Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.3494

Introduced by HON. ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks the conversion of the municipality of Alabel, the capital of Sarangani,
into a component city.

The province of Sarangani was created upon the ratification of its people in a plebiscite
on November 28, 1992. Verily, the province and its municipalities, particularly Alabel, have
come a long way since, achieving gradual yet significant progress in terms of economic
development and provision of public services and infrastructure.

The conversion of the capital into a city would usher in a new era in Alabel, further
increasing its financial capabilities and giving the local government more powers, which, in
tum, would redound to the great advantage of its people. Urbanization will speed up and
eventually benefit the rest of the province. As one of the very few remaining provinces with no
component city, Sarangani needs a more equitable share of resources. It is high time that Alabel
~and the province — be given the opportunity they deserve.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

GEE \CQUIAO,

ne


CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES)
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HB. No. 3434

BY REPRESENTATIVE ROGELIO D. PACQUIAO

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF ALABEL IN THE PROVINCE OF
SARANGANI INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF
ALABEL

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

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the City of Alabel".

Sec. 2. The City of Alabel. - The Municipality of Alabel is hereby converted into a component
city to be known as the City of Alabel, hereinafter referred to as the City, which shall comprise
of the present territory of the Municipality of Alabel, Province of Sarangani. The territorial
jurisdiction of the City shall be within the present metes and bounds of the Municipality of
Alabel.

‘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 City of Alabel and its adjoining local government units: Provided, That the
territorial jurisdiction of the disputed area or areas shall remain with the local government unit
which has existing administrative supervision over said area or areas until the final resolution
of the case.

Sec. 3. Corporate Powers of the City. -The City constitutes a political body corporate and as
such is endowed with the attributes of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers which
pertain to a municipal corporation to be exercised in conformity with the provisions of this
Charter.


‘The City shall have the following corporate powers:

(a) To have continuous succession in its corporate name;
(b) To sue and be sued;

(c) To have and use a corporate seal;

(@) To acquire and convey real or personal property;

(ce) To enter into contracts; and

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

Sec. 4. General Powers of the City. - The City shall have a common seal and may alter the
same at pleasure. It shall exercise the powers to levy taxes; close and open roads, streets, alleys,
parks or squares, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and existing laws. It may take,
purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey and dispose of real and personal property for the general
interests of the City; expropriate or condemn private property for public use; contract and be
contracted with; sue and be sued; prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution suits
wherein the City is a party; and exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations and/or as
hereinafter conferred.

Sec. 5. General Welfare Clause of the City. - The City shall exercise the powers expressly
granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate or
incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the
promotion of the general welfare.

Within its territorial jurisdiction, the City shall ensure and support, among other things,
preserve and enrich its culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a
balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant
scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity
and social justice, promote full employment among their residents, maintain peace and order,
and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

Sec. 6. Liability for Damages. - Unless otherwise provided by law, the City of Alabel shall be
liable for injuries or damages to persons or property arising from the act or omission of any of
its officers or employees while in the performance of their official functions.

Sec. 7. Jurisdiction of the City. - The jurisdiction of the City of Alabel, for police purpose only,
shall be coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and, for the purpose of protecting and
ensuring the purity of the water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend
over all territory within the drainage area of such water supply or within one hundred meters
(100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with
the city water service.

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



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

ARTICLE I
CITY OFFICIAL IN GENERAL

Sec. 8. The Officials of the City of Alabel. - (a) There shall be in the City of Alabel: a city
mayor, a city vice mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang
panlungsod, a city treasurer and an assistant city treasurer, a city assessor and an assistant city
assessor, a city accountant, a city budget officer, a city planning and development officer, a
city engineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer,
acity social welfare and development officer, a city veterinarian, a city general services officer
and a city agriculturist.

(b) In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint a city environment and natural resources
officer, a city architect, a city information officer, a city cooperatives officer and a city
population officer.

(c) The City shall establish a city fire station to be headed by a city fire marshal, a city
be headed by a city jail warden, a city schools division to be headed by a city schools division
superintendent and a city prosecution service to be headed by a city prosecutor.

(4) The sangguniang panlungsod of the City of Alabel may:
(1)Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a), (b) and (c) hereof,

(2)Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the City;
or

(3)Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest of
efficiency and economy.

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

ARTICLE III
THE CITY MAYOR AND CITY VICE MAYOR

Sec. 9. The City Mayor. - (a) The city mayor shall be the chief executive of the City. He shall
be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City. No person shall be eligible for the position
of city mayor unless, at the time of election, he is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, a


resident of the City for at least one year prior to his election and a qualified voter therein. He
shall hold office for three years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No.
6758, otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law, and the implementing guidelines
issued pursuant thereto, and such other compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be
determined by law.

