Powers and Liabilities of the City
- The City may levy taxes, regulate public infrastructure, expropriate property, and enter contracts.
- It must register changes to its common seal with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
- The City and its officials are liable for damages caused to persons or property.
- Police jurisdiction extends beyond city limits to the drainage area of its water supply and certain zones, with courts and police sharing concurrent jurisdiction in these areas.
City Officials in General
- The City government includes the City Mayor, Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, and various appointive officials and department heads.
- The Mayor appoints officials with the Sangguniang Panlungsod's concurrence; appointments are subject to civil service laws.
- Compensation for officials is determined by law or ordinance, with restrictions on salary increases during current terms.
The City Mayor
- Elected at large, must be a Filipino citizen, at least 21 years old, a 1-year city resident, and a qualified voter.
- Serves a 3-year term, limited to three consecutive terms.
- Salary corresponds to Salary Grade 30.
- As chief executive, the Mayor supervises city programs, proposes development plans, enforces laws, represents the City in transactions, oversees emergency measures, and manages city officials and resources.
- The Mayor may initiate legislation, manage city funds, issue licenses, and ensure delivery of services.
- Has authority over police forces and peace and order plans, and may deputize officers.
The City Vice Mayor
- Elected similarly to the Mayor, must possess the same qualifications.
- Serves a 3-year term with Salary Grade 26 compensation.
- Presides over the Sangguniang Panlungsod and signs expenditure warrants.
- Appoints Sangguniang Panlungsod officials and assumes the Mayor's office during vacancies.
- Performs duties prescribed by law or ordinance.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod
- Legislative body composed of the Vice Mayor (presiding officer), ten regular members, presidents of city chapters of local organizations, and sectoral representatives.
- Enacts ordinances, resolutions, and appropriates funds.
- Duties include reviewing barangay ordinances, maintaining peace and order, environmental protection, and regulating business licenses and franchises.
- Manages zoning, land use, public utilities, markets, traffic and public safety.
- Oversees delivery of basic services and facilities, including education, health, sanitation, welfare, and culture.
Legislative Process and Sessions
- Adopts internal rules within 90 days post-election.
- Rules cover organization, calendar, legislative process, parliamentary procedures, discipline, and more.
- Members must disclose financial/business interests affecting legislative matters to prevent conflicts of interest.
- Sessions are held weekly, are generally open to the public, and special sessions require notice.
- A quorum is a majority of elected members; absence without cause can lead to compulsory attendance or adjournment.
- Ordinances require the Mayor's approval or may be overridden by two-thirds Sangguniang Panlungsod vote.
- Ordinances are reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and barangay ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlungsod with timelines for action.
Disqualification and Succession of Elective Officials
- Grounds for disqualification include final conviction for offenses involving moral turpitude, removal from office, dual citizenship, insanity, fugitive status, and permanent foreign residency.
- Permanent vacancies in Mayor or Vice Mayor positions are filled by succeeding officials based on rank or appointments as governed.
- Temporary vacancies require the Vice Mayor or next ranking member to assume duties with limitations.
Appointive Officials of the City
- Key appointed officials include Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Treasurer, Assessor, Accountant, Budget Officer, Planning and Development Officer, Engineer, Health Officer, Civil Registrar, Administrator, Legal Officer, Social Welfare and Development Officer, Veterinarian, General Services Officer, and optional officers like Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Architect, Information Officer, Cooperatives Officer, Population Officer, and Agriculturist.
- Qualifications and duties for each position are defined, ensuring they have relevant education, experience, and civil service eligibility.
- These officials manage respective city departments, oversee implementation of policies, assist the Mayor, provide expert advice, and perform other functions as prescribed by law.
City Fire Station, Jail, Schools Division, and Prosecution Office
- A City Fire Station headed by a Fire Marshal is established for fire prevention, suppression, and emergency services.
- A City Jail Service, led by a Jail Warden, maintains custody of detainees with attention to humane treatment.
- The Department of Education establishes a City Schools Division headed by a City Schools Division Superintendent.
- The City Prosecution Service, operated under the Department of Justice, is headed by a City Prosecutor handling criminal prosecutions within the City.
Transitory and Final Provisions
- Existing municipal ordinances remain effective until superseded by city legislation.
- Creation of the City is subject to ratification by a qualified voters' plebiscite supervised by COMELEC.
- Current municipal officials continue until new elected officials assume office.
- The City succeeds to all assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Municipality.
- Voters of the City may participate in provincial elections.
- The City continues under the jurisdiction of the Province of Cavite and stays part of its Sixth Legislative District until otherwise provided.
- No increase in local tax rates is allowed for five years after cityhood.
- Applicable laws including the Local Government Code apply unless inconsistent with this Act.
- Separability clause ensures the validity of other provisions if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspaper.
This comprehensive act effectively establishes General Trias as a component city with defined governance structures, powers, procedures, official roles, and regulatory frameworks to ensure efficient local government operations and service delivery under the Philippine legal system.