Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 39)
The City of Zamboanga includes the present territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of Zamboanga, municipality of Bolong, municipal district of Taluksa-Agay, the whole island of Basilan and adjacent islands, including the municipality of Isabela, municipal district of Lamitan, and municipal district of Maluso.
The City of Zamboanga constitutes a political body corporate with perpetual succession and municipal corporation powers exercised in conformity with the Charter.
The Mayor is appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the National Assembly and holds office at the pleasure of the President.
The Mayor supervises the executive and administrative functions, enforces laws and ordinances, safeguards city property, ensures collection of revenues, conducts judicial proceedings on behalf of the city, examines official records, represents the city in business matters, submits the annual budget, grants or revokes municipal licenses, makes appointments, and performs other duties prescribed by law or ordinance.
The City Council is composed of the Mayor (presiding officer), city engineer, city treasurer, and five councilors (two appointed by the President with consent and three elected by popular vote, initially appointed pending elections).
Such member becomes incompetent to act in the Council on matters related to their candidacy, and other members perform the duties in their absence or choose a disinterested elector to act in their place.
The Council may levy and collect taxes for general and special purposes, including a real property tax not exceeding 2% ad valorem, as well as fix fees and charges for city services and regulate business licenses.
Penalties may include fines not exceeding two hundred pesos, imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both, for a single offense.
The chief of police, all city officials, and members of the police and secret service are peace officers authorized to serve and execute court processes within city jurisdiction, arrest offenders, and enforce the law including special police sworn in by the Mayor when necessary.
Taxes are due annually, with penalties for delinquency escalating after June 30, August 15, and September 30. The city treasurer may seize and auction personal property to satisfy delinquent taxes, advertise and sell real estate for unpaid taxes, and a right of redemption is granted within one year after sale.