Charter establishing the City of Sorsogon

The City remains a component of the Province of Sorsogon.
It stays part of the First Congressional District of the province.
Qualified voters can vote for provincial officials and representatives of the First Congressional District.

The City's territorial jurisdiction is clearly defined by metes and bounds with specified boundaries adjoining municipalities and natural boundaries such as Sorsogon Bay and Albay Gulf.
Covers an area of approximately 31,158 hectares.
Boundaries subject to resolution by competent agencies or fora in case of disputes.

The City is a political body corporate with perpetual succession.
Powers include suing and being sued, using a corporate seal, acquiring and conveying property, entering contracts, and exercising other powers subject to law.

The City and its officials may be held liable for death or injury to persons or damage to property.

Police jurisdiction matches territorial jurisdiction.
Extends within drainage areas of the City's water supply and within 100 meters of related water infrastructure.
Trial courts within the City have concurrent jurisdiction over crimes in these areas.

Lists mandated city officials including mayor, vice mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, various department heads (e.g., treasurer, assessor, legal officer, health officer, social welfare officer).
Mayor may appoint additional officers like city architect, information officer, and population officer subject to sangguniang panlungsod concurrence.

Chief executive elected at large, term 3 years.
Qualifications: at least 21 years old, resident for 1 year, qualified voter.
Powers include policy guidance, budget preparation, appointments to city positions, enforcement of laws, emergency management, and representation of the City in transactions.
May enact measures to preserve peace and order and oversee city services and development plans.

Elected like the mayor with same qualifications and term length.
Presides over sangguniang panlungsod; appoints certain officials with sanggunian concurrence.
Assumes mayoral duties during vacancies or temporary incapacity.

Composed of the vice mayor (presiding officer), 12 regular members elected by district, presidents of barangay and youth federations, and sectoral representatives (women, workers, other sectors).
Powers include enacting ordinances, reviewing barangay and provincial legislation, maintaining peace and order, protecting the environment, granting franchises, and regulating land use and public facilities.
Oversees budget approval, taxation ordinances, loans, bonds, and local development plans.

Sanggunian must adopt internal rules within 90 days of election.
Members must disclose financial and business interests to avoid conflicts of interest.
Sessions held weekly with provisions for special sessions; quorum requires majority of members.
Ordinances require mayoral approval, with veto powers subject to override by two-thirds vote.
Provincial sangguniang panlalawigan reviews city ordinances for legality.

First city elections synchronized with May 2001 regular elections.
Provides mechanisms for vacancies and succession in mayoral, vice mayoral, and sangguniang panlungsod positions.
Disqualifications for elective positions include conviction of crimes involving moral turpitude, administrative removal, loss of citizenship, and insanity.

Secretary to Sanggunian: Career official with master’s degree, keeps records, issues ordinances.
City Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer: Accountable for city funds and tax collection.
City Assessor and Assistant Assessor: Handle real property assessments.
City Accountant: Maintains internal audit and financial records.
City Budget Officer: Manages budget preparation and monitoring.
City Planning and Development Coordinator: Oversees economic and physical development plans.
City Engineer: Supervises infrastructure and public works.
City Health Officer: Implements public health programs.
City Civil Registrar: Manages civil registration including issuance of licenses.
City Administrator: Coordinates work of city officials and implements administrative reforms.
City Legal Officer: City’s chief counsel, handles litigation and legal opinions.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer: Manages social welfare services.
City Veterinarian: Oversees animal health and welfare.
City General Services Officer: Manages supply, sanitation, and property.
City Environment and Natural Resources Officer: Handles environmental protection and resource management.
City Architect: Directs architectural planning and land use.
City Information Officer: Provides public information and research.
City Cooperatives Officer: Develops cooperatives and social enterprises.
City Population Officer: Coordinates population development programs.
City Agriculturist: Oversees agricultural services.

City Fire Station: Established with proper personnel and headed by a fire marshal enforcing fire safety.
City Jail Service: Maintains secure and humane detention facilities headed by a qualified jail warden.
City School Division: Established and headed by a division superintendent responsible for education.
City Prosecution Service: Staffed by city prosecutor and assistants under Department of Justice supervision for criminal prosecutions.

Existing ordinances of merged municipalities continue until reenacted or amended by the new city council.
Corporate existence takes effect upon plebiscite ratification.
Assets, liabilities, and obligations of the Municipality of Sorsogon transfer to the City.
City voters participate in provincial elections.
City remains under provincial jurisdiction unless otherwise provided by law.
No increase in local tax rates for five years from cityhood.
Local Government Code governs the City except where inconsistent with this Act.
Provides for separability, repeal, and effectivity upon publication in newspapers.