Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 5412)
Republic Act No. 5412 is also known as the Charter of the City of General Santos.
The City of General Santos comprises the present territorial jurisdiction covering all the barrios and sitios comprising the Municipality of General Santos in the Province of South Cotabato, except certain specified barrios and sitios.
The City of General Santos constitutes a political body corporate with perpetual succession and municipal corporation powers, to be exercised in conformity with its Charter. Its powers are liberally construed in favor of the city for the efficient conduct of its affairs.
Yes, the city has the power to take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and dispose of real and personal property for the general interest of the city.
No, the City shall not be liable for damages or injuries arising from failure to enforce provisions or negligence of officials while enforcing laws; however, aggrieved parties may file personal actions against city officials or employees.
The police jurisdiction is co-extensive with the city's territorial jurisdiction and extends three miles from its shores, including areas within the drainage area of the water supply and within 500 meters of any water facility used by the city.
They are elected at large by qualified voters of the city. Both must be at least 25 years old, residents of the city for at least two years before the election, and qualified voters therein.
The Mayor exercises executive control over city departments, enforces laws and ordinances, safeguards city properties, collects taxes, initiates judicial proceedings, supervises city employees, submits budgets, grants or revokes licenses, and performs other duties as prescribed by law or ordinance.
The City Council is composed of the Vice-Mayor as presiding officer and twelve councilors elected at large by qualified city voters during provincial and municipal elections.
The City Council has powers to levy taxes, fix salaries, regulate fees, maintain public utilities and schools, enact police ordinances, maintain city courts and fire departments, impose licenses and fees for various businesses and professions, regulate public safety and health, and exercise eminent domain, among others.
A majority of all members constitutes a quorum; a majority vote is needed for passage. Ordinances must be submitted to the Mayor for approval or veto. If vetoed, the council may override by two-thirds vote; otherwise, the ordinance may be forwarded to the President for final decision.
The City Treasurer acts as the chief fiscal officer, collects taxes and fees, administers markets and slaughterhouses, purchases supplies, renders accounts, deposits city funds, and disburses funds in accordance with appropriations.
The President of the Philippines, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoints the city judges, fiscal, treasurer, city engineer, health officer, and superintendent of schools; other officers are appointed by the Mayor subject to civil service law.
The City Health Officer supervises public health and sanitation, enforces health laws, prosecutes violations of sanitary regulations, administers cemeteries, keeps vital statistics, and performs duties prescribed by the Director of Health Services.
The City Court consists of three branches with appointed judges. It has jurisdiction equivalent to municipal courts for civil and criminal cases, including duties like preliminary investigations and issuing commitments.
After ninety days of delinquency, the City Treasurer may seize personal property through authenticated certificate and sell such property at public auction if not redeemed by the owner, with various exemptions provided by law.
Yes, owners or their lawful representatives may redeem personal property before sale and real property before sale or within one year after sale by paying taxes, penalties, costs and interests as prescribed.
The City Council may levy and collect special assessments for public improvements benefiting specific districts in the city, following procedures involving publication, protests, hearings, and possible appeals.
The city may own and operate public utilities such as gas, water, power, and telephone services for municipal needs or private consumers, and fix rates and regulations subject to applicable laws and regulations.