Republic of the Philippines

Congress of the Philippines

Metro Manila

Eighth Congress

Republic Act No. 7160 October 10, 1991

Setion 41(b) Amended by RA 8553
Setion 43 Amended by RA 8553

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled::

BOOK I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

TITLE I
BASIC PRINCIPLES

CHAPTER I
The Code: Policy and Application

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known and cited as the "Local Government Code of
1991".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. -

(a) It is hereby declared the policy of the State that the territorial and political
subdivisions of the State shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to
enable them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and make
them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. Toward this end, the
State shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government
structure instituted through a system of decentralization whereby local government
units shall be given more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources. The
process of decentralization shall proceed from the national government to the local
government units.

(b) It is also the policy of the State to ensure the accountability of local government
units through the institution of effective mechanisms of recall, initiative and
referendum.

(c) It is likewise the policy of the State to require all national agencies and offices to
conduct periodic consultations with appropriate local government units,
nongovernmental and people's organizations, and other concerned sectors of the
community before any project or program is implemented in their respective
jurisdictions.
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Section 3. Operative Principles of Decentralization. - The formulation and implementation of
policies and measures on local autonomy shall be guided by the following operative
principles:

(a) There shall be an effective allocation among the different local government units
of their respective powers, functions, responsibilities, and resources;

(b) There shall be established in every local government unit an accountable,

efficient, and dynamic organizational structure and operating mechanism that will
meet the priority needs and service requirements of its communities;

(c) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, local officials and employees
paid wholly or mainly from local funds shall be appointed or removed, according to
merit and fitness, by the appropriate appointing authority;

(d) The vesting of duty, responsibility, and accountability in local government units
shall be accompanied with provision for reasonably adequate resources to discharge
their powers and effectively carry out their functions: hence, they shall have the
power to create and broaden their own sources of revenue and the right to a just
share in national taxes and an equitable share in the proceeds of the utilization and
development of the national wealth within their respective areas;

(e) Provinces with respect to component cities and municipalities, and cities and
municipalities with respect to component barangays, shall ensure that the acts of
their component units are within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions;

(f) Local government units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their
efforts, services, and resources commonly beneficial to them;

(g) The capabilities of local government units, especially the municipalities and
barangays, shall be enhanced by providing them with opportunities to participate
actively in the implementation of national programs and projects;

(h) There shall be a continuing mechanism to enhance local autonomy not only by
legislative enabling acts but also by administrative and organizational reforms;

(i) Local government units shall share with the national government the responsibility
in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial
jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of this Code and national policies;

(j) Effective mechanisms for ensuring the accountability of local government units to
their respective constituents shall be strengthened in order to upgrade continually the
quality of local leadership;

(k) The realization of local autonomy shall be facilitated through improved

coordination of national government policies and programs an extension of adequate
technical and material assistance to less developed and deserving local government
units;
 (l) The participation of the private sector in local governance, particularly in the
delivery of basic services, shall be encouraged to ensure the viability of local
autonomy as an alternative strategy for sustainable development; and

(m) The national government shall ensure that decentralization contributes to the
continuing improvement of the performance of local government units and the quality
of community life.

Section 4. Scope of Application. - This Code shall apply to all provinces, cities,
municipalities, barangays, and other political subdivisions as may be created by law, and, to
the extent herein provided, to officials, offices, or agencies of the national government.

Section 5. Rules of Interpretation. - In the interpretation of the provisions of this Code, the
following rules shall apply:

(a) Any provision on a power of a local government unit shall be liberally interpreted
in its favor, and in case of doubt, any question thereon shall be resolved in favor of
devolution of powers and of the lower local government unit. Any fair and reasonable
doubt as to the existence of the power shall be interpreted in favor of the local
government unit concerned;

(b) In case of doubt, any tax ordinance or revenue measure shall be construed
strictly against the local government unit enacting it, and liberally in favor of the
taxpayer. Any tax exemption, incentive or relief granted by any local government unit
pursuant to the provisions of this Code shall be construed strictly against the person
claiming it.

(c) The general welfare provisions in this Code shall be liberally interpreted to give
more powers to local government units in accelerating economic development and
upgrading the quality of life for the people in the community;

(d) Rights and obligations existing on the date of effectivity of this Code and arising
out of contracts or any other source of presentation involving a local government unit
shall be governed by the original terms and conditions of said contracts or the law in
force at the time such rights were vested; and

(e) In the resolution of controversies arising under this Code where no legal provision
or jurisprudence applies, resort may be had to the customs and traditions in the place
where the controversies take place.

CHAPTER II
General Powers and Attributes of Local Government Units

Section 6. Authority to Create Local Government Units. - A local government unit may be
created, divided, merged, abolished, or its boundaries substantially altered either by law
enacted by Congress in the case of a province, city, municipality, or any other political
subdivision, or by ordinance passed by the sangguniang panlalawigan or sangguniang
panlungsod concerned in the case of a barangay located within its territorial jurisdiction,
subject to such limitations and requirements prescribed in this Code.
Section 7. Creation and Conversion. - As a general rule, the creation of a local government
unit or its conversion from one level to another level shall be based on verifiable indicators of
viability and projected capacity to provide services, to wit:

(a) Income. - It must be sufficient, based on acceptable standards, to provide for all
essential government facilities and services and special functions commensurate
with the size of its population, as expected of the local government unit concerned;

(b) Population. - It shall be determined as the total number of inhabitants within the
territorial jurisdiction of the local government unit concerned; and

(c) Land Area. - It must be contiguous, unless it comprises two or more islands or is
separated by a local government unit independent of the others; properly identified
by metes and bounds with technical descriptions; and sufficient to provide for such
basic services and facilities to meet the requirements of its populace.

Compliance with the foregoing indicators shall be attested to by the Department of

Finance (DOF), the National Statistics Office (NSO), and the Lands Management
Bureau (LMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Section 8. Division and Merger. - Division and merger of existing local government units
shall comply with the same requirements herein prescribed for their creation: Provided,
however, That such division shall not reduce the income, population, or land area of the local
government unit or units concerned to less than the minimum requirements prescribed in this
Code: Provided, further, That the income classification of the original local government unit
or units shall not fall below its current classification prior to such division.

The income classification of local government units shall be updated within six (6) months
from the effectivity of this Code to reflect the changes in their financial position resulting from
the increased revenues as provided herein.

Section 9. Abolition of Local Government Units. - A local government unit may be abolished
when its income, population, or land area has been irreversibly reduced to less than the
minimum standards prescribed for its creation under Book III of this Code, as certified by the
national agencies mentioned in Section 7 hereof to Congress or to the sangguniang
concerned, as the case may be.

The law or ordinance abolishing a local government unit shall specify the province, city,
municipality, or barangay with which the local government unit sought to be abolished will be
incorporated or merged.

Section 10. Plebiscite Requirement. - No creation, division, merger, abolition, or substantial

alteration of boundaries of local government units shall take effect unless approved by a
majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose in the political unit or units
directly affected. Said plebiscite shall be conducted by the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of effectivity of the law or
ordinance effecting such action, unless said law or ordinance fixes another date.

Section 11. Selection and Transfer of Local Government Site, Offices and Facilities. -
 (a) The law or ordinance creating or merging local government units shall specify the
seat of government from where governmental and corporate services shall be
delivered. In selecting said site, factors relating to geographical centrality,
accessibility, availability of transportation and communication facilities, drainage and
sanitation, development and economic progress, and other relevant considerations
shall be taken into account.

(b) When conditions and developments in the local government unit concerned have
significantly changed subsequent to the establishment of the seat of government, its
sanggunian may, after public hearing and by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all its
members, transfer the same to a site better suited to its needs. Provided, however,
That no such transfer shall be made outside the territorial boundaries of the local
government unit concerned.

The old site, together with the improvements thereon, may be disposed of by the sale
or lease or converted to such other use as the sangguniang concerned may deem
beneficial to the local government unit concerned and its inhabitants.

(c) Local government offices and facilities shall not be transferred, relocated, or
converted to other uses unless public hearings are first conducted for the purpose
and the concurrence of the majority of all the members of the sanggunian concerned
is obtained.

Section 12. Government Centers. - Provinces, cities, and municipalities shall endeavor to
establish a government center where offices, agencies, or branches of the national
government, local government units, or government-owned or controlled corporations may,
as far as practicable, be located. In designating such a center, the local government unit
concerned shall take into account the existing facilities of national and local agencies and
offices which may serve as the government center as contemplated under this Section. The
national government, local government unit or government-owned or controlled corporation
concerned shall bear the expenses for the construction of its buildings and facilities in the
government center.

Section 13. Naming of Local Government Units and Public Places, Streets and Structures. -

(a) The sangguniang panlalawigan may, in consultation with the Philippine Historical
Commission (PHC), change the name of the following within its territorial jurisdiction:

(1) Component cities and municipalities, upon the recommendation of the

sanggunian concerned;

(2) Provincial roads, avenues, boulevards, thoroughfares, and bridges;

(3) Public vocational or technical schools and other post-secondary and

tertiary schools;

(4) Provincial hospitals, health centers, and other health facilities; and

(5) Any other public place or building owned by the provincial government.
(b) The sanggunian of highly urbanized cities and of component cities whose
charters prohibit their voters from voting for provincial elective officials, hereinafter
referred to in this Code as independent component cities, may, in consultation with
the Philippine Historical Commission, change the name of the following within its
territorial jurisdiction:

(1) City barangays, upon the recommendation of the sangguniang barangay

concerned;

(2) City roads, avenues, boulevards, thoroughfares, and bridges;

(3) Public elementary, secondary and vocational or technical schools,

community colleges and non-chartered colleges;

(4) City hospitals, health centers and other health facilities; and

(5) Any other public place or building owned by the city government.

(c) The sanggunians of component cities and municipalities may, in consultation with
the Philippine Historical Commission, change the name of the following within its
territorial jurisdiction:

(1) City and municipal barangays, upon recommendation of the sangguniang

barangay concerned;

(2) City, municipal and barangay roads, avenues, boulevards, thoroughfares,

and bridges;

(3) City and municipal public elementary, secondary and vocational or

technical schools, post- secondary and other tertiary schools;

(4) City and municipal hospitals, health centers and other health facilities;
and

(5) Any other public place or building owned by the municipal government.

(d) None of the foregoing local government units, institutions, places, or buildings
shall be named after a living person, nor may a change of name be made unless for
a justifiable reason and, in any case, not oftener than once every ten (10) years. The
name of a local government unit or a public place, street or structure with historical,
cultural, or ethnic significance shall not be changed, unless by a unanimous vote of
the sanggunian concerned and in consultation with the PHC.

(e) A change of name of a public school shall be made only upon the
recommendation of the local school board concerned.

(f) A change of name of public hospitals, health centers, and other health facilities
shall be made only upon the recommendation of the local health board concerned.
 (g) The change of name of any local government unit shall be effective only upon
ratification in a plebiscite conducted for the purpose in the political unit directly
affected.

(h) In any change of name, the Office of the President, the representative of the
legislative district concerned, and the Bureau of Posts shall be notified.

Section 14. Beginning of Corporate Existence. - When a new local government unit is
created, its corporate existence shall commence upon the election and qualification of its
chief executive and a majority of the members of its sanggunian, unless some other time is
fixed therefor by the law or ordinance creating it.

Section 15. Political and Corporate Nature of Local Government Units. - Every local
government unit created or recognized under this Code is a body politic and corporate
endowed with powers to be exercised by it in conformity with law. As such, it shall exercise
powers as a political subdivision of the national government and as a corporate entity
representing the inhabitants of its territory.

Section 16. General Welfare. - Every local government unit shall exercise the powers
expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary,
appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are
essential to the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial
jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among other things, the
preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the
people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and
self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance
economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among their residents,
maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.

Section 17. Basic Services and Facilities. -

(a) Local government units shall endeavor to be self-reliant and shall continue
exercising the powers and discharging the duties and functions currently vested upon
them. They shall also discharge the functions and responsibilities of national
agencies and offices devolved to them pursuant to this Code. Local government units
shall likewise exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions and
responsibilities as are necessary, appropriate, or incidental to efficient and effective
provisions of the basic services and facilities enumerated herein.

(b) Such basic services and facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) For Barangay:

(i) Agricultural support services which include planting materials

distribution system and operation of farm produce collection and
buying stations;

(ii) Health and social welfare services which include maintenance of

barangay health center and day-care center;
 (iii) Services and facilities related to general hygiene and sanitation,
beautification, and solid waste collection;

(iv) Maintenance of katarungang pambarangay;

(v) Maintenance of barangay roads and bridges and water supply

systems;

(vi) Infrastructure facilities such as multi-purpose hall, multipurpose

pavement, plaza, sports center, and other similar facilities;

(vii) Information and reading center; and

(viii) Satellite or public market, where viable;

(2) For a Municipality:

(i) Extension and on-site research services and facilities related to

agriculture and fishery activities which include dispersal of livestock
and poultry, fingerlings, and other seedling materials for aquaculture;
palay, corn, and vegetable seed farms; medicinal plant gardens; fruit
tree, coconut, and other kinds of seedling nurseries; demonstration
farms; quality control of copra and improvement and development of
local distribution channels, preferably through cooperatives;
interbarangay irrigation system; water and soil resource utilization
and conservation projects; and enforcement of fishery laws in
municipal waters including the conservation of mangroves;

(ii) Pursuant to national policies and subject to supervision, control

and review of the DENR, implementation of community-based
forestry projects which include integrated social forestry programs
and similar projects; management and control of communal forests
with an area not exceeding fifty (50) square kilometers; establishment
of tree parks, greenbelts, and similar forest development projects;

(iii) Subject to the provisions of Title Five, Book I of this Code, health
services which include the implementation of programs and projects
on primary health care, maternal and child care, and communicable
and non-communicable disease control services, access to
secondary and tertiary health services; purchase of medicines,
medical supplies, and equipment needed to carry out the services
herein enumerated;

(iv) Social welfare services which include programs and projects on

child and youth welfare, family and community welfare, women's
welfare, welfare of the elderly and disabled persons; community-
based rehabilitation programs for vagrants, beggars, street children,
scavengers, juvenile delinquents, and victims of drug abuse;
livelihood and other pro-poor projects; nutrition services; and family
planning services;
 (v) Information services which include investments and job placement
information systems, tax and marketing information systems, and
maintenance of a public library;

(vi) Solid waste disposal system or environmental management

system and services or facilities related to general hygiene and
sanitation;

(vii) Municipal buildings, cultural centers, public parks including

freedom parks, playgrounds, and other sports facilities and
equipment, and other similar facilities;

(viii) Infrastructure facilities intended primarily to service the needs of

the residents of the municipality and which are funded out of
municipal funds including but not limited to, municipal roads and
bridges; school buildings and other facilities for public elementary and
secondary schools; clinics, health centers and other health facilities
necessary to carry out health services; communal irrigation, small
water impounding projects and other similar projects; fish ports;
artesian wells, spring development, rainwater collectors and water
supply systems; seawalls, dikes, drainage and sewerage, and flood
control; traffic signals and road signs; and similar facilities;

(ix) Public markets, slaughterhouses and other municipal enterprises;

(x) Public cemetery;

(xi) Tourism facilities and other tourist attractions, including the

acquisition of equipment, regulation and supervision of business
concessions, and security services for such facilities; and

(xii) Sites for police and fire stations and substations and municipal
jail;

(3) For a Province:

(i) Agricultural extension and on-site research services and facilities

which include the prevention and control of plant and animal pests
and diseases; dairy farms, livestock markets, animal breeding
stations, and artificial insemination centers; and assistance in the
organization of farmers and fishermen's cooperatives, and other
collective organizations, as well as the transfer of appropriate
technology;

(ii) Industrial research and development services, as well as the

transfer of appropriate technology;

(iii) Pursuant to national policies and subject to supervision, control

and review of the DENR, enforcement of forestry laws limited to
community-based forestry projects, pollution control law, small-scale
 mining law, and other laws on the protection of the environment; and
mini-hydroelectric projects for local purposes;

(iv) Subject to the provisions of Title Five, Book I of this Code, health
services which include hospitals and other tertiary health services;

(v) Social welfare services which include programs and projects on

rebel returnees and evacuees; relief operations; and population
development services;

(vi) Provincial buildings, provincial jails, freedom parks and other

public assembly areas and similar facilities;

(vii) Infrastructure facilities intended to service the needs of the

residence of the province and which are funded out of provincial
funds including, but not limited to, provincial roads and bridges; inter-
municipal waterworks, drainage and sewerage, flood control, and
irrigation systems; reclamation projects; and similar facilities;

(viii) Programs and projects for low-cost housing and other mass
dwellings, except those funded by the Social Security System (SSS),
Government Service Insurance System p. 172 (GSIS), and the Home
Development Mutual Fund (HDMF): Provided, That national funds for
these programs and projects shall be equitably allocated among the
regions in proportion to the ratio of the homeless to the population;

(ix) Investment support services, including access to credit financing;

(x) Upgrading and modernization of tax information and collection

services through the use of computer hardware and software and
other means;

(xi) Inter-municipal telecommunications services, subject to national

policy guidelines; and

(xii) Tourism development and promotion programs;

(4) For a City:

All the services and facilities of the municipality and province, and in addition
thereto, the following:

(1) Adequate communication and transportation facilities;

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b) hereof, public works and
infrastructure projects and other facilities, programs and services funded by the
national government under the annual General Appropriations Act, other special
laws, pertinent executive orders, and those wholly or partially funded from foreign
sources, are not covered under this Section, except in those cases where the local
government unit concerned is duly designated as the implementing agency for such
projects, facilities, programs, and services.
(d) The designs, plans, specifications, testing of materials, and the procurement of
equipment and materials at P170 from both foreign and local sources necessary for
the provision of the foregoing services and facilities shall be undertaken by the local
government unit concerned, based on national policies, standards and guidelines.

(e) National agencies or offices concerned shall devolve to local government units
the responsibility for the provision of basic services and facilities enumerated in this
Section within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Code.

As used in this Code, the term "devolution" refers to the act by which the national
government confers power and authority upon the various local government units to
perform specific functions and responsibilities.

(f) The national government or the next higher level of local government unit may
provide or augment the basic services and facilities assigned to a lower level of local
government unit when such services or facilities are not made available or, if made
available, are inadequate to meet the requirements of its inhabitants.

(g) The basic services and facilities hereinabove enumerated shall be funded from
the share of local government units in the proceeds of national taxes and other local
revenues and funding support from the national government, its instrumentalities and
government-owned or controlled corporations which are tasked by law to establish
and maintain such services or facilities. Any fund or resource available for the use of
local government units shall be first allocated for the provision of basic services or
facilities enumerated in subsection (b) hereof before applying the same for other
purposes, unless otherwise provided in this Code.

(h) Regional offices of national agencies or offices whose functions are devolved to
local government units as provided herein shall be phased out within one (1) year
from the approval of this Code. Said national agencies and offices may establish
such field units as may be necessary for monitoring purposes and providing technical
assistance to local government units. The properties, equipment, and other assets of
these regional offices shall be distributed to the local government units in the region
in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the oversight committee
created under this Code.

(i) The devolution contemplated in this Code shall include the transfer to local
government units of the records, equipment, and other assets and personnel of
national agencies and offices corresponding to the devolved powers, functions, and
responsibilities.

Personnel of said national agencies or offices shall be absorbed by the local

government units to which they belong or in whose areas they are assigned to the
extent that it is administratively viable as determined by the said oversight
committee: Provided, That the rights accorded to such personnel pursuant to civil
service law, rules and regulations shall not be impaired: Provided, further, That
regional directors who are career executive service officers and other officers of
similar rank in the said regional offices who cannot be absorbed by the local
government unit shall be retained by the national government, without any diminution
of rank, salary or tenure.
 (j) To ensure the active participation of the private sector in local governance, local
government units may, by ordinance, sell, lease, encumber, or otherwise dispose of
public economic enterprises owned by them in their proprietary capacity.

Costs may also be charged for the delivery of basic services or facilities enumerated
in this Section.

Section 18. Power to Generate and Apply Resources. - Local government units shall have
the power and authority to establish an organization that shall be responsible for the efficient
and effective implementation of their development plans, program objectives and priorities; to
create their own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges which shall accrue
exclusively for their use and disposition and which shall be retained by them; to have a just
share in national taxes which shall be automatically and directly released to them without
need of any further action; to have an equitable share in the proceeds from the utilization and
development of the national wealth and resources within their respective territorial
jurisdictions including sharing the same with the inhabitants by way of direct benefits; to
acquire, develop, lease, encumber, alienate, or otherwise dispose of real or personal
property held by them in their proprietary capacity and to apply their resources and assets for
productive, developmental, or welfare purposes, in the exercise or furtherance of their
governmental or proprietary powers and functions and thereby ensure their development into
self-reliant communities and active participants in the attainment of national goals.

Section 19. Eminent Domain. - A local government unit may, through its chief executive and
acting pursuant to an ordinance, exercise the power of eminent domain for public use, or
purpose or welfare for the benefit of the poor and the landless, upon payment of just
compensation, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and pertinent laws: Provided,
however, That the power of eminent domain may not be exercised unless a valid and definite
offer has been previously made to the owner, and such offer was not accepted: Provided,
further, That the local government unit may immediately take possession of the property
upon the filing of the expropriation proceedings and upon making a deposit with the proper
court of at least fifteen percent (15%) of the fair market value of the property based on the
current tax declaration of the property to be expropriated: Provided, finally, That, the amount
to be paid for the expropriated property shall be determined by the proper court, based on
the fair market value at the time of the taking of the property.

Section 20. Reclassification of Lands. -

(a) A city or municipality may, through an ordinance passed by the sanggunian after
conducting public hearings for the purpose, authorize the reclassification of
agricultural lands and provide for the manner of their utilization or disposition in the
following cases: (1) when the land ceases to be economically feasible and sound for
agricultural purposes as determined by the Department of Agriculture or (2) where
the land shall have substantially greater economic value for residential, commercial,
or industrial purposes, as determined by the sanggunian concerned: Provided, That
such reclassification shall be limited to the following percentage of the total
agricultural land area at the time of the passage of the ordinance:

(1) For highly urbanized and independent component cities, fifteen percent
(15%);

(2) For component cities and first to the third class municipalities, ten percent
(10%); and
 (3) For fourth to sixth class municipalities, five percent (5%): Provided,
further, That agricultural lands distributed to agrarian reform beneficiaries
pursuant to Republic Act Numbered Sixty-six hundred fifty-seven (R.A. No.
6657). otherwise known as "The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law", shall
not be affected by the said reclassification and the conversion of such lands
into other purposes shall be governed by Section 65 of said Act.

(b) The President may, when public interest so requires and upon recommendation
of the National Economic and Development Authority, authorize a city or municipality
to reclassify lands in excess of the limits set in the next preceding paragraph.

