Law Summary

SECTION 1: Title

• Legal Principle: This Act is known as the Charter of the City of Iriga.

SECTION 2: Territory of the City

• Legal Principle: The City of Iriga encompasses the territorial jurisdiction of the former Municipality of Iriga in Camarines Sur.

SECTION 3: Corporate Character of the City

• Legal Principle: The city is a political body corporate with perpetual succession and municipal powers.
• Key Definitions: "Municipal corporation" refers to the city's governing body with specific powers.

SECTION 4: Seal and General Powers of the City

• Legal Principle: The city may create a common seal and has powers to manage property, contract, and engage in legal actions.
• Procedures:
  • The city can alter its seal at will.
  • Possesses rights to sue and be sued.

SECTION 5: Liability for Damages

• Legal Principle: The city is not liable for damages from the failure of its officials to enforce laws, except for personal actions against officials.
• Consequences: Aggrieved parties may file personal actions against city officers.

SECTION 6: Jurisdiction of the City

• Legal Principle: Police jurisdiction extends over the city and designated water supply areas.
• Procedures:
  • Concurrent jurisdiction with municipal courts for crimes in specified areas.
  • Licensing fees within these areas accrue to the respective municipalities.

ARTICLE II: The Mayor and Vice-Mayor

SECTION 7: The Mayor

• Legal Principle: The Mayor serves as the chief executive of the city, elected at large.
• Requirements:
  • Minimum age: 25 years
  • Residency: At least 5 years in the city.
• Compensation: Defined by existing laws, with an allowance of not less than PHP 1,200 per annum.

SECTION 8: The Vice-Mayor

• Legal Principle: Elected in the same manner as the Mayor, presides over the City Council.
• Procedures:
  • Assumes Mayor's duties during absence.
  • If a vacancy occurs, the highest-voted councilor fills the role.

SECTION 9: General Powers and Duties of the Mayor

• Legal Principle: The Mayor oversees city administration and execution of laws.
• Key Powers:
  • Control over city revenue and property.
  • Authority to appoint officers, enforce laws, and manage emergencies.

ARTICLE III: The City Council

SECTION 11: Constitution and Organization of the City Council

• Legal Principle: The City Council is the legislative body composed of the Vice-Mayor and eight councilors.
• Requirements:
  • Councilors must be qualified voters and residents for at least two years.

SECTION 15: General Powers and Duties of the Council

• Legal Principle: The Council has legislative powers to levy taxes, create ordinances, and manage city affairs.
• Key Powers:
  • Authority to regulate local businesses and impose fees.
  • Power to maintain public order and health.

ARTICLE IV: Departments and Offices

SECTION 17: City Departments

• Legal Principle: Various departments are established under the Mayor's control.
• Departments include:
  • Finance
  • Engineering and Public Works
  • Law
  • Health

ARTICLE V: Department of Finance

SECTION 21: The City Treasurer

• Legal Principle: The City Treasurer manages city finances and is responsible for tax collection and expenditures.
• Key Duties:
  • Collection of all city taxes and revenues.
  • Disbursement of funds according to appropriations.

ARTICLE VI: Department of Engineering and Public Works

SECTION 22: The City Engineer

• Legal Principle: The City Engineer oversees public works and ensures compliance with building regulations.

ARTICLE VII: Law Department

SECTION 24: The City Fiscal

• Legal Principle: The City Fiscal acts as the chief legal advisor and represents the city in legal matters.

ARTICLE VIII: Department of Health

SECTION 25: The City Health Officer

• Legal Principle: The City Health Officer supervises public health and enforces health regulations.

ARTICLE IX: Police Department

SECTION 26: Chief of Police

• Legal Principle: The Chief of Police oversees law enforcement and public safety within the city.

ARTICLE X: Fire Department

SECTION 28: Chief of Fire Department

• Legal Principle: The Chief manages fire services and response.

ARTICLE XI: Department of Assessment

SECTION 29: The City Assessor

• Legal Principle: Responsible for assessing real property for taxation.

ARTICLE XII: Office of the City Architect

SECTION 58: City Architect

• Legal Principle: Oversees architectural planning for public buildings.

ARTICLE XIII: Tax Allotments and Special Assessments for Public Improvements

SECTION 59: Allotment of Internal Revenue

• Legal Principle: The city receives a share of national internal revenue taxes.

ARTICLE XIV: City Budget

SECTION 72: Annual Budget

• Procedures: Budget proposals must be submitted 4 months before the fiscal year starts.

ARTICLE XV: The City Court

SECTION 75: City Court Structure

• Legal Principle: Establishes a city court with appointed judges.

ARTICLE XVI: Bureaus Performing City Duties

SECTION 83: City Auditor

• Legal Principle: Audits city finances.

ARTICLE XVII: Regulation of Places of Amusements and Sale of Intoxicating Liquors

SECTION 91: Power of City Council

• Legal Principle: The City Council regulates entertainment and liquor sales.

ARTICLE XVIII: Final and Transitory Provisions

SECTION 93: Existing Ordinances

• Legal Principle: Former municipal ordinances remain effective until amended or repealed.

ARTICLE XIX: Effectivity of this Act

SECTION 103: Effectivity

• Legal Principle: The Act is effective upon approval.

Key Takeaways

• The City of Iriga is established as a corporate entity with specific governance structures including a Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and City Council.
• The Charter outlines the powers and duties of city officials, the formation of city departments, and legislative powers of the City Council.
• Key provisions relate to tax collection, public health management, law enforcement, and city budgeting.
• Existing municipal regulations continue until modified by the new city government.