Fifteenth Congress

Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-third day of July, two thousand twelve.

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10420

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SAN PEDRO IN THE PROVINCE OF LAGUNA

INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF SAN PEDRO

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 San Pedro".

Section 2. The City of San Pedro. – The Municipality of San Pedro shall be converted into a
component city to be known as the City of San Pedro, hereinafter referred to as the City, which shall
comprise the present territory of the Municipality of San Pedro, Province of Laguna.

The territorial jurisdiction of the City shall be within the present metes and bounds of the Municipality
of San Pedro.

The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution by the appropriate agency or
forum of any boundary dispute or case involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between the City
of San Pedro and the 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.

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

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

(b) To sue and be sued;

(c) To have and use a corporate seal;

(d) To acquire, hold and convey real or personal property;

(e) To enter into any contract and/or agreement; and

 (f) To exercise such other powers, prerogatives or authority subject to the limitations
provided in this Act or other laws.

Section 4. General Powers. – The City shall have a common seal and may alter its existing
corporate seal: Provided, That any change of corporate seal shall be registered with the Department
of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). It shall exercise the powers to levy taxes, fees and
charges; to close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks or squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold,
lease, convey and dispose of real and personal property for the general interests of the City; to
expropriate or condemn private property for public use; to contract and to be contracted with; to sue
and be sued; to prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution suits wherein the City is
involved or interested in; and to exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or as
hereinafter conferred.

Section 5. Liability for Damages. – The City and its officials shall not be exempt from liability for
death or injury to persons or damage to property.

Section 6. Jurisdiction of the City. – The jurisdiction of the City, for police purposes 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 the territory within the
drainage area of such water supply, or within one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit,
canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the city water service.

The city court of the City of San Pedro shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the city or municipal
court of the adjoining municipalities or cities, to try crimes and misdemeanors committed within said
drainage area or within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m.).

The court first taking cognizance of such an offense shall have jurisdiction to try 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 ordinances 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 II
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

Section 7. The Officials of the City of San Pedro. – (a) There shall be in the City of San Pedro: a city
mayor, a city vice mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang
panlungsod, a city treasurer, a 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, a city social welfare and development officer, a city veterinarian
and a city general services officer.

(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, a city population officer and a city
agriculturist.

(c) There shall be established in the City a city fire station to be headed by a city fire marshal, a city
jail to be headed by a city jail warden, a city schools division to be headed by a city schools division
superintendent and a city prosecution service to be headed by a city prosecutor.
(d) The sangguniang panlungsod may:

(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b);

(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.

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

(f) Elective and appointive city officials shall receive such compensation, allowances and other
emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance, subject to the budgetary limitations on
personal services prescribed under Title Five, Book II of the Local Government Code of
1991: Provided, That no increase in compensation of the city mayor, city vice mayor and
sangguniang panlungsod members shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of the
said local officials approving such increase.

ARTICLE III
THE CITY MAYOR AND THE CITY VICE MAYOR

Section 8. The City Mayor. – (a) The city mayor shall be the chief executive of the City and 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 the election, he or she is a citizen of the Philippines, at least twenty-one
(21) years of age, a resident of the City for at least one (1) year prior to his or her election and a
qualified voter therein and able to read and write Filipino or any other local language or dialect. The
city mayor shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, but shall serve for not more
than three (3) consecutive terms in the same position and shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No.
6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989″, and the
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

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

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose of which is the general welfare of
the City and its inhabitants, the city mayor shall:

(1) Exercise those powers expressly granted to him or her 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;

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

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang panlungsod and, as
often as may be deemed necessary, provide such information and data needed or
requested by 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 this Act, as well as those he or she may be authorized by law to appoint;

(vi) Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign on its behalf all
bonds, contracts and 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 and calamities;

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

(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;

(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the City faithfully discharge
their duties and functions as provided for by law and the Local Government Code of
1991, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any
official or employee of the City who may have committed an offense in the
performance of his or her official duties;