(b) The city mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall exercise such powers
and perform such duties and functions as provided herein:

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

(i) Determine the guidelines of city policies and be responsible to the
sangguniang panlungsod for the program of government;

(ii) Direct the formulation of the city development plan with the assistance of
the city development council and, upon approval thereof by the sangguniang
panlungsod, implement the same;

(ii) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects for
the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod at the opening of the regular session
of the sangguniang panlungsod every calendar year and as often as may be deemed
necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the city government
may require;

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang panlungsod, as
may be deemed necessary, and provide such information and data needed or requested
by said sanggunian in the performance of its legislative functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are wholly or
mainly paid out of city funds and whose appointments are not otherwise provided for
in the Local Government Code of 1991, as well as those he may be authorized by law
to appoint;

(vi) Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign on its behalf all
bonds, contracts, obligations and such other documents upon the authority of the
sangguniang panlungsod 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 or calamities;

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

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


(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully
discharge their duties and functions as provided for by law and this Act, and cause to
be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any official or employee of
the City who may have committed an offense in the performance of their official duties;

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

(xii) Fumish copies of executive orders issued by him to the provincial governor
within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance;

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

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

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

(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or assigned to the
City to advise him on matters affecting the City and to make recommendations thereon;
coordinate with the said officials or employees in the formulation and the
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 their official duties while
stationed in or assigned to the City;

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

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

(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod which shall feature traditional
sports and disciplines included in national and international games, in coordination with
the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Sports Commission and other
related agencies; and

(xx) Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an annual report
containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the management, administration and
development of the City and all information and data relative to its political, social and
economic condition; and supplemental reports when unexpected events and situations


arise at any time during the year, particularly when man-made and natural disasters or
calamities affect the general welfare of the City;

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

(i Ensure that the acts of the City's component barangays 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 or
appointive officials of the City, including national officials and employees stationed in
or assigned to the City, at such time and place and on such subject he may deem
important for the promotion of the general welfare of the local government unit and its
inhabitants;

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

(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearms within his territorial jurisdiction
afier the procurement of necessary permis and/or license/s from duly constituted
authorities;

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

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

(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and apply the same
to the implementation of development plans, program objectives and priorities, particularly the
resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial development and the provision of basic
services and, relative thereto, shall:

(@ 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 and in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government
Code of 1991 and other relevant laws;

(ii) Prepare and submit to the sanggunian for approval the executive and
supplemental budgets of the City for the ensuing calendar year in the manner provided
for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

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


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

(v) Issue permits, not requiring approval from any national agency, for the
holding of activities for any charitable or welfare purpose, excluding prohibited games
of chance or shows contrary to law, public policy and public morals;

(vi) Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or structures to
obtain the necessary permits, subject to such fines and penalties as may be imposed by
law or ordinance, or to make necessary changes in the construction or to order the
demolition or removal of said houses, buildings or structures within the period
prescribed by law or ordinance;

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

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

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

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities and, in
addition thereto:

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

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

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

Sec. 10. The City Vice Mayor. - (a)There shall be a city vice mayor who shall be elected in the
same manner as the city mayor and shall, at the time of his election, possess the same
qualifications as the city mayor. He shall hold office for three years, unless sooner removed,
and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-
six (26) as prescribed under the Salary Standardization Law and the implementing guidelines
issued pursuant thereto, and such other compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be
determined by law.

(b)The city vice mayor shall:


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

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

employees, including the secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod, except those whose manner
of appointment is specifically provided for in the Local Government Code of 1991;

(3)Assume the office of the city mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in the event
of permanent vacancy as provided for in Section 44 of the Local Government Code of 1991;

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

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

ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Sec. 11. The Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a)The sangguniang panlungsod, the legislative body
of the City, shall be composed of the city vice mayor as the presiding officer, ten (10) regular
sanggunian members, the president of the city chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the
president of the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang Kabataan, the sectoral
representatives and such other members as may be provided for by law. They shall hold office
for three years unless sooner removed.

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

(c)The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod, the sectoral representatives and other
members shall be elected or appointed in the manner as may be provided for by law. The
elective members of the sangguniang panlungsod shall possess the same qualifications as that
of the city mayor and the city vice mayor except that candidates for the said positions must be
at least eighteen (18) years of age on election day.

(@They shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade
‘Twenty-five (25) as prescribed under the Salary Standardization Law and the implementing
guidelines issued pursuant thereto, and such other compensation, emoluments and allowances
‘as may be determined by law.

(©The sangguniang panlungsod shall:

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


(Review all ordinances approved by the sangguniang barangay and executive
orders issued by the punong barangay to determine whether these are within the scope
of the prescribed powers of the sangguniang barangay and of the punong barangay;

(i)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 for a period not exceeding one year, or both, at the
discretion of the court, for violation of a city ordinance;

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

(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 publications
and such other activities inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the
City;

(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- burn farming and such other
activities which result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and other
bodies of water, or of ecological imbalance, the fines for which shall be used
exclusively for the advancement of ecological protection;

(vii)Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and other
pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the City;

(viii)Consistent with the Salary Standardization Law, determine the positions
and the salaries, wages, allowances and other emoluments and benefits of officials and
employees paid wholly or mainly from city funds and provide for expenditures
necessary for the proper conduct of programs, projects, services and activities of the
city 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 in a temporary vacancy in a concurrent
capacity at the rate authorized by law;

(x)Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor to ensure the safety
and the protection of all city government properties, 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 city government;

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

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

(xiii)Provide for group insurance or additional insurance coverage for all
barangay officials, including members of barangay tanod brigades and other service
units, with public or private insurance companies;

