Law Summary

SECTION 1: Creation of the Municipality

• Legal Provision: This section establishes the Municipality of San Lorenzo by separating specific barangays from the municipalities of Buenavista and Jordan in the Province of Guimaras.
• Key Definitions:
  • Barangays: The smallest administrative division in the Philippines, akin to a village or neighborhood.
  • Municipality: A local government unit in the Philippines, typically composed of multiple barangays.
• Important Details:
  • The following barangays are separated:
    • From Buenavista: Suclaran, Cabungahan, M. Chavez, San Enrique, Gaban.
    • From Jordan: Cabano, Constancia, Igcauayan, Aguilar, Sebario, Tamborong, Sapal.
  • Temporary Seat of Government: The provisional seat is established at Barangay M. Chavez.

SECTION 2: Description of the Municipality

• Legal Provision: This section provides the geographic coordinates and boundaries of the newly formed municipality.
• Key Definitions:
  • COR (Coordinates): Refers to the latitude and longitude points defining the municipality's boundaries.
• Important Details:
  • Detailed coordinates are provided, outlining specific locations and landmarks within the new municipality.
  • The section includes line bearings and distances between points defining the municipality’s perimeter.

SECTION 3: Plebiscite for Ratification

• Legal Provision: The municipality will officially gain corporate status upon majority approval in a plebiscite.
• Important Requirements:
  • A plebiscite must occur within 90 days following the approval of this Act.
  • The Commission on Elections is responsible for conducting and supervising the plebiscite.
  • Expenses for the plebiscite will be charged to provincial funds.

SECTION 4: Appointment of Local Officials

• Legal Provision: Following a successful plebiscite, local officials will be appointed.
• Key Details:
  • The President of the Philippines will appoint the mayor, vice-mayor, and members of the sangguniang bayan based on the governor’s recommendations.
  • Appointed officials will serve until their successors are elected and qualified.

SECTION 5: Effectivity of the Act

• Legal Provision: This section states that the Act takes effect upon approval.
• Important Details:
  • The Act was approved on February 20, 1995.

Signatories

• The Act is signed by notable officials:
  • Edgardo J. Angara (President of the Senate)
  • Jose de Venecia, Jr. (Speaker of the House of Representatives)
  • Fidel V. Ramos (President of the Philippines)

Key Takeaways

• The establishment of the Municipality of San Lorenzo involves the separation of specific barangays from two existing municipalities.
• The formation is contingent upon a plebiscite, with the Commission on Elections overseeing the process.
• Local government officials will be appointed by the President until regular elections are held.
• The Act is effective as of its approval date, February 20, 1995.