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

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

(xiii) Visit component barangays of the City at least once every six (6) months to
deepen his or her understanding of the problems and conditions, listen and give
appropriate counsel to local officials and inhabitants, inform the component barangay
officials and inhabitants of general laws and 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 and on 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: Provided, That the trips abroad or for a longer
period may be authorized in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991;

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

(xvii) Authorize payment for medical care, necessary transportation, subsistence,

hospital or medical fees of city officials and employees who are injured while in the
performance of their official duties and functions, subject to the availability of funds;

(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); and

(xx) Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an annual report
containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the management, administration and
development of the City and all information and data relative to its political, social and
economic conditions; 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 corporate powers provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991,
as amended, 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 and appointive

officials of the City, including provincial officials and national officials and employees
stationed in or assigned to the City, at such time and place and on such subject as
may be deemed 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 the territorial jurisdiction;

(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 police
forces in the City in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the
"Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990″; and

(vi) Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress disorder, riot,
lawless violence, rebellion, 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 as provided for
under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, particularly those resources and
revenues programmed for agro-industrial development and countryside growth and progress
and, relative thereto, shall:

(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare and submit an estimate
of appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in accordance with the budget
preparation process enshrined under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the
Local Government Code of 1991;

(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, without need of approval therefore 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 other 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 of the same
when said construction violates any law or ordinance, or to order the demolition or
removal of said house, building or structure within the period prescribed by law or
ordinance;

(vii) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine,
forest, 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 and 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, shall:

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

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

(c) During his or her incumbency, the city mayor shall hold office in the city hall.

Section 9. The City Vice Mayor. – (a) There shall be a city vice mayor who shall be elected in the
same manner as the city mayor and shall, at the time of the election, possess the same
qualifications as the city mayor. The city vice mayor shall hold office for three (3) years, unless
sooner removed, and shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-
six (26) as prescribed under the Salary Standardization Law and the implementing guidelines issued
pursuant thereto.

(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 of
the sangguniang panlungsod, except those whose manner of appointment is specifically
provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;

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

(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor in case of
temporary vacancy as provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended;
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.

ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Section 10. Composition. – (a) The sangguniang panlungsod, the legislative body of the City, shall
be composed of the city vice mayor as the presiding officer, the 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 and the three (3) sectoral
representatives, as members, who shall come from the following sectors: one (1) from the women
sector; and, as shall be determined by the sangguniang panlungsod within ninety (90) days prior to
the holding of the local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers sector; and one
(1) from the other sectors, including urban poor, indigenous cultural communities or disabled
persons.

(b) The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod and sectoral representatives shall be
elected in the manner as may be provided by law.

(c) The members of the sangguniang panlungsod of the City of San Pedro 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.

Section 11. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. – (a) The sangguniang panlungsod, as
the legislative body of the City, shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for
the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government
Code of 1991 and in the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the City as provided for under
Section 22 of the Local Government Code of 1991, and shall:

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

(i) 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;

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

(iii) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos
(P5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) 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 the harmful effects of
man-made or natural disasters and 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 house 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 illegal logging, smuggling of logs, smuggling of
natural resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash-and-
burn farming and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of
siltation of rivers and lakes or of ecological imbalance;

(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) 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 honoraria 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 therefore for the safety and
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 service units, with
public or private insurance companies, when the finances of the city government
allow said coverage;

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

(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;

(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;

(vii) Adopt 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 limits or zones m
accordance with the provisions of the Fire Code of the Philippines;

(x) Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans for residential,
commercial or industrial purposes and other development purposes, and to collect
processing fees and other charges, the proceeds of which shall accrue entirely to the
City; Provided, however, That where 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 taking or catching
 of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag, or fry of any species or 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; and

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

(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II 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 terms and conditions under which public utilities owned by
the City shall be operated by the city government and prescribe the conditions under
which the same may be leased to private persons or entities, preferably
cooperatives;

