Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9404)
The title is 'Charter of the City of Isabela.' Its main purpose is to convert the Municipality of Isabela, Province of Basilan, into a component city known as the City of Isabela.
The City of Isabela comprises the present territory of the Municipality of Isabela in Basilan, bounded by nearby municipalities and bodies of water as specifically detailed in RA 9023, including islands such as Malamawi and Lampinigan.
The city has perpetual succession, can sue and be sued, use a corporate seal, acquire and convey property, enter into contracts, and exercise other powers subject to the law.
The main elected officials are the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, regular members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and sectoral representatives.
The City Mayor must be at least 21 years old, an actual resident of Isabela for at least one year prior, and a qualified voter therein. The term of office is three years unless sooner removed.
The City Mayor may veto any ordinance on grounds it is ultra vires or prejudicial to public welfare, stating reasons in writing. The Mayor can veto particular items of appropriations ordinances. The veto may be overridden by a two-thirds vote of all council members.
It is composed of the City Vice Mayor as presiding officer, ten regular sangguniang members, presidents of the city chapter of the liga ng mga barangay and the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, and three sectoral representatives from women, workers, and other sectors.
Ordinances must be presented to the City Mayor for approval or veto within 10 days. If approved or if the Mayor does not act within 10 days, the ordinance becomes effective after 10 days from posting on public bulletin boards and publication in local newspapers.
Disqualifications include final conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude or imprisonment of one year or more within two years after serving sentence, removal from office due to administrative case, violation of oath of allegiance, dual citizenship, being a fugitive from justice, permanent residence abroad, and insanity or being feeble-minded.
If the Mayor's office becomes vacant, the Vice Mayor assumes the position. If the Vice Mayor refuses, the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member assumes the Mayor's office. Vacancies in the Vice Mayor position are filled by the highest ranking sangguniang member, ranking based on votes received.