(c) The local government units shall, in conformity with existing laws, continue to
prepare their respective comprehensive land use plans enacted through zoning
ordinances which shall be the primary and dominant bases for the future use of land
resources: Provided. That the requirements for food production, human settlements,
and industrial expansion shall be taken into consideration in the preparation of such
plans.

(d) Where approval by a national agency is required for reclassification, such

approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Failure to act on a proper and complete
application for reclassification within three (3) months from receipt of the same shall
be deemed as approval thereof.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed as repealing, amending, or modifying in

any manner the provisions of R.A. No. 6657.

Section 21. Closure and Opening of Roads. -

(a) A local government unit may, pursuant to an ordinance, permanently or

temporarily close or open any local road, alley, park, or square falling within its
jurisdiction: Provided, however, That in case of permanent closure, such ordinance
must be approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the sanggunian,
and when necessary, an adequate substitute for the public facility that is subject to
closure is provided.

(b) No such way or place or any part thereof shall be permanently closed without
making provisions for the maintenance of public safety therein. A property thus
permanently withdrawn from public use may be used or conveyed for any purpose
for which other real property belonging to the local government unit concerned may
be lawfully used or conveyed: Provided, however, That no freedom park shall be
closed permanently without provision for its transfer or relocation to a new site.

(c) Any national or local road, alley, park, or square may be temporarily closed during
an actual emergency, or fiesta celebrations, public rallies, agricultural or industrial
fairs, or an undertaking of public works and highways, telecommunications, and
waterworks projects, the duration of which shall be specified by the local chief
executive concerned in a written order: Provided, however, That no national or local
road, alley, park, or square shall be temporarily closed for athletic, cultural, or civic
activities not officially sponsored, recognized, or approved by the local government
unit concerned.
 (d) Any city, municipality, or barangay may, by a duly enacted ordinance, temporarily
close and regulate the use of any local street, road, thoroughfare, or any other public
place where shopping malls, Sunday, flea or night markets, or shopping areas may
be established and where goods, merchandise, foodstuffs, commodities, or articles
of commerce may be sold and dispensed to the general public.

Section 22. Corporate Powers. -

(a) Every local government unit, as a corporation, shall have the following powers:

(1) To have continuous succession in its corporate name;

(2) To sue and be sued;

(3) To have and use a corporate seal;

(4) To acquire and convey real or personal property;

(5) To enter into contracts; and

(6) To exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to

the limitations provided in this Code and other laws.

(b) Local government units may continue using, modify, or change their existing
corporate seals: Provided, That newly established local government units or those
without corporate seals may create their own corporate seals which shall be
registered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government: Provided,
further, That any change of corporate seal shall also be registered as provided
hereon.

(c) Unless otherwise provided in this Code, no contract may be entered into by the
local chief executive in behalf of the local government unit without prior authorization
by the sanggunian concerned. A legible copy of such contract shall be posted at a
conspicuous place in the provincial capitol or the city, municipal or barangay hall.

(d) Local government units shall enjoy full autonomy in the exercise of their
proprietary functions and in the limitations provided in this Code and other applicable
laws,

Section 23. Authority to Negotiate and Secure Grants. - Local chief executives may, upon
authority of the sanggunian, negotiate and secure financial grants or donations in kind, in
support of the basic services or facilities enumerated under Section 17 hereof, from local and
foreign assistance agencies without necessity of securing clearance or approval therefor
from any department, agency, or office of the national government of from any higher local
government unit: Provided, That projects financed by such grants or assistance with national
security implications shall be approved by the national agency concerned: Provided, further,
That when such national agency fails to act on the request for approval within thirty (30) days
from receipt thereof, the same shall be deemed approved.
The local chief executive shall, within thirty (30) days upon signing of such grant agreement
or deed of donation, report the nature, amount, and terms of such assistance to both Houses
of Congress and the President.

Section 24. Liability for Damages. - Local government units and their officials are not exempt
from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property.

CHAPTER III
Intergovernmental Relations

ARTICLE I
National Government and Local Government Units

Section 25. National Supervision over Local Government Units. -

(a) Consistent with the basic policy on local autonomy, the President shall exercise
general supervision over local government units to ensure that their acts are within
the scope of their prescribed powers and functions.

The President shall exercise supervisory authority directly over provinces, highly
urbanized cities, and independent component cities; through the province with
respect to component cities and municipalities; and through the city and municipality
with respect to barangays.

(b) National agencies and offices with project implementation functions shall
coordinate with one another and with the local government units concerned in the
discharge of these functions. They shall ensure the participation of local government
units both in the planning and implementation of said national projects.

(c) The President may, upon request of the local government unit concerned, direct
the appropriate national agency to provide financial, technical, or other forms of
assistance to the local government unit. Such assistance shall be extended at no
extra cost to the local government unit concerned.

(d) National agencies and offices including government-owned or controlled

corporations with field units or branches in a province, city, or municipality shall
furnish the local chief executive concerned, for his information and guidance, monthly
reports including duly certified budgetary allocations and expenditures.

Section 26. Duty of National Government Agencies in the Maintenance of Ecological

Balance. - It shall be the duty of every national agency or government-owned or controlled
corporation authorizing or involved in the planning and implementation of any project or
program that may cause pollution, climatic change, depletion of non-renewable resources,
loss of crop land, rangeland, or forest cover, and extinction of animal or plant species, to
consult with the local government units, nongovernmental organizations, and other sectors
concerned and explain the goals and objectives of the project or program, its impact upon
the people and the community in terms of environmental or ecological balance, and the
measures that will be undertaken to prevent or minimize the adverse effects thereof.

Section 27. Prior Consultations Required. - No project or program shall be implemented by

government authorities unless the consultations mentioned in Sections 2 (c) and 26 hereof
are complied with, and prior approval of the sanggunian concerned is obtained: Provided,
That occupants in areas where such projects are to be implemented shall not be evicted
unless appropriate relocation sites have been provided, in accordance with the provisions of
the Constitution.

ARTICLE II
Relations with the Philippine National Police

Section 28. Powers of Local Chief Executives over the Units of the Philippine National
Police. - The extent of operational supervision and control of local chief executives over the
police force, fire protection unit, and jail management personnel assigned in their respective
jurisdictions shall be governed by the provisions of Republic Act Numbered Sixty-nine
hundred seventy-five (R.A. No. 6975), otherwise known as "The Department of the Interior
and Local Government Act of 1990", and the rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE III
Inter-Local Government Relations

Section 29. Provincial Relations with Component Cities and Municipalities. - The province,
through the governor, shall ensure that every component city and municipality within its
territorial jurisdiction acts within the scope of its prescribed powers and functions. Highly
urbanized cities and independent component cities shall be independent of the province.

Section 30. Review of Executive Orders. -

(a) Except as otherwise provided under the Constitution and special statutes, the
governor shall review all executive orders promulgated by the component city or
municipal mayor within his jurisdiction. The city or municipal mayor shall review all
executive orders promulgated by the punong barangay within his jurisdiction. Copies
of such orders shall be forwarded to the governor or the city or municipal mayor, as
the case may be, within three (3) days from their issuance. In all instances of review,
the local chief executive concerned shall ensure that such executive orders are
within the powers granted by law and in conformity with provincial, city, or municipal
ordinances.

(b) If the governor or the city or municipal mayor fails to act on said executive orders
within thirty (30) days after their submission, the same shall be deemed consistent
with law and therefore valid.

Section 31. Submission of Municipal Questions to the Provincial Legal Officer or

Prosecutor. - In the absence of a municipal legal officer, the municipal government may
secure the opinion of the provincial legal officer, and in the absence of the latter, that of the
provincial prosecutor on any legal question affecting the municipality.

Section 32. City and Municipal Supervision over Their Respective Barangays. - The city or
municipality, through the city or municipal mayor concerned, shall exercise general
supervision over component barangays to ensure that said barangays act within the scope of
their prescribed powers and functions.

Section 33. Cooperative Undertakings Among Local Government Units. - Local government
units may, through appropriate ordinances, group themselves, consolidate, or coordinate
their efforts, services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them. In support of
such undertakings, the local government units involved may, upon approval by the
sanggunian concerned after a public hearing conducted for the purpose, contribute funds,
real estate, equipment, and other kinds of property and appoint or assign personnel under
such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the participating local units through
Memoranda of Agreement.

CHAPTER IV
Relations With People's and Non-Governmental Organizations

Section 34. Role of People's and Non-governmental Organizations. - Local government

units shall promote the establishment and operation of people's and non-governmental
organizations to become active partners in the pursuit of local autonomy.

Section 35. Linkages with People's and Non-governmental Organizations. - Local

government units may enter into joint ventures and such other cooperative arrangements
with people's and non-governmental organizations to engage in the delivery of certain basic
services, capability-building and livelihood projects, and to develop local enterprises
designed to improve productivity and income, diversity agriculture, spur rural
industrialization, promote ecological balance, and enhance the economic and social well-
being of the people.

Section 36. Assistance to People's and Non-governmental Organizations. - A local

government unit may, through its local chief executive and with the concurrence of the
sanggunian concerned, provide assistance, financial or otherwise, to such people's and non-
governmental organizations for economic, socially-oriented, environmental, or cultural
projects to be implemented within its territorial jurisdiction.

CHAPTER V
Local Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee

Section 37. Local Prequalification, Bids and Awards Committee (Local PBAC). -

(a) There is hereby created a local prequalification, bids and awards committee in
every province, city, and municipality, which shall be primarily responsible for the
conduct of prequalification of contractors, bidding, evaluation of bids, and the
recommendation of awards concerning local infrastructure projects. The governor or
the city or municipal mayor shall act as the chairman with the following as members:

(1) The chairman of the appropriations committee of the sanggunian

concerned;

(2) A representative of the minority party in the sanggunian concerned, if any,

or if there be none, one (1) chosen by said sanggunian from among its
members;

(3) The local treasurer;

(4) Two (2) representatives of non-governmental organizations that are

represented in the local development council concerned, to be chosen by the
organizations themselves; and
 (5) Any practicing certified public accountant from the private sector, to be
designated by the local chapter of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, if any.

Representatives of the Commission on Audit shall observe the proceedings

of such committee and shall certify that the rules and procedures for
prequalification, bids and awards have been complied with.

(b) The agenda and other information relevant to the meetings of such committee
shall be deliberated upon by the committee at least one (1) week before the holding
of such meetings.

(c) All meetings of the committee shall be held in the provincial capitol or the city or
municipal hall. The minutes of such meetings of the committee and any decision
made therein shall be duly recorded, posted at a prominent place in the provincial
capitol or the city or municipal hall, and delivered by the most expedient means to
elective local officials concerned.

Section 38. Local Technical Committee. -

(a) There is hereby created a local technical committee in every province, city and
municipality to provide technical assistance to the local prequalification, bids and
awards committees. It shall be composed of the provincial, city or municipal
engineer, the local planning and development coordinator, and such other officials
designated by the local prequalification, bids and awards committee.

(b) The chairman of the local technical committee shall be designated by the local
prequalification, bids and awards committee and shall attend its meeting in order to
present the reports and recommendations of the local technical committee.

TITLE II
ELECTIVE OFFICIALS

CHAPTER I
Qualifications and Election

Section 39. Qualifications. -

(a) An elective local official must be a citizen of the Philippines; a registered voter in
the barangay, municipality, city, or province or, in the case of a member of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod, or sangguniang bayan, the
district where he intends to be elected; a resident therein for at least one (1) year
immediately preceding the day of the election; and able to read and write Filipino or
any other local language or dialect.

(b) Candidates for the position of governor, vice-governor, or member of the

sangguniang panlalawigan, or mayor, vice-mayor or member of the sangguniang
panlungsod of highly urbanized cities must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age
on election day.
 (c) Candidates for the position of mayor or vice-mayor of independent component
cities, component cities, or municipalities must be at least twenty-one (21) years of
age on election day.

(d) Candidates for the position of member of the sangguniang panlungsod or

sangguniang bayan must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on election day.

(e) Candidates for the position of punong barangay or member of the sangguniang
barangay must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on election day.

(f) Candidates for the sangguniang kabataan must be at least fifteen (15) years of
age but not more than twenty-one (21) years of age on election day.

Section 40. Disqualifications. - The following persons are disqualified from running for any
elective local position:

(a) Those sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or for
an offense punishable by one (1) year or more of imprisonment, within two (2) years
after serving sentence;

(b) Those removed from office as a result of an administrative case;

(c) Those convicted by final judgment for violating the oath of allegiance to the
Republic;

(d) Those with dual citizenship;

(e) Fugitives from justice in criminal or non-political cases here or abroad;

(f) Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the right to
reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right after the effectivity of this Code;
and

(g) The insane or feeble-minded.

Section 41. Manner of Election. -

(a) The governor, vice-governor, city mayor, city vice-mayor, municipal mayor,
municipal vice-mayor, and punong barangay shall be elected at large in their
respective units by the qualified voters therein. However, the sangguniang kabataan
chairman for each barangay shall be elected by the registered voters of the
katipunan ng kabataan, as provided in this Code.

(b) The regular members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang

panlungsod, and sangguniang bayan shall be elected by district, as may be provided
for by law. Sangguniang barangay members shall be elected at large. The presidents
of the leagues of sanggunian members of component cities and municipalities shall
serve as ex officio members of the sangguniang panlalawigan concerned. The
presidents of the "liga ng mga barangay and the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang
kabataan" elected by their respective chapters, as provided in this Code, shall serve
 as ex officio members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod,
and sangguniang bayan.

(c) In addition thereto, there shall be one (1) sectoral representative from the women,
one (1) from the workers, and one (1) from any of the following sectors: the urban
poor, indigenous cultural communities, disabled persons, or any other sector as may
be determined by the sanggunian concerned within ninety (90) days prior to the
holding of the next local elections as may be provided for by law. The COMELEC
shall promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively provide for the election of
such sectoral representatives.

Section 42. Date of Election. - Unless otherwise provided by law, the elections for local
officials shall be held every three (3) years on the second Monday of May.

Section 43. Term of Office. -

(a) The term of office of all local elective officials elected after the effectivity of this
Code shall be three (3) years, starting from noon of June 30, 1992 or such date as
may be provided for by law, except that of elective barangay officials: Provided, That
all local officials first elected during the local elections immediately following the
ratification of the 1987 Constitution shall serve until noon of June 30, 1992.

(b) No local elective official shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms in
the same position. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not
be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which
the elective official concerned was elected.

(c) The term of office of barangay officials and members of the sangguniang
kabataan shall be for three (3) years, which shall begin after the regular election of
barangay officials on the second Monday of May 1994.

CHAPTER II
Vacancies and Succession

Section 44. Permanent Vacancies in the Offices of the Governor, Vice-Governor, Mayor,
and Vice-Mayor. - If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the governor or mayor, the
vice-governor or vice-mayor concerned shall become the governor or mayor. If a permanent
vacancy occurs in the offices of the governor, vice-governor, mayor, or vice-mayor, the
highest ranking sanggunian member or, in case of his permanent inability, the second
highest ranking sanggunian member, shall become the governor, vice-governor, mayor or
vice-mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said office shall be filled
automatically by the other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein.

(b) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the punong barangay, the highest
ranking sanggunian barangay member or, in case of his permanent inability, the
second highest ranking sanggunian member, shall become the punong barangay.

(c) A tie between or among the highest ranking sanggunian members shall be
resolved by the drawing of lots.
 (d) The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their
predecessors.

For purposes of this Chapter, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective local
official fills a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is
removed from office, voluntarily resigns, or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to
discharge the functions of his office.

For purposes of succession as provided in the Chapter, ranking in the sanggunian shall be
determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by each winning candidate to the
total number of registered voters in each district in the immediately preceding local election.

Section 45. Permanent Vacancies in the Sanggunian. -

(a) Permanent vacancies in the sanggunian where automatic succession provided

above do not apply shall be filled by appointment in the following manner:

(1) The President, through the Executive Secretary, in the case of the
sangguniang panlalawigan and the sangguniang panlungsod of highly
urbanized cities and independent component cities;

(2) The governor, in the case of the sangguniang panlungsod of component

cities and the sangguniang bayan;

(3) The city or municipal mayor, in the case of sangguniang barangay, upon
recommendation of the sangguniang barangay concerned.

(b) Except for the sangguniang barangay, only the nominee of the political party
under which the sanggunian member concerned had been elected and whose
elevation to the position next higher in rank created the last vacancy in the
sanggunian shall be appointed in the manner hereinabove provided. The appointee
shall come from the same political party as that of the sanggunian member who
caused the vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office. In the
appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate of membership of the
appointee from the highest official of the political party concerned are conditions sine
qua non, and any appointment without such nomination and certification shall be null
and void ab initio and shall be a ground for administrative action against the official
responsible therefore.

(c) In case or permanent vacancy is caused by a sanggunian member who does not
belong to any political party, the local chief executive shall, upon recommendation of
the sanggunian concerned, appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy.

(d) In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in the
sanggunian, said vacancy shall be filled automatically by the official next in rank of
the organization concerned.

Section 46. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the Local Chief Executive. -

(a) When the governor, city or municipal mayor, or punong barangay is temporarily
incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but not
 limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad, and suspension from office, the vice-
governor, city or municipal vice-mayor, or the highest ranking sangguniang barangay
member shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and
functions of the local chief executive concerned, except the power to appoint,
suspend, or dismiss employees which can only be exercised if the period of
temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.

(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the appropriate
sanggunian of a written declaration by the local chief executive concerned that he
has reported back to office. In cases where the temporary incapacity is due to legal
causes, the local chief executive concerned shall also submit necessary documents
showing that said legal causes no longer exist.

(c) When the incumbent local chief executive is traveling within the country but
outside his territorial jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three (3) consecutive
days, he may designate in writing the officer-in-charge of the said office. Such
authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the local official concerned
shall exercise in the absence of the local chief executive except the power to appoint,
suspend, or dismiss employees.

(d) In the event, however, that the local chief executive concerned fails or refuses to
issue such authorization, the vice-governor, the city or municipal vice-mayor, or the
highest ranking sangguniang barangay member, as the case may be, shall have the
right to assume the powers, duties, and functions of the said office on the fourth (4th)
day of absence of the said local chief executive, subject to the limitations provided in
subsection (c) hereof.

(e) Except as provided above, the local chief executive shall in no case authorize any
local official to assume the powers, duties, and functions of the office, other than the
vice-governor, the city or municipal vice-mayor, or the highest ranking sangguniang
barangay member, as the case may be.

Section 47. Approval of Leaves of Absence. -

(a) Leaves of absence of local elective officials shall be approved as follows:

(1) Leaves of absence of the governor and the mayor of a highly urbanized
city or an independent component city shall be approved by the President or
his duly authorized representative;

(2) Leaves of absence of vice-governor or a city or municipal vice-mayor

shall be approved by the local chief executive concerned: Provided, That the
leaves of absence of the members of the sanggunian and its employees shall
be approved by the vice-governor or city or municipal vice-mayor concerned;

(3) Leaves of absence of the component city or municipal mayor shall be

approved by the governor; and

(4) Leaves of absence of a punong barangay shall be approved by the city or

municipal mayor: Provided, That leaves of absence of sangguniang barangay
members shall be approved by the punong barangay.
 (b) Whenever the application for leave of absence hereinabove specified is not acted
upon within five (5) working days after receipt thereof, the application for leave of
absence shall be deemed approved.

CHAPTER III
Local Legislation

Section 48. Local Legislative Power. - Local legislative power shall be exercised by the
sangguniang panlalawigan for the province; the sangguniang panlungsod for the city; the
sangguniang bayan for the municipality; and the sangguniang barangay for the barangay.

Section 49. Presiding Officer. -

(a) The vice-governor shall be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan;
the city vice-mayor, of the sangguniang panlungsod; the municipal vice-mayor, of the
sangguniang bayan; and the punong barangay, of the sangguniang barangay. The
presiding officer shall vote only to break a tie.

(b) In the event of the inability of the regular presiding officer to preside at a
sanggunian session, the members present and constituting a quorum shall elect from
among themselves a temporary presiding officer. He shall certify within ten (10) days
from the passage of ordinances enacted and resolutions adopted by the sanggunian
in the session over which he temporarily presided.

Section 50. Internal Rules of Procedure. -

(a) On the first regular session following the election of its members and within ninety
(90) days thereafter, the sanggunian concerned shall adopt or update its existing
rules of procedure.

(b) The rules of procedure shall provided for the following:

(1) The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as well
as the creation of standing committees which shall include, but shall not be
limited to, the committees on appropriations, women and family, human
rights, youth and sports development, environmental protection, and
cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of each committee; and the election of
the chairman and members of each committee;

(2) The order and calendar of business for each session;

(3) The legislative process;

(4) The parliamentary procedures which include the conduct of members

during sessions;

(5) The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences without
justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions, for which they may be
censured, reprimanded, or excluded from the session, suspended for not
more than sixty (60) days, or expelled: Provided, That the penalty of
suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two-thirds
 (2/3) vote of all the sanggunian members: Provided, further, That a member
convicted by final judgment to imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any
crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from the
sanggunian; and

(6) Such other rules as the sanggunian may adopt. lawphil

Section 51. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of Sanggunian Members. -

(a) Every sanggunian member shall, upon assumption to office, make a full
disclosure of his business and financial interests, or professional relationship or any
relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, which he may have
with any person, firm, or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under
consideration by the sanggunian of which he is a member, which relationship may
result in conflict of interest. Such relationship shall include:

(1) Ownership of stock or capital, or investment, in the entity or firm to which

the ordinance or resolution may apply; and

(2) Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which the ordinance or
resolution under consideration may affect.

In the absence of a specific constitutional or statutory provision applicable to

this situation, "conflict of interest" refers in general to one where it may be
reasonably deduced that a member of a sanggunian may not act in the public
interest due to some private, pecuniary, or other personal considerations that
may tend to affect his judgment to the prejudice of the service or the public.

(b) The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and submitted to
the secretary of the sanggunian or the secretary of the committee of which he is a
member. The disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the proceedings
and shall be made in the following manner:

(1) Disclosure shall be made before the member participates in the

deliberations on the ordinance or resolution under consideration: Provided,
That, if the member did not participate during the deliberations, the disclosure
shall be made before voting on the ordinance or resolution on second and
third readings; and

(2) Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a position or makes a

privilege speech on a matter that may affect the business interest, financial
connection, or professional relationship described herein.

Section 52. Sessions. -

(a) On the first day of the session immediately following the election of its members,
the sanggunian shall, by resolution, fix the day, time, and place of its regular
sessions. The minimum numbers of regular sessions shall be once a week for the
sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod, and sangguniang bayan, and
twice a month for the sangguniang barangay.
 (b) When public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the local
chief executive or by a majority of the members of the sanggunian.

