Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1618)
Region IX comprises the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte including the Cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, and Zamboanga del Sur including the Cities of Pagadian and Zamboanga.
The Sangguniang Pampook in each Autonomous Region is composed of twenty-one members including seventeen elected representatives from provinces and component cities, sectoral representatives from youth, agricultural workers, non-agricultural workers, and professionals, and up to five additional representatives appointed by the President to represent sectors not properly represented.
The Sangguniang Pampook exercises local legislative powers on matters such as regional administrative organization, economic, social, and cultural development, agricultural and industrial programs, infrastructure, urban and rural planning, taxation and revenue-raising, management of regional schools and health services, cultural preservation, and other matters authorized by law.
The Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook is the Regional Executive Council for each Autonomous Region and acts as the executive unit implementing policies, programs, and legislation enacted by the Sangguniang Pampook.
The term of office for both members of the Sangguniang Pampook and the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook is three years, continuing in office until their successors have been elected and qualified.
The Autonomous Regions have internal administrative autonomy except for matters within the jurisdiction of the National Government such as national defense and security, foreign relations, currency and monetary affairs, natural resource management, postal and communication services, customs, immigration, citizenship, national planning, and general auditing.
Each member of the Sangguniang Pampook receives an annual salary of Twenty-Four Thousand Pesos (₱24,000.00) charged against Sangguniang Pampook funds.
The President appoints the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook chairman and its four members based on recommendations of the Sangguniang Pampook. Appointees may or may not be members of the Sangguniang Pampook. Any elective official appointed to these positions must vacate their elective position, except if they are also members of the Sangguniang Pampook.
Sources of income include taxes, fees and charges, appropriations and grants from the National Government, income from region-owned projects and public utilities, contributions from local governments, a percentage share of national income from mines and minerals, proceeds from national and local taxes as prescribed by law, and donations or aid.
The Lupon Chairman must approve or veto a legislative enactment within thirty days of receipt; otherwise, it becomes law. In case of veto, the Chairman returns the measure with objections to the Sangguniang Pampook, which may override the veto by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members.
Reserved powers include national defense and security, foreign relations, foreign trade, currency and monetary policy, disposition of natural resources, air and sea transport, postal and telecommunications services, customs and quarantine, immigration and deportation, citizenship and naturalization, national economic and social planning, and general auditing.
The Office of the Regional Commissioner in each Autonomous Region is abolished, and its powers, functions, appropriations, personnel, assets, and liabilities are transferred to the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook.
These include conducting local government audits, investigating administrative complaints against local officials, approving development plans funded by the 20% development fund, approving certain travels and claims, recommending clearances for foreign travel, recommending exemptions from procurement and personnel rules, and approving allowances and benefits of local officials.
The Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook prepares the budget for national income sources based on functions and programs, submits it to the Sangguniang Pampook for enactment, and follows Ministry of the Budget's guidelines. It must maintain an effective budgetary system and ensure all funds are accounted for and audited by the Commission on Audit.