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

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

(ii)Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991
and applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges, prescribing the rates
thereof for general and specific purposes, and granting tax exemptions, incentives or
reliefs;

(iii)Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991
and applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, authorize the city mayor to negotiate and contract loans and other forms of
indebtedness. The application for loans or other forms of indebtedness and the terms
and conditions thereof shall, before approval, be published in a newspaper of general
circulation in the City. Once approved, the contract covering the loans or other forms
of indebtedness shall be furnished to any city resident requesting a copy thereof, upon
payment of reasonable fees;

(iv)Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991
and applicable laws and, upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of bonds or other instruments of
indebtedness for the purpose of raising funds to finance development projects. The
authorization to float bonds or other instruments of indebtedness shall be published in
a newspaper of general circulation in the City. Once approved, the contract covering
the floating of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness, shall be furnished to any city
resident requesting a copy thereof, upon payment of reasonable fees;

(v)Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the rental of
buildings for the use of the City and, upon the majority vote of all the members of the


sangguniang panlungsod, authorize the city mayor to lease to private parties such public
buildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

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

(viiyAdopt a comprehensive land-use plan for the City and ensure that the
formulation, adoption or modification of said plan shall be in coordination with the
approved provincial comprehensive land-use plan;

(viii)Reclassify lands within the jurisdiction of the City, subject to the pertinent
provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991;

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

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

(xi)Subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991,
grant the exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or fish pens, or the taking or
catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag, or fry of any species of fish within
the city waters;

(xii) With the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the members of
the sangguniang panlungsod, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs to entities
engaged in community growth-inducing industries, subject to the provisions of the
Local Government Code of 1991;

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

(v)Authorize and license the establishment, operation and maintenance of
cockpits, regulate cockfighting and the commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided,
That existing rights should not be prejudiced;

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

(vii)Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, grant a franchise to any person, partnership, corporation or cooperative to
do business within the City; establish, construct, operate and maintain ferries, wharves,
markets or slaughterhouses; or undertake such other activities within the City as may
be allowed by existing laws: Provided, That cooperatives shall be given preference in
the grant of such franchise;

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

(i)Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(Gi)With the concurrence of a majority of the members of the sangguniang
panlungsod constituting a quorum, deny the entry of legalized gambling by ordinance
into any part of the City or regulate its location within the City;

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


(vi)Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges, prohibit encroachments or
obstacles thereon and, when necessary in the interest of public welfare, authorize the
removal of encroachments and illegal constructions in public places;

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

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

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

(x)Subject to the availability of funds and the existing laws, rules and
regulations, establish or maintain and/or provide for the operation of a city college,
vocational and technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the
approval of the DepEd, the Commission on Higher Education or the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, as the case may be, and subject to
existing laws on tuition fees, fix and collect reasonable tuition fees and other school
charges in educational institutions supported by the city government;

(xi)Ensure the physical maintenance of educational institutions under the
operational control of the City and the provision of books and other capital equipment
for the same;

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

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

(xiv)Provide for an efficient and effective system of solid waste and garbage
collection and prohibit littering and the placing or throwing of garbage, refuse and other
filth and wastes; and, for this purpose, provide for incentive schemes for industries
engaged in the recycling of waste and garbage;


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

(xvi)Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of jails and
detention centers, institute a sound jail management program, including a continuing
education and training program for jail personnel assigned or detailed in jails and
detention centers within the jurisdiction of the City, and the provision of separate
detention centers for women and minors;

(xvii)Establish a city 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

(xviii)Establish a city council for the elderly which shall formulate policies and
adopt measures mutually beneficial to the elderly and to the community; provide
incentives for nongovernmental agencies and entities and, subject to the availability of
funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects for the benefit of the elderly;
and

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

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

Sec. 12. Internal Rules of Procedure. - (a)On the first regular session following the election of
its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the sangguniang panlungsod shall adopt or
update its rules of procedure.

(b)The rules of procedure shall provide for the following:

(1)The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as well as the
creation of standing committees which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the committees
‘on appropriations, women and family, human rights, youth and sports development,
environmental protection and cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of each committee; and the
election of the chairman and members of each committee;

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

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


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

(6Such other rules as the sanggunian may adopt.

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

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

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

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

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

(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 on the ordinance or
resolution on second and third readings; and

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

Sec. 14. Sessions. - (a)On the first day of the session immediately following the election of its
members, the sangguniang panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the day, time and place of its
sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week.

(b)When the public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the city mayor or
by a majority of the members of the sanggunian.


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

(d)In the case of special sessions of the sanggunian, a written notice to the members shall be
served personally at the member's 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 published
upon a resolution of the sangguniang panlungsod.

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

(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 or members of the sanggunian to be assisted by a member or members
of the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Mati, to arrest the absent
member and present him at the session.

(o}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 and duly approved
by the members present, shall then declare the session adjourned for lack of quorum.

Sec. 16. Approval of Ordinances. - (a)Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang panlungsod
shall be presented to the city mayor. If the city mayor approves the same, he shall affix his
signature on each page thereof, otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with his
objections to the sanggunian, which may proceed to reconsider the same. The sanggunian may
override the veto of the city mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making
the ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes.