(c) All sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed-door session
is ordered by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present, there being a
quorum, in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency, or morality. No two
(2) sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day.

(d) In the case of special sessions of the sanggunian, a written notice to the
members shall be served personally at the member's usual place of residence at
least twenty-four (24) hours before the special session is held.

Unless otherwise concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the sanggunian members

present, there being a quorum, no other matters may be considered at a special
session except those stated in the notice.

(e) Each sanggunian shall keep a journal and record of its proceedings which may be
published upon resolution of the sanggunian concerned.

Section 53. Quorum. -

(a) A majority of all the members of the sanggunian who have been elected and
qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business. Should a question of
quorum be raised during a session, the presiding officer shall immediately proceed to
call the roll of the members and thereafter announce the results.

(b) Where there is no quorum, the presiding officer may declare a recess until such
time as a quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present may adjourn
from day to day and may compel the immediate attendance of any member absent
without justifiable cause by designating a member of the sanggunian to be assisted
by a member or members of the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of
the local government unit concerned, to arrest the absent member and present him
at the session.

(c) If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately preceding
subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper
motion duly approved by the members present, shall then declare the session
adjourned for lack of quorum.

Section 54. Approval of Ordinances. -

(a) Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang

panlungsod, or sangguniang bayan shall be presented to the provincial governor or
city or municipal mayor, as the case may be. If the local chief executive concerned
approves the same, he shall affix his signature on each and every page thereof;
otherwise, he shall veto it and return the same with his objections to the sanggunian,
which may proceed to reconsider the same. The sanggunian concerned may
override the veto of the local chief executive by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its
members, thereby making the ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents
and purposes.
 (b) The veto shall be communicated by the local chief executive concerned to the
sanggunian within fifteen (15) days in the case of a province, and ten (10) days in the
case of a city or a municipality; otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved
as if he had signed it.

(c) Ordinances enacted by the sangguniang barangay shall, upon approval by the
majority of all its members, be signed by the punong barangay.

Section 55. Veto Power of the Local Chief Executive. -

(a) The local chief executive may veto any ordinance of the sanggunian
panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod, or sanggunian bayan on the ground that it is
ultra vires or prejudicial to the public welfare, stating his reasons therefor in writing.

(b) The local chief executive, except the punong barangay, shall have the power to
veto any particular item or items of an appropriations ordinance, an ordinance or
resolution adopting a local development plan and public investment program, or an
ordinance directing the payment of money or creating liability. In such a case, the
veto shall not affect the item or items which are not objected to. The vetoed item or
items shall not take effect unless the sanggunian overrides the veto in the manner
herein provided; otherwise, the item or items in the appropriations ordinance of the
previous year corresponding to those vetoed, if any, shall be deemed reenacted.

(c) The local chief executive may veto an ordinance or resolution only once. The
sanggunian may override the veto of the local chief executive concerned by two-
thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the ordinance effective even
without the approval of the local chief executive concerned.

Section 56. Review of Component City and Municipal Ordinances or Resolutions by the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

(a) Within three (3) days after approval, the secretary to the sanggunian panlungsod
or sangguniang bayan shall forward to the sangguniang panlalawigan for review,
copies of approved ordinances and the resolutions approving the local development
plans and public investment programs formulated by the local development councils.

(b) Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of copies of such ordinances and
resolutions, the sangguniang panlalawigan shall examine the documents or transmit
them to the provincial attorney, or if there be none, to the provincial prosecutor for
prompt examination. The provincial attorney or provincial prosecutor shall, within a
period of ten (10) days from receipt of the documents, inform the sangguniang
panlalawigan in writing of his comments or recommendations, which may be
considered by the sangguniang panlalawigan in making its decision.

(c) If the sangguniang panlalawigan finds that such an ordinance or resolution is

beyond the power conferred upon the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang
bayan concerned, it shall declare such ordinance or resolution invalid in whole or in
part. The sangguniang panlalawigan shall enter its action in the minutes and shall
advise the corresponding city or municipal authorities of the action it has taken.
 (d) If no action has been taken by the sangguniang panlalawigan within thirty (30)
days after submission of such an ordinance or resolution, the same shall be
presumed consistent with law and therefore valid.

Section 57. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlungsod or

Sangguniang Bayan. -

(a) Within ten (10) days after its enactment, the sangguniang barangay shall furnish
copies of all barangay ordinances to the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang
bayan concerned for review as to whether the ordinance is consistent with law and
city or municipal ordinances.

(b) If the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan, as the case may be, fails
to take action on barangay ordinances within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, the
same shall be deemed approved.

(c) If the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan, as the case may be, finds
the barangay ordinances inconsistent with law or city or municipal ordinances, the
sanggunian concerned shall, within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, return the
same with its comments and recommendations to the sangguniang barangay
concerned for adjustment, amendment, or modification; in which case, the effectivity
of the barangay ordinance is suspended until such time as the revision called for is
effected.

Section 58. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances or Resolutions. - Any attempt to

enforce any ordinance or any resolution approving the local development plan and public
investment program, after the disapproval thereof, shall be sufficient ground for the
suspension or dismissal of the official or employee concerned.

Section 59. Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions. -

(a) Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance or the resolution approving the local
development plan and public investment program, the same shall take effect after ten
(10) days from the date a copy thereof is posted in a bulletin board at the entrance of
the provincial capitol or city, municipal, or barangay hall, as the case may be, and in
at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the local government unit concerned.

(b) The secretary to the sanggunian concerned shall cause the posting of an
ordinance or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the provincial capitol
and the city, municipal, or barangay hall in at least two (2) conspicuous places in the
local government unit concerned not later than five (5) days after approval thereof.

The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or
English and in the language understood by the majority of the people in the local
government unit concerned, and the secretary to the sanggunian shall record such
fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of approval and posting.

(c) The gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall be published in a newspaper
of general circulation within the province where the local legislative body concerned
belongs. In the absence of any newspaper of general circulation within the province,
posting of such ordinances shall be made in all municipalities and cities of the
province where the sanggunian of origin is situated.
 (d) In the case of highly urbanized and independent component cities, the main
features of the ordinance or resolution duly enacted or adopted shall, in addition to
being posted, be published once in a local newspaper of general circulation within
the city: Provided, That in the absence thereof the ordinance or resolution shall be
published in any newspaper of general circulation.

CHAPTER IV
Disciplinary Actions

Section 60. Grounds for Disciplinary Actions. - An elective local official may be disciplined,
suspended, or removed from office on any of the following grounds:

(a) Disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines;

(b) Culpable violation of the Constitution;

(c) Dishonesty, oppression, misconduct in office, gross negligence, or dereliction of

duty;

(d) Commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or an offense punishable by

at least prision mayor;

(e) Abuse of authority;

(f) Unauthorized absence for fifteen (15) consecutive working days, except in the
case of members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod,
sangguniang bayan, and sangguniang barangay;

(g) Application for, or acquisition of, foreign citizenship or residence or the status of
an immigrant of another country; and

(h) Such other grounds as may be provided in this Code and other laws.

An elective local official may be removed from office on the grounds enumerated above by
order of the proper court.

Section 61. Form and Filing of Administrative Complaints. - A verified complaint against any
erring local elective official shall be prepared as follows:

(a) A complaint against any elective official of a province, a highly urbanized city, an
independent component city or component city shall be filed before the Office of the
President;

(b) A complaint against any elective official of a municipality shall be filed before the
sangguniang panlalawigan whose decision may be appealed to the Office of the
President; and

(c) A complaint against any elective barangay official shall be filed before the
sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned whose decision shall be
final and executory.
Section 62. Notice of hearing. -

(a) Within seven (7) days after the administrative complaint is filed, the Office of the
President or the sanggunian concerned, as the case may be, shall require the
respondent to submit his verified answer within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof,
and commence the investigation of the case within ten (10) days after receipt of such
answer of the respondent.

(b) When the respondent is an elective official of a province or highly urbanized city,
such hearing and investigation shall be conducted in the place where he renders or
holds office. For all other local elective officials, the venue shall be the place where
the sanggunian concerned is located.

(c) However, no investigation shall be held within ninety (90) days immediately prior
to any local election, and no preventive suspension shall be imposed within the said
period. If preventive suspension has been imposed prior to the 90-day period
immediately preceding local election, it shall be deemed automatically lifted upon the
start of aforesaid period.

Section 63. Preventive Suspension. -

(a) Preventive suspension may be imposed:

(1) By the President, if the respondent is an elective official of a province, a

highly urbanized or an independent component city;

(2) By the governor, if the respondent is an elective official of a component

city or municipality; or

(3) By the mayor, if the respondent is an elective official of the barangay.

(b) Preventive suspension may be imposed at any time after the issues are joined,
when the evidence of guilt is strong, and given the gravity of the offense, there is
great probability that the continuance in office of the respondent could influence the
witnesses or pose a threat to the safety and integrity of the records and other
evidence: Provided, That, any single preventive suspension of local elective officials
shall not extend beyond sixty (60) days: Provided, further, That in the event that
several administrative cases are filed against an elective official, he cannot be
preventively suspended for more than ninety (90) days within a single year on the
same ground or grounds existing and known at the time of the first suspension.

(c) Upon expiration of the preventive suspension, the suspended elective official shall
be deemed reinstated in office without prejudice to the continuation of the
proceedings against him, which shall be terminated within one hundred twenty (120)
days from the time he was formally notified of the case against him. However, if the
delay in the proceedings of the case is due to his fault, neglect, or request, other than
the appeal duly filed, the duration of such delay shall not be counted in computing
the time of termination of the case.

(d) Any abuse of the exercise of the power of preventive suspension shall be
penalized as abuse of authority.
Section 64. Salary of Respondent Pending Suspension. - The respondent official
preventively suspended from office shall receive no salary or compensation during such
suspension; but upon subsequent exoneration and reinstatement, he shall be paid full salary
or compensation including such emoluments accruing during such suspension.

Section 65. Rights of Respondent. - The respondent shall be accorded full opportunity to
appear and defend himself in person or by counsel, to confront and cross-examine the
witnesses against him, and to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of
documentary process of subpoena or subpoena duces tecum.

Section 66. Form and Notice of Decision. -

(a) The investigation of the case shall be terminated within ninety (90) days from the
start thereof. Within thirty (30) days after the end of the investigation, the Office of the
President or the sanggunian concerned shall render a decision in writing stating
clearly and distinctly the facts and the reasons for such decision. Copies of said
decision shall immediately be furnished the respondent and all interested parties.

(b) The penalty of suspension shall not exceed the unexpired term of the respondent
or a period of six (6) months for every administrative offense, nor shall said penalty
be a bar to the candidacy of the respondent so suspended as long as he meets the
qualifications required for the office.

(c) The penalty of removal from office as a result of an administrative investigation

shall be considered a bar to the candidacy of the respondent for any elective
position.

Section 67. Administrative Appeals. - Decisions in administrative cases may, within thirty
(30) days from receipt thereof, be appealed to the following:

(a) The sangguniang panlalawigan, in the case of decisions of the sangguniang

panlungsod of component cities and the sangguniang bayan; and

(b) The Office of the President, in the case of decisions of the sangguniang
panlalawigan and the sangguniang panlungsod of highly urbanized cities and
independent component cities.

Decisions of the Office of the President shall be final and executory.

Section 68. Execution Pending Appeal. - An appeal shall not prevent a decision from
becoming final or executory. The respondent shall be considered as having been placed
under preventive suspension during the pendency of an appeal in the event he wins such
appeal. In the event the appeal results in an exoneration, he shall be paid his salary and
such other emoluments during the pendency of the appeal.

CHAPTER V
Recall

Section 69. By Whom Exercised. - The power of recall for loss of confidence shall be
exercised by the registered voters of a local government unit to which the local elective
official subject to such recall belongs.
Section 70. Initiation of the Recall Process. -

(a) Recall may be initiated by a preparatory recall assembly or by the registered

voters of the local government unit to which the local elective official subject to such
recall belongs.

(b) There shall be a preparatory recall assembly in every province, city, district, and
municipality which shall be composed of the following:

(1) Provincial level. - All mayors, vice-mayors, and sanggunian members of

the municipalities and component cities;

(2) City level. - All punong barangay and sanggunian barangay members in
the city;

(3) Legislative District level. - In case where sangguniang panlalawigan

members are elected by district, all elective municipal officials in the district;
and in cases where sangguniang panlungsod members are elected by
district, all elective barangay officials in the district; and

(4) Municipal level. - All punong barangay and sangguniang barangay

members in the municipality.

(c) A majority of all the preparatory recall assembly members may convene in
session in a public place and initiate a recall proceedings against any elective official
in the local government unit concerned. Recall of provincial, city, or municipal
officials shall be validly initiated through a resolution adopted by a majority of all the
members of the preparatory recall assembly concerned during its session called for
the purpose.

(d) Recall of any elective provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official may also be
validly initiated upon petition of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total number
of registered voters in the local government unit concerned during the election in
which the local official sought to be recalled was elected.

(1) A written petition for recall duly signed before the election registrar or his
representative, and in the presence of a representative of the petitioner and a
representative of the official sought to be recalled and, and in a public place
in the province, city, municipality, or barangay, as the case may be, shall be
filed with the COMELEC through its office in the local government unit
concerned. The COMELEC or its duly authorized representative shall cause
the publication of the petition in a public and conspicuous place for a period
of not less than ten (10) days nor more than twenty (20) days, for the
purpose of verifying the authenticity and genuineness of the petition and the
required percentage of voters.

(2) Upon the lapse of the aforesaid period, the COMELEC or its duly
authorized representative shall announce the acceptance of candidates to
the position and thereafter prepare the list of candidates which shall include
the name of the official sought to be recalled.
Section 71. Election on Recall. - Upon the filing of a valid resolution or petition for recall with
the appropriate local office of the COMELEC, the Commission or its duly authorized
representative shall set the date of the election on recall, which shall not be later than thirty
(30) days after the filing of the resolution or petition for recall in the case of the barangay,
city, or municipal officials. and forty-five (45) days in the case of provincial officials. The
official or officials sought to be recalled shall automatically be considered as duly registered
candidate or candidates to the pertinent positions and, like other candidates, shall be entitled
to be voted upon.

Section 72. Effectivity of Recall. - The recall of an elective local official shall be effective only
upon the election and proclamation of a successor in the person of the candidate receiving
the highest number of votes cast during the election on recall. Should the official sought to
be recalled receive the highest number of votes, confidence in him is thereby affirmed, and
he shall continue in office.

Section 73. Prohibition from Resignation. - The elective local official sought to be recalled
shall not be allowed to resign while the recall process is in progress.

Section 74. Limitations on Recall. -

(a) Any elective local official may be the subject of a recall election only once during
his term of office for loss of confidence.

(b) No recall shall take place within one (1) year from the date of the official's
assumption to office or one (1) year immediately preceding a regular local election.

Section 75. Expenses Incident to Recall Elections. - All expenses incident to recall elections
shall be borne by the COMELEC. For this purpose, there shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act a contingency fund at the disposal of the COMELEC for the
conduct of recall elections.

TITLE III.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT

Section 76. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. - Every local government unit
shall design and implement its own organizational structure and staffing pattern taking into
consideration its service requirements and financial capability, subject to the minimum
standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.

Section 77. Responsibility for Human Resources and Development. - The chief executive of
every local government unit shall be responsible for human resources and development in
his unit and shall take all personnel actions in accordance with the Constitutional provisions
on civil service, pertinent laws, and rules and regulations thereon, including such policies,
guidelines and standards as the Civil Service Commission may establish: Provided, That the
local chief executive may employ emergency or casual employees or laborers paid on a daily
wage or piecework basis and hired through job orders for local projects authorized by the
sanggunian concerned, without need of approval or attestation by the Civil Service
Commission: Provided, further, That the period of employment of emergency or casual
laborers as provided in this Section shall not exceed six (6) months.

The Joint Commission on Local Government Personnel Administration organized pursuant to

Presidential Decree Numbered Eleven Hundred thirty-six (P.D. No. 1136) is hereby
abolished and its personnel, records, equipment and other assets transferred to the
appropriate office in the Civil Service Commission.

Section 78. Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations, and Other Related Issuances. - All
matters pertinent to human resources and development in local government units shall be
governed by the civil service law and such rules and regulations and other issuances
promulgated pursuant thereto, unless otherwise specified in this Code.

Section 79. Limitation to Appointments. - No person shall be appointed in the career service
of the local government if he is related within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or
affinity to the appointing or recommending authority.

Section 80. Public Notice of Vacancy; Personnel Selection Board. -

(a) Whenever a local executive decides to fill a vacant career position, there shall be
posted notices of the vacancy in at least three (3) conspicuous public places in the
local government unit concerned for a period of not less than fifteen (15) days.

(b) There shall be established in every province, city or municipality a personnel

selection board to assist the local chief executive in the judicious and objective
selection or personnel for employment as well as for promotion, and in the
formulation of such policies as would contribute to employee welfare.

(c) The personnel selection board shall be headed by the local chief executive, and
its members shall be determined by resolution of the sanggunian concerned. A
representative of the Civil Service Commission, if any, and the personnel officer of
the local government unit concerned shall be ex officio members of the board.

Section 81. Compensation of Local Officials and Employees. - The compensation of local
officials and personnel shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned: Provided, That the
increase in compensation of elective local officials shall take effect only after the terms of
office of those approving such increase shall have expired: Provided, further, That the
increase in compensation of the appointive officials and employees shall take effect as
provided in the ordinance authorizing such increase: Provided, however, That said increases
shall not exceed the limitations on budgetary allocations for personal services provided
under Title Five, Book II of this Code: Provided, finally, That such compensation may be
based upon the pertinent provisions of Republic Act Numbered Sixty-seven fifty-eight (R.A.
No 6758), otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989".

The punong barangay, the sangguniang barangay member, the sangguniang kabataan
chairman, the barangay treasurer, and the barangay secretary shall be entitled to such
compensation, allowances, emoluments, and such other privileges as provided under Title
One Book III of this Code.

Elective local officials shall be entitled to the same leave privileges as those enjoyed by
appointive local officials, including the cumulation and commutation thereof.

Section 82. Resignation of Elective Local Officials. -

(a) Resignations by elective local officials shall be deemed effective only upon
acceptance by the following authorities:
 (1) The President, in the case of governors, vice-governors, and mayors and
vice-mayors of highly urbanized cities and independent component cities;

(2) The governor, in the case of municipal mayors, municipal vice-mayors,

city mayors and city vice-mayors of component cities;

(3) The sanggunian concerned, in the case of sanggunian members; and

(4) The city or municipal mayor, in the case of barangay officials.

(b) Copies of the resignation letters of elective local officials, together with the action
taken by the aforesaid authorities, shall be furnished the Department of the Interior
and Local Government.

(c) The resignation shall be deemed accepted if not acted upon by the authority
concerned within fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof.

(d) Irrevocable resignations by sanggunian members shall be deemed accepted

upon presentation before an open session of the sanggunian concerned and duly
entered in its records: Provided, however, That this subsection does not apply to
sanggunian members who are subject to recall elections or to cases where existing
laws prescribed the manner of acting upon such resignations.

Section 83. Grievance Procedure. - In every local government unit, the local chief executive
shall establish a procedure to inquire into, act upon, resolve or settle complaints and
grievances presented by local government employees.

Section 84. Administrative Discipline. - Investigation and adjudication of administrative

complaints against appointive local officials and employees as well as their suspension and
removal shall be in accordance with the civil service law and rules and other pertinent laws.
The results of such administrative investigations shall be reported to the Civil Service
Commission.

Section 85. Preventive Suspension of Appointive Local Officials and Employees. -

(a) The local chief executives may preventively suspend for a period not exceeding
sixty (60) days and subordinate official or employee under his authority pending
investigation if the charge against such official or employee involves dishonesty,
oppression or grave misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty, or if there is
reason to believe that the respondent is guilty of the charges which would warrant his
removal from the service.

(b) Upon expiration of the preventive suspension, the suspended official or employee
shall be automatically reinstated in office without prejudice to the continuation of the
administrative proceedings against him until its termination. If the delay in the
proceedings of the case is due to the fault, neglect or request of the respondent, the
time of the delay shall not be counted in computing the period of suspension herein
provided.

Section 86. Administrative Investigation. - In any local government unit, administrative

investigation may be conducted by a person or a committee duly authorized by the local
chief executive. Said person or committee shall conduct hearings on the cases brought
against appointive local officials and employees and submit their findings and
recommendations to the local chief executive concerned within fifteen (15) days from the
conclusion of the hearings. The administrative cases herein mentioned shall be decided
within ninety (90) days from the time the respondent is formally notified of the charges.

Section 87. Disciplinary Jurisdiction. - Except as otherwise provided by law, the local chief
executive may impose the penalty of removal from service, demotion in rank, suspension for
not more than one (1) year without pay, fine in an amount not exceeding six (6) months
salary, or reprimand and otherwise discipline subordinate officials and employees under his
jurisdiction. If the penalty imposed is suspension without pay for not more than thirty (30)
days, his decision shall be final. If the penalty imposed is heavier than suspension of thirty
(30) days, the decision shall be appealable to the Civil Service Commission, which shall
decide the appeal within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof.

Section 88. Execution Pending Appeal. - An appeal shall not prevent the execution of a
decision of removal or suspension of a respondent-appellant. In case the respondent-
appellant is exonerated, he shall be reinstated to his position with all the rights and privileges
appurtenant thereto from the time he had been deprived thereof.

Section 89. Prohibited Business and Pecuniary Interest. -

(a) It shall be unlawful for any local government official or employee, directly or
indirectly, to:

(1) Engage in any business transaction with the local government unit in
which he is an official or employee or over which he has the power of
supervision, or with any of its authorized boards, officials, agents, or
attorneys, whereby money is to be paid, or property or any other thing of
value is to be transferred, directly or indirectly, out of the resources of the
local government unit to such person or firm;

(2) Hold such interests in any cockpit or other games licensed by a local
government unit;

(3) Purchase any real estate or other property forfeited in favor of such local
government unit for unpaid taxes or assessment, or by virtue of a legal
process at the instance of the said local government unit;

(4) Be a surety for any person contracting or doing business with the local
government unit for which a surety is required; and

(5) Possess or use any public property of the local government unit for
private purposes.

(b) All other prohibitions governing the conduct of national public officers relating to
prohibited business and pecuniary interest so provided for under Republic Act
Numbered Sixty-seven thirteen (R.A. No. 6713) otherwise known as the "Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees" and other laws
shall also be applicable to local government officials and employees.
Section 90. Practice of Profession. -

(a) All governors, city and municipal mayors are prohibited from practicing their
profession or engaging in any occupation other than the exercise of their functions as
local chief executives.

