Law Summary
Establishment of Provincial Government
- Provision: A civil provincial government is established for the Province of Paragua.
- Key Definitions:
- "Province of Paragua" includes the northern portion of Paragua Island and adjacent islands.
- Important Details:
- The government is to be organized under the authority of the United States Philippine Commission.
Geographic Boundaries
- Provision: The Province encompasses:
- All land north of the tenth parallel of north latitude.
- Adjacent small islands including Dumaran, the Calamianes Group, and the Cuyos Group.
Government Officials and Their Salaries
- Provision: The provincial government will consist of:
- Provincial Governor: $1,600/year
- Provincial Secretary-Treasurer: $1,500/year
- Provincial Supervisor: $1,200/year
- Provincial Fiscal: $1,000/year
- Key Definitions:
- "Eligible persons" for these offices include U.S. citizens, natives of the Philippine Islands, or those with political rights as per the Treaty of Paris.
- Important Requirements:
- Non-residence does not disqualify individuals from holding office.
Appointment and Removal of Officials
- Provision:
- Officials are appointed by the Civil Governor with the consent of the U.S. Philippine Commission.
- They can be removed in the same manner.
- Important Details:
- Officials must reside and operate from the municipality of Cuyo.
Civil Service Requirements
- Provision: After March 1, 1903, appointments for Secretary-Treasurer and Supervisor must comply with the Civil Service Act.
- Key Requirements:
- The Secretary-Treasurer must be bilingual (Spanish and English post-1906).
- The Supervisor must be a qualified civil engineer and surveyor.
Official Bonds and Duties
- Provision:
- The Secretary-Treasurer must give a $5,000 bond before taking office.
- Consequences:
- The bond secures the faithful performance of official duties and handling of funds.
Oath of Office
- Provision:
- All provincial officers must take a prescribed oath.
- Important Details:
- Oaths can be administered by various officials and must be filed with the Secretary-Treasurer.
Powers and Duties of Provincial Officials
- Provision:
- The powers of provincial officials align with those defined for corresponding positions in the Province of Nueva Vizcaya.
- Key References:
- Sections 6 to 9 of Act No. 337 detail these powers.
Provincial Board Composition
- Provision:
- The Provincial Governor, Secretary-Treasurer, and Supervisor form the Provincial Board.
- Key Duties:
- The Governor presides, and the Secretary-Treasurer maintains the minutes.
Municipal Organization
- Provision:
- The Provincial Board must organize pueblos into municipalities based on population.
- Important Requirements:
- Reports must be made to the Civil Governor regarding organized municipalities and their boundaries.
Taxation and Property Valuation
- Provision:
- Property declarations for taxation must occur between October 1-15 annually.
- Consequences:
- Failure to declare property by October 30 results in penalties.
- Taxes become delinquent on January 1, following the declaration year.
Non-Christian Tribes Governance
- Provision:
- The governor is authorized to govern non-Christian tribes under specific sections of Act No. 387.
Expedited Passage and Effectivity
- Provision:
- The act is expedited due to public necessity and takes effect immediately upon passage.
Key Takeaways
- Establishment: Act No. 422 establishes a provincial government for Paragua, defining its geographic boundaries and governance structure.
- Official Roles: Specific salaries and qualifications for government officials are outlined, with a focus on accountability through bonds and oaths.
- Municipal Organization & Taxation: Guidelines for municipal organization and property taxation are established, with clear penalties for non-compliance.
- Governance of Tribes: The act provides for the special governance of non-Christian tribes.
- Immediate Effectivity: The act is effective immediately upon its passage, emphasizing the urgency of its provisions.