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

(vi) Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of Transportation and

Communications (DOTC), regulate the operation of bicycles 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;

(ii) 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 said 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;

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

(iv) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of restaurants,

beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses, lodging houses and other similar
establishments, including tourist guides and transports;

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

(vi) 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;

(vii) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of any entertainment or

amusement facilities, including the theatrical performances, circuses, billiard halls,
public dancing schools, public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors and other
places for entertainment or amusement; regulate such other events or activities for
amusement or entertainment, particularly those which tend to disturb the community
or annoy the inhabitants, or require the suspension or suppression of the same; or
prohibit certain forms of amusement or entertainment in order to protect the social
and moral welfare of the community;

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

(ix) 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/or other structures intended to accelerate productivity related
to marine and seashore or offshore activities;

(iv) Regulate the preparation and sale of meat, poultry, fish, 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, 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
thereof;

(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 to existing laws, rides and regulations,
establish and provide for the operation of vocational and technical schools and
similar post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of the Technical Education
 and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and subject to existing laws on tuition
fees, fix and collect reasonable tuition fees and other school charges in educational
institutions supported by the city government;

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

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

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

(xiv) Provide for the care of persons with disabilities (PWD), 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;

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

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

(xvii) Establish a city council for the elderly and senior citizens 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 other powers as provided for
under the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or
ordinance.

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

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

(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 Chairperson 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 (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be censured, reprimanded or excluded
from the session, suspended for not more than sixty (60) days or expelled: Provided, That
the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two-thirds
(2/3) vote of all the sanggunian members: Provided, further, That the member convicted by
final judgment to imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving moral turpitude
shall be automatically expelled from the sanggunian; and

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

Section 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 business and financial interests. They shall also disclose any business, financial,
professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree,
which they may have with any person, firm or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under
consideration by the sanggunian of which he or she 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 or her judgment to the prejudice of the service or the
public.

(b) The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing submitted to the secretary of the
sanggunian or the secretary of the committee of which he or she 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 deliberations on the
ordinance or resolution under consideration: Provided, That if the member did not participate
during the deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before voting on the ordinance or
resolution on second and third readings; and
 (2) Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a position or makes a privilege speech
on a matter that may affect the business interest, financial connection or professional
relationship described herein.

Section 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 regular
sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week for the sangguniang
panlungsod and twice a month for the sangguniang barangay.

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

(c) All 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 (2) sessions, regular or special, may
be held in a single day.

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

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

(e) The sangguniang panlungsod shall keep a journal and a record of its proceedings, which may be
published upon resolution of the sangguniang panlungsod.

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

(c) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately preceding subsection, no
business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion duly approved by the
members present, shall then declare the session adjourned for lack of quorum.

Section 16. Approval of Ordinances. – (a) Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang panlungsod
shall be presented to the city mayor. If the city mayor approves the same, the signature shall be
affixed on each and every page thereof; otherwise, the ordinance shall be vetoed and returned with
the statement on the 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 or she had signed it.

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

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

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

Section 18. Review of City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. – (a) Within three (3)
days after approval, the secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall forward to the sangguniang
panlalawigan for review, copies of approved ordinances and the resolutions approving the local
development plans and the public investment programs formulated by the local development
councils.

(b) Within thirty (30) days after receipt of copies of such ordinances and resolutions, the
sangguniang panlalawigan shall examine the documents or transmit them to the provincial attorney
or 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 or her comments or recommendations, which may be
considered by the sangguniang panlalawigan in making its decision.

(c) 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.

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

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

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

(c) 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.

Section 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.

Section 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 San Pedro and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of
San Pedro.

(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 (2) conspicuous
places in the City of San Pedro not later than five (5) days after approval thereof. The text of the
ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or English, and 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 OF
ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Section 22. Disqualification of 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 an offense
punishable by one (1) year or more of imprisonment within two (2) years after serving
sentence;

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

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

(d) Those with dual citizenship;

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

(f) Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the right to reside
abroad and continue to avail of the same right after the effectivity of the Local Government
Code of 1991; and
 (g) The insane or feeble-minded.