(b) Sanggunian members may practice their professions, engage in any occupation,
or teach in schools except during session hours: Provided, That sanggunian
members who are also members of the Bar shall not:

(1) Appear as counsel before any court in any civil case wherein a local
government unit or any office, agency, or instrumentality of the government is
the adverse party;

(2) Appear as counsel in any criminal case wherein an officer or employee of

the national or local government is accused of an offense committed in
relation to his office.

(3) Collect any fee for their appearance in administrative proceedings

involving the local government unit of which he is an official; and

(4) Use property and personnel of the government except when the
sanggunian member concerned is defending the interest of the government.

(c) Doctors of medicine may practice their profession even during official hours of
work only on occasions of emergency: Provided, That the officials concerned do not
derive monetary compensation therefrom.

Section 91. Statement of Assets and Liabilities. - (a) Officials and employees of local
government units shall file sworn statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, lists of
relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity in government service,
financial and business interests, and personnel data sheets as required by law.

Section 92. Oath of Office. - (a) All elective and appointive local officials and employees
shall, upon assumption to office, subscribe to an oath or affirmation of office in the prescribed
form. The oath or affirmation of office shall be filed with the office of the local chief executive
concerned. A copy of the oath or affirmation of office of all elective and appointive local
officials and employees shall be preserved in the individual personal records file under the
custody of the personnel office, division, or section of the local government unit concerned.

Section 93. Partisan Political Activity. - No local official or employee in the career civil
service shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any
election, initiative, referendum, plebiscite, or recall, except to vote, nor shall he use his
official authority or influence to cause the performance of any political activity by any person
or body. He may, however, express his views on current issues, or mention the names of
certain candidates for public office whom he supports. Elective local officials may take part in
partisan political and electoral activities, but it shall be unlawful for them to solicit
contributions from their subordinates or subject these subordinates to any of the prohibited
acts under the Omnibus Election Code.
Section 94. Appointment of Elective and Appointive Local Officials; Candidates Who Lost in
an Election. - (a) No elective or appointive local official shall be eligible for appointment or
designation in any capacity to any public office or position during his tenure.

Unless otherwise allowed by law or by the primary functions of his position, no elective or
appointive local official shall hold any other office or employment in the government or any
subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled
corporations or their subsidiaries.

Section 95. Additional or Double Compensation. - No elective or appointive local official or

employee shall receive additional, double, or indirect compensation, unless specifically
authorized by law, nor accept without the consent of Congress, any present, emoluments,
office, or title of any kind from any foreign government. Pensions or gratuities shall not be
considered as additional, double, or indirect compensation.

Section 96. Permission to Leave Station. -

(a) Provincial, city, municipal, and barangay appointive officials going on official
travel shall apply and secure written permission from their respective local chief
executives before departure. The application shall specify the reasons for such
travel, and the permission shall be given or withheld based on considerations of
public interest, financial capability of the local government unit concerned and
urgency of the travel.

Should the local chief executive concerned fall to act upon such application within
four (4) working days from receipt thereof, it shall be deemed approved.

(b) Mayors of component cities and municipalities shall secure the permission of the
governor concerned for any travel outside the province.

(c) Local government officials traveling abroad shall notify their respective
sanggunian: Provided, That when the period of travel extends to more than three (3)
months, during periods of emergency or crisis or when the travel involves the use of
public funds, permission from the Office of the President shall be secured.

(d) Field officers of national agencies or offices assigned in provinces, cities, and
municipalities shall not leave their official stations without giving prior written notice to
the local chief executive concerned. Such notice shall state the duration of travel and
the name of the officer whom he shall designate to act for and in his behalf during his
absence.

Section 97. Annual Report. - On or before March 31 of each year, every local chief
executive shall submit an annual report to the sanggunian concerned on the socio-economic,
political and peace and order conditions, and other matters concerning the local government
unit, which shall cover the immediately preceding calendar year. A copy of the report shall be
forwarded to the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Component cities and
municipalities shall likewise provide the sangguniang panlalawigan copies of their respective
annual reports.

TITLE IV
LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS
Section 98. Creation, Composition, and Compensation. -

(a) There shall be established in every province, city, or municipality a provincial, city,
or municipal school board, respectively.

(b) The composition of local school boards shall be as follows:

(1) The provincial school board shall be composed of the governor and the
division superintendent of schools as co-chairman; the chairman of the
education committee of the sangguniang panlalawigan, the provincial
treasurer, the representative of the "pederasyon ng mga sangguniang
kabataan" in the sangguniang panlalawigan, the duly elected president of the
provincial federation of parents-teachers associations, the duly elected
representative of the teachers' organizations in the province, and the duly
elected representative of the non-academic personnel of public schools in the
province, as members;

(2) The city school board shall be composed of the city mayor and the city
superintendent of schools as co-chairmen; the chairman of the education
committee of the sangguniang panlungsod, the city treasurer, the
representative of the "pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan" in the
sangguniang panlungsod, the duly elected president of the city federation of
parents- teachers associations, the duly elected representative of the
teachers' organizations in the city, and the duly elected representative of the
non-academic personnel of public schools in the city, as members; and

(3) The municipal school board shall be composed of the municipal mayor
and the district supervisor of schools as co-chairmen; the chairman of the
education committee of the sangguniang bayan, the municipal treasurer, the
representative of the "pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan" in the
sangguniang bayan, the duly elected president of the municipal federation of
parent-teacher associations, the duly elected representative of the teachers'
organizations in the municipality, and the duly elected representative of the
non-academic personnel of public schools in the municipality, as members.

(c) In the event that a province or city has two (2) or more school superintendents,
and in the event that a municipality has two (2) or more district supervisors, the co-
chairman of the local school board shall be determined as follows:

(1) The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall designate the co-
chairman for the provincial and city school boards; and

(2) The division superintendent of schools shall designate the district supervisor who
shall serve as co-chairman of the municipal school board.

(d) The performance of the duties and responsibilities of the abovementioned officials
in their respective local school boards shall not be delegated.

Section 99. Functions of Local School Boards. - The provincial, city or municipal school
board shall:
 (a) Determine, in accordance with the criteria set by the Department of Education,
Culture and Sports, the annual supplementary budgetary needs for the operation and
maintenance of public schools within the province, city, or municipality, as the case
may be, and the supplementary local cost of meeting such as needs, which shall be
reflected in the form of an annual school board budget corresponding to its share of
the proceeds of the special levy on real property constituting the Special Education
Fund and such other sources of revenue as this Code and other laws or ordinances
may provide;

(b) Authorize the provincial, city or municipal treasurer, as the case may be, to
disburse funds from the Special Education Fund pursuant to the budget prepared
and in accordance with existing rules and regulations;

(c) Serve as an advisory committee to the sanggunian concerned on educational

matters such as, but not limited to, the necessity for and the uses of local
appropriations for educational purposes; and

(d) Recommend changes in the names of public schools within the territorial
jurisdiction of the local government unit for enactment by the sanggunian concerned.

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall consult the local school board on the
appointment of division superintendents, district supervisors, school principals, and other
school officials.

Section 100. Meetings and Quorum; Budget. -

(a) The local school board shall meet at least once a month or as often as may be
necessary.

(b) Any of the co-chairmen may call a meeting. A majority of all its members shall
constitute a quorum. However, when both co-chairmen are present in a meeting, the
local chief executive concerned, as a matter of protocol, shall be given preference to
preside over the meeting. The division superintendent, city superintendent or district
supervisor, as the case may be, shall prepare the budget of the school board
concerned. Such budget shall be supported by programs, projects, and activities of
the school board for the ensuing fiscal year. The affirmative vote of the majority of all
the members shall be necessary to approve the budget.

(c) The annual school board budget shall give priority to the following:

(1) Construction, repair, and maintenance of school buildings and other

facilities of public elementary and secondary schools;

(2) Establishment and maintenance of extension classes where necessary;

and

(3) Sports activities at the division, district, municipal, and barangay levels.

Section 101. Compensation and Remuneration. - The co-chairmen and members of the
provincial, city or municipal school board shall perform their duties as such without
compensation or remuneration. Members thereof who are not government officials or
employees shall be entitled to necessary traveling expenses and allowances chargeable
against the funds of the local school board concerned, subject to existing accounting and
auditing rules and regulations.

TITLE V
LOCAL HEALTH BOARDS

Section 102. Creation and Composition. -

(a) There shall be established a local health board in every province, city, or
municipality. The composition of the local health boards shall be as follows:

(1) The provincial health board shall be headed by the governor as chairman,
the provincial health officer as vice-chairman, and the chairman of the
committee on health of the sangguniang panlalawigan, a representative from
the private sector or non-governmental organizations involved in health
services, and a representative of the Department of Health in the province,
as members;

(2) The city health board shall be headed by the city mayor as chairman, the
city health officer as vice-chairman, and the chairman of the committee on
health of the sangguniang panlungsod, a representative from the private
sector or non-governmental organizations involved in health services, and a
representative of the Department of Health in the city, as members; and

(3) The municipal health board shall be headed by the municipal mayor as
chairman, the municipal health officer as vice-chairman, and the chairman of
the committee on health of the sangguniang bayan, a representative from the
private sector or non-governmental organizations involved in health services,
and a representative of the Department of Health in the municipality, as
members.

(b) The functions of the local health board shall be:

(1) To propose to the sanggunian concerned, in accordance with standards

and criteria set by the Department of Health, annual budgetary allocations for
the operation and maintenance of health facilities and services within the
municipality, city or province, as the case may be;

(2) To serve as an advisory committee to the sanggunian concerned on

health matters such as, but not limited to, the necessity for, and application of
local appropriations for public health purposes; and

(3) Consistent with the technical and administrative standards of the

Department of Health, create committees which shall advise local health
agencies on matters such as, but not limited to, personnel selection and
promotion, bids and awards, grievance and complaints, personnel discipline,
budget review, operations review and similar functions.

Section 103. Meetings and Quorum. -

 (a) The board shall meet at least once a month or as may be necessary.

(b) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum, but the
chairman or the vice- chairman must be present during meetings where budgetary
proposals are being prepared or considered. The affirmative vote of all the majority of
the members shall be necessary to approve such proposals.

Section 104. Compensation and Remuneration. - The chairman, vice-chairman, and

members of the provincial, city or municipal health board shall perform their duties as such
without compensation or remuneration. Members thereof who are not government officials or
employees shall be entitled to necessary traveling expenses and allowances chargeable
against the funds of the local health board concerned, subject to existing accounting and
auditing rules and regulations.

Section 105. Direct National Supervision and Control by the Secretary of Health. - In cases
of epidemics, pestilence, and other widespread public health dangers, the Secretary of
Health may, upon the direction of the President and in consultation with the local government
unit concerned, temporarily assume direct supervision and control over health operations in
any local government unit for the duration of the emergency, but in no case exceeding a
cumulative period of six (6) months. With the concurrence of the government unit concerned,
the period for such direct national control and supervision may be further extended.

TITLE VI
LOCAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS

Section 106. Local Development Councils. - (a) Each local government unit shall have a
comprehensive multi-sectoral development plan to be initiated by its development council
and approved by its sanggunian. For this purpose, the development council at the provincial,
city, municipal, or barangay level, shall assist the corresponding sanggunian in setting the
direction of economic and social development, and coordinating development efforts within
its territorial jurisdiction.

Section 107. Composition of Local Development Councils. - The composition of the local
development council shall be as follows:

(1) Members of the sangguniang barangay;

(2) Representatives of non-governmental organizations operating in the

barangay who shall constitute not less than one fourth () of the members of
the fully organized council;

(3) A representative of the congressman.

(b) The city or municipal development council shall be headed by the mayor and
shall be composed of the following members:

(1) All punong barangays in the city or municipality;

(2) The chairman of the committee on appropriations of the sangguniang

panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned;
 (3) The congressman or his representative; and

(4) Representatives of non-governmental organizations operating in the city

or municipality, as the case may be, who shall constitute not less than one-
fourth () of the members of the fully organized council.

(c) The provincial development council shall be headed by the governor and shall be
composed of the following members:

(1) All mayors of component cities and municipalities;

(2) The chairman of the committee on appropriations of the sangguniang

panlalawigan;

(3) The congressman or his representative; and

(4) Representatives of non-governmental organizations operating in the

province, who shall constitute not less than one-fourth () of the members of
the fully organized council.

(d) The local development councils may call upon any local official concerned or any
official of national agencies or offices in the local government unit to assist in the
formulation of their respective development plans and public investment programs.

Section 108. Representation of Non-governmental Organizations. - Within a period of sixty

(60) days from the start of organization of local development councils, the non-governmental
organizations shall choose from among themselves their representatives to said councils.
The local sanggunian concerned shall accredit non-governmental organizations subject to
such criteria as may be provided by law.

Section 109. Functions of Local Development Councils. -

(a) The provincial, city, and municipal development councils shall exercise the
following functions:

(1) Formulate long-term, medium-term, and annual socio-economic

development plans and policies;

(2) Formulate the medium-term and annual public investment programs;

(3) Appraise and prioritize socio-economic development programs and

projects;

(4) Formulate local investment incentives to promote the inflow and direction
of private investment capital;

(5) Coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of development

programs and projects; and

(6) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or component

authority.
 (b) The barangay development council shall exercise the following functions:

(1) Mobilize people's participation in local development efforts;

(2) Prepare barangay development plans based on local requirements;

(3) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of national or local programs

and projects; and

(4) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or competent

authority.

Section 110. Meetings and Quorum. - The local development council shall meet at least
once every six (6) months or as often as may be necessary.

Section 111. Executive Committee. - The local development council shall create an
executive committee to represent it and act in its behalf when it is not in session. The
composition of the executive committee shall be as follows:

(1) The executive committee of the provincial development council shall be

composed of the governor as chairman, the representative of component city
and municipal mayors to be chosen from among themselves, the chairman of
the committee on appropriations of the sangguniang panlalawigan, the
president of the provincial league of barangays, and a representative of non-
governmental organizations that are represented in the council, as members;

(2) The executive committee of the city or municipal development council

shall be composed of the mayor as chairman, the chairman of the committee
on appropriations of the sangguniang panlalawigan, the president of the city
or municipal league of barangays, and a representative of non-governmental
organizations that are represented in the council, as members; and

(3) The executive committee of the barangay development council shall be

composed of the punong barangay as chairman, a representative of the
sangguniang barangay to be chosen from among its members, and a
representative of non-governmental organizations that are represented in the
council, as members.

(b) The executive committee shall exercise the following powers and functions:

(1) Ensure that the decision of the council are faithfully carried out and
implemented;

(2) Act on matters requiring immediate attention or action by the council;

(3) Formulate policies, plans, and programs based on the general principles
laid down by the council; and

(4) Act on other matters that may be authorized by the council.

Section 112. Sectoral or Functional Committees. - The local development councils may form
sectoral or functional committees to assist them in the performance of their functions.

Section 113. Secretariat. - There is hereby constituted for each local development council a
secretariat which shall be responsible for providing technical support, documentation of
proceedings, preparation of reports and such other assistance as may be required in the
discharge of its functions. The local development council may avail of the services of any
non-governmental organization or educational or research institution for this purpose.

The secretariats of the provincial, city, and municipal development councils shall be headed
by their respective planning and development coordinators. The secretariat of the barangay
development council shall be headed by the barangay secretary who shall be assisted by the
city or municipal planning and development coordinator concerned.

Section 114. Relation of Local Development Councils to the Sanggunian and the Regional
Development Council.-

(a) The policies, programs, and projects proposed by local development councils
shall be submitted to the sanggunian concerned for appropriate action.

(b) The approved development plans of provinces, highly-urbanized cities, and

independent component cities shall be submitted to the regional development
council, which shall be integrated into the regional development plan for submission
to the National Economic and Development Authority, in accordance with existing
laws.

Section 115. Budget Information. - The Department of Budget and Management shall
furnish the various local development councils information on financial resources and
budgetary allocations applicable to their respective jurisdictions to guide them in their
planning functions.

TITLE VII
LOCAL PEACE AND ORDER COUNCIL

Section 116. Organization. - There is hereby established in every province, city and
municipality a local peace and order council, pursuant to Executive Order Numbered Three
hundred nine (E.O. No. 309), as amended, Series of 1988. The local peace and order
councils shall have the same composition and functions as those prescribed by said
executive order.

TITLE VIII
AUTONOMOUS SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES

Section 117. Establishment of Autonomous Special Economic Zones. - The establishment

by law of autonomous special economic zones in selected areas of the country shall be
subject to concurrence by the local government units included therein.

TITLE IX
OTHER PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS
 CHAPTER I
Settlement of Boundary Disputes

Section 118. Jurisdictional Responsibility for Settlement of Boundary Dispute. - Boundary

disputes between and among local government units shall, as much as possible, be settled
amicably. To this end:

(a) Boundary disputes involving two (2) or more barangays in the same city or
municipality shall be referred for settlement to the sangguniang panlungsod or
sangguniang bayan concerned.

(b) Boundary disputes involving two (2) or more municipalities within the same
province shall be referred for settlement to the sangguniang panlalawigan
concerned.

(c) Boundary disputes involving municipalities or component cities of different

provinces shall be jointly referred for settlement to the sanggunians of the province
concerned.

(d) Boundary disputes involving a component city or municipality on the one hand
and a highly urbanized city on the other, or two (2) or more highly urbanized cities,
shall be jointly referred for settlement to the respective sanggunians of the parties.

(e) In the event the sanggunian fails to effect an amicable settlement within sixty (60)
days from the date the dispute was referred thereto, it shall issue a certification to
that effect. Thereafter, the dispute shall be formally tried by the sanggunian
concerned which shall decide the issue within sixty (60) days from the date of the
certification referred to above.

Section 119. Appeal. - Within the time and manner prescribed by the Rules of Court, any
party may elevate the decision of the sanggunian concerned to the proper Regional Trial
Court having jurisdiction over the area in dispute. The Regional Trial Court shall decide the
appeal within one (1) year from the filing thereof. Pending final resolution of the disputed
area prior to the dispute shall be maintained and continued for all legal purposes.

CHAPTER II
Local Initiative and Referendum

Section 120. Local Initiative Defined. - Local initiative is the legal process whereby the
registered voters of a local government unit may directly propose, enact, or amend any
ordinance.

Section 121. Who May Exercise. - The power of local initiative and referendum may be
exercised by all registered voters of the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.

Section 122. Procedure in Local Initiative. -

(a) Not less than one thousand (1,000) registered voters in case of provinces and
cities, one hundred (100) in case of municipalities, and fifty (50) in case of
barangays, may file a petition with the sanggunian concerned proposing the
adoption, enactment, repeal, or amendment of an ordinance.
 (b) If no favorable action thereon is taken by the sanggunian concerned within thirty
(30) days from its presentation, the proponents, through their duly authorized and
registered representatives, may invoke their power of initiative, giving notice thereof
to the sanggunian concerned.

(c) The proposition shall be numbered serially starting from Roman numeral I. The
COMELEC or its designated representative shall extend assistance in the
formulation of the proposition.

(d) Two (2) or more propositions may be submitted in an initiative.

(e) Proponents shall have ninety (90) days in case of provinces and cities, sixty (60)
days in case of municipalities, and thirty (30) days in case of barangays, from notice
mentioned in subsection (b) hereof to collect the required number of signatures. (f)
The petition shall be signed before the election registrar. or his designated
representatives, in the presence of a representative of the proponent, and a
representative of the sanggunian concerned in a public place in the local government
unit, as the case may be. Stations for collecting signatures may be established in as
many places as may be warranted.

(g) Upon the lapse of the period herein provided, the COMELEC, through its office in
the local government unit concerned, shall certify as to whether or not the required
number of signatures has been obtained. Failure to obtain the required number
defeats the proposition.

(h) If the required number of signatures is obtained, the COMELEC shall then set a
date for the initiative during which the proposition shall be submitted to the registered
voters in the local government unit concerned for their approval within sixty (60) days
from the date of certification by the COMELEC, as provided in subsection (g) hereof,
in case of provinces and cities, forty-five (45) days in case of municipalities, and thirty
(30) days in case of barangays. The initiative shall then be held on the date set, after
which the results thereof shall be certified and proclaimed by the COMELEC.

Section 123. Effectivity of Local Propositions. - If the proposition is approved by a majority of

the votes cast, it shall take effect fifteen (15) days after certification by the COMELEC as if
affirmative action thereon had been made by the sanggunian and local chief executive
concerned. If it fails to obtain said number of votes, the proposition is considered defeated.

Section 124. Limitations on Local Initiative. -

(a) The power of local initiative shall not be exercised more than once a year.

(b) Initiative shall extend only to subjects or matters which are within the legal powers
of the sanggunian to enact.

(c) If at any time before the initiative is held, the sanggunian concerned adopts in toto
the proposition presented and the local chief executive approves the same, the
initiative shall be cancelled. However, those against such action may, if they so
desire, apply for initiative in the manner herein provided.
Section 125. Limitations upon Sanggunians. - Any proposition or ordinance approved
through the system of initiative and referendum as herein provided shall not be repealed,
modified or amended by the sanggunian concerned within six (6) months from the date of the
approval thereof, and may be amended, modified or repealed by the sanggunian within three
(3) years thereafter by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of all its members: Provided, That in case
of barangays, the period shall be eighteen (18) months after the approval thereof.

Section 126. Local Referendum Defined. - Local referendum is the legal process whereby
the registered voters of the local government units may approve, amend or reject any
ordinance enacted by the sanggunian.

The local referendum shall be held under the control and direction of the COMELEC within
sixty (60) days in case of provinces and cities, forty-five (45) days in case of municipalities
and thirty (30) days in case of barangays.

The COMELEC shall certify and proclaim the results of the said referendum.

Section 127. Authority of Courts. - Nothing in this Chapter shall prevent or preclude the
proper courts from declaring null and void any proposition approved pursuant to this Chapter
for violation of the Constitution or want of capacity of the sanggunian concerned to enact the
said measure.

BOOK II
LOCAL TAXATION AND FISCAL MATTERS

TITLE I
LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAXATION

CHAPTER I
General Provisions

Section 128. Scope. - The provisions herein shall govern the exercise by provinces, cities,
municipalities, and barangays of their taxing and other revenue-raising powers.

Section 129. Power to Create Sources of Revenue. - Each local government unit shall
exercise its power to create its own sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges
subject to the provisions herein, consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy. Such
taxes, fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local government units.

Section 130. Fundamental Principles. - The following fundamental principles shall govern
the exercise of the taxing and other revenue-raising powers of local government units:

(a) Taxation shall be uniform in each local government unit;

(b) Taxes, fees, charges and other impositions shall:

(1) be equitable and based as far as practicable on the taxpayer's ability to

pay;

(2) be levied and collected only for public purposes;

 (3) not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, or confiscatory;

(4) not be contrary to law, public policy, national economic policy, or in the
restraint of trade;

(c) The collection of local taxes, fees, charges and other impositions shall in no case
be let to any private person;

(d) The revenue collected pursuant to the provisions of this Code shall inure solely to
the benefit of, and be subject to the disposition by, the local government unit levying
the tax, fee, charge or other imposition unless otherwise specifically provided herein;
and,

(e) Each local government unit shall, as far as practicable, evolve a progressive
system of taxation.

