuant to law or ordinance;
(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be 
necessary during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural 
disasters and calamities;
(viii) Determine the time, manner and place of payment of 
salaries or wages of the provincial officials and employees, in 
accordance with law or ordinance;
(ix) Allocate and assign office space to the provincial and 
other officials and employees who, by law or ordinance, are entitled 
to such space in the provincial capital and other buildings owned


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
or leased by the provincial government;
(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of 
the province faithfully discharge their duties and functions as 
provided for by law and the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial 
proceedings against any official or employee of the province who may 
have committed an offense in the performance of official duties;
(xi) Examine the books, records and other documents of ali 
offices, officials, agents or employees of the province and, in aid of 
executive powers and authority, require all national officials and 
employees stationed in the province to make available such books, 
records and other documents in their custody, except those classified 
by law as confidential;
(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by the 
governor to the Office of the President within seventy-two (72) 
hours after their issuance;
(xiii) Visit component cities and municipalities of the province 
at least once every six (6) months to deepen the governor's 
understanding of problems and conditions, listen and give 
appropriate counsel to local officials and Inhabitants, inform the 
officials and inhabitants of component cities and municipalities of 
general laws and ordinances which especially concern them, and 
otherwise conduct visits and inspections to ensure that the 
governance of the province will improve the quality of life of the 
inhabitants;
(xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees and 
the commutation of the monetary value of their leave credits in 
accordance with law;
(xv) Authorize official trips of provincial officials and 
employees outside of the province for a period not exceeding thirty 
(30) days;
(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in
8


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
or assigned to the province to advise on matters affecting the 
province and to make recommendations thereon; coordinate with the 
official or employee In the formulation and implementation of plans, 
programs and projects; and, when appropriate, initiate an 
administrative or judicial action against a national government 
official or employee who may have committed an offense in the 
performance of official duties while stationed in or assigned to the 
province;
(xvii) Authorize payment for medical care, necessary 
transportation, subsistence, hospital or medical fees of provincial 
officials and employees who are Injured while in the performance of 
their official duties and functions, subject to the availability of 
funds;
(xviii) Represent the province in inter-provincial or regional 
sports councils or committees, and coordinate the efforts of 
component cities or municipalities in the regional or national palaro 
or sports development activities;
(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlalawigan, which shall 
feature traditional sports and disciplines included in national and 
international games in coordination with the Department of 
Education (DepEd); and
(xx) Submit to the Office of the President the following 
reports: an annual report containing a summary of all matters 
pertinent to the management, administration and development of 
the province 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 province, the region or the country 
in general;
(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the 
governance of the province and the exercise of the appropriate


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
corporate powers provided under Section 22 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; implement all approved 
policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the province; 
and, in addition to the foregoing, shall:
(i) Ensure that the acts of the component cities and 
municipalities of the province and of its officials and employees are 
within the scope of their prescribed powers, duties and functions;
(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars or meetings of 
elective and appointive officials of the province and Its component 
cities and municipalities, including national officials and employees 
stationed in or assigned to the province, at such time and place and 
on such subject as may be deemed important for the promotion of 
the general welfare of the province and Its inhabitants;
(iii) Issue such executive orders for the faithful and 
appropriate enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;
(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearm within the 
territorial jurisdiction of the province;
(v) In coordination with the mayors of component cities and 
municipalities and the National Police Commission, formulate the 
peace and order plan of the province and upon its approval, 
implement the same in accordance with Republic Act No. 6976,
as amended, otherwise known as the "Department of the Interior 
and Local Government Act of 1990"; and
(vi) Call upon the appropriate national 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 when the police forces of the component city or 
municipality where the disorder or violation is happening are 
inadequate to cope with the situation or the violators;
(8) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and 
revenues, and apply the same to the implementation of development 
plans, program objectives and priorities as provided under Section
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
18 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, particularly 
those resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial 
development and countrywide growth and progress and, relative 
thereto, shall;
(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare 
and submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar 
year, in accordance with the budget preparation process under 
Title V, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(ii) Prepare and submit to the sangguniang panlalawigan 
for approval the executive and supplemental budgets of the province 
for the ensuing calendar year in the manner provided under Titie V, 
Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the province 
are collected, and provincial funds are applied to the payment of 
expenses, and obligations of the province are settled, in accordance 
with law or ordinance;
(iv) 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;
(v) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, 
mineral, marine, forest and other resources of the province, in 
coordination with the mayors of component cities or municipalities;
(vi) Provide efficient and effective property and supply 
management In the province; and safeguard the funds, accounts 
receivables, rights and other properties of the province; and
(vii) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or 
judicial proceedings for violations of ordinances in the collection of 
taxes, fees or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property, 
and cause the province 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 facilities as provided under Section 17 of the Local
11


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28 
.
29
30
31
32
Government Code of 1991, as amended and, in addition thereto, 
shaii:
(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and 
highways funded by the nationai government shaii 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 province and of its component cities and 
municipalities; and
(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services by 
national offices for the province and its component cities and 
municipalities, including public works and infrastructure programs 
of the provincial government and its component cities and 
municipalities; and
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties 
and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
The provincial governor shall receive a minimum monthly 
compensation as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6768, 
as amended, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989", as amended, and the Implementing 
guidelines issued pursuant thereto.
Sec. 13. The Provincial Vice Governor. - (a) The provincial 
vice governor shall:
(1) Be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan 
and sign all warrants drawn on the provincial treasury for all 
expenditures appropriated for the operation of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan;
(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint 
all officials and employees of the sangguniang panlalawigan, 
except those whose manner of appointment is specifically provided 
for under existing laws;
(3) Assume the office of the provincial governor for the 
unexpired term of the latter in the event of permanent vacancy
12


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
as provided under Section 44, Book I of the Local Government Code 
of 1991, as amended;
(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions 
of the provincial governor In case of temporary vacancy as provided 
under Section 46, Book I of the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended; and
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties 
and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
(6) The provincial vice governor shall receive a monthly 
compensation as prescribed under the "Compensation and Position 
Classification Act of 1989", as amended, and the implementing 
guidelines issued pursuant thereto;
ARTICLE IV I
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan
i
Sec. 14. Composition. — (a) The sangguniang panlalawigan,
j
the legislative body of the province, shall be composed of the 
provincial vice governor as the presiding officer, the regular 
sangguniang panlalawigan members, the president of the 
provincial chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the president 
of the panlalawigang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, 
the president of the provincial federation of sanggunian members 
of municipalities and component cities, and the sectoral 
representatives, as members.
(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral 
representatives: one (1) from the women's sector; one (1) from 
the agricultural or industrial worker1 sector; and one (1) from 
other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural 
communities, or persons with disability.
(c) The regular members of the sangguniang panlalawigan 
and the sectoral representatives shall be elected in the manner as 
may be provided by law, and shall receive a monthly compensation
13


