Legal Personality and Powers of the City
- Zamboanga is a political corporation with perpetual succession.
- Powers include holding and disposing of real and personal property, contracting, suing and being sued, and exercising municipal functions in conformity with the Charter.
- The city has an official seal subject to alteration.
Limitation of City Liability
- The city is immune from liability for damages arising from failure or negligence by the Mayor, City Council, or city officials related to enforcement of laws and ordinances under the Charter.
Police Jurisdiction
- Extends three miles seaward from the shore and a two and one-half mile zone inland around the city.
- Police jurisdiction also includes watershed areas affecting the city’s water supply.
- Police from municipalities within these areas have concurrent jurisdiction.
- Licensing within these zones is handled by the appropriate municipal authorities, with fees accruing to those municipalities.
Mayoral Appointment and Duties
- The Mayor, appointed by the President with Commission on Appointments' consent, serves at the President's pleasure.
- The Mayor receives an annual salary plus a possible allowance.
- Duties include enforcement of laws, management of city properties, tax collection oversight, legal proceedings on behalf of the city, supervision of city officials, budget submission, and public safety emergency measures.
- The Mayor holds veto power subject to override by two-thirds of the City Council.
Acting Mayor and Succession
- The city engineer acts as Mayor during vacancies or incapacity; the city treasurer is next in line.
- The President appoints an acting Mayor if both offices are incapacitated.
- Acting Mayors have full powers and receive the Mayor’s compensation.
Secretary to the Mayor
- Appointed by the Mayor, the Secretary acts as chief clerk and Council secretary.
- Responsible for recording ordinances, maintaining records, posting ordinances for public view, translating ordinances, and civil registry duties.
Public Works Administration
- The city engineer directs all public works via administration or contracts following procedures including public bidding, bond requirements, and Mayor’s approval.
Composition and Functioning of the City Council
- Consists of the Mayor (presiding officer), city engineer, city treasurer, and five councilors (two presidential appointees and three elected).
- City Council has legislative powers including taxation, regulation, public safety, property management, and appropriation.
- Meetings are weekly and open to the public unless voted otherwise.
- Ordinances require majority approval and are subject to Mayor’s veto.
Taxation Powers and Fiscal Duties
- Council may levy taxes including real property tax capped at two percent, license fees on various businesses, and regulate commerce and public safety.
- Provisions include handling delinquent tax collection through penalties, seizure and sale of personal property, and tax sales of real property.
- Tax liens have supremacy over other liens and attach March 1 annually.
Administrative and Judicial Officers
- Departments headed by appointed officials include engineering, law (city attorney), finance, and police.
- Municipal Court has judges with jurisdiction over crimes within police limits, concurrent with other courts.
- City attorney handles legal representation, ordinance drafting, prosecution, and investigations.
- Chief of police supervises police organization, enforces law, and manages city prison.
Appointment and Removals
- Judicial and high executive city officials appointed by the President with consent; other officials by the Mayor.
- Mayoral suspensions and removals are appealable to the Secretary of the Interior.
Restrictions on City Officials
- City officials are prohibited from engaging in certain business transactions with the city or receiving special favors.
Other Bureau Functions
- Auditor General audits city accounts.
- Purchasing Agent procures supplies excluding real estate.
- Director of Education and local school board oversee educational administration.
- City Health Officer supervises health and sanitation with enforcement powers.
Special Assessment Authority
- The City Council may levy special assessments on benefited properties up to 60% of improvement costs.
- Ordinances for such assessments must be publicly published with provisions for hearings.
- Assessments are enforceable with liens and penalties similar to annual taxes.
Transition and Effectivity
- City government organized after appointment of Mayor and Council members; jurisdiction shifts from provincial government.
- The City Council performs provincial board duties for elections; Secretary to the Mayor acts as provincial treasurer and secretary for elections.
- The act takes effect immediately upon approval.