Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6051)
San Jose City comprises the present territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of San Jose in the Province of Nueva Ecija. The President of the Philippines may increase its territory by adding contiguous barrios or municipalities by executive order.
San Jose City constitutes a political body corporate with perpetual succession and exercises municipal corporation powers as provided in the Charter.
The President of the Philippines, by executive order, has the authority to increase the territory of San Jose City by adding contiguous barrios or municipalities.
The Mayor holds office for four years and receives a salary of twelve thousand pesos per annum plus a commutable allowance of two hundred pesos per month.
The candidate must be at least twenty-five years old, a resident of San Jose City for at least five years prior to the election, and a qualified voter in the city.
The Mayor may grant, refuse, or revoke municipal licenses or permits for valid reasons, and applicants refused may appeal the decision to the President of the Philippines.
The Municipal Board consists of the Vice-Mayor as presiding officer and eight councilors elected at large by qualified voters of the city.
Ordinances require a majority vote of all Board members; the Mayor has 10 days to approve or veto. Vetoed ordinances can be repassed by a two-thirds Board vote and sent back to the Mayor or, if vetoed again, to the President of the Philippines for final decision.
The Municipal Board can levy a real property tax not exceeding one and one-half percent ad valorem, but not within the first ten years from the effectivity of this Act.
Exemptions include property owned by the Republic of the Philippines, the Province of Nueva Ecija, or San Jose City, religious, charitable, scientific, or educational properties used exclusively for such purposes and not for profit, and machinery used for industrial, agricultural, or manufacturing purposes during the first five years of operation.
The City Assessor shall list all taxable real estate annually, take sworn statements from owners, may enter properties for inspection, summon witnesses, and may examine register of deeds for ownership verification.
Taxpayers may file complaints with the City Assessor and appeal to the City Board of Tax Appeals within thirty days after the assessor's decision.
The City Health Officer supervises health and sanitation, enforces laws relating to public health, prosecutes violations, manages garbage disposal, oversees cemeteries, maintains civil registries for vital events, and may assume direct control in epidemics.
The President of the Philippines appoints the City Fiscal. He prosecutes and defends civil and criminal cases involving the city, advises city officials, investigates misconduct, and manages legal affairs of the city.
The Mayor may request assistance only to avert danger or protect life and property in cases of riot, disturbance, public calamity, or serious law and order violations, and only upon specific request.