(b)The veto shall be communicated by the city mayor to the sanggunian within ten (10) days;
otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if he signed it.

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

(b)The city mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of an appropriations
ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local development plan, any public investment
program or an ordinance directing the payment of money or creating liability. In such case, the
vetoed item or items shall not take effect unless the sangguniang panlungsod overrides the veto


in the manner herein provided; otherwise, the item or items in the appropriations ordinance of
the previous year corresponding to those vetoed, if any, shall be deemed enacted.

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

Sec. 18, Review of City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. - (a)Within three days
after approval, the secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall forward to the sangguniang
panlalawigan for review copies of approved ordinances and resolutions approving the local
development plans and the public investment programs formulated by the local development
council.

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

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

(Of no action has been taken by the sangguniang panlalawigan within thirty (30) days after
submission of such an ordinance or resolution, the same shall be presumed consistent with law
and therefore valid.

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

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

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

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

Sec. 21. Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions. - (a)Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance
or the resolution approving the local development plan and the public investment program, the
same shall take effect after ten (10) days from the date a copy thereof is posted in a bulletin


board at the entrance of the City Hall of Alabel and in at least two other conspicuous places in
the City of Alabel.

(b)The secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod shall cause the posting of an ordinance or
resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the city hall and in at least two conspicuous
places in the City of Alabel not later than five days after approval thereof. The text of the
ordinance or the resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or English and in the
language or dialect understood by majority of the people in the City and the secretary of the
sangguniang panlungsod shall record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates
of approval and posting.

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

ARTICLE VI
DISQUALIFICATION AND SUCCESSION FOR ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Sec. 22. Disqualification for Elective Public City Officials. - The following persons are

disqualified from running for any elective position in the City:

(a)Those sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or for an offense

punishable by one year or more of imprisonment within two years after serving sentence;

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

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

Philippines;

(d Those with dual citizenship;

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

(Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the right to reside

abroad and continue to avail of the same right after the effectivity of the Local Government
Code; and

(g)The insane or feeble-minded.

Sec. 23. Permanent Vacancy in the Offices of the City Mayor and the City Vice Mayor. - (a)If
a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city mayor, the city vice mayor concerned shall
become the city mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city vice mayor, the
highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member or, in case of his permanent incapacity, the
second highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member shall become the city vice mayor, as
the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled in automatically by the
other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein.


(BA tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod members shall be
resolved by drawing of lots.

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

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

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

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

(a)The provincial governor shall make the aforesaid appointments;

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

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

(o)In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a sanggunian member who does not belong to
any political party, the city mayor shall, upon the recommendation of the sangguniang
panlungsod, appoint a qualified person to fill in the vacancy; and

(@)In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth, the barangay and other sectors in the
sangguniang panlungsod, said vacancy shall be filled in automatically by the official next-in-
rank of the organization concerned.

Sec. 25. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. - (a)When the city mayor is
temporarily incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but not
limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the city vice mayor shall
automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor,
except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees which can only be exercised if the
period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.

(b)Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the sangguniang panlungsod
of a written declaration by the city mayor that he has reported back to office. In case where the
temporary incapacity is due to legal cause, the city mayor shall also submit necessary
documents showing the said legal cause no longer exists.

(©)When the city mayor is traveling within the country but outside the territorial jurisdiction
for a period not exceeding three consecutive days, he may designate in writing the officer-in-


charge of his office. Such authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the local
official concerned shall exercise in the absence of the city mayor, except the power to appoint,
suspend or dismiss employees.

(din the event, however, that the city mayor fails or refuses to issue such authorization, the
city vice mayor or the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, as the case may be,
shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the said office on the fourth
(4th) day of absence of the city mayor, subject to the limitations provided for in subsection (c)
hereof.

(@Except as provided above, the city mayor shall, in no case, authorize any local official to
assume the powers, duties and functions of the office other than the city vice mayor or the
highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, as the case may be.

ARTICLE VII
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY:
THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES

Sec. 26. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - (a)There shall be a secretary to the
sangguniang panlungsod who shall be a career official with the rank and salary equal to a head
of a department or office who shall be appointed by the city mayor with the concurrence of the
majority of all the sangguniang panlungsod members, subject to civil service law, rules and
regulations.

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

(c)The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall receive such compensation, emoluments
and allowances as may be determined by law.

(d)The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall take charge of the office of the
sangguniang panlungsod and shall:

()Attend meetings of the sangguniang panlungsod and keep a journal of its
proceedings;
(2)Keep the seal of the City and affix the same with his signature to all ordinances,

resolutions and other official acts of the sangguniang panlungsod and present the same to the
presiding officer for his signature;

(3)Forward to the city mayor for approval copies of ordinances enacted by the
sangguniang panlungsod, duly certified by the presiding officer;

(4)Forward to the sangguniang panlalawigan copies of duly approved ordinances in the
manner as provided for in Sections 56 and 57 under Book I of the Local Government Code of
1991;


(5)Furnish, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of records of public
character in his custody, upon payment to the city treasurer of such fees as may be prescribed
by ordinance;

(6)Record in a book kept for the purpose all ordinances and resolutions enacted or
adopted by the sangguniang panlungsod, with the dates of passage and publication thereof;

(7)Keep his office and all nonconfidential records therein open to the public during
usual business hours;

(8)Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants all ordinances and
resolutions immediately after their approval, and cause the publication of the same together
with the original version in the manner provided for under the Local Government Code of
1991;

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

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

Sec. 27. The City Treasurer. - (a)The city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of
Finance from a list of at least three ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor, subject
to civil service law, rules and regulations.

