Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9392)
The official title of the law is the "Charter of the City of Tandag," enacted as Republic Act No. 9392.
The City of Tandag comprises the present territory of the Municipality of Tandag, Province of Surigao del Sur, with jurisdiction within its existing metes and bounds.
The City has continuous corporate succession, can sue and be sued, has a corporate seal, can acquire and convey property, enter contracts, and exercise other powers within law.
The City can levy taxes, manage public property, expropriate private property for public use, contract, sue and be sued, and enact ordinances necessary for governance.
The elective officials include the City Mayor, City Vice Mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council).
The candidate 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 of the City.
The Mayor is the chief executive responsible for governance, executing laws and ordinances, appointing officials, preparing budgets, and representing the City in transactions among other duties.
It is composed of the City Vice Mayor as presiding officer, regular council members, presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan, and three sectoral representatives including those from women, agricultural or industrial workers, and other sectors.
Vacancies are filled by appointments made by the provincial governor from the political party of the member who caused the vacancy, or by the City Mayor upon recommendation if the member had no party.
Ordinances are passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, presented to the City Mayor for approval; the Mayor may sign or veto. The Sangguniang Panlungsod can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.
Enforcement of disapproved ordinances or resolutions may lead to suspension or dismissal of the official or employee involved.
For police purposes protecting the city water supply, police jurisdiction extends to drainage areas or within 100 meters of infrastructure related to the water supply, with concurrent jurisdiction with neighboring municipalities.
The City Mayor appoints them with the concurrence of the majority of members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, subject to civil service laws.
No increase in local tax rates may be imposed by the City within five years from its acquisition of corporate existence.
The Sanggunian adopts internal rules of procedure, holds at least weekly regular sessions open to the public, and can call special sessions with proper notice and limitations on matters to be considered.
The city treasurer must be a Filipino citizen, a resident of Tandag, of good moral character, with a college degree preferably in commerce, public administration or law, a first grade civil service eligible, and have at least five years experience in treasury or accounting.
The City Vice Mayor succeeds to the office; if vacant, the highest-ranking sangguniang panlungsod member succeeds; vacancies are filled automatically according to ranking or by appointment as specified.
The City is exempted from the income requirement prescribed under Republic Act No. 9009 for cityhood conversion.
Within three years from approval of this Act, no new race track, jai-alai fronton, gambling casino, or cockpit shall be licensed or allowed to operate in the City.