Section 131. Definition of Terms. - When used in this Title, the term:

(a) "Agricultural Product" includes the yield of the soil, such as corn, rice, wheat, rye,
hay. coconuts, sugarcane, tobacco, root crops, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and their
by-products; ordinary salt; all kinds of fish; poultry; and livestock and animal
products, whether in their original form or not.

The phrase "whether in their original form or not" refers to the transformation of said
products by the farmer, fisherman, producer or owner through the application of
processes to preserve or otherwise to prepare said products for market such as
freezing, drying, salting, smoking, or stripping for purposes of preserving or otherwise
preparing said products for market;

(b) "Amusement" is a pleasurable diversion and entertainment. It is synonymous to

relaxation, avocation, pastime, or fun;

(c) "Amusement Places" include theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses and other
places of amusement where one seeks admission to entertain oneself by seeing or
viewing the show or performances;

(d) "Business" means trade or commercial activity regularly engaged in as a means

of livelihood or with a view to profit;

(e) "Banks and other financial institutions" include non-bank financial intermediaries,
lending investors, finance and investment companies, pawnshops, money shops,
insurance companies, stock markets, stock brokers and dealers in securities and
foreign exchange, as defined under applicable laws, or rules and regulations
thereunder;

(f) "Capital Investment" is the capital which a person employs in any undertaking, or
which he contributes to the capital of a partnership, corporation, or any other juridical
entity or association in a particular taxing jurisdiction;

(g) "Charges" refers to pecuniary liability, as rents or fees against persons or

property;
(h) "Contractor" includes persons, natural or juridical, not subject to professional tax
under Section 139 of this Code, whose activity consists essentially of the sale of all
kinds of services for a fee, regardless of whether or not the performance of the
service calls for the exercise or use of the physical or mental faculties of such
contractor or his employees.

As used in this Section, the term "contractor" shall include general engineering,
general building and specialty contractors as defined under applicable laws; filling,
demolition and salvage works contractors; proprietors or operators of mine drilling
apparatus; proprietors or operators of dockyards; persons engaged in the installation
of water system, and gas or electric light, heat, or power; proprietors or operators of
smelting plants, engraving, plating, and plastic lamination establishments; proprietors
or operators of establishments for repairing, repainting, upholstering, washing or
greasing of vehicles, heavy equipment, vulcanizing, recapping and battery charging;
proprietors or operators of furniture shops and establishments for planing or
surfacing and recutting of lumber, and sawmills under contract to saw or cut logs
belonging to others; proprietors or operators of dry cleaning or dyeing
establishments, steam laundries, and laundries using washing machines; proprietors
or owners of shops for the repair of any kind of mechanical and electrical devices,
instruments, apparatus, or furniture and shoe repairing by machine or any
mechanical contrivance; proprietors or operators of establishments or lots for parking
purposes; proprietors or operators of tailor shops, dress shops, milliners and hatters,
beauty parlors, barbershops, massage clinics, sauna, Turkish and Swedish baths,
slenderizing and building salons and similar establishments; photographic studios;
funeral parlors; proprietors or operators of hotels, motels, and lodging houses;
proprietors or operators of arrastre and stevedoring, warehousing, or forwarding
establishments; master plumbers, smiths, and house or sign painters; printers,
bookbinders, lithographers; publishers except those engaged in the publication or
printing of any newspaper, magazine, review or bulletin which appears at regular
intervals with fixed prices for subscription and sale and which is not devoted
principally to the publication and advertisements; business agents, private detective
or watchman agencies, commercial and immigration brokers, and cinematographic
film owners, lessors and distributors.

(i) "Corporation" includes partnerships, no matter how created or organized, joint-

stock companies, joint accounts (cuentas en participacion), associations or insurance
companies but does not include general professional partnerships and a joint venture
or consortium formed for the purpose of undertaking construction projects or
engaging in petroleum, coal, geothermal, and other energy operations pursuant to an
operating or consortium agreement under a service contract with the government.
General professional partnership are partnerships formed by persons for the sole
purpose of exercising their common profession, no part of the income of which is
derived from engaging in any trade or business.

The term "resident foreign" when applied to a corporation means a foreign

corporation not otherwise organized under the laws of the Philippines but engaged in
trade or business within the Philippines;

(j) "Countryside and Barangay Business Enterprise" refers to any business entity,
association, or cooperative registered under the provisions of Republic Act
Numbered Sixty-eight hundred ten (R.A. No. 6810), otherwise known as "Magna
Carta For Countryside And Barangay Business Enterprises (Kalakalan 20)";
(k) "Dealer" means one whose business is to buy and sell merchandise, goods, and
chattels as a merchant. He stands immediately between the producer or
manufacturer and the consumer and depends for his profit not upon the labor he
bestows upon his commodities but upon the skill and foresight with which he watches
the market;

(l) "Fee" means a charge fixed by law or ordinance for the regulation or inspection of
a business or activity;

(m) "Franchise" is a right or privilege, affected with public interest which is conferred
upon private persons or corporations, under such terms and conditions as the
government and its political subdivisions may impose in the interest of public welfare,
security, and safety;

(n) "Gross Sales or Receipts" include the total amount of money or its equivalent
representing the contract price, compensation or service fee, including the amount
charged or materials supplied with the services and deposits or advance payments
actually or constructively received during the taxable quarter for the services
performed or to be performed for another person excluding discounts if determinable
at the time of sales, sales return, excise tax, and value-added tax (VAT);

(o) "Manufacturer" includes every person who, by physical or chemical process,

alters the exterior texture or form or inner substance of any raw material or
manufactured or partially manufactured product in such manner as to have been put
in its original condition, or who by any such process alters the quality of any such raw
material or manufactured or partially manufactured products so as to reduce it to
marketable shape or prepare it for any of the use of industry, or who by any such
process combines any such raw material or manufactured or partially manufactured
products with other materials or products of the same or of different kinds and in
such manner that the finished products of such process or manufacture can be put to
a special use or uses to which such raw material or manufactured or partially
manufactured products in their original condition could not have been put, and who in
addition alters such raw material or manufactured or partially manufactured products,
or combines the same to produce such finished products for the purpose of their sale
or distribution to others and not for his own use or consumption;

(p) "Marginal Farmer or Fisherman" refers to an individual engaged in subsistence

farming or fishing which shall be limited to the sale, barter or exchange of agricultural
or marine products produced by himself and his immediate family;

(q) "Motor Vehicle" means any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular
power using the public roads, but excluding road rollers, trolley cars, street-
sweepers, sprinklers, lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian trucks,
and cranes if not used on public roads, vehicles which run only on rails or tracks, and
tractors, trailers, and traction engines of all kinds used exclusively for agricultural
purposes;

(r) "Municipal Waters" includes not only streams, lakes, and tidal waters within the
municipality, not being the subject of private ownership and not comprised within the
national parks, public forest, timber lands, forest reserves or fishery reserves, but
also marine waters included between two lines drawn perpendicularly to the general
coastline from points where the boundary lines of the municipality or city touch the
 sea at low tide and a third line parallel with the general coastline and fifteen (15)
kilometers from it. Where two (2) municipalities are so situated on the opposite
shores that there is less than fifteen (15) kilometers of marine waters between them,
the third line shall be equally distant from opposite shores of their respective
municipalities;

(s) "Operator" includes the owner, manager, administrator, or any other person who
operates or is responsible for the operation of a business establishment or
undertaking;

(t) "Peddler" means any person who, either for himself or on commission, travels
from place to place and sells his goods or offers to sell and deliver the same.
Whether a peddler is a wholesale peddler or a retail peddler of a particular
commodity shall be determined from the definition of wholesale dealer or retail dealer
as provided in this Title;

(u) "Persons" means every natural or juridical being, susceptible of rights and
obligations or of being the subject of legal relations;

(v) "Residents" refer to natural persons who have their habitual residence in the
province, city, or municipality where they exercise their civil rights and fulfill their civil
obligations, and to juridical persons for which the law or any other provisions creating
or recognizing them fixes their residence in a particular province, city, or municipality.
In the absence of such law, juridical persons are residents of the province, city, or
municipality where they have their legal residence or principal place of business or
where they conduct their principal business or occupation;

(w) "Retail" means a sale where the purchaser buys the commodity for his own
consumption, irrespective of the quantity of the commodity sold;

(x) "Vessel" includes every type of boat, craft, or other artificial contrivance used, or
capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water;

(y) "Wharfage" means a fee assessed against the cargo of a vessel engaged in
foreign or domestic trade based on quantity, weight, or measure received and/or
discharged by vessel; and

(z) "Wholesale" means a sale where the purchaser buys or imports the commodities
for resale to persons other than the end user regardless of the quantity of the
transaction.

Section 132. Local Taxing Authority. - The power to impose a tax, fee, or charge or to
generate revenue under this Code shall be exercised by the sanggunian of the local
government unit concerned through an appropriate ordinance.

Section 133. Common Limitations on the Taxing Powers of Local Government Units. -
Unless otherwise provided herein, the exercise of the taxing powers of provinces, cities,
municipalities, and barangays shall not extend to the levy of the following:

(a) Income tax, except when levied on banks and other financial institutions;
 (b) Documentary stamp tax;

(c) Taxes on estates, inheritance, gifts, legacies and other acquisitions mortis causa,
except as otherwise provided herein;

(d) Customs duties, registration fees of vessel and wharfage on wharves, tonnage
dues, and all other kinds of customs fees, charges and dues except wharfage on
wharves constructed and maintained by the local government unit concerned;

(e) Taxes, fees, and charges and other impositions upon goods carried into or out of,
or passing through, the territorial jurisdictions of local government units in the guise
of charges for wharfage, tolls for bridges or otherwise, or other taxes, fees, or
charges in any form whatsoever upon such goods or merchandise;

(f) Taxes, fees or charges on agricultural and aquatic products when sold by
marginal farmers or fishermen;

(g) Taxes on business enterprises certified to by the Board of Investments as pioneer

or non-pioneer for a period of six (6) and four (4) years, respectively from the date of
registration;

(h) Excise taxes on articles enumerated under the national Internal Revenue Code,
as amended, and taxes, fees or charges on petroleum products;

(i) Percentage or value-added tax (VAT) on sales, barters or exchanges or similar

transactions on goods or services except as otherwise provided herein;

(j) Taxes on the gross receipts of transportation contractors and persons engaged in
the transportation of passengers or freight by hire and common carriers by air, land
or water, except as provided in this Code;

(k) Taxes on premiums paid by way or reinsurance or retrocession;

(l) Taxes, fees or charges for the registration of motor vehicles and for the issuance
of all kinds of licenses or permits for the driving thereof, except tricycles;

(m) Taxes, fees, or other charges on Philippine products actually exported, except as
otherwise provided herein;

(n) Taxes, fees, or charges, on Countryside and Barangay Business Enterprises and
cooperatives duly registered under R.A. No. 6810 and Republic Act Numbered Sixty-
nine hundred thirty-eight (R.A. No. 6938) otherwise known as the "Cooperative Code
of the Philippines" respectively; and

(o) Taxes, fees or charges of any kind on the National Government, its agencies and
instrumentalities, and local government units.

CHAPTER II
Specific Provisions on the Taxing and Other Revenue-Raising Powers of Local
Government Units
 ARTICLE I
Provinces

Section 134. Scope of Taxing Powers. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, the
province may levy only the taxes, fees, and charges as provided in this Article.

Section 135. Tax on Transfer of Real Property Ownership.

(a) The province may impose a tax on the sale , donation, barter, or on any other
mode of transferring ownership or title of real property at the rate of not more than
fifty percent (50%) of the one percent (1%) of the total consideration involved in the
acquisition of the property or of the fair market value in case the monetary
consideration involved in the transfer is not substantial, whichever is higher. The
sale, transfer or other disposition of real property pursuant to R.A. No. 6657 shall be
exempt from this tax.

(b) For this purpose, the Register of Deeds of the province concerned shall, before
registering any deed, require the presentation of the evidence of payment of this tax.
The provincial assessor shall likewise make the same requirement before cancelling
an old tax declaration and issuing a new one in place thereof, Notaries public shall
furnish the provincial treasurer with a copy of any deed transferring ownership or title
to any real property within thirty (30) days from the date of notarization.

It shall be the duty of the seller, donor, transferor, executor or administrator to pay the tax
herein imposed within sixty (60) days from the date of the execution of the deed or from the
date of the decedent's death.

Section 136. Tax on Business of Printing and Publication. - The province may impose a tax
on the business of persons engaged in the printing and/or publication of books, cards,
posters, leaflets, handbills, certificates, receipts, pamphlets, and others of similar nature, at a
rate not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of one percent (1%) of the gross annual receipts for
the preceding calendar year.

In the case of a newly started business, the tax shall not exceed one-twentieth (1/20) of one
percent (1%) of the capital investment. In the succeeding calendar year, regardless of when
the business started to operate, the tax shall be based on the gross receipts for the
preceding calendar year, or any fraction thereof, as provided herein.

The receipts from the printing and/or publishing of books or other reading materials
prescribed by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports as school texts or references
shall be exempt from the tax herein imposed.

Section 137. Franchise Tax. - Notwithstanding any exemption granted by any law or other
special law, the province may impose a tax on businesses enjoying a franchise, at the rate
not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of one percent (1%) of the gross annual receipts for the
preceding calendar year based on the incoming receipt, or realized, within its territorial
jurisdiction.

In the case of a newly started business, the tax shall not exceed one-twentieth (1/20) of one
percent (1%) of the capital investment. In the succeeding calendar year, regardless of when
the business started to operate, the tax shall be based on the gross receipts for the
preceding calendar year, or any fraction thereon, as provided herein.
Section 138. Tax on Sand, Gravel and Other Quarry Resources. - The province may levy
and collect not more than ten percent (10%) of fair market value in the locality per cubic
meter of ordinary stones, sand, gravel, earth, and other quarry resources, as defined under
the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended, extracted from public lands or from the
beds of seas, lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and other public waters within its territorial
jurisdiction.

The permit to extract sand, gravel and other quarry resources shall be issued exclusively by
the provincial governor, pursuant to the ordinance of the sangguniang panlalawigan.

The proceeds of the tax on sand, gravel and other quarry resources shall be distributed as
follows:

(1) Province - Thirty percent (30%);

(2) Component City or Municipality where the sand, gravel, and other quarry
resources are extracted - Thirty percent (30%); and

(3) Barangay where the sand, gravel, and other quarry resources are extracted -
Forty percent (40%).

Section 139. Professional Tax. -

(a) The province may levy an annual professional tax on each person engaged in the
exercise or practice of his profession requiring government examination at such
amount and reasonable classification as the sangguniang panlalawigan may
determine but shall in no case exceed Three hundred pesos (P300.00).

(b) Every person legally authorized to practice his profession shall pay the
professional tax to the province where he practices his profession or where he
maintains his principal office in case he practices his profession in several places:
Provided, however, That such person who has paid the corresponding professional
tax shall be entitled to practice his profession in any part of the Philippines without
being subjected to any other national or local tax, license, or fee for the practice of
such profession.

(c) Any individual or corporation employing a person subject to professional tax shall
require payment by that person of the tax on his profession before employment and
annually thereafter.

(d) The professional tax shall be payable annually, on or before the thirty-first (31st)
day of January. Any person first beginning to practice a profession after the month of
January must, however, pay the full tax before engaging therein. A line of profession
does not become exempt even if conducted with some other profession for which the
tax has been paid. Professionals exclusively employed in the government shall be
exempt from the payment of this tax.

(e) Any person subject to the professional tax shall write in deeds, receipts,
prescriptions, reports, books of account, plans and designs, surveys and maps, as
the case may be, the number of the official receipt issued to him.
Section 140. Amusement Tax. -

(a) The province may levy an amusement tax to be collected from the proprietors,
lessees, or operators of theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, boxing stadia, and
other places of amusement at a rate of not more than thirty percent (30%) of the
gross receipts from admission fees.

(b) In the case of theaters or cinemas, the tax shall first be deducted and withheld by
their proprietors, lessees, or operators and paid to the provincial treasurer before the
gross receipts are divided between said proprietors, lessees, or operators and the
distributors of the cinematographic films.

(c) The holding of operas, concerts, dramas, recitals, painting and art exhibitions,
flower shows, musical programs, literary and oratorical presentations, except pop,
rock, or similar concerts shall be exempt from the payment of the tax hereon
imposed.

(d) The sangguniang panlalawigan may prescribe the time, manner, terms and
conditions for the payment of tax. In case of fraud or failure to pay the tax, the
sangguniang panlalawigan may impose such surcharges, interest and penalties as it
may deem appropriate.

(e) The proceeds from the amusement tax shall be shared equally by the province
and the municipality where such amusement places are located.

Section 141. Annual Fixed Tax For Every Delivery Truck or Van of Manufacturers or
Producers, Wholesalers of, Dealers, or Retailers in, Certain Products. -

(a) The province may levy an annual fixed tax for every truck, van or any vehicle
used by manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, dealers or retailers in the delivery or
distribution of distilled spirits, fermented liquors, soft drinks, cigars and cigarettes,
and other products as may be determined by the sangguniang panlalawigan, to sales
outlets, or consumers, whether directly or indirectly, within the province in an amount
not exceeding Five hundred pesos (P500.00).

(b) The manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, dealers and retailers referred to in

the immediately foregoing paragraph shall be exempt from the tax on peddlers
prescribed elsewhere in this Code.

ARTICLE II
Municipalities

Section 142. Scope of Taxing Powers. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code,
municipalities may levy taxes, fees, and charges not otherwise levied by provinces.

Section 143. Tax on Business. - The municipality may impose taxes on the following
businesses:

(a) On manufacturers, assemblers, repackers, processors, brewers, distillers,

rectifiers, and compounders of liquors, distilled spirits, and wines or manufacturers of
 any article of commerce of whatever kind or nature, in accordance with the following
schedule:

With gross sales or receipts for the preceding calendar year Amount of Tax Per
in the amount of: Annum

Less than 10,000.00 165.00

P 10,000.00 or more but less than 15,000.00 220.00

15,000.00 or more but less than 20,000.00 202.00

20,000.00 or more but less than 30,000.00 440.00

30,000.00 or more but less than 40,000.00 660.00

40,000.00 or more but less than 50,000.00 825.00

50,000.00 or more but less than 75,000.00 1,320.00

75,000.00 or more but less than 100,000.00 1,650.00

100,000.00 or more but less than 150,000.00 2,200.00

150,000.00 or more but less than 200,000.00 2,750.00

200,000.00 or more but less than 300,000.00 3,850.00

300,000.00 or more but less than 500,000.00 5,500.00

500,000.00 or more but less than 750,000.00 8,000.00

750,000.00 or more but less than 1,000,000.00 10,000.00

1,000,000.00 or more but less than 2,000,000.00 13,750.00

2,000,000.00 or more but less than 3,000,000.00 16,500.00

3,000,000.00 or more but less than 4,000,000.00 19,000.00

4,000,000.00 or more but less than 5,000,000.00 23,100.00

5,000,000.00 or more but less than 6,500,000.00 24,375.00

6,000,000.00 or more at a rate not exceeding thirty-seven and a half percent

(37%) of one percent (1%)

(b) On wholesalers, distributors, or dealers in any article of commerce of whatever

kind or nature in accordance with the following schedule:

With gross sales or receipts for the preceding calendar year Amount of Tax Per
in the amount of: Annum

Less than 1,000.00 18.00

P 1,000.00 or more but less than 2,000.00 33.00

2,000.00 or more but less than 3,000.00 50.00

3,000.00 or more but less than 4,000.00 72.00

4,000.00 or more but less than 5,000.00 100.00

5,000.00 or more but less than 6,000.00 121.00

6,000.00 or more but less than 7,000.00 143.00

7,000.00 or more but less than 8,000.00 165.00

8,000.00 or more but less than 10,000.00 187.00

10,000.00 or more but less than 15,000.00 220.00

15,000.00 or more but less than 20,000.00 275.00

20,000.00 or more but less than 30,000.00 330.00

30,000.00 or more but less than 40,000.00 440.00

40,000.00 or more but less than 50,000.00 660.00

50,000.00 or more but less than 75,000.00 990.00

75,000.00 or more but less than 100,000.00 1,320.00

100,000.00 or more but less than 150,000.00 1,870.00

150,000.00 or more but less than 200,000.00 2,420.00

200,000.00 or more but less than 300,000.00 3,300.00

300,000.00 or more but less than 500,000.00 4,400.00

500,000.00 or more but less than 750,000.00 6,600.00

750,000.00 or more but less than 1,000,000.00 8,800.00

1,000,000.00 or more but less than 2,000,000.00 10,000.00

2,000,000.00 or more at a rate not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of one percent
(1%).

(c) On exporters, and on manufacturers , millers, producers, wholesalers,

distributors, dealers or retailers of essential commodities enumerated hereunder at a
rate not exceeding one-half () of the rates prescribed under subsection (a), (b) and
(d) of this Section:

(1) Rice and corn;

 (2) Wheat or cassava flour, meat, dairy products, locally manufactured,
processed or preserved food, sugar, salt and other agricultural, marine, and
fresh water products, whether in their original state or not;

(3) Cooking oil and cooking gas;

(4) Laundry soap, detergents, and medicine;

(5) Agricultural implements. equipment and post-harvest facilities, fertilizers,

pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and other farm inputs;

(6) Poultry feeds and other animal feeds;

(7) School supplies; and

(8) Cement.

(d) On retailers.

With gross sales or receipts for the preceding calendar year Rate of Tax Per
in the amount of: Annum

P400,000.00 or less 2%

more than P400,000.00 1%

Provided, however, That barangays shall have the exclusive power to levy taxes, as
provided under Section 152 hereof, on gross sales or receipts of the preceding
calendar year of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or less, in the case of cities, and
Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) or less, in the case of municipalities.

