Act No. 500

Legal Provision: A provincial government is established in the Province of Mindoro, repealing Act No. 423 which incorporated Mindoro into the Province of Marinduque.
Key Definitions:
- Province of Mindoro: Includes the Island of Mindoro and adjacent small islands, including Lubang Island.
Important Requirements:
- The provincial government will operate independently from the previous provisions governing the Province of Marinduque.

Legal Provision: Officers include a provincial governor, secretary, supervisor-treasurer, and fiscal, with specified salaries.
Key Definitions:
- Provincial Governor: $2,250 per annum.
- Provincial Secretary: $1,500 per annum.
- Provincial Supervisor-Treasurer: $2,250 per annum.
- Provincial Fiscal: $1,400 per annum.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a citizen of the United States or the Philippine Islands.
- Must not have violated the oath of allegiance to the United States.
Appointment Procedure:
- Officers appointed by the Civil Governor with Philippine Commission advice and consent.

Legal Provision: The provincial government will initially reside in Calapan until suitable accommodations are constructed at Puerto Galera, designated as the provincial capital.

Legal Provision: After March 1, 1903, the provincial secretary and supervisor-treasurer will be selected under the Civil Service Act.
Key Requirements:
- Provincial secretary must speak Spanish and, after January 1, 1906, English.
- Supervisor-treasurer to file a $10,000 bond for faithful performance of duties.

Legal Provision: Each provincial officer must take an oath of allegiance before assuming office.
Key Definitions:
- The oath emphasizes accountability and allegiance to the U.S. Government.
Administration of Oath: Can be administered by specified officials including members of the Philippine Commission.

Provincial Governor:
- Similar powers to those of the governor of Nueva Vizcaya, excluding judicial powers.
Provincial Secretary:
- Custodian of records, attests official acts, and assumes duties in the governor's absence.
Provincial Supervisor-Treasurer:
- Chief financial officer responsible for tax collection, property assessment, and management of public funds.
- Required to submit monthly account reports to the provincial board and the Treasurer of the Philippine Archipelago.

Legal Provision: The provincial board comprises the provincial governor, secretary, and supervisor-treasurer, with defined roles.
Duties of the Board:
- Oversee financial management, appoint subordinate employees, conduct public meetings, and manage provincial resources.

Legal Provision: The provincial board is tasked with organizing pueblos into municipalities, contingent on sufficient population and adherence to existing boundaries.
Key Requirements:
- Report to the Civil Governor about organized municipalities, including their boundaries and population estimates.

Legal Provision: Property declarations for taxation must occur from July 1 to July 31, 1903.
Consequences: Failure to declare property value on time results in fines.
Tax Timeline: Taxes may be paid from December 1 to December 31, 1903, with delinquency beginning January 1, 1904.

Legal Provision: The governor is authorized to address the governance of non-Christian tribes as specified in sections of the relevant Act.

Legal Provision: The Act's passage is expedited for public necessity, effective immediately upon enactment.

Act No. 500 establishes an independent provincial government in Mindoro, delineating the structure, powers, and responsibilities of its officials.
The provincial board plays a crucial role in governance, financial oversight, and municipal organization.
Specific procedures and timelines for property taxation and governance of local tribes are outlined, emphasizing accountability and legal compliance.
Immediate enactment was prioritized due to public good, highlighting the urgency of governance in the region.