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
as prescribed under the "Compensation and Position Giassification 
Act of 1989" as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued 
pursuant thereto.
Sec. 15. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation.
The sangguniang panlalawigan, as the legislative body of 
the province, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and 
appropriate funds for the general welfare of the province and 
its Inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended, and in the proper exercise of the 
corporate powers of the province as provided under Section 22 
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and shall:
(1) Approve all ordinances and pass resolutions necessary 
for an efficient and effective provincial government and, in this 
connection, shall:
(i) Review all ordinances approved by the sanggunians of 
component cities and municipalities and executive orders issued 
by the mayors of said component units to determine whether 
these are within the scope of the prescribed powers of the 
sanggunian and of the mayor;
(ii) 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 said ordinances;
(iii) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five 
thousand pesos (P5,000.00) or an imprisonment not exceeding 
one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court, for the violation 
of a provincial ordinance;
(iv) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the 
province from the harmful effects of man-made or natural 
disasters and calamities, and provide relief services and assistance 
to victims during and in the aftermath of said disasters and 
calamities, and to facilitate their return to productive livelihood 
following said events;
14
I \


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and 
impose appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public 
places, vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, the establishment and 
maintenance of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited 
games of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money 
or property, drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug 
pushing, juvenile delinquency, the printing, distribution or 
exhibition of obscene or pornographic materials or publication, 
and such other activities inimical to the welfare and morals of
the inhabitants of the province;
(vi) Protect the environment, and impose appropriate 
penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as 
dynamite fishing and other forms, of destructive fishing, 
illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural 
resources products and of endangered species of flora and 
fauna, slash-and-bum farming, irresponsible disposal of waste, 
and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration 
of eutrophication of rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance;
(vii) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended, and other pertinent laws, determine the 
powers and duties of officials and employees of the province;
(viii) Determine the positions and salaries, wages, allowances 
and other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees 
paid wholly or mainly from provincial funds and provide for 
expenditures necessary for the proper conduct of programs, 
projects, services and activities of the provincial government;
(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified 
person not in the government service who fills in 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;
(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefore
15


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
to ensure the safety and protection of all provincial 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 
departments of the provincial government; and
(xi) When the finances of the provincial government allow, 
provide for additional allowances and other benefits to judges, 
prosecutors, public elementary and high school teachers, and other 
national government officials stationed or assigned to the province;
(2) Generate and maximize the use of resources and 
revenues for the development plans, program objectives and 
priorities of the province as provided under Section 18 of the 
Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, with particular 
attention to agro-industrial development and countrywide growth 
and progress and, relative thereto, shall;
(i) Enact the annual and supplemental appropriations 
of the provincial government and appropriate funds for specific 
programs, projects, services and activities of the province, or for 
other purposes not contrary to law, in order to promote the 
general welfare of the province and its inhabitants;
(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, applicable laws and, upon 
the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges, 
prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific purposes 
and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;
(iii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, applicable laws and, upon 
the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan, authorize the provincial governor to negotiate and 
contract loans and other forms of indebtedness;
16


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, and applicable laws and, 
upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of bonds 
or other instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose of raising 
finds to finance development projects;
(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance 
or the rental of buildings for the use of the province and, upon the 
majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, 
authorize the provincial governor to lease to private parties such 
public buildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing 
laws, rules and regulations;
(vi) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of 
property within the jurisdiction of the province;
(vii) Review the comprehensive land use plans and zoning 
ordinances of component cities and municipalities and adopt
a comprehensive provincial land use plan, subject to existing 
laws; and
(viii) Adopt measures to enhance the full implementation 
of the national agrarian reform program in coordination with the 
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAE).
(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, grant franchises, approve 
the issuance of permits or licenses, or enact ordinances levying 
taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for such 
purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the 
Inhabitants of the province and, pursuant to its legislative 
authority, shall:
(i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all 
services rendered by the provincial government to private persons 
or entities; and
(ii) Regulate and fix the license fees for such activities as
17


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended.
(4) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient 
and effective delivery of the basic services and facilities as 
provided under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, 
as amended, and, in addition to said services and facilities, shall:
(i) Adopt measures and safeguards against pollution and 
for the preservation of the natural ecosystem in the province, 
including the proper collection and disposal of waste, in consonance 
with approved standards on human settlements and environmental 
sanitation;
(ii) Subject to applicable laws, facilitate or provide for the 
establishment and maintenance of a waterworks system or district 
waterworks for supplying water to inhabitants of component cities 
and municipalities;
(iii) Subject to the availability of funds and to existing 
laws, rules and regulations, provide for the establishment and 
operation of vocational and technical schools and similar 
post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of the DepEd 
and subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix reasonable 
tuition fees and other school charges in educational institutions 
supported by the provincial government;
(iv) Establish a scholarship fund for the poor but deserving 
students in schools located within its jurisdiction or of students 
residing within the province;
(v) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to 
prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within its territorial 
jurisdiction;
(vi) Provide for the care of paupers, the aged, the sick, 
persons of unsound mind, abandoned minors, abused children, 
disabled persons, juvenile delinquents, drug dependents,
and other needy and disadvantaged persons, particularly children 
and youth below eighteen (18) years of age; subject to the
18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
availability of funds, establish and support the operation of 
centers and facilities for said needy and disadvantaged persons; 
and facilitate the efforts to promote the welfare of families below 
the poverty threshold, the disadvantaged and the exploited;
(vii) Establish and provide for the maintenance and 
improvement of jails and detention centers, institute a sound 
ail management program and appropriate funds for the subsistence 
of detainees and convicted prisoners in the province;
(viii) Establish a provincial council whose purpose is the 
promotion of culture and the arts, coordinate with government 
agencies and nongovernmental organizations and, subject to the 
availability of funds, appropriate funds for the support and 
development of the same; and
(ix) Establish a provincial council for the elderly which 
shall formulate policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial 
to the elderly and to the province; subject to the availability of 
funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects for 
the elderly; and provide incentives for nongovernmental agencies 
and entities that shall implement programs and projects for the 
elderly; and
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other 
duties and functions as provided for under the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended, and as may be prescribed by law or 
ordinance.
ARTICLE V
Process OF Legislation
Sec. 16. Internal Rules of Procedure. - (a) On the first 
regular session following the election of its members and within 
ninety (90) days thereafter, the sangguniang panlalawigan shall 
adopt or update its existing rules of procedure.
(b) The rules of procedure shall provide for the following: 
(1) The organization of the sanggunian and the election of
19


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
its officers as weli as the creation of standing committees which 
shall include the committees on appropriations, women and 
family, human rights, youth and sports development, environmental 
protection, peace and order, 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 on account of disorderly 
behavior and absences without justifiable cause for four (4) 
consecutive sessions for which they may be censured, reprimanded 
or excluded from the session, or 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) 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.
Sec. 17. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests 
of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members. - (a) Every sangguniang 
panlalawigan member shall, upon assumption to office, make a 
full disclosure of business and financial interests. The member 
shall also disclose any business, financial, professional 
relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within 
the fourth civil degree, with any person, firm or entity affected 
by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the 
sanggunian of which one is a member, which relationship may 
result in conflict of interest. Such relationship shall Include:
(1) Ownership of stocks or capital, or investment in the
20