Section 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 or her permanent incapacity, the
second highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member becomes the city mayor or the city vice
mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically by
the other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein.

(b) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the punong barangay, the highest ranking
sangguniang barangay member or, in case of his or her permanent inability, the second highest
ranking sangguniang member shall become the punong barangay.

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

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

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

(f) 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.

Section 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;

(c) 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

(d) In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in the
sangguniang panlungsod, said vacancy shall be filled in automatically by the official next-in-
rank of the organization concerned.
Section 25. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. – (a) When the city mayor is
temporarily incapacitated to perform his or her duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but not
limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the city vice mayor or the
highest sangguniang panlungsod member shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the
duties and functions of the city mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees
which can only be exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.

(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the sangguniang panlungsod of a
written declaration by the city mayor that he or she 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 that the said legal cause no longer exists.

(c) When the city mayor is traveling within the country but outside the territorial jurisdiction for a
period not exceeding three (3) consecutive days, he or she may designate in writing the officer-in-
charge of Iris or her office. Such authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the local
official concerned shall exercise in the absence of the city mayor, except the power to appoint,
suspend or dismiss employees.

(d) In the event, however, that the city mayor 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.

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

ARTICLE VII
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY

Section 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.

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

The appointment of a secretary to the sanggunian shall be mandatory.

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

(1) Attend meetings of the sangguniang panlungsod and keep a journal of its proceedings;

(2) Keep the seal of the City and affix the same with his or her signature to all ordinances,
resolutions and other official acts of the sangguniang panlungsod, and present the same to
the presiding officer for his or her 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 Department of Budget and Management (DBM) copies of the
appropriations ordinances passed by the sangguniang panlungsod as provided for under
Section 326, Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 27. The City Treasurer. – (a) The city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of the
Department of Finance (DOF) from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the
city mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

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

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

The appointment of a city treasurer shall be mandatory.

(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 finance department, and shall:
 (1) Advise the city mayor, the sangguniang panlungsod and other local government and
national officials concerned regarding disposition of local government funds and on such
other matters relative to public finance;

(2) Take custody of and exercise proper management of the funds of the City;

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

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

(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.

Section 28. The City Assessor. – (a) The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in
civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any other related course from a recognized college or
university, a licensed appraiser under Republic Act No. 9646, and a first grade civil service eligible or
its equivalent. He or she must have an experience in real property assessment work or in any
related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city assessor shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city assessor shall take charge of the city assessor’s department, and shall:

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

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

(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;

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

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

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

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

(11) Attend personally or through an authorized representative all sessions of the local board
of assessment; and appeals whenever his or her assessment is the subject of the appeal,
and present or submit any information or record in his or her possession as may be required
by the board; and

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

Section 29. The City Accountant. – (a) The city accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character, a certified public accountant and must
have acquired experience in the treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city accountant shall be mandatory.

(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:

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

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

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

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

(5) Review supporting documents before the preparation of vouchers to determine

completeness of requirements;

(6) Prepare statement 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.

Section 30. The City Budget Officer. – (a) The city budget officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of San Pedro, 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. The city
budget officer must have acquired experience in government budgeting or in any related field for at
least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city budget officer shall be mandatory.

(b) The city budget officer shall take charge of the city budget department, and shall:

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

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

(3) Assist the city mayor in the preparation of the budget and during and after the budget
hearings;

(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and submit comments
and recommendations thereon;

(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the DBM;

(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 the component
barangays;
 (8) Coordinate with the city planning and development office 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.

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

Section 31. The City Planning and Development Officer. – (a) The city planning and development
officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of San Pedro, 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 or she must have acquired experience in
development planning or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date
of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city planning and development officer shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city planning 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 development council;

(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 sangguniang panlungsod;

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

(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the local development council;
and
 (9) Perform such other 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.

