Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11938)
The conversion of the Municipality of Vigan into a city called Ciudad Fernandina by virtue of the Royal Decree of September 7, 1757 issued by Fernando VI, King of Spain, is revalidated and recognized by Republic Act No. 8988.
The territorial jurisdiction of the City of Vigan encompasses the present metes and bounds of the Municipality of Vigan in the Province of Ilocos Sur as specified by detailed boundary descriptions and geographic coordinates in the law.
The City has perpetual succession and powers to sue and be sued, have and use a corporate seal, acquire, hold and convey property, enter into contracts or agreements, and exercise other powers necessary for effective city governance.
The elective officials are the City Mayor, the City Vice Mayor, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members as outlined in Article II and detailed provisions of the law.
A candidate must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, an actual resident of the city for at least one year prior to the election, and a qualified voter of the City.
Both the City Mayor and City Vice Mayor hold office for three (3) years unless sooner removed.
The City Mayor exercises powers under the Local Government Code, including enforcing laws and ordinances, appointing officials, signing contracts, delivering programs and services, fiscal management, and maintaining peace and order, among others as detailed in Section 8.
The City Vice Mayor acts as the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, appoints officials (except those appointed by the Vice Mayor himself), assumes the office of Mayor in cases of permanent vacancy, and performs other duties designated by law.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod consists of the City Vice Mayor as presiding officer, ten regular sangguniang members, presidents of the City Liga ng mga Barangay, the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, and three sectoral representatives from women, workers, and other sectors.
Members must upon assumption to office disclose full business and financial interests, and any relationship that could create a conflict of interest related to ordinances being considered, with disclosures made in writing and recorded in the sanggunian’s proceedings.
The City Mayor may veto ordinances if they are ultra vires or prejudicial to public welfare. The ordinance is returned with reasons, and the Sangguniang Panlungsod may override the veto by a two-thirds vote, making the ordinance effective regardless of mayor’s approval.
The City Vice Mayor becomes City Mayor. If the Vice Mayor refuses, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member assumes the position. Succession ranking is based on the proportion of votes in the preceding election.
Appointees must be citizens, residents of Vigan, with good moral character, appropriate professional degrees or licenses (e.g., CPA for City Accountant, licensed lawyer for City Legal Officer), and relevant years of experience as specified in the law.
To supervise health services, formulate and implement health measures and policies, enforce public health laws, conduct health campaigns, and coordinate health delivery efforts, especially during disasters.
No increase in rates of local taxes shall be imposed within five (5) years from the City's acquisition of corporate existence.