Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 3028)
The official title is the Charter of Danao City as enacted by Republic Act No. 3028 on June 7, 1961.
Danao City comprises the present territorial jurisdiction of the Poblacion and various barrios including Baliang, Binalew, Cabungahan, and several others within the Municipality of Danao, Province of Cebu.
Danao City is constituted as a political body corporate with perpetual succession and powers typical of a municipal corporation, as detailed in its charter.
The Mayor is the chief executive, elected at large, must be at least 25 years old, a city resident for ten years prior to election, and a qualified voter in the city.
The Municipal Board is the city's legislative body composed of the Vice-Mayor and eight councilors, responsible for enacting ordinances, approving budgets, and overseeing city policies.
The Mayor complies with and enforces laws and ordinances, administers city property, ensures tax collection, initiates judicial proceedings in the city’s interest, supervises city employees, and can grant or revoke municipal licenses among other duties.
The Mayor receives six thousand pesos per annum plus a possible house allowance, and the Vice-Mayor receives three thousand pesos per annum.
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over crimes and misdemeanors committed within the city and concurrent jurisdiction with Justices of the Peace in defined water supply drainage areas.
The city assessor lists and assesses taxable real estate, exemptions apply as provided, taxes are levied annually not to exceed one and one-half percent ad valorem, payable annually or semi-annually, and collectible with penalties for delinquency.
Exemptions include lands or buildings owned by the National Government or city, religious, charitable, scientific, or educational properties not for profit, properties valued below four hundred pesos as the only real estate of the owner, and machinery used for industrial or agricultural purposes for the first two years.
Special assessments may be levied on land specially benefited by public works after ordinance enactment, public notice, hearing of protests, and possible appeals to the President or Secretary of Finance, with payment terms and finality conditions established.
A penalty of two percent per month delinquent is imposed on the original tax, up to a maximum of 24%, and failure to pay can lead to the seizure, auction, and forfeiture of property to the city.
The President of the Philippines, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoints key department heads including the city treasurer, city engineer, city fiscal, chief of police, city health officer, and others.
A majority of all members constitutes a quorum. Passage of ordinances requires affirmative votes of a majority of all members; the Vice-Mayor votes only in case of a tie.
Barrio councils represent the barrio, hold monthly sessions, promulgate rules subject to municipal approval, plan and budget barrio funds, assist in enforcing laws, and cooperate with the city government for public welfare.