Section 32. The City Engineer. – (a) The city engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character and a licensed civil engineer. He or she
must have acquired experience in the practice of his or her profession for at least five (5) years
immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city engineer shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city engineer shall take charge of the city engineering office, and shall:

(1) 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.

Section 33. The City Health Officer. – (a) The city health officer must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character and a licensed medical practitioner. He
or she must have acquired experience in the practice of his or her profession for at least five (5)
years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

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

The appointment of a city health officer shall be mandatory.

(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 or her in the efficient, effective and economical
implementation of health service program 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:

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

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

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

(iv) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod through the local health board the
passage of such ordinance as he or she 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, stores selling food
items or providing accommodations such as hotels, motels, lodging houses, pension
houses and the like, in accordance with the Sanitation Code of the Philippines;

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

(viii) Coordinate with other government agencies and nongovernment organizations

involved in the promotion and delivery of health services; and

(ix) 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

(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.

Section 34. The City Civil Registrar. – (a) The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she
must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding
the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city civil registrar shall be mandatory.

(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 San
Pedro, 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 civil registry 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:

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

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

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

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

(v) Issue certified transcripts or copies of any certificate or registered documents

upon payment of the required fees to the city treasurer;

(vi) Receive application 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 (NSO) in conducting educational
campaigns for vital registration and assist in the preparation of demographic and
other statistics for the City of San Pedro; 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.

Section 35. The City Administrator. – (a) The city administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the City of San Pedro, 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 or she must have acquired experience in
management, and administrative work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of
his or her appointment.
The appointment of a city administrator shall be mandatory.

(b) The term of the city administrator is coterminous with that of his or her 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) Assist in the coordination of the work of all the officials of the local government unit, under
the supervision, direction and control of the city mayor and for this purpose, he or she may
convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the local government unit;

(3) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the local government unit
designed to promote career development and uphold the merit principle in the local
government service;

(4) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the local government unit with the
end in view of instituting effective administrative reforms;

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

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

(7) 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.

Section 36. The City Legal Officer. – (a) The city legal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character and a member of the Philippine Bar. He or
she must have practiced his or her profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the
date of his or her appointment.

The term of the city legal officer shall be coterminous with that of his or her appointing authority.

The appointment of a city legal officer shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the office 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;

(3) Represent the local government unit in all civil action and special proceedings wherein
the local government unit or any official thereof, in his or her official capacity, is a
party: Provided, That, in actions or proceedings where the City of San Pedro is a party
adverse to the provincial government or to another component city, a special legal officer
may be employed to represent the adverse party;

(4) When required by the city mayor or sanggunian, draft ordinances, contracts, bonds,
leases and other instruments, involving any interest of the local government unit; and provide
comments and recommendations on any instruments already drawn;

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

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

(7) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm or corporation holding any
franchise or exercising any privilege for failure to comply with any term or condition in the
grant of such franchise or privilege, and recommending appropriate action to the city mayor
or sanggunian, as the case may be;

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

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

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

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

(12) 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.

Section 37. The City Social Welfare and Development Officer. – (a) The city social welfare and
development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of San Pedro, of good
moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably in social
work or in any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have acquired experience in the practice of social
work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city social welfare and development officer shall be mandatory.

(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 social welfare programs and projects
which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is
empowered to provide;

(3) Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and the impoverished, and
develop and implement appropriate measures to alleviate their problems and improve their
living conditions;

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

(5) Assist the city mayor in implementing the barangay level program for the total
development and protection of children up to six (6) years of age;

(6) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the disabled, elderly and victims of
drug addiction, the rehabilitation of prisoners and parolees, the prevention of juvenile
delinquency and such other activities which would eliminate and minimize the ill-effects of
poverty;

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

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

(9) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services particularly those which have to do with the
immediate relief and assistance during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural
disasters or calamities;
 (10) 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

(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.