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
2! 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
entity or firm to which the ordinance or resoiution may appiy; an
(2) Contracts or agreement 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 a situation where it may be reasonably deduced 
that a member of a sangguniang panlalawigan may not be able 
to act in the public interest due to some private, pecuniary or 
other personal considerations that tend to affect the member's 
judgment to the prejudice of the service or the public.
(b) The above 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 membership 
of the sanggunian member. The disclosure shall, in all cases, 
form part of the record of the proceedings of the meetings and 
shall be made in the following manner:
(1) Disclosure shall be made before the member participates 
in the deliberations on the ordinance or resolution under 
consideration: Provided, That if the member did not participate 
during the deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before 
voting oh the ordinance or resolution on second and third 
readings; and
(2) Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a 
position or makes a privilege speech on a matter that may 
affect the business interest, financial connection or professional 
relationship described herein.
Sec. 18. Sessions. - (a) On the first day of session 
immediately following the election of its members, the sangguniang 
panlalawigan shall, by resolution, fix the day, time and place 
of its regular sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions 
of the sangguniang panlalawigan shall be once a week.
(b) When the public interest so demands, special sessions
21


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
may be called by the provincial governor or by a majority of the 
members of the sanggunian.
(c) Aii sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public 
uniess a closed-door session is ordered by an affirmative vote 
of a majority of the members present, there being a quorum, 
in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency or 
morality. No two (2) sessions, regular or special, may be held 
in a singie day.
(d) In the case of special sessions of the sanggunian, 
a written notice to the members shall be served personally
at the members' usual place of residence at least twenty-four (24) 
hours before the special session is held.
Unless otherwise concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of 
the sanggunian members present, there being a quorum, no other 
matters may be considered at a special session except those 
stated in the notice.
(e) The sanggunian shall keep a journal and a record of 
its proceedings which may be pubiished upon resolution of the 
sangguniang panlalawigan.
Sec. 19. Quorum. - (a) A majority of ail the members of 
the sanggunian who have been eiected and qualified shali 
constitute a quorum to transact official business. Shouid a 
question of quorum be raised during the 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 a quorum is constituted, or a 
majority of the members present may adjourn from day to day 
and may compel the Immediate attendance of any member absent 
without justifiable cause by designating a member of the 
sanggunian, to be assisted by a member or members of 
the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the
22


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
province, to arrest the absent member and present the same at 
the session.
(c) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of 
the immediately preceding subsection, no business shall be 
transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion duly 
approved by the members present, shall then declare the 
session adjourned for lack of quorum.
Sec. 20. Approval of Ordinances. - (a) Every ordinance 
enacted by the sangguniang panlalawigan shall be presented 
to the provincial governor. The provincial governor shall sign 
each and every page of the ordinance to signify approval of 
the same; otherwise, the provincial governor shall veto it and 
return the same stating therein the reasons for such objection. 
Thereafter, the sanggunian may proceed to reconsider the same. 
The sanggunian may override the veto of the provincial governor 
by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the 
ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes.
(b) The veto shall be communicated by the provincial 
governor to the sangguniang panlalawigan within fifteen (15) 
days from receipt of the ordinance; otherwise, the ordinance 
shall be deemed approved as if the provincial governor had 
signed it.
SEC. 21. Veto Power of the Provincial Governor, - (a) The 
provincial governor may veto any ordinance of the sangguniang 
panlalawigan on the ground that it is prejudicial to the public 
welfare, and return the same stating therein the reasons for the 
disapproval.
(b) The provincial governor shall have the power to veto 
any particular item or items of an appropriation ordinance, 
an ordinance or resolution adopting a local development plan 
and public investment program or an ordinance directing the 
payment of money or creating liability. In such case, the veto
23


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
shall not affect the item or items which are not objected to.
The vetoed item or items shall not take effect unless the 
sangguniang panlalawigan 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 reenacted.
(c) The provincial governor may veto an ordinance or 
resolution only once. The sanggunian may override the veto of 
the provincial governor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its 
members, thereby making the ordinance effective even without 
the approval of the provincial governor.
ARTICLE VI
SUCCESSION FOR ELECTIVE PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS
Sec. 22. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial 
Governor. - (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office 
of the provinciai governor, the provincial vice governor shall 
become the provincial governor or. In case of permanent inability, 
the highest ranking sanggunian member shall become the 
provincial governor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the 
office of the provincial vice governor, the highest ranking 
sangguniang panlalawigan member shall become the provincial 
vice governor or, in case of permanent inability, the highest ranking 
sangguniang panlalawigan member shall become the provincial vice 
governor. Subsequent vacancies shall be filled automatically by 
other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined 
herein:
(1) For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises 
when an elective 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 the office;
(2) For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises
24


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
when an elective official fills a higher vacant office, refuses to 
assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is removed &om office, 
voluntarily resigns or is otherwise permanently Incapacitated to 
discharge the functions of the office;
(3) A tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang 
panlalawigan members shall be resolved by drawing of lots;
(4) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the 
unexpired terms of the predecessors; and
(5) For purposes of succession as provided for in this Act, 
ranking in the sangguniang panlalawigan shall be determined
on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by each winning 
candidate to the total number of registered voters in the province 
in the immediately preceding local elections.
Sec. 23. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang 
Panlalawigan. - (a) Permanent vacancies in the sangguniang 
panlalawigan where automatic succession as provided for in 
this Act does not apply shall be filled by appointment by the 
President, through the Executive Secretary.
(b) Only the nominee of the political party under which the 
sanggunian member concerned had been elected and whose 
elevation to the position next higher in rank created the last 
vacancy in the sanggunian shall be appointed in the manner 
herein provided. The appointee shall come from the same 
political party as that of the sanggunian member who caused the 
vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office.
In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a 
certificate of membership of the appointee from the highest 
official of the political party concerned are conditions
25


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
sine qua non, and any appointment without such nomination 
and certification shali be nuli and void ab initio and shail be a 
ground for administrative action against the official responsible 
therefor.
(c) In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a 
sanggunian member who does not belong to any political party, 
the provincial governor shall, upon recommendation of the 
sangguniang panlalawigan, appoint a qualified person to fill in 
the vacancy.
(d) In case of vacancy In the representation of the 
sangguniang kabataan, the sangguniang barangay and the 
provincial league of councilors in the sangguniang panlalawigan, 
said vacancy shall be filled in automatically by the 
next-in-rank official of the organization concerned.
Sec. 24. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial 
Governor. - (a) When the provincial governor is temporarily 
incapacitated to perform the duties for physical or legal 
reasons such as leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension 
from office, the provincial vice governor shall automatically 
exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of 
the provincial governor, 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 panlalawigan of a written 
declaration by the provincial governor of having reported back 
to office. In case where the temporary incapacity is due to 
legal cause, the provincial governor shall also submit the 
necessary documents showing that the legal cause no longer 
exists.
(c) When the provincial governor is traveling within the 
country but outside the territorial jurisdiction for a period not
26


