QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 760)
It comprises the present territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of Tacloban in the Province of Leyte.
It is a political body corporate with perpetual succession and the powers of a municipal corporation, exercisable in conformity with the charter.
It may have a common seal; take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and dispose of property for city interests; condemn private property for public use; contract; sue and be sued; and prosecute and defend cases where the city is a party.
It is coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and extends ten three miles from the shore into San Juanico Strait and the Pacific Ocean, and for water purity protection includes all territory within the drainage area of the water supply and within one hundred meters of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct, or pumping station used for city water service.
At least 30 years old, a resident of the city for at least five years prior to election, and a qualified voter.
At the general election for provincial and municipal officials next following the approval of the Act.
The Mayor holds office for four years unless sooner removed for just cause and with due process of law.
The Vice-Mayor performs the duties during sickness/absence/temporary incapacity or until a vacancy is filled. If the Vice-Mayor is temporarily incapacitated or the Vice-Mayor’s office is vacant, the city engineer performs the duties as acting mayor.
Examples include: enforce the charter and laws/ordinances; safeguard city lands/buildings/records/moneys and city property rights; ensure collection and proper application of taxes and revenues; institute/prosecute claims to recover city property/funds or defend suits; inspect records of executive officers at least twice a year; submit a budget to the Municipal Board at least two months before each fiscal year; represent the city and sign bonds/contracts; grant/revoke municipal licenses and permits; take emergency measures against fires/floods/storms; and submit an annual report to the President.
It is the legislative body composed of eight councilors elected at large by popular vote during every election for provincial and municipal officials in conformity with the Revised Election Code.
At its first meeting each year, it elects from among themselves its presiding officer, who receives a daily attendance compensation; the presiding officer votes only in case of a tie.
Five members constitute a quorum.
Five affirmative votes are necessary for the passage of any ordinance. For other measures not requiring the ordinance-vote threshold, the majority votes of members present at a duly called and held meeting prevail.
The Municipal Board forwards ordinances to the Mayor for approval. Within ten days, the Mayor returns with approval or veto; if not returned, deemed approved. If vetoed, reasons accompany the veto. The Board may repass by affirmative votes of six members and forward again. If the Mayor again vetoes within ten days, it is forwarded to the President for final approval/disapproval.
The Mayor may veto particular item(s) in an appropriation ordinance or money-related ordinance without affecting non-objected item(s). Vetoed items do not take effect unless repassed/overridden consistent with the procedure.
There shall be finance, law, engineering, health, police, fire, and assessment departments. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Mayor has general supervisory control over all departments.
The President appoints, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, the judge and auxiliary judge of the municipal court, the city treasurer, city attorney, city engineer, city health officer, chief of police, chief of fire department, and other heads of departments created. They cannot be suspended or removed except as provided by law.