Section 38. The City Veterinarian. – (a) The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character and a licensed doctor of veterinary
medicine. He or she must have practiced his or her profession for at least three (3) years
immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city veterinarian officer shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city veterinarian shall take charge of the office of the 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 veterinary-related activities which the city
mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to
provide;

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

(4) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;

(5) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public consumption;

(6) Enforce all laws for the prevention of cruelty to animals;

(7) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all forms of animal diseases;

(8) Be in the frontline of the 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;

(9) Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other
matters relative to the 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
 (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 law or
ordinance.

Section 39. The City General Services Officer. – (a) The city general services officer must be a
citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character, a holder of a
college degree in public administration, business administration or management from a recognized
college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have
acquired experience in general services, including the management of supply, property, solid waste
disposal and general sanitation for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her
appointment.

The appointment of city general services officer shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city general services officer shall take charge of the office of 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 general services supportive of the welfare
of the inhabitants of the City which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

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

(4) 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 such space;

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

(6) Recommend to the city mayor rental rates of private properties which may be leased for
the official use of the local government unit;

(7) 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
local government unit;

(8) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping and other costs of
supplies and other items commonly used by the local government unit;
 (9) Perform archival and record management with respect to records of offices and
departments of the local government unit;

(10) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property management heretofore
performed by the local government treasurer and enforce policies on records creation,
maintenance and disposal;

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

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

Section 40. 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 San Pedro, of
good moral character, a holder of a college degree prefer ably 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 or she must have acquired experience in environment and natural
resources management, conservation and utilization work for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city environment and natural resoures officer shall be optional.

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

(c) The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the city environment
service department, 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 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;

(3) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, tree parks,
mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest projects and commercial forests, like industrial tree
farms and agro-forestry projects;
 (4) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development projects and technical
financial arid infrastructure assistance;

(5) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for forest and tree parks;

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

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

(8) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the

implementation of measures to prevent and control land, air and water pollution with the
assistance of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);

(9) 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;

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

(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.

Section 41. The City Architect. – (a) The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident
of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character, and a duly licensed architect. He or she must
have practiced his or her profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his
or her appointment.

The appointment of a city architect shall be optional.

(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 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) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the sanggunian the architectural plan and
design for the local government unit or a part thereof, including the renewal of slums and
blighted areas, land reclamation activities, the greening of land and appropriate planning of
marine and foreshore areas;

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

(5) Coordinate with government and nongovernment entities and individuals involved in the
aesthetics and maximum utilization of the land and water within the jurisdiction of the
government unit, compatible with the environmental integrity and ecological balance;

(6) 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;

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

(8) 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.

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

The term of the city information officer is coterminous with that of his or her appointing authority.

The appointment of a city information officer shall be optional.

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

(c) The city information officer shall take charge of the city information and community relations
department, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide
technical assistance and support to the city mayor in providing the information and research
data required for the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate facilities so that
the public becomes aware of said services and may fully avail of the same;
 (2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement
the same, particularly those which have to do with public information and research data to
support programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which
the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3) Provide relevant, adequate and timely information to the local government unit and its
residents;

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

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

(6) Be in the 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 after the emergency, and to accelerate relief and rehabilitation;

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

(8) 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.

Section 43. The City Cooperatives Officer. – (a) The city cooperatives officer must be a citizen of
the Philippines, a resident of the City of San Pedro, 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 or she must have acquired experience in cooperatives organization and management for at least
five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city cooperatives officer shall be optional.

(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;

(3) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

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

(5) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government agencies and

nongovernment organizations involved in the promotion and integration of the concept of
cooperatives in the livelihood of the people and other community activities;

(6) Be in the frontline 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;

(7) 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

(8) 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.

Section 44. The City Population Officer. – (a) The city population officer must be a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the City of San Pedro, of good moral character, a holder of a college
degree preferably with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He or she must have acquired
experience in the implementation of programs on population development or responsible parenthood
for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city population officer shall be optional.

