Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9723)
The Act is officially known as the "Charter of the City of Dasmariñas".
The territorial jurisdiction of the City of Dasmariñas is within the present metes and bounds of the Municipality of Dasmariñas as described in the Act, bounded by the Municipality of Imus to the north, Municipality of San Pedro, Laguna to the east, Municipality of Silang, Cavite to the south, and adjacent to Municipality of General Trias to the west.
The corporate powers include having continuous succession, suing and being sued, using a corporate seal, acquiring and conveying real or personal property, entering into contracts, and exercising other powers granted to corporations subject to legal limitations.
The City of Dasmariñas has police jurisdiction coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction, including over all territory within the drainage area of its water supply or within 100 meters of any related water facilities. The city and adjoining municipalities have concurrent jurisdiction for law enforcement in these areas.
The candidate must be at least 21 years old, a resident of the City for at least one year prior to election, and a qualified voter in the City.
The City Mayor exercises general supervision and control over city government programs and services, appoints officials and employees, represents the City in business transactions, implements policies, issues executive orders, calls conventions or meetings of officials, deputizes for police control, and initiates resource generation, among others.
The City Vice Mayor is elected at large similar to the City Mayor, with similar qualifications and a term of 3 years. The Vice Mayor presides over the Sangguniang Panlungsod, appoints officials with civil service rules, assumes the Mayor's office in case of permanent vacancy, and performs mayoral duties during temporary vacancies.
It is composed of the City Vice Mayor as the presiding officer, 12 regular Sanggunian members, the president of the city Liga ng mga Barangay, the president of the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan, and other members as provided by law.
The Sanggunian passes ordinances and resolutions for efficient governance, imposes fines and penalties, protects inhabitants from dangers, approves budget and spending, levies taxes, authorizes loans or bonds, regulates land use and business operations, and ensures delivery of basic services among others.
Ordinances are presented to the City Mayor who may approve by signing or veto with objections. The Sangguniang Panlungsod may override the veto by a two-thirds vote of all members. If the Mayor fails to act within 10 days, the ordinance is deemed approved.