(e) On contractors and other independent contractors, in accordance with the

following schedule:

With gross sales or receipts for the preceding calendar year Amount of Tax Per
in the amount of: Annum

Less than 5,000.00 27.50

P 5,000.00 or more but less than P 10,000.00 61.60

10,000.00 or more but less than 15,000.00 104.50

15,000.00 or more but less than 20,000.00 165.00

20,000.00 or more but less than 30,000.00 275.00

30,000.00 or more but less than 40,000.00 385.00

40,000.00 or more but less than 50,000.00 550.00

 50,000.00 or more but less than 75,000.00 880.00

75,000.00 or more but less than 100,000.00 1,320.00

100,000.00 or more but less than 150,000.00 1,980.00

150,000.00 or more but less than 200,000.00 2,640.00

200,000.00 or more but less than 250,000.00 3,630.00

250,000.00 or more but less than 300,000.00 4,620.00

300,000.00 or more but less than 400,000.00 6,160.00

400,000.00 or more but less than 500,000.00 8,250.00

500,000.00 or more but less than 750,000.00 9,250.00

750,000.00 or more but less than 1,000,000.00 10,250.00

1,000,000.00 or more but less than 2,000,000.00 11,500.00

2,000,000.00 or more at a rate not exceeding fifty percent (50%) of one percent
(1%)

(f) On banks and other financial institutions, at a rate not exceeding fifty percent
(50%) of one percent (1%) on the gross receipts of the preceding calendar year
derived from interest, commissions and discounts from lending activities, income
from financial leasing, dividends, rentals on property and profit from exchange or sale
of property, insurance premium.

(g) On peddlers engaged in the sale of any merchandise or article of commerce, at a

rate not exceeding Fifty pesos (P50.00) per peddler annually.

(h) On any business, not otherwise specified in the preceding paragraphs, which the
sanggunian concerned may deem proper to tax: Provided, That on any business
subject to the excise, value-added or percentage tax under the National Internal
Revenue Code, as amended, the rate of tax shall not exceed two percent (2%) of
gross sales or receipts of the preceding calendar year.

The sanggunian concerned may prescribe a schedule of graduated tax rates but in no case
to exceed the rates prescribed herein.

Section 144. Rates of Tax within the Metropolitan Manila Area. - The municipalities within
the Metropolitan Manila Area may levy taxes at rates which shall not exceed by fifty percent
(50%) the maximum rates prescribed in the preceding Section.

Section 145. Retirement of Business. - A business subject to tax pursuant to the preceding
sections shall, upon termination thereof, submit a sworn statement of its gross sales or
receipts for the current year. If the tax paid during the year be less than the tax due on said
gross sales or receipts of the current year, the difference shall be paid before the business is
considered officially retired.
Section 146. Payment of Business Taxes. -

(a) The taxes imposed under Section 143 shall be payable for every separate or
distinct establishment or place where business subject to the tax is conducted and
one line of business does not become exempt by being conducted with some other
business for which such tax has been paid. The tax on a business must be paid by
the person conducting the same.

(b) In cases where a person conducts or operates two (2) or more of the businesses
mentioned in Section 143 of this Code which are subject to the same rate of tax, the
tax shall be computed on the combined total gross sales or receipts of the said two
(2) or more related businesses.

(c) In cases where a person conducts or operates two (2) or more businesses
mentioned in Section 143 of this Code which are subject to different rates of tax, the
gross sales or receipts of each business shall be separately reported for the purpose
of computing the tax due from each business.

Section 147. Fees and Charges. - The municipality may impose and collect such reasonable
fees and charges on business and occupation and, except as reserved to the province in
Section 139 of this Code, on the practice of any profession or calling, commensurate with the
cost of regulation, inspection and licensing before any person may engage in such business
or occupation, or practice such profession or calling.

Section 148. Fees for Sealing and Licensing of Weights and Measures. -

(a) The municipality may levy fees for the sealing and licensing of weights and
measures at such reasonable rates as shall be prescribed by the sangguniang
bayan.

(b) The sangguniang bayan shall prescribe the necessary regulations for the use of
such weights and measures, subject to such guidelines as shall be prescribed by the
Department of Science and Technology. The sanggunian concerned shall, by
appropriate ordinance, penalize fraudulent practices and unlawful possession or use
of instruments of weights and measures and prescribe the criminal penalty therefor in
accordance with the provisions of this Code. Provided, however, That the
sanggunian concerned may authorize the municipal treasurer to settle an offense not
involving the commission of fraud before a case therefor is filed in court, upon
payment of a compromise penalty of not less than Two hundred pesos (P200.00).

Section 149. Fishery Rentals, Fees and Charges. -

(a) Municipalities shall have the exclusive authority to grant fishery privileges in the
municipal waters and impose rentals, fees or charges therefor in accordance with the
provisions of this Section.

(b) The sangguniang bayan may:

(1) Grant fishery privileges to erect fish corrals, oysters, mussels or other
aquatic beds or bangus fry areas, within a definite zone of the municipal
waters, as determined by it: Provided, however, That duly registered
 organizations and cooperatives of marginal fishermen shall have the
preferential right to such fishery privileges: Provided, further, That the
sangguniang bayan may require a public bidding in conformity with and
pursuant to an ordinance for the grant of such privileges: Provided, finally,
That in the absence of such organizations and cooperatives or their failure to
exercise their preferential right, other parties may participate in the public
bidding in conformity with the above cited procedure.

(2) Grant the privilege to gather, take or catch bangus fry, prawn fry or
kawag-kawag or fry of other species and fish from the municipal waters by
nets, traps or other fishing gears to marginal fishermen free of any rental, fee,
charge or any other imposition whatsoever.

(3) Issue licenses for the operation of fishing vessels of three (3) tons or less
for which purpose the sangguniang bayan shall promulgate rules and
regulations regarding the issuances of such licenses to qualified applicants
under existing laws.

Provided, however, That the sanggunian concerned shall, by appropriate

ordinance, penalize the use of explosives, noxious or poisonous substances,
electricity, muro-ami, and other deleterious methods of fishing and prescribe
a criminal penalty therefor in accordance with the provisions of this Code:
Provided, finally, That the sanggunian concerned shall have the authority to
prosecute any violation of the provisions of applicable fishery laws.

Section 150. Situs of the Tax. -

(a) For purposes of collection of the taxes under Section 143 of this Code,
manufacturers, assemblers, repackers, brewers, distillers, rectifiers and
compounders of liquor, distilled spirits and wines, millers, producers, exporters,
wholesalers, distributors, dealers, contractors, banks and other financial institutions,
and other businesses, maintaining or operating branch or sales outlet elsewhere
shall record the sale in the branch or sales outlet making the sale or transaction, and
the tax thereon shall accrue and shall be paid to the municipality where such branch
or sales outlet is located. In cases where there is no such branch or sales outlet in
the city or municipality where the sale or transaction is made, the sale shall be duly
recorded in the principal office and the taxes due shall accrue and shall be paid to
such city or municipality.

(b) The following sales allocation shall apply to manufacturers, assemblers,

contractors, producers, and exporters with factories, project offices, plants, and
plantations in the pursuit of their business:

(1) Thirty percent (30%) of all sales recorded in the principal office shall be
taxable by the city or municipality where the principal office is located; and

(2) Seventy percent (70%) of all sales recorded in the principal office shall be
taxable by the city or municipality where the factory, project office, plant, or
plantation is located.
 (c) In case of a plantation located at a place other than the place where the factory is
located, said seventy percent (70%) mentioned in subparagraph (b) of subsection (2)
above shall be divided as follows:

(1) Sixty percent (60%) to the city or municipality where the factory is located;
and

(2) Forty percent (40%) to the city or municipality where the plantation is
located.

(d) In cases where a manufacturer, assembler, producer, exporter or contractor has

two (2) or more factories, project offices, plants, or plantations located in different
localities, the seventy percent (70%) sales allocation mentioned in subparagraph (b)
of subsection (2) above shall be prorated among the localities where the factories,
project offices, plants, and plantations are located in proportion to their respective
volumes of production during the period for which the tax is due.

(e) The foregoing sales allocation shall be applied irrespective of whether or not
sales are made in the locality where the factory, project office, plant, or plantation is
located.

ARTICLE III
Cities

Section 151. Scope of Taxing Powers. - Except as otherwise provided in this Code, the city,
may levy the taxes, fees, and charges which the province or municipality may impose:
Provided, however, That the taxes, fees and charges levied and collected by highly
urbanized and independent component cities shall accrue to them and distributed in
accordance with the provisions of this Code.

The rates of taxes that the city may levy may exceed the maximum rates allowed for the
province or municipality by not more than fifty percent (50%) except the rates of professional
and amusement taxes.

ARTICLE IV
Barangays

Section 152. Scope of Taxing Powers. - The barangays may levy taxes, fees, and charges,
as provided in this Article, which shall exclusively accrue to them:

(a) Taxes - On stores or retailers with fixed business establishments with gross sales
of receipts of the preceding calendar year of Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or
less, in the case of cities and Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) or less, in the case
of municipalities, at a rate not exceeding one percent (1%) on such gross sales or
receipts.

(b) Service Fees or Charges. - Barangays may collect reasonable fees or charges for
services rendered in connection with the regulations or the use of barangay-owned
properties or service facilities such as palay, copra, or tobacco dryers.
 (c) Barangay Clearance. - No city or municipality may issue any license or permit for
any business or activity unless a clearance is first obtained from the barangay where
such business or activity is located or conducted. For such clearance, the
sangguniang barangay may impose a reasonable fee. The application for clearance
shall be acted upon within seven (7) working days from the filing thereof. In the event
that the clearance is not issued within the said period, the city or municipality may
issue the said license or permit.

(d) Other fees and Charges. - The barangay may levy reasonable fees and charges:

(1) On commercial breeding of fighting cocks, cockfights and cockpits;

(2) On places of recreation which charge admission fees; and

(3) On billboards, signboards, neon signs, and outdoor advertisements.

ARTICLE V
Common Revenue-Raising Powers

Section 153. Service Fees and Charges. - Local government units may impose and collect
such reasonable fees and charges for services rendered.

Section 154. Public Utility Charges. - Local government units may fix the rates for the
operation of public utilities owned, operated and maintained by them within their jurisdiction.

Section 155. Toll Fees or Charges. - The sanggunian concerned may prescribe the terms
and conditions and fix the rates for the imposition of toll fees or charges for the use of any
public road, pier, or wharf, waterway, bridge, ferry or telecommunication system funded and
constructed by the local government unit concerned: Provided, That no such toll fees or
charges shall be collected from officers and enlisted men of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines and members of the Philippine National Police on mission, post office personnel
delivering mail, physically-handicapped, and disabled citizens who are sixty-five (65) years or
older.

When public safety and welfare so requires, the sanggunian concerned may discontinue the
collection of the tolls, and thereafter the said facility shall be free and open for public use.

ARTICLE VI
Community Tax

Section 156. Community Tax. - Cities or municipalities may levy a community tax in
accordance with the provisions of this Article.

Section 157. Individuals Liable to Community Tax. - Every inhabitant of the Philippines
eighteen (18) years of age or over who has been regularly employed on a wage or salary
basis for at least thirty (30) consecutive working days during any calendar year, or who is
engaged in business or occupation, or who owns real property with an aggregate assessed
value of One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) or more, or who is required by law to file an
income tax return shall pay an annual additional tax of Five pesos (P5.00) and an annual
additional tax of One peso (P1.00) for every One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) of income
regardless of whether from business, exercise of profession or from property which in no
case shall exceed Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00).

In the case of husband and wife, the additional tax herein imposed shall be based upon the
total property owned by them and the total gross receipts or earnings derived by them.

Section 158. Juridical Persons Liable to Community Tax. - Every corporation no matter how
created or organized, whether domestic or resident foreign, engaged in or doing business in
the Philippines shall pay an annual community tax of Five hundred pesos (P500.00) and an
annual additional tax, which, in no case, shall exceed Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) in
accordance with the following schedule:

(1) For every Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) worth of real property in the
Philippines owned by it during the preceding year based on the valuation used for the
payment of real property tax under existing laws, found in the assessment rolls of the
city or municipality where the real property is situated - Two pesos (P2.00); and

(2) For every Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) of gross receipts or earnings derived
by it from its business in the Philippines during the preceding year - Two pesos
(P2.00).

The dividends received by a corporation from another corporation however shall, for
the purpose of the additional tax, be considered as part of the gross receipts or
earnings of said corporation.

Section 159. Exemptions. - The following are exempt from the community tax:

(1) Diplomatic and consular representatives; and

(2) Transient visitors when their stay in the Philippines does not exceed three (3)
months.

Section 160. Place of Payment. - The community tax shall be paid in the place of residence
of the individual, or in the place where the principal office of the juridical entity is located.

Section 161. Time for Payment; Penalties for Delinquency. -

(a) The community tax shall accrue on the first (1st) day of January of each year
which shall be paid not later than the last day of February of each year. If a person
reaches the age of eighteen (18) years or otherwise loses the benefit of exemption
on or before the last day of June, he shall be liable for the community tax on the day
he reaches such age or upon the day the exemption ends. However, if a person
reaches the age of eighteen (18) years or loses the benefit of exemption on or before
the last day of March, he shall have twenty (20) days to pay the community tax
without becoming delinquent.

Persons who come to reside in the Philippines or reach the age of eighteen (18)
years on or after the first (1st) day of July of any year, or who cease to belong to an
exempt class or after the same date, shall not be subject to the community tax for
that year.
 (b) Corporations established and organized on or before the last day of June shall be
liable for the community tax for that year. But corporations established and organized
on or before the last day of March shall have twenty (20) days within which to pay the
community tax without becoming delinquent. Corporations established and organized
on or after the first day of July shall not be subject to the community tax for that year.

If the tax is not paid within the time prescribed above, there shall be added to the unpaid
amount an interest of twenty-four percent (24%) per annum from the due date until it is paid.

Section 162. Community Tax Certificate. - A community tax certificate shall be issued to
every person or corporation upon payment of the community tax. A community tax certificate
may also be issued to any person or corporation not subject to the community tax upon
payment of One peso (P1.00).

Section 163. Presentation of Community Tax Certificate On Certain Occasions. -

(a) When an individual subject to the community tax acknowledges any document
before a notary public, takes the oath of office upon election or appointment to any
position in the government service; receives any license, certificate. or permit from
any public authority; pays any tax or free; receives any money from any public fund;
transacts other official business; or receives any salary or wage from any person or
corporation with whom such transaction is made or business done or from whom any
salary or wage is received to require such individual to exhibit the community tax
certificate.

The presentation of community tax certificate shall not be required in connection with
the registration of a voter.

(b) When, through its authorized officers, any corporation subject to the community
tax receives any license, certificate, or permit from any public authority, pays any tax
or fee, receives money from public funds, or transacts other official business, it shall
be the duty of the public official with whom such transaction is made or business
done, to require such corporation to exhibit the community tax certificate.

(c) The community tax certificate required in the two preceding paragraphs shall be
the one issued for the current year, except for the period from January until the
fifteenth (15th) of April each year, in which case, the certificate issued for the
preceding year shall suffice.

Section 164. Printing of Community Tax Certificates and Distribution of Proceeds. -

(a) The Bureau of Internal Revenue shall cause the printing of community tax
certificates and distribute the same to the cities and municipalities through the city
and municipal treasurers in accordance with prescribed regulations.

The proceeds of the tax shall accrue to the general funds of the cities, municipalities
and barangays except a portion thereof which shall accrue to the general fund of the
national government to cover the actual cost of printing and distribution of the forms
and other related expenses. The city or municipal treasurer concerned shall remit to
the national treasurer the said share of the national government in the proceeds of
the tax within ten (10) days after the end of each quarter.
 (b) The city or municipal treasurer shall deputize the barangay treasurer to collect the
community tax in their respective jurisdictions: Provided, however, That said
barangay treasurer shall be bonded in accordance with existing laws.

(c) The proceeds of the community tax actually and directly collected by the city or
municipal treasurer shall accrue entirely to the general fund of the city or municipality
concerned. However, proceeds of the community tax collected through the barangay
treasurers shall be apportioned as follows:

(1) Fifty percent (50%) shall accrue to the general fund of the city or
municipality concerned; and

(2) Fifty percent (50%) shall accrue to the barangay where the tax is
collected.

CHAPTER III
Collection of Taxes

Section 165. Tax Period and Manner of Payment. - Unless otherwise provided in this Code,
the tax period of all local taxes, fees and charges shall be the calendar year. Such taxes,
fees and charges may be paid in quarterly installments.

Section 166. Accrual of Tax. - Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all local taxes, fees,
and charges shall accrue on the first (1st) day of January of each year. However, new taxes,
fees or charges, or changes in the rates thereof, shall accrue on the first (1st) day of the
quarter next following the effectivity of the ordinance imposing such new levies or rates.

Section 167. Time of Payment. - Unless otherwise provided in this Code, all local taxes,
fees, and charges shall be paid within the first twenty (20) days of January or of each
subsequent quarter, as the case may be. The sanggunian concerned may, for a justifiable
reason or cause, extend the time for payment of such taxes, fees, or charges without
surcharges or penalties, but only for a period not exceeding six (6) months.

Section 168. Surcharges and Penalties on Unpaid Taxes, Fees, or Charges. - The
sanggunian may impose a surcharge not exceeding twenty-five (25%) of the amount of
taxes, fees or charges not paid on time and an interest at the rate not exceeding two percent
(2%) per month of the unpaid taxes, fees or charges including surcharges, until such amount
is fully paid but in no case shall the total thirty-six (36%) months.

Section 169. Interests on Other Unpaid Revenues. - Where the amount of any other
revenue due a local government unit, except voluntary contributions or donations, is not paid
on the date fixed in the ordinance, or in the contract, expressed or implied, or upon the
occurrence of the event which has given rise to its collection, there shall be collected as part
of that amount an interest thereon at the rate not exceeding two percent (2%) per month
from the date it is due until it is paid, but in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid
amount or a portion thereof exceed thirty-six (36) months.

Section 170. Collection of Local Revenue by Treasurer. - All local taxes, fees, and charges
shall be collected by the provincial, city, municipal, or barangay treasurer, or their duly
authorized deputies.
The provincial, city or municipal treasurer may designate the barangay treasurer as his
deputy to collect local taxes, fees, or charges. In case a bond is required for the purpose, the
provincial, city or municipal government shall pay the premiums thereon in addition to the
premiums of bond that may be required under this Code.

Section 171. Examination of Books of Accounts and Pertinent Records of Businessmen by

Local Treasurer. - The provincial, city, municipal or barangay treasurer may, by himself or
through any of his deputies duly authorized in writing, examine the books, accounts, and
other pertinent records of any person, partnership, corporation, or association subject to local
taxes, fees and charges in order to ascertain. assess, and collect the correct amount of the
tax, fee, or charge. Such examination shall be made during regular business hours, only
once for every tax period, and shall be certified to by the examining official. Such certificate
shall be made of record in the books of accounts of the taxpayer examined.

In case the examination herein authorized is made by a duly authorized deputy of the local
treasurer, the written authority of the deputy concerned shall specifically state the name,
address, and business of the taxpayer whose books, accounts, and pertinent records are to
be examined, the date and place of such examination and the procedure to be followed in
conducting the same.

For this purpose, the records of the revenue district office of the Bureau of Internal Revenue
shall be made available to the local treasurer, his deputy or duly authorized representative.

CHAPTER IV
Civil Remedies for Collection of Revenues

Section 172. Application of Chapter. - The provisions of this Chapter and the remedies
provided hereon may be availed of for the collection of any delinquent local tax, fee, charge,
or other revenue.

Section 173. Local Government's Lien. - Local taxes, fees, charges and other revenues
constitute a lien, superior to all liens, charges or encumbrances in favor of any person,
enforceable by appropriate administrative or judicial action, not only upon any property or
rights therein which may be subject to the lien but also upon property used in business,
occupation, practice of profession or calling, or exercise of privilege with respect to which the
lien is imposed. The lien may only be extinguished upon full payment of the delinquent local
taxes fees and charges including related surcharges and interest.

Section 174. Civil Remedies. - The civil remedies for the collection of local taxes, fees, or
charges, and related surcharges and interest resulting from delinquency shall be:

(a) By administrative action thru distraint of goods, chattels, or effects, and other
personal property of whatever character, including stocks and other securities, debts,
credits, bank accounts, and interest in and rights to personal property, and by levy
upon real property and interest in or rights to real property;

(b) By judicial action.

Either of these remedies or all may be pursued concurrently or simultaneously at the

discretion of the local government unit concerned.
Section 175. Distraint of Personal Property. - The remedy by distraint shall proceed as
follows:

(a) Seizure - Upon failure of the person owing any local tax, fee, or charge to pay the
same at the time required, the local treasurer or his deputy may, upon written notice,
seize or confiscate any personal property belonging to that person or any personal
property subject to the lien in sufficient quantity to satisfy the tax, fee, or charge in
question, together with any increment thereto incident to delinquency and the
expenses of seizure. In such case, the local treasurer or his deputy shall issue a duly
authenticated certificate based upon the records of his office showing the fact of
delinquency and the amounts of the tax, fee, or charge and penalty due. Such
certificate shall serve as sufficient warrant for the distraint of personal property
aforementioned, subject to the taxpayer's right to claim exemption under the
provisions of existing laws. Distrained personal property shall be sold at public
auction in the manner hereon provided for.

(b) Accounting of distrained goods. - The officer executing the distraint shall make or
cause to be made an account of the goods, chattels or effects distrained, a copy of
which signed by himself shall be left either with the owner or person from whose
possession the goods, chattels or effects are taken, or at the dwelling or place or
business of that person and with someone of suitable age and discretion, to which
list shall be added a statement of the sum demanded and a note of the time and
place of sale.

(c) Publication - The officer shall forthwith cause a notification to be exhibited in not
less than three (3) public and conspicuous places in the territory of the local
government unit where the distraint is made, specifying the time and place of sale,
and the articles distrained. The time of sale shall not be less than twenty (20) days
after the notice to the owner or possessor of the property as above specified and the
publication or posting of the notice. One place for the posting of the notice shall be at
the office of the chief executive of the local government unit in which the property is
distrained.

(d) Release of distrained property upon payment prior to sale - If at any time prior to
the consummation of the sale, all the proper charges are paid to the officer
conducting the sale, the goods or effects distrained shall be restored to the owner.

(e) Procedure of sale - At the time and place fixed in the notice, the officer
conducting the sale shall sell the goods or effects so distrained at public auction to
the highest bidder for cash. Within five (5) days after the sale, the local treasurer
shall make a report of the proceedings in writing to the local chief executive
concerned.

Should the property distrained be not disposed of within one hundred and twenty
(120) days from the date of distraint, the same shall be considered as sold to the
local government unit concerned for the amount of the assessment made thereon by
the Committee on Appraisal and to the extent of the same amount, the tax
delinquencies shall be cancelled.

Said Committee on Appraisal shall be composed of the city or municipal treasurer as

chairman, with a representative of the Commission on Audit and the city or municipal
assessor as members.
 (f) Disposition of proceeds - The proceeds of the sale shall be applied to satisfy the
tax, including the surcharges, interest, and other penalties incident to delinquency,
and the expenses of the distraint and sale. The balance over and above what is
required to pay the entire claim shall be returned to the owner of the property sold.
The expenses chargeable upon the seizure and sale shall embrace only the actual
expenses of seizure and preservation of the property pending the sale, and no
charge shall be imposed for the services of the local officer or his deputy. Where the
proceeds of the sale are insufficient to satisfy the claim, other property may, in like
manner, be distrained until the full amount due, including all expenses, is collected.

