Law Summary

SECTION 1: Territorial Jurisdiction of Tacloban City

• Legal Principle: This section defines the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Tacloban.
• Key Definitions:
  • "City Proper": Refers to the main area of administration in Tacloban, divided into districts by ordinance.
  • "Barrios": Refers to areas outside the city proper, also delineated for administrative purposes.
• Important Requirements: The city must ensure proper administrative divisions within its territory.

SECTION 2: Jurisdiction for Police Purposes

• Legal Principle: Establishes the jurisdiction of the city police, extending to specific water areas and drainage zones.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Mid-channel of the San Juanico Strait": Area extending three miles from the shore into San Pedro Bay.
• Important Requirements:
  • Concurrent jurisdiction for police authorities from Tacloban and neighboring municipalities in cases of offenses committed within city jurisdiction.
  • The city court has concurrent jurisdiction with municipal courts in drainage areas.
• Consequences: Municipalities retain authority over licensing and fees within these zones.

SECTION 3: The Mayor's Role

• Legal Principle: Outlines the qualifications, powers, and remuneration of the Mayor.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Chief Executive": The role of the Mayor.
• Important Requirements:
  • The Mayor must be at least 25 years old, a resident for two years, and a qualified voter.
  • Salary set at not less than 15,000 pesos annually, with allowances for housing not exceeding 6,000 pesos.

SECTION 4: The Vice-Mayor

• Legal Principle: Defines the election and responsibilities of the Vice-Mayor.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Vice-Mayor": Elected official who assumes the Mayor's duties in their absence.
• Important Requirements:
  • Must meet the same qualifications as the Mayor.
  • Salary set at not less than 10,200 pesos annually.

SECTION 5: Mayor's Oversight of City Employees

• Legal Principle: Establishes the Mayor's authority to oversee city officials and employees.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Executive Officers": City officials under the Mayor’s supervision.
• Important Requirements:
  • The Mayor ensures proper discharge of duties by the city employees.

SECTION 6: Secretary to the Mayor

• Legal Principle: Details the appointment and duties of the Secretary to the Mayor.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Secretary": The officer responsible for city records and documents.
• Important Requirements:
  • Must maintain custody of city records and perform duties as prescribed by the Mayor.
  • Salary not less than 9,600 pesos per annum.

SECTION 7: Assistant Secretary to the Mayor

• Legal Principle: Introduces the role of the Assistant Secretary.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Assistant Secretary": A position assisting the Secretary to the Mayor.
• Important Requirements:
  • Duties include assisting the Secretary and assuming responsibilities in their absence.
  • Salary not less than 6,600 pesos per annum.

SECTION 8: Municipal Board Members' Salaries

• Legal Principle: States the remuneration for Municipal Board members.
• Important Requirements:
  • Each member shall receive not less than 7,800 pesos annually.

SECTION 9: Duties of the Secretary of the Municipal Board

• Legal Principle: Outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of the Municipal Board.
• Important Requirements:
  • Responsible for keeping records and documentation of the Municipal Board's proceedings.

SECTION 10: Legislative Procedure of the Municipal Board

• Legal Principle: Establishes procedures for the Municipal Board’s legislative actions.
• Important Requirements:
  • Two ordinary sessions weekly; special sessions as called by the Mayor.
  • A majority constitutes a quorum; measures require a majority vote to pass.

SECTION 11: Powers of the Municipal Board

• Legal Principle: Grants the Municipal Board powers over city governance.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Powers": Authority to fix the number and salaries of officials.
• Important Requirements:
  • Authority to impose taxes and regulate motor vehicles within the city.

SECTION 12: Reclamation of Foreshore Lands

• Legal Principle: Authorizes reclamation of foreshore lands.
• Important Requirements:
  • Must comply with existing laws and may be leased or sold by the city.

SECTION 13: Creation of New Barrios

• Legal Principle: Sets forth procedures for creating new barrios.
• Important Requirements:
  • Requires majority voter petition; population must be at least 500.

SECTIONS 14-34: Barrio Assemblies and Elections

• Legal Principle: Details the structure and powers of barrio assemblies.
• Key Definitions:
  • "Barrio Assembly": Membership includes residents over 21, registered in the barrio.
• Important Requirements:
  • Elections for barrio officials conducted annually.
  • Procedures for candidacy and voter qualifications established.

SECTIONS 35-53: City Departments and Officials

• Legal Principle: Establishes various city departments and their officials.
• Important Requirements:
  • Specific roles detailed for the City Engineer, City Health Officer, City Treasurer, and others.
  • Salaries and appointment procedures for these officials outlined.

SECTION 54: General Provisions

• Legal Principle: Establishes the overall governance structure of the city.
• Important Requirements:
  • Compliance with laws governing municipal operations.

Key Takeaways

• Republic Act No. 4776 amends the Revised Charter of Tacloban, delineating its jurisdiction, administrative structure, and governance.
• Key officials, including the Mayor and Vice-Mayor, have defined qualifications and responsibilities.
• The Municipal Board holds essential legislative powers, including taxation and regulatory authority.
• Detailed procedures for the creation of barrios and conduct of elections are established.
• The Act ensures oversight and accountability of city officials and operations.