Title
Amendments to City of Dapitan Charter
Law
Republic Act No. 4993
Decision Date
Jun 17, 1967
An amendment to the law governing the City of Dapitan in the Philippines, covering aspects such as territory, qualifications and compensation of officials, and the composition of the City Council. The amendment grants the City Mayor control over various departments and the supervision of the shrine and relics of Dr. Jose Rizal.
A

Chief Executive: City Mayor

  • The City Mayor is the chief executive officer of Dapitan.
  • Elected by qualified city voters for a four-year term.
  • The first City Mayor assumes office after the municipal mayor's term ends.
  • Compensation includes a salary plus an annual allowance not exceeding PHP 2,400.
  • Eligibility: at least 30 years old, resident of the city or former municipality for at least two years, and qualified voter.

City Vice-Mayor

  • Elected in the same manner as the City Mayor with identical qualifications.
  • Acts in the capacity of City Mayor during death, sickness, absence, or vacancy of the mayor.
  • If incapacitated or vacant, the highest-vote councilor assumes mayoral duties.
  • Presides over the City Council with voting rights only to break ties.
  • Performs duties assigned by the Mayor or by law.
  • Receives compensation according to existing laws.

Powers and Duties of the City Mayor

  • Must submit the city’s budget to the City Council at least two weeks before each fiscal year starts.
  • Supervises the shrine and relics of Dr. Jose Rizal including Rizal Park at Talisay and related landmarks.
  • Supervision subject to the jurisdiction of committees or agencies under the Office of the President.

Secretary to the City Mayor

  • Appointed by the City Mayor, serving at his pleasure.
  • Compensation is equivalent to that of city councilors as per existing laws.

City Council Composition and Functions

  • The legislative body includes the City Vice-Mayor (presiding officer) and eight elected councilors.
  • Councilors are elected at large every election corresponding to provincial, city, and municipal officials.
  • Temporary substitute members may be appointed by the President for quorum or incapacities.
  • Disqualification rules for members who run for office in elections; replacements appointed by the President.
  • Members receive salaries as prescribed by existing laws.

Secretary of the City Council

  • Appointed by the council to serve during council members’ terms.
  • Compensation matches that of councilors under existing laws.
  • Temporary filling of vacancies is permitted.

Adjustment of City Departments

  • City Mayor directly controls the following departments: Finance and Assessment; Engineering and Public Works; Law; Health; Police and Fire.
  • City Council may reorganize or consolidate departments with Presidential approval.

General Auditing Office

  • City Auditor appointed by the Auditor General, ranks as chief of a city department.
  • Salary shared 50% between national government and city funds.
  • Responsible for receipt and audit of all city accounts.
  • Office staff paid from national funds.

Public Schools Jurisdiction

  • The Director of Public Schools applies authority in the city as elsewhere in the Philippines.
  • A City Superintendent of Schools appointed with powers like division superintendents.
  • Salaries and expenses of school personnel funded by the National Government.
  • Quarterly reports of schools submitted to the City Mayor.

Land Registration Services

  • The Commissioner of the Land Registration Commission exercises jurisdiction in the city.
  • An office of the Register of Deeds is established within the city.

City Engineer

  • Oversees the Engineering and Public Works Department.
  • Receives salary funded from the Special Highway Fund.

Public Works Execution

  • Repair or construction projects costing PHP 25,000 or more awarded to lowest responsible bidder after public advertisement.
  • Projects costing PHP 20,000 or more may be executed by city engineer with Presidential and Secretary of Public Works approval.
  • For projects under PHP 20,000, the city engineer may either proceed with work or contract out.

City Fiscal

  • City Fiscal operates under Secretary of Justice supervision.
  • Receives salary shared equally between national government and city funds.
  • Acts as legal adviser to the city and its departments.

City Health Officer

  • Heads the City Health Department; salary shared between national government and city.
  • Supervises public health and sanitation, including crematories, cemeteries, markets, etc.
  • Enforces health laws and ordinances, prosecutes violations.
  • Recommends needed health ordinances.
  • Conducts sanitary inspections aided by designated sanitary police and inspectors.
  • Acts as ex-officio local civil registrar keeping vital records, receiving additional compensation.
  • Supervises puericulture centers and social services.
  • Performs additional duties as directed by Secretary of Health.
  • During epidemics, Secretary of Health assumes full control until resolved.
  • Various health personnel assigned and paid by national funds.
  • Annual PHP 25,000 allocated from Department of Health savings for maintenance and operational expenses.
  • Funds used for salaries, medical supplies, operational costs, and capital improvements;
  • Unspent funds accumulate for health infrastructure or related purposes.

Chief of Police

  • Heads Police Department, receiving salary per existing laws.
  • Must have military rank of captain or equivalent civil service eligibility.
  • Serves concurrently as ex-officio Chief of Fire Department with additional compensation.
  • Holds specific powers and duties not detailed beyond appointment criteria.

Effectivity

  • The act takes effect immediately upon approval.
  • Enacted without executive approval on June 17, 1967.

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