Section 176. Levy on Real Property. - After the expiration of the time required to pay the
delinquent tax, fee, or charge, real property may be levied on before, simultaneously, or after
the distraint of personal property belonging to the delinquent taxpayer. To this end, the
provincial, city or municipal treasurer, as the case may be, shall prepare a duly authenticated
certificate showing the name of the taxpayer and the amount of the tax, fee, or charge, and
penalty due from him. Said certificate shall operate with the force of a legal execution
throughout the Philippines. Levy shall be effected by writing upon said certificate the
description of the property upon which levy is made. At the same time, written notice of the
levy shall be mailed to or served upon the assessor and the Register of Deeds of the
province or city where the property is located who shall annotate the levy on the tax
declaration and certificate of title of the property, respectively, and the delinquent taxpayer
or, if he be absent from the Philippines, to his agent or the manager of the business in
respect to which the liability arose, or if there be none, to the occupant of the property in
question.

In case the levy on real property is not issued before or simultaneously with the warrant of
distraint on personal property, and the personal property of the taxpayer is not sufficient to
satisfy his delinquency, the provincial, city or municipal treasurer, as the case may be, shall
within thirty (30) days after execution of the distraint, proceed with the levy on the taxpayer's
real property.

A report on any levy shall, within ten (10) days after receipt of the warrant, be submitted by
the levying officer to the sanggunian concerned.

Section 177. Penalty for Failure to Issue and Execute Warrant. - Without prejudice to
criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code and other applicable laws, any local
treasurer who fails to issue or execute the warrant of distraint or levy after the expiration of
the time prescribed, or who is found guilty of abusing the exercise thereof by competent
authority shall be automatically dismissed from the service after due notice and hearing.

Section 178. Advertisement and Sale. - Within thirty (30) days after the levy, the local
treasurer shall proceed to publicly advertise for sale or auction the property or a usable
portion thereof as may be necessary to satisfy the claim and cost of sale; and such
advertisement shall cover a period of at least thirty (30) days. It shall be effected by posting a
notice at the main entrance of the municipal building or city hall, and in a public and
conspicuous place in the barangay where the real property is located, and by publication
once a week for three (3) weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province, city or
municipality where the property is located. The advertisement shall contain the amount of
taxes, fees or charges, and penalties due thereon, and the time and place of sale, the name
of the taxpayer against whom the taxes, fees, or charges are levied, and a short description
of the property to be sold. At any time before the date fixed for the sale, the taxpayer may
stay they proceedings by paying the taxes, fees, charges, penalties and interests. If he fails
to do so, the sale shall proceed and shall be held either at the main entrance of the
provincial, city or municipal building, or on the property to be sold, or at any other place as
determined by the local treasurer conducting the sale and specified in the notice of sale.

Within thirty (30) days after the sale, the local treasurer or his deputy shall make a report of
the sale to the sanggunian concerned, and which shall form part of his records. After
consultation with the sanggunian, the local treasurer shall make and deliver to the purchaser
a certificate of sale, showing the proceeding of the sale, describing the property sold, stating
the name of the purchaser and setting out the exact amount of all taxes, fees, charges, and
related surcharges, interests, or penalties: Provided, however, That any excess in the
proceeds of the sale over the claim and cost of sales shall be turned over to the owner of the
property.

The local treasurer may, by ordinance duly approved, advance an amount sufficient to defray
the costs of collection by means of the remedies provided for in this Title, including the
preservation or transportation in case of personal property, and the advertisement and
subsequent sale, in cases of personal and real property including improvements thereon.

Section 179. Redemption of Property Sold. - Within one (1) year from the date of sale, the
delinquent taxpayer or his representative shall have the right to redeem the property upon
payment to the local treasurer of the total amount of taxes, fees, or charges, and related
surcharges, interests or penalties from the date of delinquency to the date of sale, plus
interest of not more than two percent (2%) per month on the purchase price from the date of
purchase to the date of redemption. Such payment shall invalidate the certificate of sale
issued to the purchaser and the owner shall be entitled to a certificate of redemption from the
provincial, city or municipal treasurer or his deputy.

The provincial, city or municipal treasurer or his deputy, upon surrender by the purchaser of
the certificate of sale previously issued to him, shall forthwith return to the latter the entire
purchase price paid by him plus the interest of not more than two percent (2%) per month
herein provided for, the portion of the cost of sale and other legitimate expenses incurred by
him, and said property thereafter shall be free from the lien of such taxes, fees, or charges,
related surcharges, interests, and penalties.

The owner shall not, however, be deprived of the possession of said property and shall be
entitled to the rentals and other income thereof until the expiration of the time allowed for its
redemption.

Section 180. Final Deed to Purchaser. - In case the taxpayer fails to redeem the property as
provided herein, the local treasurer shall execute a deed conveying to the purchaser so
much of the property as has been sold, free from liens of any taxes, fees, charges, related
surcharges, interests, and penalties. The deed shall succinctly recite all the proceedings
upon which the validity of the sale depends.

Section 181. Purchase of Property By the Local Government Units for Want of Bidder. - In
case there is no bidder for the real property advertised for sale as provided herein, or if the
highest bid is for an amount insufficient to pay the taxes, fees, or charges, related
surcharges, interests, penalties and costs, the local treasurer conducting the sale shall
purchase the property in behalf of the local government unit concerned to satisfy the claim
and within two (2) days thereafter shall make a report of his proceedings which shall be
reflected upon the records of his office. It shall be the duty of the Registrar of Deeds
concerned upon registration with his office of any such declaration of forfeiture to transfer the
title of the forfeited property to the local government unit concerned without the necessity of
an order from a competent court.

Within one (1) year from the date of such forfeiture, the taxpayer or any of his representative,
may redeem the property by paying to the local treasurer the full amount of the taxes, fees,
charges, and related surcharges, interests, or penalties, and the costs of sale. If the property
is not redeemed as provided herein, the ownership thereof shall be fully vested on the local
government unit concerned.

Section 182. Resale of Real Estate Taken for Taxes, Fees, or Charges. - The sanggunian
concerned may, by ordinance duly approved, and upon notice of not less than twenty (20)
days, sell and dispose of the real property acquired under the preceding section at public
auction. The proceeds of the sale shall accrue to the general fund of the local government
unit concerned.

Section 183. Collection of Delinquent Taxes, Fees, Charges or other Revenues through
Judicial Action. - The local government unit concerned may enforce the collection of
delinquent taxes, fees, charges or other revenues by civil action in any court of competent
jurisdiction. The civil action shall be filed by the local treasurer within the period prescribed in
Section 194 of this Code.

Section 184. Further Distraint or Levy. - The remedies by distraint and levy may be repeated
if necessary until the full amount due, including all expenses, is collected.

Section 185. Personal Property Exempt from Distraint or Levy. - The following property shall
be exempt from distraint and the levy, attachment or execution thereof for delinquency in the
payment of any local tax, fee or charge, including the related surcharge and interest:

(a) Tools and implements necessarily used by the delinquent taxpayer in his trade or
employment;

(b) One (1) horse, cow, carabao, or other beast of burden, such as the delinquent
taxpayer may select, and necessarily used by him in his ordinary occupation;

(c) His necessary clothing, and that of all his family;

(d) Household furniture and utensils necessary for housekeeping and used for that
purpose by the delinquent taxpayer, such as he may select, of a value not exceeding
Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00);

(e) Provisions, including crops, actually provided for individual or family use sufficient
for four (4) months;

(f) The professional libraries of doctors, engineers, lawyers and judges;

(g) One fishing boat and net, not exceeding the total value of Ten thousand pesos
(P10,000.00), by the lawful use of which a fisherman earns his livelihood; and

(h) Any material or article forming part of a house or improvement of any real
property.
 CHAPTER V
Miscellaneous Provisions

Section 186. Power To Levy Other Taxes, Fees or Charges. - Local government units may
exercise the power to levy taxes, fees or charges on any base or subject not otherwise
specifically enumerated herein or taxed under the provisions of the National Internal
Revenue Code, as amended, or other applicable laws: Provided, That the taxes, fees, or
charges shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, confiscatory or contrary to declared
national policy: Provided, further, That the ordinance levying such taxes, fees or charges
shall not be enacted without any prior public hearing conducted for the purpose.

Section 187. Procedure for Approval and Effectivity of Tax, Ordinances and Revenue
Measures; Mandatory Public Hearings. - The procedure for approval of local tax ordinances
and revenue measures shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Code: Provided,
That public hearings shall be conducted for the purpose prior to the enactment thereof:
Provided, further, That any question on the constitutionality or legality of tax ordinances or
revenue measures may be raised on appeal within thirty (30) days from the effectivity thereof
to the Secretary of Justice who shall render a decision within sixty (60) days from the date of
receipt of the appeal: Provided, however, That such appeal shall not have the effect of
suspending the effectivity of the ordinance and the accrual and payment of the tax, fee, or
charge levied therein: Provided, finally, That within thirty (30) days after receipt of the
decision or the lapse of the sixty-day period without the Secretary of Justice acting upon the
appeal, the aggrieved party may file appropriate proceedings with a court of competent
jurisdiction.

Section 188. Publication of Tax Ordinances and Revenue Measures. - Within ten (10) days
after their approval, certified true copies of all provincial, city, and municipal tax ordinances
or revenue measures shall be published in full for three (3) consecutive days in a newspaper
of local circulation: Provided, however, That in provinces, cities and municipalities where
there are no newspapers of local circulation, the same may be posted in at least two (2)
conspicuous and publicly accessible places.

Section 189. Furnishing of Copies of Tax Ordinances and Revenue Measures. - Copies of
all provincial, city, and municipal and barangay tax ordinances and revenue measures shall
be furnished the respective local treasurers for public dissemination.

Section 190. Attempt to Enforce Void or Suspended Tax Ordinances and revenue
measures. - The enforcement of any tax ordinance or revenue measure after due notice of
the disapproval or suspension thereof shall be sufficient ground for administrative disciplinary
action against the local officials and employees responsible therefor.

Section 191. Authority of Local Government Units to Adjust Rates of Tax Ordinances. -
Local government units shall have the authority to adjust the tax rates as prescribed herein
not oftener than once every five (5) years, but in no case shall such adjustment exceed ten
percent (10%) of the rates fixed under this Code.

Section 192. Authority to Grant Tax Exemption Privileges. - Local government units may,
through ordinances duly approved, grant tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs under such
terms and conditions as they may deem necessary.

Section 193. Withdrawal of Tax Exemption Privileges. - Unless otherwise provided in this
Code, tax exemptions or incentives granted to, or presently enjoyed by all persons, whether
natural or juridical, including government-owned or controlled corporations, except local
water districts, cooperatives duly registered under R.A. No. 6938, non-stock and non-profit
hospitals and educational institutions, are hereby withdrawn upon the effectivity of this Code.

CHAPTER VI
Taxpayer's Remedies

Section 194. Periods of Assessment and Collection. -

(a) Local taxes, fees, or charges shall be assessed within five (5) years from the date
they became due. No action for the collection of such taxes, fees, or charges,
whether administrative or judicial, shall be instituted after the expiration of such
period: Provided, That. taxes, fees or charges which have accrued before the
effectivity of this Code may be assessed within a period of three (3) years from the
date they became due.

(b) In case of fraud or intent to evade the payment of taxes, fees, or charges, the
same may be assessed within ten (10) years from discovery of the fraud or intent to
evade payment.

(c) Local taxes, fees, or charges may be collected within five (5) years from the date
of assessment by administrative or judicial action. No such action shall be instituted
after the expiration of said period: Provided, however, That, taxes, fees or charges
assessed before the effectivity of this Code may be collected within a period of three
(3) years from the date of assessment.

(d) The running of the periods of prescription provided in the preceding paragraphs
shall be suspended for the time during which:

(1) The treasurer is legally prevented from making the assessment of

collection;

(2) The taxpayer requests for a reinvestigation and executes a waiver in

writing before expiration of the period within which to assess or collect; and

(3) The taxpayer is out of the country or otherwise cannot be located.

Section 195. Protest of Assessment. - When the local treasurer or his duly authorized
representative finds that correct taxes, fees, or charges have not been paid, he shall issue a
notice of assessment stating the nature of the tax, fee, or charge, the amount of deficiency,
the surcharges, interests and penalties. Within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the notice
of assessment, the taxpayer may file a written protest with the local treasurer contesting the
assessment; otherwise, the assessment shall become final and executory. The local
treasurer shall decide the protest within sixty (60) days from the time of its filing. If the local
treasurer finds the protest to be wholly or partly meritorious, he shall issue a notice
cancelling wholly or partially the assessment. However, if the local treasurer finds the
assessment to be wholly or partly correct, he shall deny the protest wholly or partly with
notice to the taxpayer. The taxpayer shall have thirty (30) days from the receipt of the denial
of the protest or from the lapse of the sixty (60) day period prescribed herein within which to
appeal with the court of competent jurisdiction otherwise the assessment becomes
conclusive and unappealable.
Section 196. Claim for Refund of Tax Credit. - No case or proceeding shall be maintained in
any court for the recovery of any tax, fee, or charge erroneously or illegally collected until a
written claim for refund or credit has been filed with the local treasurer. No case or
proceeding shall be entertained in any court after the expiration of two (2) years from the
date of the payment of such tax, fee, or charge, or from the date the taxpayer is entitled to a
refund or credit.

TITLE II
REAL PROPERTY TAXATION

CHAPTER I
General Provisions

Section 197. Scope. - This Title shall govern the administration, appraisal, assessment, levy
and collection of real property tax.

Section 198. Fundamental Principles. - The appraisal, assessment, levy and collection of
real property tax shall be guided by the following fundamental principles:

(a) Real property shall be appraised at its current and fair market value;

(b) Real property shall be classified for assessment purposes on the basis of its
actual use;

(c) Real property shall be assessed on the basis of a uniform classification within
each local government unit;

(d) The appraisal, assessment, levy and collection of real property tax shall not be let
to any private person; and

(e) The appraisal and assessment of real property shall be equitable.

Section 199. Definitions. - When used in this Title:

(a) "Acquisition Cost" for newly-acquired machinery not yet depreciated and
appraised within the year of its purchase, refers to the actual cost of the machinery to
its present owner, plus the cost of transportation, handling, and installation at the
present site;

(b) "Actual Use" refers to the purpose for which the property is principally or
predominantly utilized by the person in possession thereof;

(c) "Ad Valorem Tax" is a levy on real property determined on the basis of a fixed
proportion of the value of the property;

(d) "Agricultural Land" is land devoted principally to the planting of trees, raising of
crops, livestock and poultry, dairying, salt making, inland fishing and similar
aquacultural activities, and other agricultural activities, and is not classified as
mineral, timber, residential, commercial or industrial land;
(e) "Appraisal" is the act or process of determining the value of property as of a
specified date for a specific purpose;

(f) "Assessment" is the act or process of determining the value of a property, or

proportion thereof subject to tax, including the discovery, listing, classification, and
appraisal of properties;

(g) "Assessment Level" is the percentage applied to the fair market value to
determine the taxable value of the property;

(h) "Assessed Value" is the fair market value of the real property multiplied by the
assessment level. It is synonymous to taxable value;

(i) "Commercial Land" is land devoted principally for the object of profit and is not
classified as agricultural, industrial, mineral, timber, or residential land;

(j) "Depreciated Value" is the value remaining after deducting depreciation from the
acquisition cost;

(k) "Economic Life" is the estimated period over which it is anticipated that a
machinery or equipment may be profitably utilized;

(l) "Fair Market Value" is the price at which a property may be sold by a seller who is
not compelled to sell and bought by a buyer who is not compelled to buy;

(m) "Improvement" is a valuable addition made to a property or an amelioration in its

condition, amounting to more than a mere repair or replacement of parts involving
capital expenditures and labor, which is intended to enhance its value, beauty or
utility or to adapt it for new or further purposes;

(n) "Industrial Land" is land devoted principally to industrial activity as capital

investment and is not classified as agricultural, commercial, timber, mineral or
residential land;

(o) "Machinery" embraces machines, equipment, mechanical contrivances,

instruments, appliances or apparatus which may or may not be attached,
permanently or temporarily, to the real property. It includes the physical facilities for
production, the installations and appurtenant service facilities, those which are
mobile, self-powered or self-propelled, and those not permanently attached to the
real property which are actually, directly, and exclusively used to meet the needs of
the particular industry, business or activity and which by their very nature and
purpose are designed for, or necessary to its manufacturing, mining, logging,
commercial, industrial or agricultural purposes;

(p) "Mineral Lands" are lands in which minerals, metallic or non-metallic, exist in
sufficient quantity or grade to justify the necessary expenditures to extract and utilize
such materials;

(q) "Reassessment" is the assigning of new assessed values to property, particularly

real estate, as the result of a general, partial, or individual reappraisal of the property;
 (r) "Remaining Economic Life" is the period of time expressed in years from the date
of appraisal to the date when the machinery becomes valueless;

(s) "Remaining Value" is the value corresponding to the remaining useful life of the
machinery;

(t) "Replacement or Reproduction Cost" is the cost that would be incurred on the
basis of current prices, in acquiring an equally desirable substitute property, or the
cost of reproducing a new replica of the property on the basis of current prices with
the same or closely similar material; and

(u) "Residential Land" is land principally devoted to habitation.

Section 200. Administration of the Real Property Tax. - The provinces and cities, including
the municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area, shall be primarily responsible for the
proper, efficient and effective administration of the real property tax.

CHAPTER II
Appraisal and Assessment of Real Property

Section 201. Appraisal of Real Property. - All real property, whether taxable or exempt, shall
be appraised at the current and fair market value prevailing in the locality where the property
is situated. The Department of Finance shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
for the classification, appraisal, and assessment of real property pursuant to the provisions of
this Code.

Section 202. Declaration of real Property by the Owner or Administrator. - It shall be the duty
of all persons, natural or juridical, owning or administering real property, including the
improvements therein, within a city or municipality, or their duly authorized representative, to
prepare, or cause to be prepared, and file with the provincial, city or municipal assessor, a
sworn statement declaring the true value of their property, whether previously declared or
undeclared, taxable or exempt, which shall be the current and fair market value of the
property, as determined by the declarant. Such declaration shall contain a description of the
property sufficient in detail to enable the assessor or his deputy to identify the same for
assessment purposes. The sworn declaration of real property herein referred to shall be filed
with the assessor concerned once every three (3) years during the period from January first
(1st) to June thirtieth (30th) commencing with the calendar year 1992.

Section 203. Duty of Person Acquiring Real Property or Making Improvement Thereon. - It
shall also be the duty of any person, or his authorized representative, acquiring at any time
real property in any municipality or city or making any improvement on real property, to
prepare, or cause to be prepared, and file with the provincial, city or municipal assessor, a
sworn statement declaring the true value of subject property, within sixty (60) days after the
acquisition of such property or upon completion or occupancy of the improvement, whichever
comes earlier.

Section 204. Declaration of Real Property by the Assessor. - When any person, natural or
juridical, by whom real property is required to be declared under Section 202 hereof, refuses
or fails for any reason to make such declaration within the time prescribed, the provincial, city
or municipal assessor shall himself declare the property in the name of the defaulting owner,
if known, or against an unknown owner, as the case may be, and shall assess the property
for taxation in accordance with the provision of this Title. No oath shall be required of a
declaration thus made by the provincial, city or municipal assessor.

Section 205. Listing of Real Property in the Assessment Rolls. -

(a) In every province and city, including the municipalities within the Metropolitan
Manila Area, there shall be prepared and maintained by the provincial, city or
municipal assessor an assessment roll wherein shall be listed all real property,
whether taxable or exempt, located within the territorial jurisdiction of the local
government unit concerned. Real property shall be listed, valued and assessed in the
name of the owner or administrator, or anyone having legal interest in the property.

(b) The undivided real property of a deceased person may be listed, valued and
assessed in the name of the estate or of the heirs and devisees without designating
them individually; and undivided real property other than that owned by a deceased
may be listed, valued and assessed in the name of one or more co-owners:
Provided, however, That such heir, devisee, or co-owner shall be liable severally and
proportionately for all obligations imposed by this Title and the payment of the real
property tax with respect to the undivided property.

(c) The real property of a corporation, partnership, or association shall be listed,

valued and assessed in the same manner as that of an individual.

(d) Real property owned by the Republic of the Philippines, its instrumentalities and
political subdivisions, the beneficial use of which has been granted, for consideration
or otherwise, to a taxable person, shall be listed, valued and assessed in the name of
the possessor, grantee or of the public entity if such property has been acquired or
held for resale or lease.

Section 206. Proof of Exemption of Real Property from Taxation. - Every person by or for
whom real property is declared, who shall claim tax exemption for such property under this
Title shall file with the provincial, city or municipal assessor within thirty (30) days from the
date of the declaration of real property sufficient documentary evidence in support of such
claim including corporate charters, title of ownership, articles of incorporation, by-laws,
contracts, affidavits, certifications and mortgage deeds, and similar documents.

If the required evidence is not submitted within the period herein prescribed, the property
shall be listed as taxable in the assessment roll. However, if the property shall be proven to
be tax exempt, the same shall be dropped from the assessment roll.

Section 207. Real Property Identification System. - All declarations of real property made
under the provisions of this Title shall be kept and filed under a uniform classification system
to be established by the provincial, city or municipal assessor.

Section 208. Notification of Transfer of Real Property Ownership. - Any person who shall
transfer real property ownership to another shall notify the provincial, city or municipal
assessor concerned within sixty (60) days from the date of such transfer. The notification
shall include the mode of transfer, the description of the property alienated, the name and
address of the transferee.

Section 209. Duty of Registrar of Deeds to Appraise Assessor of Real Property Listed in
Registry. -
 (a) To ascertain whether or not any real property entered in the Registry of Property
has escaped discovery and listing for the purpose of taxation, the Registrar of Deeds
shall prepare and submit to the provincial, city or municipal assessor, within six (6)
months from the date of effectivity of this Code and every year thereafter, an abstract
of his registry, which shall include brief but sufficient description of the real properties
entered therein, their present owners, and the dates of their most recent transfer or
alienation accompanied by copies of corresponding deeds of sale, donation, or
partition or other forms of alienation.

(b) It shall also be the duty of the Registrar of Deeds to require every person who
shall present for registration a document of transfer, alienation, or encumbrance of
real property to accompany the same with a certificate to the effect that the real
property subject of the transfer, alienation, or encumbrance, as the case may be, has
been fully paid of all real property taxes due thereon. Failure to provide such
certificate shall be a valid cause for the Registrar of Deeds to refuse the registration
of the document.