(b)The city treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the city mayor, to whom
he shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City.

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

(d)The city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be
determined by law.

(e)The city treasurer shall take charge of the city treasury office and shall:

(1)Advise the city mayor, the sangguniang panlungsod 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 and exercise proper management of the funds of the City;

(3)Take charge of the disbursement of all funds of the City and such other funds, the
custody of which may be entrusted to him by law or other competent authority;

(4)Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the jurisdiction of
the City in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the provisions of the
Local Government Code of 1991;


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

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

Sec. 28. The Assistant City Treasurer. - (a)The assistant city treasurer shall be appointed by the
Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three ranking eligible recommendees of the city
mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

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

(c)The assistant city treasurer shall receive such other compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(d)The assistant city treasurer shall assist the city treasurer and perform such other duties as
the latter may assign to him. He shall have authority to administer oaths concerning notices
and notifications to those delinquent in the payment of the real property tax and concerning
official matters relating to the accounts of the city treasurer or otherwise arising from the offices
of the city treasurer and the city assessor.

Sec. 29. The City Assessor. - (a)The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil or
mechanical engineering, commerce or any other related course from a recognized college or
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired
experience in real property assessment work or in any related field for at least five years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c)The city assessor shalll take charge of the city assessor's office and shall:

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

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

(3)Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;
(4)Install and maintain real property identification and accounting systems;

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

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


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

(8)Prepare a schedule of the fair market value of the different classes of real properties
in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991;

(9)Issue, upon the request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment upon
payment of a service charge or fee to the city treasurer;

(10)Submit every semester a report of all assessments as well as cancellations and
modifications of assessments to the city mayor and the sangguniang panlungsod; and

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

Sec. 30. The Assistant City Assessor. - (a)The assistant city assessor must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any related course from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He
must have acquired experience in assessment or in any related field for at least three years
immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The assistant city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law.

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

Sec. 31. The City Accountant. - (a)The city accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City, of good moral character and a certified public accountant. He must have
acquired experience in the treasury or accounting service for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c)The city accountant shall take charge of both the office of the accounting and internal audit
services and shall:

(Install and maintain an internal audit system in the City;

(2)Prepare and submit financial statements to the city mayor and to the sangguniang
panlungsod;

(3)Apprise the sangguniang panlungsod and other officials on the financial condition
and operations of the City;

(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 the
completeness of requirements;

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

(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 City 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;

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

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

Sec, 32. The City Budget Officer. - (a)The city budget officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in accounting, economics, public administration or any related course from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He
must have acquired experience in government budgeting or in any related field for at least five
years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city budget officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law.

(c)The city budget officer shall take charge of the city budget office and shall:

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

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

(3)Assist the city mayor in the preparation of the proposed legislation and submit
comments and recommendations thereon;

(4)Study and evaluate budgetary implementation of proposed legislations and submit
comments and recommendations thereon;

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


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

(7)Assist the sangguniang panlungsod in reviewing the approved budgets of component
barangays;

(8)Coordinate with the city planning and development officer in the formulation of the
development plan of the City; and

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

Sec. 33. The City Planning and Development Officer. - (a)The city planning and development
officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a
holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning, development studies, economics,
public administration or in any related course from a recognized college or university, and a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in
development planning or in any related field for at least five years immediately preceding the
date of his appointment.

(b)The city planning and development officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments
and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)The city planning and development officer shall take charge of the city planning and
development coordinating office and shall:

(1)Formulate integrated economic, social, physical and other development plans and
policies for the consideration of the City;

(2)Conduct continuing studies, researches and training programs necessary to evolve
plans and programs for implementation;

(3)Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the different
functional groups or agencies;

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

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

(6)Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and recommend fiscal
plans and policies for the consideration of the finance committee of the City as provided for
under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(7)Promote people's participation in development planning within the City;

(8)Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the local development
council; and


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

Sec. 34. The City Engineer. - (a)The city engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City, of good moral character and a licensed civil engineer. He must have acquired
experience in the practice of his profession for at least five years immediately preceding the
date of his appointment.

