Republic Act No. 8969

: A city must have a minimum population of two hundred thousand (200,000) inhabitants as certified by the Philippine Statistics Authority.
: The city must have the latest annual income of at least PhP50 Million based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the City Treasurer.
: The President of the Philippines has the authority to declare a city as highly-urbanized.
: The President must declare the city as highly-urbanized within thirty (30) days after it has met the minimum requirements and upon proper application.
: The COMELEC shall conduct a plebiscite in the city within 120 days after the President's declaration, where qualified voters shall ratify the declaration.
: A comprehensive information campaign conducted by COMELEC with assistance from national and local government officials, media, non-government organizations, and other interested parties.
: The Philippine Statistics Authority certifies the population, and the Department of Finance - Bureau of Local Government Finance certifies the city's income.
: The government supports initiatives of local governments to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and to be effective partners in national goals.
: The proclamation of the city as highly-urbanized shall take effect only upon ratification by the qualified voters in a plebiscite.
: The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Jose del Monte passed Resolution No. 2019-059-09 for this purpose.