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

(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;

(3) Assist the city mayor in the implementation of the constitutional provisions relative to
population development and the promotion of responsible parenthood;
 (4) Establish and maintain an updated data bank for program operations, development
planning and an educational program to ensure the people’s participation in understanding of
population development;

(5) Implement appropriate training programs responsive to the cultural heritage 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.

Section 45. The City Agriculturist. – (a) The city agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a
resident of the City of San Pedro, 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 or she must have practiced his or her profession in
agriculture or acquired the experience in a related field for at least five (5) years immediately
preceding the date of his or her appointment.

The appointment of a city agriculturist shall be mandatory.

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

(c) The city agriculturist shall take charge of the office of the agricultural services, and shall:

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

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

(i) 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;

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

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

 (v) Coordinate with government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, which
promote agricultural productivity through applied 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.

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

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

(b) The city fire station shall be headed by a city fire marshal whose qualifications shall be as those
provided for under Republic Act No. 9263, as amended, otherwise known as the "Bureau of Fire
Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004″.

(c) The city fire station shall be responsible for providing emergency services such as the rescue and
evacuation of injured people related to incidents and, in general, all fire prevention and suppression
measures to secure the safety of life and property of the citizenry.

Section 47. The City Jail Service. – (a) There shall be established and maintained in the City a
secured, clean, adequately equipped and sanitary jail for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners,
any fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting investigation or trial and/or violent mentally ill
person who endangers himself or herself 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 whose qualifications shall be as those
provided for under Republic Act No. 9263, as amended, otherwise known as the "Bureau of Fire
Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Professionalization Act of 2004″. He or
she shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention of prisoners. Great care
must be exercised so that human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected, and their
spiritual and physical well-being are properly and promptly attended to.

Section 48. The City Schools Division. – (a) There shall be established and maintained by the
Department of Education (DepED) a city schools division of the City of San Pedro whose area of
jurisdiction will cover all the school districts within the City.
(b) The city schools division shall be headed by a city schools division superintendent who must
possess the necessary qualifications required by the DepED.

Section 49. 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 ensure 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

Section 50. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. – All municipal
ordinances of the Municipality of San Pedro existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall
continue to be in force within the City of San Pedro until the sangguniang panlungsod shall declare
otherwise.

Section 51. Plebiscite. – The City of San Pedro 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 San Pedro within thirty (30) days from the approval of this
Act.

The Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.

The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of San Pedro.

Section 52. Officials of the City of San Pedro. – The present elective officials of the Municipality of
San Pedro 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. Appointive
officials and employees of the municipality shall likewise continue exercising their functions and
duties and they shall be automatically absorbed by the city government of the City of San Pedro.

Section 53. Succession Clause. – The City of San Pedro shall succeed to all the assets, properties,
liabilities and obligations of the Municipality of San Pedro.

Section 54. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of the
Province of Laguna. – The qualified voters of the City of San Pedro shall be qualified to vote and run
for any elective position in the elections for provincial governor, provincial vice governor,
sangguniang panlalawigan members and other elective officials for the Province of Laguna.
Section 55. Jurisdiction of the Province of Laguna. – The City of San Pedro shall, unless otherwise
provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of Laguna.

Section 56. 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 (5) years from its acquisition of corporate
existence.

Section 57. Legislative District. – Until otherwise provided by law, the City of San Pedro shall
continue to be a part of the First Legislative District of the Province of Laguna.

Section 58. Applicability of Laws. – The provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and other
laws pertaining to the Province of Laguna and such laws as are applicable shall govern the City of
San Pedro insofar as these are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Section 59. 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.

Section 60. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in
any newspaper of general and local circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) JUAN PONCE ENRILE (Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR.

President of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of
Representatives and the Senate on January 30, 2013 and January 28, 2013, respectively.

(Sgd.) EMMA LIRIO-REYES (Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP

Secretary of Senate Secretary General
House of Representatives

Approved: MAR 27 2013

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

President of the Philippines