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
exceeding three (3) consecutive days, the same may designate 
in writing the officer-in-charge of the office. Such authorization 
shaii specify the powers and functions that the iocal official 
concerned shall exercise in the absence of the provincial 
governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss 
employees.
(d) In the event, however, that the provincial governor 
fails or refuses to issue such authorization, the provincial vice 
governor shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and 
functions of the said office on the fourth (4tt) day of absence of 
the provincial governor, subject to the limitations provided for 
in subsection (c) hereof.
(e) Except as provided in subsection (c) hereof, the provincial 
governor shall, in no case, authorize any local official to assume the 
powers, duties and functions of the office other than the provincial 
vice governor.
ARTICLE VII
Appointive Provincial Officials
THEIR Qualifications, Powers, and Duties
Sec. 26. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
(a) There shall be a secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan 
who shall be a career official with the rank and salary equal to a 
head of a department or office.
(b) The secretary to the sanggunian must be a citizen of 
the Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, 
a holder of a college degree preferably in law, commerce or 
public administration from a recognized college or university,
and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.
The appointment of the secretary to the sanggunian is 
mandatory.
(c) The secretary to the sanggunian shall take charge of the 
office of the sangguniang panlalawigan, and pursuant thereto.
27


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
perform the following;
(1) Attend meetings of the sanggunian and keep a journai of 
its proceedings;
(2) Keep the seai of the province and affix the same on aii 
ordinances, resoiutions and other officiai papers of the 
sanggunian, duiy signing them before presenting the same to the 
presiding officer for the iatter's signature;
(3) Forward to the provinciai governor, for approvai, copies of 
ordinances enacted by the sanggunian and duiy certified by the 
presiding officer, in the manner provided under Section 54 of the 
Locai Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(4) Forward to the sangguniang bayan or sangguniang 
paniungsod, as the case may be, copies of duiy approved ordinances 
in the manner provided under Sections 66 and 67 of the Locai 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(5) Furnish, upon the request of any interested party, 
certified copies of records of pubiic character in the secretary's 
custody, upon payment to the treasurer of such fees as may be 
prescribed by ordinance;
(6) Record in a book kept for the purpose, aii ordinances 
and resoiutions enacted or adopted by the sanggunian, with the 
dates of passage and pubiication thereof;
(7) Keep the office and aii nonconfidentiai records therein 
open to the pubiic during usuai business hours;
(8) Transiate into the diaiect used by the majority of the 
inhabitants, aii ordinances and resoiutions immediateiy after 
their approvai, and cause the pubiication of the same together 
with the originai version in the manner provided under the Locai 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; and
(9) Take custody of the iocai archives and, where appiicabie, 
the iocai iibrary and annuaiiy account for the same.
(d) Exercise such powers and perform other duties and
28


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance relative to 
his or her position.
Sec. 26. The Provincial Treasurer. — (a) The provincial 
treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from 
a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of 
the provincial governor, subject to civil service law, rules and 
regulations.
The appointment of the provincial treasurer is mandatory.
(b) The provincial treasurer must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, 
a holder of a college degree preferably in commerce, public 
administration or law from a recognized college or university,
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must 
have acquired at least five (5) years' experience in treasury or 
accounting service.
(c) The provincial treasurer shall be under the administrative 
supervision of the provincial governor and shall regularly report
to the provincial governor on the tax collection efforts in the 
province.
(d) The provincial treasurer shall take charge of the 
treasury office, and perform the duties as provided under Book II 
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and shall:
(1) Advise the provincial governor or the sanggunian,
as the case may be, and other local government and national officials 
concerned regarding disposition of local government funds and on 
such other matters relative to public finance;
(2) Take custody of and exercise proper management of the 
funds of the local government unit concerned;
(3) Take charge of the disbursement of all local government 
funds and such other funds, the custody of which may be 
entrusted to by law or other competent authority;
(4) Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments
29


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
within the jurisdiction of the province in relation to the 
implementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the provisions 
under Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(5) Maintain and update the tax information system of the 
local government unit; and
(6) Exercise technical supervision over all treasury offices 
of component cities and municipalities.
(e) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties 
and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 27. The Provincial Assessor. - (a) The provincial assessor 
must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the province, 
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, a duly 
registered and licensed real estate service practitioner as 
provided under Section 30 of Republic Act No. 9646, 
otherwise known as the "Real Estate Service Act of the Philippines", 
a first grade civil service eligible or Its equivalent and must have 
acquired at least five (6) years' experience in real property 
assessment work or in any related field.
The appointment of the provincial assessor Is mandatory.
(b) The provincial assessor shall take charge of the 
assessor's office and perform the duties as provided under Book II 
of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, 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;
30


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(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;
(7) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and 
determine whether all real properties within the province are 
properly listed in the assessment rolls;
(8) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment 
primarily for taxation purposes of all real properties in the province;
(9) Prepare a schedule of the fair market value for the 
different classes of real properties in accordance with Title II,
Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(10) Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified 
copies of assessment records of real properties and other 
records relative to Its assessment, upon paSrment of a service 
charge or fee to the provincial treasurer;
(11) Submit every semester a report of all assessments, as 
well as cancellations and modifications of assessments to the 
provincial governor and the sangguniang panlalawigan; and
(12) Exercise technical supervision and visitorial functions 
over all component city and municipal assessors, coordinate with 
component city or municipal assessors in the conduct of tax 
mapping operations and all other assessment activities,
and provide all forms of assistance therefor: Provided, however. 
That, upon full provision by the component city or municipality 
concerned to its assessor's office of the minimum personnel, 
equipment and funding requirements as may be prescribed by 
the Secretary of Finance, such functions shall be delegated to the 
said municipal assessor.
(c) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties 
and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
31


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 28. 77te Provincial Accountant. - (a) The provincial 
accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of 
the province, of good moral character, a certified public accountant 
and must have acquired at least five (5) years' experience in 
the treasury or accounting service.
The appointment of a provincial accountant is mandatory.
(b) The provincial accountant shall take charge of both 
the accounting and internal audit services of the province, and shall:
(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the 
province;
(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the provincial 
governor and to the sangguniang panlalawigan;
(3) Apprise the sanggunian and other local government 
officials on the financial condition and operations of the provincial 
government;
(4) Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment from 
which expenditures and obligations may be properly charged;
(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of 
vouchers to determine completeness of requirements;
(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidations, 
salaries, allowances, reimbursements and remittances pertaining to 
the provincial government;
(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and liquidations of 
the same and other adjustments related thereto;
(8) Post individual disbursements to subsidiary ledgers and 
index cards;
(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of 
the provincial government pertaining to payrolls and deductions;
(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchased 
furniture, fixtures and equipment, including disposal thereof, if any;
(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and 
maintain and keep all records and reports related thereto; and
32


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(12) Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and 
maintain and keep ail records and reports related thereto.
(c) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties 
and functions as may be provided by law or ordinance.
Sec. 29. The Provincial Budget Officer. - (a) The provincial 
budget officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident 
of the province, 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, 
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must 
have acquired at least five (5) years' experience in government 
budgeting or in any related field.
The appointment of the provincial budget officer is mandatory.
(b) The provincial budget officer shall take charge of the 
budget office, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(1) Prepare forms, orders and circulars embodying 
instructions on budgetary and appropriation matters for the 
signature of the provincial governor;
(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different 
departments and offices of the province;
(3) Assist the provincial governor in the preparation of the 
budget and during the budget hearings;
(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed 
legislation and submit comments and recommendations thereon:
(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM);
(6) Coordinate with the provincial treasurer, the provincial 
accountant and the provincial planning and development 
coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;
(7) Assist the sangguniang panlalawigan In reviewing the 
approved budgets of the component cities and municipalities; and
(8) Coordinate with the provincial planning and development
33