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

(©The city engineer shall take charge of the city engineering office and shall:

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

(2)Advise the city mayor on infrastructure, public works and other engineering matters;

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

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

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

Sec. 35. The City Health Officer. - (a)The city health officer must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed medical practitioner. He must
have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city health officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

(c)The city health officer shall take charge of the office of the city health services and shall:

(1)Supervise the personnel and staff of the said office, formulate program
implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the operation of the said office for the
approval of the city mayor in order to assist him in the efficient, effective and economical
implementation of health services programs geared to implement health-related projects and
activities;

(2)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out activities to ensure
the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to health services
as provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991;


(3)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with health programs and projects
which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is
empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(4)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city health officer shall:

(Formulate and implement policies, plans and projects to promote the health
of the people in the City;

(ii)Advise the city mayor and the sangguniang panlungsod on matters pertaining
to health;

(iii)Execute and enforce all laws, ordinances and regulations relating to health;

(iv)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod, through the local health board,
the passage of such ordinance as he may deem necessary for the preservation of public
health;

(v)Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws, ordinances or
regulations;

(vi)Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments selling food
items or providing accommodations such as hotels, motels, lodging houses and the like,
in accordance with the Sanitation Code;

(vii)Conduct health information campaigns and render health intelligence
services; and

(viii)Coordinate with other government agencies and nongovernment
organizations involved in the promotion and the delivery of health services;

(5)Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly during and in the
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities; and

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

Sec. 36. The City Civil Registrar. - (a)The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree from
a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He
must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city civil registrar shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

(c)The city civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the City of
Mati, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code and other pertinent laws, rules and
regulations issued to implement them.

(d)The city civil registrar shall take charge of the office of the city civil registry and shall:


(1)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and
administration-related programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement
and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local
Government Code of 1991;

(2)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city civil registrar shall:

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

(ii)File, keep and preserve in a secure place the books required by law;

(iii)Transcribe and enter immediately upon receipt all registrable documents
and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in the appropriate civil registry
books;

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

(v)Issue certified transcripts or copies of any certificate or registered document
upon payment of the required fees to the city treasurer;

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

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

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

Sec. 37. The City Administrator. - (a)The city administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in public
administration, law or in any other related course from a recognized college or university, and
a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in
management and administrative work for at least five years immediately preceding the date of
his appointment.

(b)The term of the city administrator is coterminous with that of his appointing authority.

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

(d)The city administrator shall take charge of the city administrator's office and shall:

(1)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and
administration-related programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement


and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local
Government Code of 1991;

(2)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city administrator shall assist
in the coordination of the work of all the officials of the City under the supervision, direction
and control of the city mayor and, for this purpose, he may convene the chiefs of offices and
other officials of the City;

(3)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 or
calamities;

(4)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters
relative to the management and administration of the City; and

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

Sec. 38. The City Legal Officer. - (a)The city legal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character and a member of the Philippine Bar. He must
have practiced his profession for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his
appointment.

(b)The term of the city legal officer shall be coterminous with that of his appointing authority.

(c)The city legal officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

(a)The city legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the office of
the city legal service and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide legal assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out the delivery of basic
services and the provision of adequate facilities;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the programs and projects related
to legal services which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city legal officer shall:

(Represent the City in all civil actions and special proceedings wherein the
City or any official thereof, in his official capacity, is a party: Provided, That in actions
or proceedings where the City 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;

(ii)When required by the city mayor or the sanggunian, draft ordinances,
contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments involving any instrument already drawn;


(iii)Render his opinion in writing on any question of law when requested to do
‘so by the city mayor or the sanggunian;

(iv)Investigate or cause to be investigated any local official or employee for
administrative neglect or misconduct in office and recommend the appropriate action
to the city mayor or the sanggunian, as the case may be;

(v)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 city mayor or sangguniang panlungsod, as the case may be;

(vi)When directed by the city mayor or the sanggunian, initiate and prosecute,
in the interest of the City, any civil action on any bond, lease or other contract upon any
breach or violation thereof; and

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

(4)Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on
all matters related to upholding the rule of law;

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

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

Sec. 39. The City Social Welfare and Development Officer. - (a)The city social welfare and
development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral
character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably in sociology
or in any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in the practice of social
work for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city social welfare and development officer shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)The city social welfare and development officer shall take charge of the office of the social
welfare and development and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the approval of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide
technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and
development services;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the social welfare programs and
projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;


(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city social welfare and
development officer shall:

(i)ldentify 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;

(ii)Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of abuse and
exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to deter further abuse and
exploitation;

(iii)Assist the city mayor in implementing the barangay level program for the
total development and protection of children up to six years of age;

(iv)Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the differently-abled,
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;

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

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

(4)Be in the frontline of the delivery of services 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;

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters
related to social welfare and development services which will improve the livelihood and the
living conditions of the inhabitants; and

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

Sec. 40. The City Veterinarian. - (a)The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character and a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.
He must have practiced his profession for at least three years immediately preceding the date
of his appointment.

()The city veterinarian shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may
be determined by law.

(c)The city veterinarian shall take charge of the office of veterinary services and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure
the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities;


(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the veterinary-related activities
which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is
empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city veterinarian shall:

(i Advise the city mayor on all matters pertaining to the slaughter of animals for
human consumption and the regulation of slaughterhouses;

(ii)Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;
(iii)Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public
consumption;
(iv)Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty to animals;
and
(v)Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of animal
diseases;
(4)Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as the outbreak of highly
contagious and deadly diseases and in situations resulting in the depletion of animals for work

and for human consumption, particularly those arising from and in the aftermath of man-made
and natural disasters or calamities;

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters
relative to veterinary services which will increase the number and improve the quality of
livestock, poultry and other domestic animals used for work or for human consumption; and

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

Sec. 41. The City General Services Officer. - (a)The city general services officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree in public administration, business administration or management from a recognized
college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have
acquired experience in general services, including the management of supply, solid waste
disposal and general sanitation for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his
appointment.

