QuestionsQuestions (Commonwealth Act No. 51)
The City of Zamboanga consists of the present territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of Zamboanga, the municipality of Bolong, the municipal district of Taluksa-Agay, the whole island of Basilan and adjacent islands, including the municipality of Isabela, the municipal district of Lamitan, and the municipal district of Maluso.
The Mayor is appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly and holds office at the pleasure of the President.
The City may take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and dispose of real and personal property for the general interests of the city; condemn private property for public use; contract and be contracted with; sue and be sued; prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution; and exercise all powers conferred by the Charter.
The police jurisdiction extends three miles from the shore into the sea and over a two and one-half mile wide zone on land surrounding the city. It also covers all territory within the drainage area of the city's water supply or within 100 meters of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct, or pumping station used with the city water service.
The City Council consists of the Mayor as presiding officer, the city engineer, the city treasurer, and five councilors — two appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments and three elected by popular vote.
The Council can levy and collect taxes, fix fees and charges for city services, establish public schools, regulate business licenses and police matters, enact ordinances for peace and order, manage public works, regulate transportation and utilities, and impose penalties for ordinance violations, among others.
The city engineer is in charge of engineering and public works, including surveying, preparing plans and estimates, supervising construction, maintaining public buildings and streets, regulating private buildings, overseeing waterworks and sewerage, and ensuring public safety related to engineering matters.
The city attorney acts as chief legal adviser, represents the city in civil cases, drafts legal instruments, prosecutes criminal cases in the Municipal Court, investigates misconduct by city officials, and ensures compliance with franchises and public privileges granted by the city.
Real estate taxes up to 2% of assessed value are levied annually, payable from March 1. Delinquent taxes incur penalties increasing over time. The city treasurer may seize and auction personal property or real estate for unpaid taxes. Tax sales provide purchasers indefeasible title, subject to right of redemption within one year.
Penalties for ordinance violations may not exceed a fine of two hundred pesos, six months imprisonment, or both for a single offense, as specified in the Charter.