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
coordinator in the formuiation of the provincial development plan.
(9) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
(10) The appropriations for personal services of the 
provincial budget officer provided under the DBM shall, upon the 
effectivity of this Charter, be transferred to the new province. 
Thereafter, the appropriations for personal services of the budget 
officer shall be provided in full in the budget of the local government 
unit.
Sec. 30. The Provincial Planning and Development 
Coordinator. - (a) The provincial planning and development 
coordinator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of 
the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college 
degree preferably in turban planning, development studies, 
economics, public administration or in any related course from 
a recognized college or university, a duly registered and licensed 
environmental planner, as provided under Section 34 of 
Republic Act No. 10587 or the Environmental Planning Act of 
2013", a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must 
have acquired at least five (6) years' experience in development 
planning or in any related field.
The appointment of a provincial planning and development 
coordinator is mandatory.
(b) The provincial planning and development coordinator shall 
take charge of the planning and development office, and pursuant 
thereto, perform the following: '
(1) Formulate integrated economic, social, physical and other 
development plans and policies for consideration of the local 
government development council;
(2) Conduct continuing studies, researches and training 
programs necessary to evolve plans and programs for 
implementation;
34


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(3) Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies 
undertaken by the different functional groups and agencies;
(4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different 
development programs, projects and activities in the province in 
accordance with the approved development plan;
(5) Prepare comprehensive plans and other development 
planning documents for the consideration of the provincial 
development council;
(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and 
formulate and recommend fiscal plans and policies for the 
consideration of the finance committee of the province as provided 
under Title V, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, as 
amended;
(7) Promote people's participation in development planning 
within the province; and
(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the 
provincial development council.
(c) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 31. The Provincial Engineer. — (a) The provincial 
engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the 
province, of good moral character, a licensed civil engineer and must 
have acquired at least five (6) years' experience in the 
practice of the civil engineering profession.
The appointment of the provincial engineer is mandatory.
(b) The provincial engineer shall take charge of the 
engineering office, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(1) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and 
objectives, plans and programs, techniques, procedures and practices 
in infrastructure development and public works in general, of the 
province;
(2) Advise the provincial governor on infrastructure, public
35


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
works and other engineering matters;
(3) Administer, coordinate, supervise and control the 
construction, maintenance, improvement and repair of roads, 
bridges and other engineering and pubiic works projects of the 
province;
(4) Provide engineering services to the province, inciuding 
investigations and surveys, engineering designs, feasibiiity studies 
and project management; and
(5) Exercise technical supervision over all engineering offices 
of the component cities and municipalities.
(c) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 32. 27ic Provincial Health Officer. — (a) The provincial 
health officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of 
the province, of good moral character, a licensed medical practitioner 
and must have acquired at least five (5) years' experience in the 
practice of the medical profession.
The appointment of a provincial health officer is mandatory.
(b) The provincial health officer shall perform the following 
duties and functions:
(1) Formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and 
projects to promote the health of the people of the province;
(2) Advise the provincial governor and the sanggunian on 
matters pertaining to health;
(3) Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations 
relating to public health;
(4) Recommend to the sanggunian, through the provincial 
health board, the passage of such ordinances as he or she may deem 
necessary for the preservation of public health;
(5) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary 
laws, ordinances and regulations;
(6) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business
36


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
establishments selling food items or providing accommodations, 
such as hotels, motels, lodging houses, pension houses and the 
like, in accordance with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines;
(7) Conduct health information campaigns and render health 
intelligence services;
(8) Coordinate with other government agencies and 
nongovernmentai organizations involved in the promotion and 
delivery of heaith services;
(9) Exercise general supervision over health offices of 
component cities and municipalities;
(10) Be in the frontline of the deiivery of health services, 
particuiarly during and in the aftermath of man-made and 
natural disasters or calamities; and
(11) The provincial health officer shall take charge of the 
office on health services, and shall:
(i) Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, 
formuiate program implementation guidelines and rules and 
regulations for the operation of the said office for the approval 
of the provincial governor in order to assist the latter in the 
efficient, effective and economical implementation of health 
services programs geared to the implementation of health-related 
projects and activities;
(ii) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out activities to ensure the deiivery 
of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative 
to health services as provided under Section 17 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended; and
(iii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with health programs and projects which the 
provincial governor Is empowered to implement and which the
37


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended.
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 33. 27ie Provincial Administrator. - (a) The provincial 
administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of 
the province, 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, a first grade civil service 
eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least 
five (5) years' experience in management and administration work.
The term of the provincial administrator is coterminous with 
that of the appointing authority.
The appointment of the provincial administrator is 
mandatory.
(b) The provincial administrator shall take charge of the office 
of the administrator, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(1) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with the management and administration-related 
programs and projects which the provincial governor is empowered 
to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide 
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended
(2) Assist in the coordination of work of all officials of the 
province under the supervision, direction and control of the 
provincial governor and, for this purpose, may convene the chiefs of 
offices and other officials of the province;
(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the 
province designed to promote career development and uphold the 
merit system in the province;
(4) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the 
province with the end in view of instituting effective administrative
38


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
reforms;
(5) 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;
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provinciai 
governor on all other matters relative to the management and 
administration of the province; and
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 34. 27ie Provincial Legal Officer. - (a) The provincial 
legal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of 
the province, of good moral character, a member of the Philippine 
Bar and must have practiced for at least five (5) years the law 
profession.
The term of the provincial legal officer shall be coterminous 
with that of the appointing authority.
The appointment of the provincial legal officer is mandatory.
(b) The provincial legal officer, as the chief legal counsel of the 
province, shall take charge of the office for legal services, and 
pursuant thereto, perform the foliowing:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide legal assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out the delivery of basic services and 
the provision of adequate faciiities as provided under Section 17 of 
the Locai Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Deveiop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly
those which have to do with the programs and projects related 
to legal services which the provincial governor is empowered to 
impiement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide 
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
39


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(3) Represent the province in ail civil actions and special 
proceedings wherein the province or any official thereof In their 
official capacity, is a party: Provided, That actions or proceedings 
where a component city or municipality is a party adverse to the 
provincial government or to another component city or municipality, 
a special legal officer may be employed to represent the adverse 
party;
(4) When required by the provincial governor or the 
sanggunian, draft ordinances, contracts, bonds, leases and other 
instruments, involving any interest of the province and provide 
comments and recommendations on any instrument already drawn;
(5) Render an opinion in writing on any question of law 
when requested to do so by the provincial governor or the 
sanggunian;
(6) Investigate or cause to be investigated any provincial 
official or employee for administrative neglect or misconduct in office 
and recommend appropriate action to the provincial governor, or the 
sangguniang panlalawigan;
(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, 
firm or corporation holding any franchise or exercising any 
public privilege for failure to comply with any term or condition 
in the grant of such franchise or privilege, and recommend 
appropriate action to the provincial governor or the sanggunian;
(8) When directed by the provincial governor or the 
sanggunian, initiate and prosecute, in the interest of the 
province, any civil action on any bond, lease or other contract 
upon any breach or violation thereof;
(9) Review and submit recommendations on ordinances 
approved and executive orders issued by the component cities and 
municipalities;
40