(b)The city general services officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and
allowances as may be determined by law.

(o)The city general services officer shall take charge of the office of the general services and
shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure
the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities which require general
services expertise and technical support services;


(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the general services supportive
of the welfare of the inhabitants of the City which the city mayor is empowered to implement
and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local
Government Code of 1991;

3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city general services officer
shall:

(i)Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal, owned
by the City and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation, assistance and
counterpart of joint projects;

(i) With the approval of the city mayor, assign building or land space to local
officials or other public officials who, by law, are entitled to space;

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

(iv)Recommend to the city mayor reasonable rental rates for private properties
which may be leased for the official use of the City;

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

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

(vii)Perform archival and record management with respect to records of offices
and developments of the City; and

(viii)Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property management
and enforce policies on records creation, maintenance and disposal;

(4)Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the possible and
imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties and structure materials or
debris particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters relative
to general services; and

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

Sec. 42. The City Agriculturist. - (a)The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in
agriculture or in any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have practiced his profession in
agriculture or acquired the experience for at least five years immediately preceding the date of
his appointment.


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

(o)The city agriculturist shall take charge of the office for agricultural services and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the approval of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide
technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the
delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to agricultural
services;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the agricultural programs and
projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang
panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city agriculturist shall:

(Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the production,
processing and marketing of agricultural and aquacultural and marine products are
extended to farmers, fishermen and local entrepreneurs;

(ii)Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural researches
and assist in making available the appropriate technology arising out of and
disseminating information on basic research on crops, prevention and control of plant
diseases and pests and other agricultural matters which will maximize productivity;

ii)Assist the city mayor in the establishment and extension services of
demonstration farms on aquaculture and marine products;

(iv)Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and aquaculture; and

(v)Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations
which promote agricultural productivity through appropriate technology compatible
with environmental integrity;

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

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other
‘matters related to agriculture and aquaculture which will improve the livelihood and the living
conditions of the inhabitants; and

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

Sec. 43. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. - (a)The city environment and
natural resources officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good
moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment, forestry, agriculture
or in any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in environment and natural


resources management, conservation and utilization work for at least five years immediately
preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city environment and natural resources officer shall receive such compensation,
emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(©The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the office of the
environment and natural resources and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide assistance and support to the city mayor 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 for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the environment and natural
resources programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which
the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code
of 1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city environment and natural
resources officer shall:

(i)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;

(ii)Provide extension service to beneficiaries of forest development projects and
render assistance for natural resources-related conservation and utilization activities
consistent with ecological balance;

(iii)Manage and maintain seedbanks and produce seedlings for forests and tree
parks;

(iv)Promote the small-scale mining and the utilization of mineral resources,
particularly the mining of gold; and

(v)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;

(4)Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment and natural
resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the environment during and in the
aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters
relative to protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application of appropriate
technology and other matters related to the environment and natural resources; and

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


Sec. 44. The City Architect. - (a)The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City, of good moral character and a duly licensed architect. He must have practiced his
profession for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

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

(c)The city architect shall take charge of the office of the architectural planning and design and
shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure
the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities relative to architectural
planning and design;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the architectural planning and
design programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government Code of
1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city architect shall:

(Prepare and recommend, for consideration of the sanggunian, the
architectural plan and design for the City 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;

(ii)Review and recommend, for appropriate action of the sanggunian or the city
mayor, as the case may be, the architectural plans and designs submitted by government
and nongovernment entities or individuals particularly those for undeveloped,
underdeveloped and poorly-designed areas; and

‘cordinate with government, nongovernment entities and individuals
involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of the land and water within the
jurisdiction of the City, compatible with environmental integrity and ecological
balance;

(4)Be in the frontline of the delivery of services involving architectural planning and
design, particularly those related to the redesigning of spatial distribution of basic facilities and
physical structures during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters or calamities;

()Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters
relative to architectural planning and design as it relates to the total socioeconomic
development of the City; and

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

Sec. 45. The City Information Officer. - (a)The city information officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree


preferably in journalism or mass communication or in any related course from a recognized
college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have
acquired experience in writing articles and research papers or writing for print, television,
broadcast and other forms of mass media for at least five years immediately preceding the date
of his appointment.

(b)The city information officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances
as may be determined by law.

(©The city information officer shall take charge of the office on public information and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in providing the information and
research data required for the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate faci
so that the public becomes aware of said services and may fully avail of the same;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with public information and research
data to support programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and
which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local Government
Code of 1991;

3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city information officer shall:

(Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the City and its
resident

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

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

(4)Be in the frontline in 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 the emergency and to accelerate relief and
rehabilitation;

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters
relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total socioeconomic
development of the City; and

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

Sec. 46. The City Cooperatives Officer. - (a)The city cooperatives officer must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably in business administration with special training on cooperatives or in any related
course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its


equivalent. He must have acquired experience in cooperatives development for at least five
years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city cooperatives officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances
‘as may be determined by law.

