Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11211)
Republic Act No. 170 is an act creating the City of Dagupan and establishing its charter.
The City of Dagupan comprises the present territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of Dagupan in the Province of Pangasinan, and it may be expanded by the President of the Philippines by adding contiguous barrios or municipalities.
The Mayor is appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments and holds office at the pleasure of the President.
The Mayor exercises executive and administrative control over city departments, enforces laws and ordinances, safeguards city property, ensures tax collection and proper application, represents the city in business matters, is responsible for emergency measures, and submits an annual report among other duties.
The Municipal Board, composed of the Mayor as presiding officer and eight councilors elected at large by popular vote, serves as the legislative body.
The Municipal Board can levy taxes, make appropriations, fix salaries, regulate businesses, establish and maintain public services and infrastructures, enact ordinances for public welfare, and approve school fees among other powers.
The City Treasurer acts as the chief fiscal officer, collects taxes and revenues, disburses funds according to appropriations, purchases supplies, and renders accounts of the city's financial transactions.
The police jurisdiction is coextensive with the city's territorial jurisdiction and extends three miles into Lingayen Gulf, including areas related to the city's water supply protection.
Real estate taxes not exceeding two percent ad valorem are levied annually based on assessed values. Taxes are payable annually or in two installments, with penalties for delinquency. Taxpayers may pay under protest and have rights to appeal assessments.
If taxes remain unpaid for ninety days after due date, personal property may be seized and sold at public auction. After one year of delinquency, real estate title vests in the city subject to redemption rights. The original owner may redeem property by paying due taxes, penalties, and costs before sale or repurchase within one year after sale.