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(10) Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlalawigan 
and advise the provincial governor on all other matters related to 
upholding the rule of law;
(11) 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 or natural disasters and 
calamities; and
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 35. The Provincial Agriculturist. - (a) The provincial 
agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident 
of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a college 
degree in agriculture or in any related course from a recognized 
college or university, a first grade civil service eligibie or its 
equivalent and must have practiced for at least five (5) years the 
agriculturist profession or acquired experience in a related field.
The appointment of the provincial agriculturist is mandatory.
(b) The provincial agriculturist shall:
(1) Take charge of the office for agricultural services, and 
pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(i) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian 
and provide' technical assistance and support to the provincial 
governor in carrying out said measures to ensure the delivery of 
basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to 
agricultural services as provided under Section 17 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
41


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval 
thereof by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly 
those which have to do with agricuiturai programs and 
projects which the provindai governor is empowered to implement 
and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Locai 
Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources 
in the production, processing and marketing of agricuiturai, 
aqua-cultural and marine products are extended to farmers, 
fishermen and iocal entrepreneurs;
(3) Conduct or cause to be conducted iocation-specific 
agricuiturai researches and assist in making avaiiable the 
appropriate technology arising out of and disseminating . 
information on basic research on crops, preventive control of 
plant diseases and pests, and other agricuiturai matters which 
wiii maximize productivity;
(4) Assist the provincial governor in the establishment and 
extension services of demonstration farms on aquacuiture and 
marine products;
(5) Enforce rules and regulations reiating to agricuiture and 
aquacuiture;
(6) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovemmentai 
organizations which promote agricuiturai productivity through 
appropriate technology compatible with environmental integrity;
(7) Be in the frontiine of the deiivery of basic agricuiturai 
services, particularly those needed for the survival of the 
inhabitants during and in the aftermath of man-made and naturai
42


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
disasters or calamities;
(8) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor on all matters related to agriculture and aquaculture 
which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the 
inhabitants; and
(9) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 36. The Provinciai Sociai Welfare and Development 
Officer. - (a) The provincial social welfare and development 
officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the 
province, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker, 
or a holder of a college degree preferably in sociology or in any 
related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired 
experience for at least five (5) years in the practice of social work.
The appointment of a provincial social welfare and 
development officer is mandatory.
(b) The provincial social welfare and development officer shall 
take charge of the office for social welfare and development services, 
and shall perform the following functions:
(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian 
and provide technical assistance and support to the provincial 
governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic 
services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to social 
welfare and development services as provided under Section 17 of 
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with social welfare programs and projects which 
the provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the 
sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended;
43


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(3) Identify the' basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged 
and the impoverished and develop and implement appropriate 
measures to alleviate their problems and improve their living 
conditions;
(4) Provide reiief and appropriate crisis intervention for 
victims of abuse and exploitation and recommend appropriate 
measures to deter further abuse and exploitation;
(5) Assist the provincial governor in implementing the 
barangay levei program for the total development and protection of 
children up to six (6) years of age;
(6) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for 
the disabled, the elderly and victims of drug addiction, the 
rehabilitation of prisoners and parolees, the prevention of juvenile 
delinquency and such other activities which would eliminate or 
minimize the ill-effects of poverty;
(7) Initiate and support welfare programs that will enhance 
the role of the youth in nation-building;
(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental 
organizations which have for the purpose the promotion and 
protection of all the needy, disadvantaged, underpriviieged or 
impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified to
be vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse, and neglect;
(9) Be in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those 
which have to do with the immediate relief and assistance during 
and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or 
calamities;
(10) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor on all other matters related to social welfare and 
development service which will improve the livelihood and living 
conditions of the inhabitants; and
(11) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties 
and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
44


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 37. The Provincial Veterinarian. - (a) The provincial 
veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident 
of the province, of good moral character, a licensed doctor of 
veterinary medicine and must have practiced for at least three (3) 
years the veterinary profession.
The appointment of a provincial veterinarian is mandatory.
(b) The provincial veterinarian shall perform the following 
duties and functions:
(1) Take charge of the office for veterinary services, and 
pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities 
pursuant to Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, 
as amended;
(3) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with veterinary-related activities which the 
provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the 
sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended;
(4) Advise the provincial governor on all matters pertaining 
to the slaughter of animals for human consumption and the 
regulation of slaughterhouses;
(5) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;
(6) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for 
public consumption;
(7) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of 
cruelty to animals;
(8) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure 
all forms of animal diseases;
45


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(9) Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as 
in the outbreak of highly contagious and deadly diseases and in. 
situations resulting in the depletion of animals for work and for 
human consumption, particularly those arising from and in the 
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;
(10) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor 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 for human 
consumption; and
(11) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 38. The Provincial General Services Officer. - (a) The 
provincial general services officer must be a citizen of the 
Philippines, a resident of the province, of good moral character, a 
holder of a college degree in public administration, business 
administration or management from a recognized college or 
university, a first grade civil service eligible or Its equivalent and 
must have acquired at least five (6) years' experience in general 
services, including the management of supply, property, solid waste 
disposal and general sanitation.
The appointment of a provincial general services officer is 
mandatory.
(b) The provincial general services officer shall perform the 
following duties and functions:
(1) Take charge of the office of general services, and pursuant 
thereto, perform the following:
(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to 
the provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities 
pursuant to Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991,
46


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
as amended, and which require generai services expertise and 
technical support services; and
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with general services supportive to the welfare of 
the inhabitants which the provincial governor is empowered to 
implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide 
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real 
or personal, owned by the provincial government and those granted 
to it in the form of donation, reparation, assistance, and counterpart 
of joint projects;
(3) With the approval of the provincial governor, assign 
building or land space to provincial officials or other public officials 
who, by law, are entitled to such space;
(4) Recommend to the provincial governor, the reasonable 
rental rates for local government properties, whether real or 
personal, which will be leased to public or private entities by the 
provincial government;
(5) Recommend to the provincial governor, the reasonable 
rental rates of private properties which may he leased for the official 
use of the provincial government;
(6) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, landscaping, 
and other related services on all local government public buildings 
and other real property, whether owned or leased by the provincial 
government;
(7) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, 
shipping and other costs of supplies and other items commonly used 
by the provincial government;
47


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(8) Perform archival and record management with respect to 
records of offices and departments of the province;
(9) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and 
property management heretofore performed by the local government 
treasurer and to enforce policies on records creation, maintenance 
and disposal;
(10) Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, 
such as the possible or imminent destruction or damage to records, 
supplies, properties and structures and the orderly and sanitary 
clearing up of waste materials or debris, particularly during and In 
the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;
(11) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor on all matters relative to general services; and
(12) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 39. The Provincial Architect. - (a) The provincial 
architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the 
province, of good moral character, a duly licensed architect and must 
have practiced the architectural profession for at least five (6) years. 
The appointment of a provincial architect is optional.
(b) The provincial architect shall perform the following duties 
and functions:
(1) Take charge of the office for architectural planning and 
design, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery
48


