Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 2234)
Republic Act No. 2234 is known as the Charter of the City of Legazpi.
The City of Legazpi comprises the present territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of Legazpi, Province of Albay.
The City of Legazpi is constituted as a political body corporate with perpetual succession and possesses powers pertaining to a municipal corporation exercised according to the Charter's provisions.
A person must be at least 25 years old, a resident of the city for at least two years before election, and a qualified voter in the city.
The Mayor is the chief executive and has power over executive and administrative city functions, enforcement of laws and ordinances, safeguarding city properties, ensuring tax collection, instituting legal proceedings for city interests, supervising officers and employees, budgeting, granting or revoking municipal licenses, and taking emergency measures for public safety.
The Municipal Board consists of the Vice-Mayor as presiding officer and eight councilors elected at large by the qualified voters of the city.
The Board can levy and collect taxes, fix salaries, regulate businesses through licensing and ordinances, maintain police and fire departments, regulate public health and safety, enact ordinances for general welfare, and approve budget appropriations among other powers.
Police jurisdiction covers the city territorial limits and extends three miles from the shores of Legazpi, including the drainage area of the city's water supply and areas within 100 meters of reservoirs and water facilities.
The City Fiscal is the chief legal adviser, represents the city in civil cases, prosecutes violations of city ordinances, investigates misconduct, conducts inquiries on suspicious deaths, and provides legal opinions and services to the city government.
Real estate taxes are annually assessed with a local rate not exceeding two percent ad valorem. The City Assessor lists taxable property, public notices must be made for review and appeals, delinquent taxes accrue penalties, and the city treasurer handles collection, with provisions on seizure, sale, redemption, and eventual forfeiture of property in cases of nonpayment.