Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5444)
It is known as the Charter of the City of Iloilo.
The City of Iloilo constitutes a political body corporate with perpetual succession and municipal corporation powers to be exercised in conformity with the charter.
The jurisdiction extends three miles from the shore into the Bay of Iloilo and over a land zone two and one-half miles in width surrounding the city.
The Mayor is appointed by the President of the Philippines with the approval of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly, based solely on executive and administrative qualifications; residency in Iloilo is not required.
The Mayor enforces laws and ordinances, safeguards city property, causes judicial proceedings to protect the city, oversees collection and application of taxes, oversees city officers, prepares the budget, grants and revokes municipal licenses, and represents the city in business matters among others.
The Municipal Board is the legislative body composed of seven elected members serving three years, with powers to enact ordinances, appropriate funds, levy taxes and license fees, and regulate various business and public safety matters as provided by the charter.
The Ordinances passed by the Board are forwarded to the Mayor for approval or veto within ten days. If vetoed, the Board can override with five affirmative votes. If vetoed again, the ordinance is sent to the Provincial Board for approval or disapproval. The Mayor can veto specific items in appropriation ordinances.
The Provincial Board reviews ordinances and may declare any that lie outside the Municipal Board's powers null and void. The Mayor or the Municipal Board can appeal to the Secretary of the Interior whose decision is final.
The City Assessor appraises and values real estate, except certain machinery. An annual tax of one percent on assessed value is levied and due January 1, with penalties on delinquency, enforced by the City Treasurer who collects all taxes and revenues.
The City Treasurer may seize and auction personal property after due notice. Real estate becomes vested in the City after a year of delinquency but may be redeemed by payment of taxes, penalties and interests within certain periods. The City Treasurer then executes a deed of sale to purchasers if property is not redeemed.
The City Engineer supervises public works, surveys land, manages public property upkeep, enforces building and safety ordinances, supervises public utilities like waterworks and sewers, and regulates fire hazards.
The Mayor, the Chief of Police, Assistant Chiefs, and all city police and detective force members are considered peace officers with powers to enforce laws and maintain order within the city and police jurisdiction.
The Board may levy special assessments on real estate especially benefited by public improvements not exceeding 60% of the cost, with notices, hearings, and with payment in installment terms fixed by ordinance.
The city fiscal acts as chief legal adviser, represents the city in civil and criminal cases, prosecutes violations of city ordinances, investigates crimes, and reviews compliance of franchises with their conditions.
Exemptions include lands or buildings owned by the US, Commonwealth, or city, burial grounds, churches, religious, charitable, scientific, or educational uses (not for profit or investment), and owner's only real property valued below one hundred pesos.