Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9391)
Republic Act No. 9391 converts the Municipality of Catbalogan in the Province of Samar into a component city known as the City of Catbalogan.
The territorial jurisdiction of the City of Catbalogan is within the present metes and bounds of the former Municipality of Catbalogan, subject to resolution of existing boundary disputes or cases involving questions of territorial jurisdiction with adjoining local government units.
The City of Catbalogan has continuous corporate succession; the power to sue and be sued; use a corporate seal; acquire and convey property; enter contracts; and exercise other powers, prerogatives, and authority granted by law subject to limitations under RA 9391 and other laws.
The elective officials include the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, and Sanggunian Panlungsod members along with sectoral representatives and presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay and Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sanguniang Kabataan.
A City Mayor must be at least 21 years old at the time of election, a resident of the City for at least one year prior, and a qualified voter in the City.
The City Mayor is the chief executive who enforces city laws, proposes city programs and policies, appoints city officials, represents the city, manages emergencies, promulgates executive orders, enforces peace and order, manages city resources, and other duties under the Local Government Code and this Act.
If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Mayor, the City Vice Mayor becomes the City Mayor. Subsequent vacancies follow succession by ranking Sanggunian members.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod serves as the city's legislative body, enacting ordinances and resolutions, approving budgets, imposing taxes and fees, granting franchises, regulating local affairs, and providing for the general welfare of the city and its inhabitants.
Every ordinance must be presented to the City Mayor, who may approve by signing or veto it within 10 days, stating reasons for veto. The Sangguniang Panlungsod may override a veto by a two-thirds vote, making the ordinance effective regardless of the Mayor's approval.
Yes, no increase in local tax rates shall be imposed by the City within five years from its acquisition of corporate existence.