Powers and Seal
- The city has a common seal, subject to alteration.
- Authorized to acquire, hold, lease, and dispose of property.
- May condemn private property for public use.
- Has capacity to contract, sue, and be sued.
Liability
- City not liable for damages arising from failure or negligence of municipal officers in enforcing laws or ordinances.
Jurisdiction
- Police jurisdiction coincides with territorial boundaries and extends to water supply drainage areas and proximate reservoirs or water facilities.
Mayor and Vice-Mayor
- Mayor appointed by the President with Commission consent, holds office at President's pleasure.
- Mayor salary: ₱4,800 per annum; possible non-commutable allowance up to ₱2,000.
- Vice-Mayor acts during Mayor's temporary or permanent absence, also appointed similarly, salary ₱3,000 per annum.
- Duties include control over city administration, enforcement of laws, safeguarding city property, tax collection, judicial proceedings, supervision of employees, budget submission, license issuance, emergency measures, and reporting to the President.
Secretary to the Mayor
- Appointed by Mayor, salary ₱1,800.
- Custodian of records, corporate seal, attests official acts, charges fees for certified copies.
Municipal Board
- Legislative body composed of Vice-Mayor and six councilors (three appointed and three elected).
- Compensation: ₱10 per session day.
- Qualifications: qualified electors, resident for 1 year, at least 23 years old.
- Members may be suspended or removed akin to provincial officials.
- The Board enacts ordinances, resolutions, and exercises legislative functions subject to Mayor's veto and President's supervisory powers.
Procedures and Legislative Powers of the Board
- Regular weekly sessions; quorum: four members.
- Ordinance passage requires four affirmative votes; veto process applicable.
- Powers include taxation, appropriating funds, regulating fees, establishing schools, police and fire forces,
regulating public safety and health, controlling business licenses and public utilities, and enacting ordinances for city welfare. - Ordinances must be published and posted.
City Departments
- Departments include finance, engineering, law, police and fire, health, and assessment.
- Mayor exercises supervisory control over departments.
- Department heads certify payrolls, prepare budget estimates, and report to Mayor.
Appointment of Officials
- President appoints key city officials with Commission consent.
- Officers hold office at President's pleasure except municipal judges.
Prohibited Transactions
- City officers prohibited from engaging in business transactions with the city or purchasing city property.
City Treasurer
- Chief fiscal officer handling collection of taxes, licenses, rents, fees, and fines.
- Accountable for funds and property; reports monthly financial statements.
City Engineer
- Oversees surveying, public works, construction, maintenance, and city property.
- Regulates private docks, waterworks, sewers, and building safety.
City Attorney
- Chief legal adviser; represents city in civil cases.
- Handles prosecutions, advises city officials, investigates violations, and supervises legal compliance.
City Health Officer
- Supervises public health and sanitation.
- Enforces health laws and ordinances, conducts inspections, keeps civil registry.
Chief of Police
- Head of police and fire department; regulates public order and safety.
- Exercises police powers including arrest, investigation, fire prevention, and supervising firefighting equipment.
Municipal Court
- Municipal judge and auxiliary judge preside; municipal judge salary up to ₱3,600.
- Court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including specific offenses.
- Provides for appeals to Court of First Instance.
Audit and Registry
- City auditor and register of deeds function under respective provincial officers with additional compensation.
Finance and Taxation
- Real estate tax levied up to 2% ad valorem; penalties for delinquency up to 24%.
- Procedures for assessment, appeals, tax collection, and seizure of property detailed.
- Special assessments for public improvements may be levied upon benefited properties.
- Provisions for budget preparation, supplemental budgets and appropriation ordinances.
Tax Sale and Redemption
- Procedures delineated for selling delinquent properties, notice requirements, public auction, and rights of redemption by owners.
- Titles transferred to city upon delinquency after specified period.
Transitory Provisions
- City government organization upon appointment of officials.
- City of Roxas retains representation in the first provincial district and participates in provincial elections.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval on April 11, 1951.