Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9017)
The law is titled as the "Charter of the City of Cauayan."
The territorial jurisdiction of the City of Cauayan shall be within the present metes and bounds of the Municipality of Cauayan, Province of Isabela, approximately 33,640 hectares subject to cadastral survey adjustments.
The City of Cauayan has corporate powers including perpetual succession, suing and being sued, having and using a corporate seal, acquiring and conveying property, entering into contracts, and exercising other powers subject to law.
The primary elective officials are the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, and Sangguniang Panlungsod members.
A City Mayor must be at least 21 years old, an actual resident of the City for at least one year prior to election, and a qualified voter therein.
The City Mayor is the chief executive responsible for enforcing laws and ordinances, proposing policies, appointing officials, managing city resources, representing the city, and ensuring delivery of basic services, among others as provided by the Local Government Code and the City Charter.
The City Vice Mayor is elected at large like the Mayor, with the same qualifications, serves for three years, presides over the Sangguniang Panlungsod, appoints certain officials, assumes the Mayor’s office if vacant, and performs duties as prescribed by law.
It consists of the City Vice Mayor as presiding officer, ten (10) regular members, president of the Liga ng mga Barangay city chapter, president of the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, and three sectoral representatives from women, workers, and other sectors.
Ordinances approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod are presented to the City Mayor who may approve or veto them in writing within ten days. The Sangguniang Panlungsod can override the veto by a two-thirds vote of all members.
If the City Mayor's office is permanently vacant, the City Vice Mayor automatically becomes the City Mayor. If the Vice Mayor refuses, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member assumes the office. The successors serve the unexpired term.
The Secretary must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, holder of a master’s degree (preferably in law, commerce, or public administration), and must be a first grade civil service eligible.
The City Treasurer manages city funds, advises city officials on finance, disburses funds, inspects commercial establishments for taxation compliance, maintains tax information, and reports regularly to the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The City Assessor must be a resident and citizen, holder of a college degree preferably in engineering or commerce, first grade civil service eligible, and have 5 years of experience in real property assessment. Duties include appraisal and assessment of real properties for taxation purposes.
They are appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of nominees from the City Mayor, subject to civil service laws. Qualifications include Philippine citizenship, residency in Cauayan, good moral character, a college degree preferably in commerce or law, and relevant experience.
To formulate, coordinate, and monitor development plans and policies; conduct studies and training; promote people’s participation; and coordinate with the local development council and other agencies for the city’s integrated development.
Must be a licensed medical practitioner, resident and citizen, and have 5 years experience. Responsibilities include supervising health services, enforcing sanitation laws, proposing health ordinances, conducting health campaigns, and coordinating with agencies for public health.
Police jurisdiction is coextensive with territorial jurisdiction, and extends over the drainage area of the city’s water supply or within 100 meters of water reservoirs and related infrastructure, with concurrent court jurisdiction over crimes within this zone.
During temporary incapacity (e.g., leave, travel), the City Vice Mayor exercises the powers and duties of the Mayor except power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees unless incapacity exceeds 30 working days. For short absences, he may designate an officer-in-charge.
Ordinances take effect 10 days after posting on the City Hall and two other conspicuous places, must be disseminated in the language understood by the majority, published once in a local newspaper, with penal provisions also published in a newspaper of general circulation.