Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 409)
The Act is officially known as the Revised Charter of the City of Manila, enacted as Republic Act No. 409, approved on June 18, 1949.
The City of Manila constitutes a political body corporate with perpetual succession and possesses the powers of a municipal corporation exercised in conformity with the provisions of this charter.
The City may take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and dispose of real and personal property for the general interests of the city, and may also condemn private property for public use.
The city shall not be liable or held for damages or injuries arising from the failure of the Mayor, the Municipal Board or other city officers to enforce laws or ordinances, or from their negligence while enforcing or attempting to enforce such provisions.
The City of Manila is divided into fourteen municipal districts. One example is Tondo, which has specific boundary descriptions outlined in the charter.
There are four representative districts. The First District includes Tondo.
The mayor is elected at large for a four-year term, must be at least 30 years old, a resident of Manila for at least five years prior to election, and a qualified voter of the city.
The Mayor is the chief executive; responsible for enforcing laws and ordinances, safeguarding city property, overseeing tax collection and judicial proceedings for the city, supervising city employees, representing the city in contracts and obligations, and submitting an annual budget, among other powers.
Ordinances must be published in two daily newspapers for at least three days before discussion or enactment; passed by a majority of all members; approved or vetoed by the Mayor within ten days; and if vetoed, can be re-enacted by two-thirds vote and may be appealed to the President.
The Board may levy taxes, fix fees and tariffs, regulate businesses and occupations, establish and maintain public facilities and services, regulate public safety and morals, impose penalties, and enact ordinances to promote the city's welfare.
The President of the Philippines appoints these officials with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
The municipal court has jurisdiction over criminal cases within the police jurisdiction of the city with maximum penalties of six months imprisonment or fines not exceeding 200 pesos, concurrent jurisdiction over certain other offenses, and incidental powers including issuing warrants and punishing contempt.
A penalty of 10% of the original tax if paid within the first two months of delinquency, plus an additional 2% per month thereafter, but total penalty shall not exceed 24% of the original tax.
Tools and implements used in trade, one beast of burden, necessary clothing and household furniture not exceeding 200 pesos, provisions for three months, professional libraries up to 500 pesos, and one fishing boat and net up to 100 pesos in value.
The health officer supervises the city's health and sanitation, enforces health laws, recommends health ordinances, prosecutes violations, conducts inspections, and may take direction from the Director of Health during epidemics or contagious disease threats.