Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8806)
The Act is known as the "Charter of the City of Sorsogon."
The municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon in the Province of Sorsogon are merged to create the City of Sorsogon.
Yes, the City of Sorsogon is part of the First Congressional District of Sorsogon Province.
The City shall have perpetual succession, may sue and be sued, have and use a corporate seal, acquire, hold and convey property, enter into contracts or agreements, and exercise such other powers subject to the limitations provided in the Act or laws.
The City and its officials shall not be exempt from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property.
A city mayor must be at least 21 years old, an actual resident of the City for at least one year prior to election, and a qualified voter therein.
The mayor shall hold office for three (3) years and receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to salary grade thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758.
The city vice mayor automatically becomes the city mayor in case of a permanent vacancy.
It is composed of the city vice mayor as presiding officer, twelve regular sanggunian members elected by district, the presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay and Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, and three sectoral representatives.
Heads of departments and offices shall be appointed by the city mayor with the concurrence of the majority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod members, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. The sangguniang panlungsod acts within 15 days or the appointment is deemed confirmed.
The City Mayor may issue executive orders for enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances, ensure faithful discharge of duties by officials and employees, and carry out emergency measures during disasters.
They may enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges, grant tax exemptions and incentives, authorize loans and the floating of bonds for financing development projects.
The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week.
The Mayor must state reasons in writing; the sangguniang panlungsod may override the veto by a two-thirds vote of all its members, making the ordinance effective despite the veto.
The City Treasurer must be a citizen and resident of the City, of good moral character, holder of a college degree preferably in commerce, public administration or law, a first grade civil service eligible with at least five years experience in treasury or accounting.
Existing municipal ordinances of the municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon shall continue to be in force within the City until the sangguniang panlungsod ordinance provides otherwise.
Upon ratification of its creation by a majority of votes cast by qualified voters in a plebiscite conducted in the municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon within 120 days from the approval of the Act.
Yes, they remain part of the First Congressional District and are qualified to vote for elective provincial officials and representatives.
No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within five years from its acquisition of corporate existence.
The City Legal Officer provides legal assistance to the City, represents it in civil actions, drafts legal documents, investigates administrative neglect or misconduct, and advises on all legal matters as per RA 7160 and related laws.