Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 603)
The official name of the law is Republic Act No. 603, approved on April 11, 1951, known as the Charter of the City of Roxas.
The City of Roxas comprises the present territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of Capiz in the Province of Capiz.
The City of Roxas is a political body corporate with perpetual succession, possessing powers of a municipal corporation, exercised under the provisions of its Charter.
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 has control over executive and administrative functions; enforces laws and ordinances; safeguards city property; supervises tax collection; initiates legal actions for the city; inspects city records; represents the city in official matters; submits annual budget; grants or revokes licenses; takes emergency measures; submits annual report to the President; and other duties prescribed by law or ordinance.
The Municipal Board is composed of the Vice-Mayor as presiding officer and six councilors—three appointed by the President with consent of the Commission on Appointments and three elected by popular vote.
The Municipal Board may levy taxes; appropriate city funds; fix salaries; regulate businesses and licenses; establish schools; regulate police and fire forces; enact ordinances for public welfare and safety; and exercise other powers prescribed by law.
Real estate tax is levied annually on assessed value not to exceed two percent (2%) ad valorem, payable on or before June 1, with provisions for installment payments and penalties for delinquency.
The City Treasurer may seize personal property, post notices of delinquency, and upon continued default, the title to the real estate vests indefeasibly in the City after one year, with procedures for redemption and public sale.
The Board hears appeals from property owners aggrieved by assessments made by the City Assessor, may amend assessments, and with approval may correct unjust or erroneous valuations; its decisions are final unless reviewed by the President.
Through the City Health Officer who supervises health conditions, enforces health laws, prosecutes violations, conducts sanitary inspections, keeps civil health registries, and performs duties directed by the Director of Health.
The City Treasurer acts as the City Assessor ex officio, making lists of taxable real estate, assessing values, examining properties, and administering oaths in assessment matters.
The Chief of Police oversees police and fire departments, suppresses disturbances, arrests violators, manages city prison, supervises fire prevention and investigation, regulates electrical installations, and enforces related ordinances.
Exemptions include government-owned lands and buildings, church properties for religious and charitable purposes, burial grounds, properties of low value not exceeding two hundred pesos, and certain machinery used in industry during its first five years.
City officers are prohibited from engaging in business transactions with the city, purchasing city property, acting as surety for contractors or officials, thereby preventing conflicts of interest.