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to 
architectural planning and design as provided under Section 17 of 
the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; and
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with architectural planning and design programs 
and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to 
implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide 
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the 
sanggunian the architectural plan and design for the province or a 
part thereof. Including the renewal of slums and blighted areas, land 
reclamation activities, the greening of land and the appropriate 
planning of marine and foreshore areas;
(3) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the 
sanggunian and the provincial governor, the architectural plan and 
design submitted by governmental and nongovernmental entities or 
individuals, particularly those for undeveloped, underdeveloped and 
poorly-designed areas;
(4) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental 
entities and Individuals involved in the aesthetics and the maximum 
utilization of the land and water within the jurisdiction of the 
province, compatible with environmental integrity and ecological 
balance;
(5) Be in the frontline of the delivery of basic services 
involving architectural planning and design, particularly those 
related to redesigning of spatial distribution of basic facilities and 
physical structures during and in the aftermath of man-made and 
natural disasters and calamities;
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor on all other matters related to architectural
planning and design as it relates to the total socioeconomic
49


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
development of the province; and
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 40. The Provincial Population Officer. - (a) The 
provincial population officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, 
a resident of the province, of good moral character, a holder of a 
college degree with speciaiized training in population deveiopment 
from a recognized coliege or university, a first grade civil service 
eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least 
five (6) years' experience in the implementation of programs on 
population development or responsible parenthood.
The appointment of a provincial population officer is optional.
(b) The provincial population officer shali perform the 
following duties and functions:
(1) Take charge of the office for population development, and 
pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technicai assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery 
of basic services and the provision of adequate faciiities relative to 
the integration of the population development principles and in 
providing access to said services and facilities; and
(ii) Deveiop plans and strategies and, upon approvai thereof 
by the provinciai governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with the integration of popuiation development 
principles and methods in programs and projects which the 
provincial governor is empowered to implement and which the 
sanggunian is empowered to provide under the Local Government 
Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Assist the provincial governor in the impiementation of the 
constitutional provisions relative to population development and the 
promotion of responsible parenthood;
50


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(3) Establish and maintain an updated data bank for program 
operations, deveiopment pianning and an educationai program to 
ensure the peopie's participation in and undertaking of popuiation 
development;
(4) Implement appropriate training programs responsive to 
the cultural heritage of the inhabitants; and
(5) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 41. The Provindai Environment and Natural Resources 
Officer. - (a) The provincial environment and natural resources 
officer must be a citizen of the Phiiippines, a resident of the 
province, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree 
preferably in environment, forestry, agricuiture or any reiated 
course from a recognized coliege or university, a first grade civil 
service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five 
(5) years' experience in environmental and natural resources 
management, conservation and utilization.
The appointment of a provincial environment and natural 
resources officer is optional
(b) The provincial environment and natural resources officer 
shall perform the following duties and functions:
(1) Take charge of the office for environment and natural 
resources, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery 
of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to 
environment and natural resources services as provided under 
Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended; and
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with environment and natural resources programs
51


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
and projects which the provincial governor is empowered to 
impiement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide 
under the Locai Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal 
forests, watersheds, tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts, commercial 
forests and similar forest projects like industrial tree farms and 
agro-forestry projects;
(3) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest 
development projects and technical, financial and Infrastructure 
assistance;
(4) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings 
for forests and tree parks;
(5) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest 
development projects and render assistance for natural resources- 
related conservation and utilization activities consistent with 
ecological balance;
(6) Promote small-scale mining and utilization of mineral 
resources, particularly the mining of gold;
(7) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental 
organizations in the implementation of measures to prevent and 
control land, air and water pollution with the assistance of the 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
(8) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning 
environment and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and 
rehabilitation of the environment during and in the aftermath of 
man-made and natural disasters or calamities;
(9) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor on all matters relative to the protection, conservation, 
maximum utilization, application of appropriate technology and 
other matters related to the environment and natural resources; and
(10) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
52


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 42. The Provincial Cooperatives Officer. - (a) The 
provincial cooperatives officer must be a citizen of the Phiiippines, 
a resident of the province, of good morai character, a hoider of 
a college degree preferably In business administration with special 
training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized 
college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its 
equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years' experience 
in cooperatives organization and management.
The appointment of a provincial cooperatives officer is 
optional.
(b) The provincial cooperatives officer shall perform the 
following duties and functions:
(1) Take charge of the office for the development of 
cooperatives, and pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in carrying out measures to ensure the 
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities 
through the development of cooperatives, and in providing access 
to such services and facilities; and
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with the integration of cooperatives principles 
and methods in programs which the provincial governor is 
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered 
to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
(2) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;
(3) Provide technical and other forms of assistance to existing 
cooperatives to enhance their viability as an economic enterprise
and social organization;
(4) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with 
government agencies and nongovernmental organizations involved
53


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
in the promotion and integration of the concept of cooperatives in the 
liveiihood of the people and other community activities;
(5) Be in the frontiine of cooperatives organization, 
rehabilitation or viability enhancement, particularly during and in 
the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities, to 
aid in their survival and, if necessary, subsequent rehabilitation;
(6) Recommend to the sanggunlan and advise the provincial 
governor on all other matters relative to cooperatives development 
and viability enhancement which will improve the livelihood and the 
quality of life of the inhabitants; and
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Sec. 43. The Provincial Information Officer. — (a) The 
provincial information officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, 
a resident of the province, 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, a first grade 
civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at 
least three (3) years' experience in writing articles and research 
papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast media.
The term of the provincial information officer is coterminous 
with that of the appointing authority.
The appointment of a provincial information officer is optional
(b) The provincial information officer shall perform - the 
following duties and functions;
(1) Take charge of the office for public information, and 
pursuant thereto, perform the following:
(i) Formulate measures for the consideration of the 
sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the 
provincial governor in providing the information and research data 
required for the delivery of basic services and the provision of 
adequate facilities so that the public becomes aware of the said
54


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
service and may fully avail of the same; and
(ii) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof 
by the provincial governor, implement the same, particularly those 
which have to do with public information and research data to 
support the programs and projects which the provincial governor is 
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian Is empowered 
to provide under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended
(2) Provide relevant, adequate and timely Information to the 
provincial government and its Inhabitants;
(3) Maintain effective liaison with various sectors of the 
community on matters and issues that affect the livelihood and 
quality of life of the inhabitants and encourage support for programs 
of the local and national government; and
(4) Furnish information and data on the province to 
government agencies or offices as may be required by law or 
ordinance and nongovernmental organizations to be furnished to 
said agencies and organizations;
(5) Be in the frontline of providing information during and in 
the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities, with 
special attention to the victims thereof to help minimize injuries 
and casualties during and after emergency, and accelerate relief and 
rehabilitation;
(6) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the provincial 
governor on all other matters relative to public information and 
research data as it relates to the total socioeconomic development of 
the province; and
(7) Exercise such other powers and perform other duties and 
functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
ARTICLE VIII
The Provincial Fire Station, the Provincial Jail,
THE Provincial Schools Division and the 
Provincial Prosecution Service
55


