Law Summary
Presidential Declaration and Plebiscite Requirement
- The President must declare the city as highly-urbanized within 30 days after meeting the requirements and upon proper application.
- Within 120 days of the declaration, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) must conduct a plebiscite in the city.
- The plebiscite allows qualified voters to ratify or reject the declaration of highly-urbanized city status.
Information Campaign Prior to Plebiscite
- A comprehensive information campaign must precede the plebiscite.
- The campaign is conducted by COMELEC with assistance from national and local government officials, media, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Local Legislative Resolution and Compliance
- The Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Jose del Monte passed Resolution No. 2019-059-09 requesting the President to declare the city as highly-urbanized.
- The City of San Jose del Monte met the population and income requirements as verified by the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Department of Finance - Bureau of Local Government Finance.
Government Policy on Local Government Development
- The government supports local initiatives for development as self-reliant communities.
- Emphasizes partnership between local governments and national government to achieve national goals.
Effectivity of Proclamation
- The proclamation by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declares San Jose del Monte a highly-urbanized city.
- This proclamation shall take effect only upon ratification in a plebiscite by the qualified voters in the city as provided by law.
Legal Formalities
- The proclamation is executed under constitutional and existing legal powers of the President.
- The document was signed and sealed in Manila on December 4, 2020, by the President and the Executive Secretary.