Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 940)
The policy is to support local government initiatives to attain their fullest development and self-reliance and to make them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals, especially towards the vision of a Strong Philippine Republic.
The classification is governed under Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.
A component city must have a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants as certified by the National Statistics Office and an income of at least Fifty Million pesos (P50,000,000.00) based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the city treasurer.
The President of the Philippines has the authority to declare a component city as a highly urbanized city.
The President must declare the component city as highly urbanized within thirty (30) days after the city meets the minimum requirements prescribed in Section 452 of the Local Government Code.
The city must submit a resolution of its Sangguniang Panlungsod adopted by a majority vote, approved and endorsed by the city mayor, accompanied by certifications on income and population to the Office of the President.
A plebiscite must be conducted within one hundred twenty (120) days from the President's declaration, where the qualified voters of the city vote to ratify the conversion.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) conducts the plebiscite.
A comprehensive information campaign must be conducted by the COMELEC with assistance from national and local government officials, media, NGOs, and other interested parties.
The proclamation shall take effect only upon ratification in a plebiscite by the qualified voters of the City of Tarlac, as provided in Section 453 of the Local Government Code of 1991.