Title
Supreme Court
Amendments to Local Elections and Council Composition
Law
Republic Act No. 6637
Decision Date
Nov 21, 1987
The amendments to Republic Act No. 6636 set the date for local elections in the Philippines on January 18, 1988, and require local officials who file their certificates of candidacy to automatically resign from their positions, with specific officials designated as acting officers-in-charge.

Law Summary

Automatic Resignation of Local Officials Upon Candidacy Filing

  • All local officials, whether elected, acting, or officer-in-charge, who file or have filed for candidacy are automatically deemed resigned from their positions effective December 1, 1987.
  • This is binding notwithstanding any other law provisions to the contrary.

Designation of Officer-in-Charge Upon Vacancy

  • When a governor, city, or municipal mayor or their acting officer files candidacy, the Secretary of Local Government may designate another person as officer-in-charge.
  • In the absence of such designation, the following officials shall act as officers-in-charge in concurrent capacity, in this order: a) Chief, Senior, and Local Government Officers for provinces, cities, and municipalities, respectively; b) Provincial, City, or Municipal Administrator; c) Provincial, City, or Municipal Health Officer.

Filling Vacancies in Local Legislative Bodies

  • For vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panglungsod, or Sangguniang Bayan due to members running for office,
  • The Secretary of Local Government shall appoint acting members selected from qualified voters of the respective local government unit.

Composition of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan by Provincial Class

  • First and second class provinces shall elect ten (10) members at large to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
  • Third and fourth class provinces shall elect eight (8) members.
  • Fifth and sixth class provinces shall elect six (6) members.

Composition of Sangguniang Bayan in Municipalities

  • All municipalities other than those specifically mentioned in the law shall maintain the number of elective members in their Sanggunian Bayan as provided by existing laws.

Continuity of Other Provisions in RA 6636

  • Other provisions of Republic Act No. 6636 not inconsistent with this amendment remain valid and effective.

Effectivity of the Act

  • The Act shall take effect immediately upon its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

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