1
2
3
4
5 
,6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 44. The Provincial Fire Station Service. - (a) There 
shall be established In the province at least five (5) fire stations with 
adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment by the 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), at least 
five (5) months upon the commencement of the corporate existence of 
the new province. The provincial government shall provide the site 
where the provincial fire stations shall be located.
(b) The provincial fire station service shall be headed by a 
provincial fire marshal whose qualifications shall be as those 
provided under Republic Act No. 9263, as amended, othen/vise 
known as the "Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail 
Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004".
(c) The provincial fire stations shall provide various 
emergency services such as the rescue and evacuation of injured 
people at fire-related incidents and, in general, fire prevention and 
suppression measures to secure the safety of life and property of the 
citizenry.
Sec. 45. The Provincial Jail Service. - (a) The DILO shall, 
at least five (5) months from the commencement of the corporate 
existence of the new province, establish and maintain a secured, 
dean, adequately equipped and sanitary jail facility for the 
custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any fugitive from justice, 
or person detained awaiting investigation or trial and/or transfer 
to the national penitentiary, or a violent mentally ill person who 
may endanger oneself or the safety of others, as duly certified by 
the proper medical health officer, prior to the transfer of such 
person to a mental institution.
(b) The provincial jail service shall be headed by a provincial 
jail warden whose qualifications shall be as those provided for 
under Republic Act No. 9263, as amended, otherwise known as the 
"Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management 
and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004". The provincial jail
56


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
warden shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals 
or detention of prisoners. Great care must be exercised so that 
human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected, and 
their spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promptly 
attended to.
Sec. 46. The Provincial Schools Division. - (a) The DepEd 
shall, within two (2) months from the commencement of the 
corporate existence of the province herein created, establish and 
maintain a separate schools division in the province whose 
jurisdiction shall cover all the municipalities of the new province.
(b) The provincial schools division shall be headed by a 
division superintendent who must possess the necessary 
qualifications required by the DepEd.
Sec. 47. The Provincial Prosecution Service. - (a) The 
Department of Justice (DOJ) shall, within two (2) months from 
the commencement of the corporate existence of the province 
herein created, establish and maintain a prosecution service.
It shall be headed by a provincial prosecutor who shall be 
assisted by such number of assistant prosecutors as may be 
necessary, and whose qualifications, manner of appointment, 
rank, salary and benefits shall be governed by existing laws covering 
prosecutors in the DOJ. The Provincial Prosecution Service shall be 
organizationally part of the DOJ, and under the supervision and 
control of the Secretary of the DOJ.
(b) The provincial prosecutor shall handle the prosecution of 
criminal cases in the municipal trial courts in the province, as well 
as in the regional trial courts for criminal cases originating in the 
territory of the new province and shall render to and for the province 
such other services as are required by law or regulation of the DOJ.
ARTICLE IX
Transitory AND Final Provisions 
Sec. 48. Plebiscite. - The provinces of Northern Maguindanao
57


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
and Southern Maguindanao shall be created as provided for in 
this Charter upon approval by the majority of the votes cast by 
the voters of the affected areas in a plebiscite to be conducted and 
supervised by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) within 
sixty (60) days from the date of the effectivity of this Act.
The expenses for the conduct of the plebiscite shall he home by 
the present Province of Maguindanao.
Sec. 49. Commencement of Corporate Existence. - The 
corporate existence of the provinces of Northern Maguindanao 
and Southern Maguindanao shall commence upon the composition, 
qualification and assumption of the provincial governors, provincial 
vice governors and majority of the members of the sangguniang 
paniaiawigan.
Sec. 50. Officiais of the Newly Created Provinces. - (a) The 
eiective officials of the newly created provinces shall be elected 
on the second Monday of May 2022 national and local elections: 
Provided, however. That, if this Act is approved and ratified 
within one (1) year or more prior to the 2022 national and local 
elections, the vice governor and the next ranking elective member 
of the sangguniang paniaiawigan of the present Province of 
Maguindanao, who are residents of the new province of Northern 
Maguindanao shall assume as its acting governor and acting 
vice governor respectiveiy, and both shali continue to serve in 
office until their successors shaii have been elected and qualified 
in the 2022 national and local elections;
(b) The other members of the sangguniang paniaiawigan 
shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the 
Philippines from among the qualified residents of the new province 
of Northern Maguindanao upon the recommendation of the 
acting provincial governor and the incumbent Representative 
of the First Legisiative District of the present Province of 
Maguindanao, in consuitation with, and with the consensus of the
58


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
local elders, and political leaders: Provided, That the incumbent 
elected members of the sangguniang panlalawigan from the First 
Legislative District of the Province of Maguindanao «lmll have the 
right to retain their respective positions and finish their term of 
office in the new province of Northern Maguindanao without need of 
appointment;
(c) The ruie of succession under Tide II, Chapter 2, Section 44 
of the Locai Government Code of 1991, as amended by Repubiic
Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the "Organic Law for the 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao" shall be 
applied in fiiiing up vacant elective provincial positions in the 
Province of Southern Maguindanao arising as a consequence 
of the approval of this Act: Provided, That additional and new 
members of the sangguniang panlalawigan shall be appointed 
by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among 
the qualified residents of the province upon the recommendation, 
of the provincial governor, and the incumbent Representative of 
the Second Legislative District of the Province of Maguindanao, 
in consultation with, and with the consensus of the local elders 
and political leaders, and, they shall continue to serve in office 
until their successors shall have been elected and qualified in 
the 2022 national and local elections;
(d) The incumbent governor of the present Province of 
Maguindanao shall remain as governor of the Province of Southern 
Maguindanao.
Sec. 51. Organization of the Provincial Government. - All 
provincial appointive positions in the newly created provinces shall 
be filled within sixty (60) days upon commencement of its corporate 
existence
Sec. 62. Suspension of Increase in the Rates of Local Taxes. ~ 
No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the 
new province within a period of five (5) yeans from its acquisition
59


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
of corporate existence.
Sec. 63. Present Provincial Assets and Properties. - Upon 
the effectivity of this Act, the ownership of real properties and 
infrastructure projects of each local government unit situated in 
the present Province of Maguindanao shall belong to the province 
where it is situated.
Sec. 64. Provincial Obligations, Debts and Assets. - 
Following the plebiscite and creation of the provinces, obligations, 
debts and assets of all kinds of the present Province of 
Maguindanao shall be shared or paid equally by the provinces of 
Northern Maguindanao and Southern Maguindanao.
Transitory projects and activities such as land acquisition, 
office building construction, furnishing of offices; purchase of 
furniture, fixture and equipment; assignment of present properties; 
assignment of employees, hiring of new personnel, education and 
training of officials, employees and personnel; and all other projects 
and activities that will ensure the full and complete management, 
operations and service delivery of the provinces upon the 
commencement of their corporate existence, shall be financed by the 
present Province of Maguindanao.
Sec. 66. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, as amended, the "Organic Law for the 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao", and other 
laws as are applicable to provinces shall govern the herein created 
province insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act.
Sec. 66. Separability Clause. — If any part of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions 
not affected thereby shall remain valid and effective.
Sec. 67. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (16) 
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper 
of general circulation.
60


T9
'psAOJddv