Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11550)
The Act shall be known as the "Charter of the Provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur."
The Province of Maguindanao is divided into two distinct and independent provinces: Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
Maguindanao del Norte is composed of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay.
Maguindanao del Sur is composed of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi.
The capital town and seat of government of Maguindanao del Norte is the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat. For Maguindanao del Sur, it is the municipality of Buluan.
The provinces have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, use a corporate seal, acquire and convey property, enter into contracts, and exercise other powers granted to corporations, subject to the Local Government Code and other laws.
Each province shall have its own legislative district effective upon the election and qualification of its representative on the second Monday of May 2022.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan consists of the provincial vice governor as presiding officer, regular members, presidents of the provincial chapters of the Liga ng mga Barangay, Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, provincial federation of councilors, and three sectoral representatives (women, agricultural or industrial workers, and other sectors).
The governor exercises general supervision and control over provincial government programs and activities, directs formulation of development plans, appoints officials, represents the province in transactions, enforces laws and ordinances, ensures public welfare including peace and order, authorizes expenditures, and submits annual reports to the Office of the President, among other powers outlined in the Local Government Code and this Act.
Permanent vacancy in the governor's office is filled by the vice governor; if unable, by the highest ranking sangguniang panlalawigan member. A vacancy in vice governor is filled by the highest ranking sangguniang panlalawigan member, with ties resolved by drawing lots. Successors serve the unexpired terms.
Appointments are made by the President through the Executive Secretary from nominees of the political party of the previous occupant. For independents, the provincial governor appoints upon sangguniang panlalawigan's recommendation. Vacancies in youth, barangay, or councilor representatives are filled automatically by next-in-rank officials.
The provincial treasurer must be a Filipino citizen, resident of the province, of good moral character, a college degree holder preferably in commerce, public administration, or law, a first grade civil service eligible, and with at least five years experience in treasury or accounting. Duties include managing the treasury, advising local officials, inspecting establishments for tax compliance, and supervising treasury offices in component cities and municipalities.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall establish at least five fire stations with adequate personnel and equipment within five months from the corporate existence commencement. A secured, clean, adequately equipped, and sanitary provincial jail shall also be established within the same period; both shall be headed by officials qualified under Republic Act No. 9263.
The sangguniang panlalawigan may impose fines not exceeding Five thousand pesos (₱5,000.00), imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both, at the discretion of the court for the violation of a provincial ordinance.
The provincial governor may veto ordinances if prejudicial to public welfare, returning it with reasons. A veto of particular items in appropriation or certain resolutions is allowed. The sangguniang panlalawigan can override the veto by two-thirds vote. The governor may veto only once per ordinance.