(c)The city cooperatives officer shall take charge of the office for the development of
cooperatives and shall:

(1)Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and
provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure
the delivery of basic services and the provision of facilities through the development of
cooperatives and in providing access to such services and facilities;

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of cooperatives
principles and methods in programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to
implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for under the Local
Government Code of 1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city cooperatives officer shall:
(Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

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

(4)Be in the frontline 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;

(5)Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor 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

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

Sec. 47. The City Population Officer. - (a)The city population officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree
preferably with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired
experience in the implementation of programs on population development or responsible
parenthood for at least five years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)The city population officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as
may be determined by law.


(c)The city population officer shall take charge of the office of the population development and
shall:

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

(2)Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor,
implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of population
development principles and methods in programs and projects which the city mayor is
‘empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide for
under the Local Government Code of 1991;

(3)In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the city population officer shall:

(Assist the city mayor in the implementation of the constitutional provisions
relative to population development and the promotion of responsible parenthood;

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

(iii)Implement appropriate population training programs responsive to the
cultural heritage of the inhabitants; and

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

ARTICLE VIII

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

Sec. 48. The City Fire Station Service. - (a)There shall be established in the City at least one
fire station with adequate personnel, fire fighting facilities and equipment, subject to the
standards, rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the DILG. The City shall provide
the necessary land or site of the station.

(b)The city fire station service shall be headed by a city fire marshal whose qualifications shall
be as those provided for under the Philippine National Police Law.

(c)The city fire station shall be responsible for the provision of 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. 49, The City Jail Service. - (a)There shall be established and maintained in the City a
secure, clean and adequately equipped jail for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any
fugitive from justice or person detained awaiting investigation or trial and/or transfer to the
national penitentiary, and/or violent mentally ill person who endangers himself or the safety of


others, duly certified as such by the proper medical health officer, pending the transfer to a
mental institution.

(b)The city jail service shall be headed by a city jail warden who must be a graduate of a four-
year course in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, nursing, social work or criminology who
shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention of prisoners. Great care
must be exercised so that the human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected, and
their spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promptly attended to. Likewise, the
City shall ensure that proper separate detention centers for juveniles and women are provided
for.

Sec. 50. The City Schools Division. - (a)The DepEd shall establish and maintain a city schools
i of the City of Alabel whose area of jurisdiction will cover all the school districts within

(b)The city schools division shall be headed by a city schools division superintendent who must
possess the necessary qualifications required by the DepEd.

Sec. 51. The City Prosecution Service. - (a)There shall be established in the City a city
prosecution service to be headed by a city prosecutor and such number of assistant city
prosecutors, as may be necessary, who shall be organizationally part of the Department of
Justice (DOJ), and under the supervision and control of the Secretary of Justice and whose
qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary and benefits shall be governed by existing
laws covering prosecutors in the DOJ.

(b)The city prosecutor shall handle the criminal prosecution in the municipal trial courts in the
City as well as in the regional trial courts for criminal cases originating in the territory of the
City and shall render to or for the City such services as are required by law, ordinance or
regulation of the DOJ.

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

ARTICLE IX,
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 52. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. - All municipal
ordinances of the Municipality of Alabel existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall
continue to be in force and effect within the City of Alabel until the sangguniang panlungsod
shall provide otherwise.

Sec. 53. Plebiscite. - The City of Alabel shall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification
of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be
conducted in the present Municipality of Alabel within thirty (30) days from the approval of
this Act. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Alabel. The
Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.



Sec. 54. Officials of the City of Alabel. - The present elective officials of the Municipality of
label shall continue to exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new election
is held and the duly elected officials shall have already qualified and assumed their offices. The
appointive officials and employees of the municipality shall likewise continue exercising their
functions and duties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the City Government of the
City of Alabel.

Sec. 55. Succession Clause. - The City of Alabel shall succeed to all the assets, properties,
liabilities and obligations of the Municipality of Alabel.

Sec. 56. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of the
Province of Sarangani. - The qualified voters of the City of Alabel shall qualify to vote and
run for any elective position in the elections for provincial governor, provincial vice governor,
sangguniang panlalawigan members and other elective offices for the Province of Sarangani.

Sec. 57. Jurisdiction of the Province of Sarangani. - The City of Alabel shall, unless otherwise
provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of Sarangani.

Sec. 58, Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. - No increase in the rates of local taxes
shall be imposed by the City within the period of five years from its acquisition of corporate
existence.

Sec. 59. Representative District. - Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Alabel shall
continue to be a part of the Lone Congressional District of the Province of Sarangani.

Sec. 60. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code of 1991, and such laws as are applicable to component cities
shall govern the City of Alabel insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Act.

Sec. 61. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Charter
shall be held unconstitutional, invalid or inconsistent with the Local Government Code of 1991,
the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect. Moreover, in cases where this Charter is silent or unclear, the pertinent
provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 shall govern, if so provided therein.

Sec. 62. Reservation. - Nothing herein contained shall preclude the determination by the
appropriate agency or forum of boundary disputes or cases involving questions of territorial
jurisdiction between the City of Alabel and any of the adjoining local government units even
after the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 63. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

Sec. 64. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication
in at least two newspapers of general and local circulation.

Approved,