Section 210. Duty of Official Issuing Building Permit or Certificate of Registration of

Machinery to Transmit Copy to Assessor. - Any public official or employee who may now or
hereafter be required by law or regulation to issue to any person a permit for the
construction, addition, repair, or renovation of a building, or permanent improvement on land,
or a certificate of registration for any machinery, including machines, mechanical
contrivances, and apparatus attached or affixed on land or to another real property, shall
transmit a copy of such permit or certificate within thirty (30) days of its issuance, to the
assessor of the province, city or municipality where the property is situated.

Section 211. Duty of Geodetic Engineers to Furnish Copy of Plans to Assessor. - It shall be
the duty of all geodetic engineers, public or private, to furnish free of charge to the assessor
of the province, city or municipality where the land is located with a white or blue print copy
of each of all approved original or subdivision plans or maps of surveys executed by them
within thirty (30) days from receipt of such plans from the Lands Management Bureau, the
Land Registration Authority, or the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, as the case
may be.

Section 212. Preparation of Schedule of Fair Market Values. - Before any general revision of
property assessment is made pursuant to the provisions of this Title, there shall be prepared
a schedule of fair market values by the provincial, city and municipal assessor of the
municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area for the different classes of real property
situated in their respective local government units for enactment by ordinance of the
sanggunian concerned. The schedule of fair market values shall be published in a
newspaper of general circulation in the province, city or municipality concerned or in the
absence thereof, shall be posted in the provincial capitol, city or municipal hall and in two
other conspicuous public places therein.

Section 213. Authority of Assessor to Take Evidence. - For the purpose of obtaining
information on which to base the market value of any real property, the assessor of the
province, city or municipality or his deputy may summon the owners of the properties to be
affected or persons having legal interest therein and witnesses, administer oaths, and take
deposition concerning the property, its ownership, amount, nature, and value.

Section 214. Amendment of Schedule of Fair Market Values. - The provincial, city or
municipal assessor may recommend to the sanggunian concerned amendments to correct
errors in valuation in the schedule of fair market values. The sanggunian concerned shall, by
ordinance, act upon the recommendation within ninety (90) days from receipt thereof.

Section 215. Classes of Real Property for Assessment Purposes. - For purposes of
assessment, real property shall be classified as residential, agricultural, commercial,
industrial, mineral, timberland or special.

The city or municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, through their respective
sanggunian, shall have the power to classify lands as residential, agricultural, commercial,
industrial, mineral, timberland, or special in accordance with their zoning ordinances.

Section 216. Special Classes of Real Property. - All lands, buildings, and other
improvements thereon actually, directly and exclusively used for hospitals, cultural, or
scientific purposes, and those owned and used by local water districts, and government-
owned or controlled corporations rendering essential public services in the supply and
distribution of water and/or generation and transmission of electric power shall be classified
as special.

Section 217. Actual Use of Real Property as Basis for Assessment. - Real property shall be
classified, valued and assessed on the basis of its actual use regardless of where located,
whoever owns it, and whoever uses it.

Section 218. Assessment Levels. - The assessment levels to be applied to the fair market
value of real property to determine its assessed value shall be fixed by ordinances of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan of a
municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, at the rates not exceeding the following:

(a) On Lands:

CLASS ASSESSMENT LEVELS

Residential 20%

Agricultural 40%

Commercial 50%

Industrial 50%

Mineral 50%

Timberland 20%

(b) On Buildings and Other Structures:

<td
</td
(1) Residential
Fair market Value
 Over Not Over Assessment Levels

P175,000.00 0%

P175,000.00 300,000.00 10%

300,000.00 500,000.00 20%

500,000.00 750,000.00 25%

750,000.00 1,000,000.00 30%

1,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 35%

2,000,000.00 5,000,000.00 40%

5,000,000.00 10,000,000.00 50%

10,000,000.00 60%

(2) Agricultural
Fair Market Value

Over Not Over Assessment Levels

P300,000.00 25%

P300,000.00 500,000.00 30%

500,000.00 750,000.00 35%

750,000.00 1,000,000.00 40%

1,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 45%

2,000,000.00 50%

(3) Commercial / Industrial

Fair Market Value

Over Not Over Assessment Levels

P300,000.00 30%

P300,000.00 500,000.00 35%

500,000.00 750,000.00 40%

750,000.00 1,000,000.00 50%

1,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 60%

2,000,000.00 5,000,000.00 70%

5,000,000.00 10,000,000.00 75%

10,000,000.00 80%
 (4) Timberland
Fair Market Value

Over Not Over Assessment Levels

P300,000.00 45%

P300,000.00 500,000.00 50%

500,000.00 750,000.00 55%

750,000.00 1,000,000.00 60%

5,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 65%

2,000,000.00 70%

(c) On Machineries

Class Assessment Levels

Agricultural 40%

Residential 50%

Commercial 80%

Industrial 80%

(d) On Special Classes: The assessment levels for all lands buildings, machineries
and other improvements;

Actual Use Assessment Level

Cultural 15%

Scientific 15%

Hospital 15%

Local water districts 10%

Government-owned or controlled 10%

corporations engaged in the supply and
distribution of water and/or generation
and transmission of electric power

Section 219. General Revision of Assessment and Property Classification. - The provincial,
city or municipal assessor shall undertake a general revision of real property assessments
within two (2) years after the effectivity of this Code and every three (3) years thereafter.
Section 220. Valuation of Real Property. - In cases where (a) real property is declared and
listed for taxation purposes for the first time; (b) there is an ongoing general revision of
property classification and assessment; or (c) a request is made by the person in whose
name the property is declared, the provincial, city or municipal assessor or his duly
authorized deputy shall, in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, make a
classification, appraisal and assessment or taxpayer's valuation thereon: Provided, however,
That the assessment of real property shall not be increased oftener than once every three (3)
years except in case of new improvements substantially increasing the value of said property
or of any change in its actual use.

Section 221. Date of Effectivity of Assessment or Reassessment. - All assessments or

reassessments made after the first (1st) day of January of any year shall take effect on the
first (1st) day of January of the succeeding year: Provided, however, That the reassessment
of real property due to its partial or total destruction, or to a major change in its actual use, or
to any great and sudden inflation or deflation of real property values, or to the gross illegality
of the assessment when made or to any other abnormal cause, shall be made within ninety
(90) days from the date any such cause or causes occurred, and shall take effect at the
beginning of the quarter next following the reassessment.

Section 222. Assessment of Property Subject to Back Taxes. - Real property declared for
the first time shall be assessed for taxes for the period during which it would have been liable
but in no case of more than ten (10) years prior to the date of initial assessment: Provided,
however, That such taxes shall be computed on the basis of the applicable schedule of
values in force during the corresponding period.

If such taxes are paid on or before the end of the quarter following the date the notice of
assessment was received by the owner or his representative, no interest for delinquency
shall be imposed thereon; otherwise, such taxes shall be subject to an interest at the rate of
two percent (2%) per month or a fraction thereof from the date of the receipt of the
assessment until such taxes are fully paid.

Section 223. Notification of New or Revised Assessment. - When real property is assessed
for the first time or when an existing assessment is increased or decreased, the provincial,
city or municipal assessor shall within thirty (30) days give written notice of such new or
revised assessment to the person in whose name the property is declared. The notice may
be delivered personally or by registered mail or through the assistance of the punong
barangay to the last known address of the person to be served.

Section 224. Appraisal and Assessment of Machinery. -

(a) The fair market value of a brand-new machinery shall be the acquisition cost. In
all other cases, the fair market value shall be determined by dividing the remaining
economic life of the machinery by its estimated economic life and multiplied by the
replacement or reproduction cost.

(b) If the machinery is imported, the acquisition cost includes freight, insurance, bank
and other charges, brokerage, arrastre and handling, duties and taxes, plus charges
at the present site. The cost in foreign currency of imported machinery shall be
converted to peso cost on the basis of foreign currency exchange rates as fixed by
the Central Bank.
Section 225. Depreciation Allowance for Machinery. - For purposes of assessment, a
depreciation allowance shall be made for machinery at a rate not exceeding five percent
(5%) of its original cost or its replacement or reproduction cost, as the case may be, for each
year of use: Provided, however, That the remaining value for all kinds of machinery shall be
fixed at not less than twenty percent (20%) of such original, replacement, or reproduction
cost for so long as the machinery is useful and in operation.

CHAPTER III
Assessment Appeals

Section 226. Local Board of Assessment Appeals. - Any owner or person having legal
interest in the property who is not satisfied with the action of the provincial, city or municipal
assessor in the assessment of his property may, within sixty (60) days from the date of
receipt of the written notice of assessment, appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals of
the provincial or city by filing a petition under oath in the form prescribed for the purpose,
together with copies of the tax declarations and such affidavits or documents submitted in
support of the appeal.

Section 227. Organization, Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Local Board of Assessment
Appeals. -

(a) The Board of Assessment Appeals of the province or city shall be composed of
the Registrar of Deeds, as Chairman, the provincial or city prosecutor and the
provincial, or city engineer as members, who shall serve as such in an ex officio
capacity without additional compensation.

(b) The chairman of the Board shall have the power to designate any employee of
the province or city to serve as secretary to the Board also without additional
compensation.

(c) The chairman and members of the Board of Assessment Appeals of the province
or city shall assume their respective positions without need of further appointment or
special designations immediately upon effectivity of this Code. They shall take oath
or affirmation of office in the prescribed form.

(d) In provinces and cities without a provincial or city engineer, the district engineer
shall serve as member of the Board. In the absence of the Registrar of Deeds, or the
provincial or city prosecutor, or the provincial or city engineer, or the district engineer,
the persons performing their duties, whether in an acting capacity or as a duly
designated officer-in-charge, shall automatically become the chairman or member,
respectively, of the said Board, as the case may be.

Section 228. Meetings and Expenses of the Local Board of Assessment Appeals. -

(a) The Board of Assessment Appeals of the province or city shall meet once a
month and as often as may be necessary for the prompt disposition of appealed
cases. No member of the Board shall be entitled to per diems or traveling expenses
for his attendance in Board meetings, except when conducting an ocular inspection
in connection with a case under appeal.

(b) All expenses of the Board shall be charged against the general fund of the
province or city, as the case may be. The sanggunian concerned shall appropriate
 the necessary funds to enable the Board in their respective localities to operate
effectively.

Section 229. Action by the Local Board of Assessment Appeals. -

(a) The Board shall decide the appeal within one hundred twenty (120) days from the
date of receipt of such appeal. The Board, after hearing, shall render its decision
based on substantial evidence or such relevant evidence on record as a reasonable
mind might accept as adequate to support the conclusion.

(b) In the exercise of its appellate jurisdiction, the Board shall have the power to
summon witnesses, administer oaths, conduct ocular inspection, take depositions,
and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum. The proceedings of the Board shall
be conducted solely for the purpose of ascertaining the facts without necessarily
adhering to technical rules applicable in judicial proceedings.

(c) The secretary of the Board shall furnish the owner of the property or the person
having legal interest therein and the provincial or city assessor with a copy of the
decision of the Board. In case the provincial or city assessor concurs in the revision
or the assessment, it shall be his duty to notify the owner of the property or the
person having legal interest therein of such fact using the form prescribed for the
purpose. The owner of the property or the person having legal interest therein or the
assessor who is not satisfied with the decision of the Board, may, within thirty (30)
days after receipt of the decision of said Board, appeal to the Central Board of
Assessment Appeals, as herein provided. The decision of the Central Board shall be
final and executory.

Section 230. Central Board of Assessment Appeals. - The Central Board of Assessment
Appeals shall be composed of a chairman, and two (2) members to be appointed by the
President, who shall serve for a term of seven (7) years, without reappointment. Of those first
appointed, the chairman shall hold office for seven (7) years, one member for five (5) years,
and the other member for three (3) years. Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the
unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor. In no case shall any member be appointed
or designated in a temporary or acting capacity. The chairman and the members of the
Board shall be Filipino citizens, at least forty (40) years old at the time of their appointment,
and members of the Bar or Certified Public Accountants for at least ten (10) years
immediately preceding their appointment. The chairman of the Board of Assessment Appeals
shall have the salary grade equivalent to the rank of Director III under the Salary
Standardization Law exclusive of allowances and other emoluments. The members of the
Board shall have the salary grade equivalent to the rank of Director II under the Salary
Standardization Law exclusive of allowances and other emoluments. The Board shall have
appellate jurisdiction over all assessment cases decided by the Local Board of Assessment
Appeals.

There shall be Hearing Officers to be appointed by the Central Board of Assessment

Appeals pursuant to civil service laws, rules and regulations, one each for Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao, who shall hold office in Manila, Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City,
respectively, and who shall serve for a term of six (6) years, without reappointment until their
successors have been appointed and qualified. The Hearing Officers shall have the same
qualifications as that of the Judges of the Municipal Trial Courts.
The Central Board Assessment Appeals, in the performance of its powers and duties, may
establish and organize staffs, offices, units, prescribe the titles, functions and duties of their
members and adopt its own rules and regulations.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the annual appropriations for the Central Board of
Assessment Appeals shall be included in the budget of the Department of Finance in the
corresponding General Appropriations Act.

Section 231. Effect of Appeal on the Payment of Real Property Tax. - Appeal on
assessments of real property made under the provisions of this Code shall, in no case,
suspend the collection of the corresponding realty taxes on the property involved as
assessed by the provincial or city assessor, without prejudice to subsequent adjustment
depending upon the final outcome of the appeal.

CHAPTER IV
Imposition of Real Property Tax

Section 232. Power to Levy Real Property Tax. - A province or city or a municipality within
the Metropolitan Manila Area my levy an annual ad valorem tax on real property such as
land, building, machinery, and other improvement not hereinafter specifically exempted.

Section 233. Rates of Levy. - A province or city or a municipality within the Metropolitan
Manila Area shall fix a uniform rate of basic real property tax applicable to their respective
localities as follows:

(a) In the case of a province, at the rate not exceeding one percent (1%) of the
assessed value of real property; and

(b) In the case of a city or a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, at the
rate not exceeding two percent (2%) of the assessed value of real property.

Section 234. Exemptions from Real Property Tax. - The following are exempted from
payment of the real property tax:

(a) Real property owned by the Republic of the Philippines or any of its political
subdivisions except when the beneficial use thereof has been granted, for
consideration or otherwise, to a taxable person;

(b) Charitable institutions, churches, parsonages or convents appurtenant thereto,

mosques, non-profit or religious cemeteries and all lands, buildings, and
improvements actually, directly, and exclusively used for religious, charitable or
educational purposes;

(c) All machineries and equipment that are actually, directly and exclusively used by
local water districts and government owned or controlled corporations engaged in the
supply and distribution of water and/or generation and transmission of electric power;

(d) All real property owned by duly registered cooperatives as provided for under
R.A. No. 6938; and

(e) Machinery and equipment used for pollution control and environmental protection.
 Except as provided herein, any exemption from payment of real property tax
previously granted to, or presently enjoyed by, all persons, whether natural or
juridical, including all government-owned or controlled corporations are hereby
withdrawn upon the effectivity of this Code.

CHAPTER V
Special Levies on Real Property

Section 235. Additional Levy on Real Property for the Special Education Fund. - A province
or city, or a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, may levy and collect an annual
tax of one percent (1%) on the assessed value of real property which shall be in addition to
the basic real property tax. The proceeds thereof shall exclusively accrue to the Special
Education Fund (SEF).

Section 236. Additional Ad Valorem Tax on Idle Lands. - A province or city, or a municipality
within the Metropolitan Manila Area, may levy an annual tax on idle lands at the rate not
exceeding five percent (5%) of the assessed value of the property which shall be in addition
to the basic real property tax.

Section 237. Idle Lands, Coverage. - For purposes of real property taxation, idle lands shall
include the following:

(a) Agricultural lands, more than one (1) hectare in area, suitable for cultivation,
dairying, inland fishery, and other agricultural uses, one-half (1/2) of which remain
uncultivated or unimproved by the owner of the property or person having legal
interest therein. Agricultural lands planted to permanent or perennial crops with at
least fifty (50) trees to a hectare shall not be considered idle lands. Lands actually
used for grazing purposes shall likewise not be considered idle lands.

(b) Lands, other than agricultural, located in a city or municipality, more than one
thousand (1,000) square meters in area one-half (1/2) of which remain unutilized or
unimproved by the owner of the property or person having legal interest therein.

Regardless of land area, this Section shall likewise apply to residential lots in subdivisions
duly approved by proper authorities, the ownership of which has been transferred to
individual owners, who shall be liable for the additional tax: Provided, however, That
individual lots of such subdivisions, the ownership of which has not been transferred to the
buyer shall be considered as part of the subdivision, and shall be subject to the additional tax
payable by subdivision owner or operator.

Section 238. Idle Lands Exempt from Tax. - A province or city or a municipality within the
Metropolitan Manila Area may exempt idle lands from the additional levy by reason of force
majeure, civil disturbance, natural calamity or any cause or circumstance which physically or
legally prevents the owner of the property or person having legal interest therein from
improving, utilizing or cultivating the same.

Section 239. Listing of Idle Lands by the Assessor. - The provincial, city or municipal
assessor shall make and keep an updated record of all idle lands located within his area of
jurisdiction. For purposes of collection, the provincial, city or municipal assessor shall furnish
a copy thereof to the provincial or city treasurer who shall notify, on the basis of such record,
the owner of the property or person having legal interest therein of the imposition of the
additional tax.
Section 240. Special Levy by Local Government Units. - A province, city or municipality may
impose a special levy on the lands comprised within its territorial jurisdiction specially
benefited by public works projects or improvements funded by the local government unit
concerned: Provided, however, That the special levy shall not exceed sixty percent (60%) of
the actual cost of such projects and improvements, including the costs of acquiring land and
such other real property in connection therewith: Provided, further, That the special levy shall
not apply to lands exempt from basic real property tax and the remainder of the land portions
of which have been donated to the local government unit concerned for the construction of
such projects or improvements.

Section 241. Ordinance Imposing a Special Levy. - A tax ordinance imposing a special levy
shall describe with reasonable accuracy the nature, extent, and location of the public works
projects or improvements to be undertaken, state the estimated cost thereof, specify the
metes and bounds by monuments and lines and the number of annual installments for the
payment of the special levy which in no case shall be less than five (5) nor more than ten
(10) years. The sanggunian concerned shall not be obliged, in the apportionment and
computation of the special levy, to establish a uniform percentage of all lands subject to the
payment of the tax for the entire district, but it may fix different rates for different parts or
sections thereof, depending on whether such land is more or less benefited by proposed
work.

Section 242. Publication of Proposed Ordinance Imposing a Special Levy. - Before the
enactment of an ordinance imposing a special levy, the sanggunian concerned shall conduct
a public hearing thereon; notify in writing the owners of the real property to be affected or the
persons having legal interest therein as to the date and place thereof and afford the latter the
opportunity to express their positions or objections relative to the proposed ordinance.

Section 243. Fixing the Amount of Special Levy. - The special levy authorized herein shall
be apportioned, computed, and assessed according to the assessed valuation of the lands
affected as shown by the books of the assessor concerned, or its current assessed value as
fixed by said assessor if the property does not appear of record in his books. Upon the
effectivity of the ordinance imposing special levy, the assessor concerned shall forthwith
proceed to determine the annual amount of special levy assessed against each parcel of
land comprised within the area especially benefited and shall send to each landowner a
written notice thereof by mail, personal service or publication in appropriate cases.

Section 244. Taxpayer's Remedies Against Special Levy. - Any owner of real property
affected by a special levy or any person having a legal interest therein may, upon receipt of
the written notice of assessment of the special levy, avail of the remedies provided for in
Chapter 3, Title Two, Book II of this Code.

Section 245. Accrual of Special Levy. - The special levy shall accrue on the first day of the
quarter next following the effectivity of the ordinance imposing such levy. law phil.net

CHAPTER VI
Collection of Real Property Tax

Section 246. Date of Accrual of Tax. - The real property tax for any year shall accrue on the
first day of January and from that date it shall constitute a lien on the property which shall be
superior to any other lien, mortgage, or encumbrance of any kind whatsoever, and shall be
extinguished only upon the payment of the delinquent tax.
Section 247. Collection of Tax. - The collection of the real property tax with interest thereon
and related expenses, and the enforcement of the remedies provided for in this Title or any
applicable laws, shall be the responsibility of the city or municipal treasurer concerned.

The city or municipal treasurer may deputize the barangay treasurer to collect all taxes on
real property located in the barangay: Provided, That the barangay treasurer is properly
bonded for the purpose: Provided, further, That the premium on the bond shall be paid by the
city or municipal government concerned.

Section 248. Assessor to Furnish Local Treasurer with Assessment Roll. - The provincial,
city or municipal assessor shall prepare and submit to the treasurer of the local government
unit, on or before the thirty-first (31st) day of December each year, an assessment roll
containing a list of all persons whose real properties have been newly assessed or
reassessed and the values of such properties.

Section 249. Notice of Time for Collection of Tax. - The city or municipal treasurer shall, on
or before the thirty-first (31st) day of January each year, in the case of the basic real property
tax and the additional tax for the Special Education Fund (SEF) or any other date to be
prescribed by the sanggunian concerned in the case of any other tax levied under this title,
post the notice of the dates when the tax may be paid without interest at a conspicuous and
publicly accessible place at the city or municipal hall. Said notice shall likewise be published
in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality once a week for two (2) consecutive
weeks.

Section 250. Payment of Real Property Taxes in Installments. - The owner of the real
property or the person having legal interest therein may pay the basic real property tax and
the additional tax for Special Education Fund (SEF) due thereon without interest in four (4)
equal installments; the first installment to be due and payable on or before March Thirty-first
(31st); the second installment, on or before June Thirty (30); the third installment, on or
before September Thirty (30); and the last installment on or before December Thirty-first
(31st), except the special levy the payment of which shall be governed by ordinance of the
sanggunian concerned.

The date for the payment of any other tax imposed under this Title without interest shall be
prescribed by the sanggunian concerned.

Payments of real property taxes shall first be applied to prior years delinquencies, interests,
and penalties, if any, and only after said delinquencies are settled may tax payments be
credited for the current period.

Section 251. Tax Discount for Advanced Prompt Payment. - If the basic real property tax
and the additional tax accruing to the Special Education Fund (SEF) are paid in advance in
accordance with the prescribed schedule of payment as provided under Section 250, the
sanggunian concerned may grant a discount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the
annual tax due.

Section 252. Payment Under Protest. -

(a) No protest shall be entertained unless the taxpayer first pays the tax. There shall
be annotated on the tax receipts the words "paid under protest". The protest in
writing must be filed within thirty (30) days from payment of the tax to the provincial,
 city treasurer or municipal treasurer, in the case of a municipality within Metropolitan
Manila Area, who shall decide the protest within sixty (60) days from receipt.

(b) The tax or a portion thereof paid under protest, shall be held in trust by the
treasurer concerned.

(c) In the event that the protest is finally decided in favor of the taxpayer, the amount
or portion of the tax protested shall be refunded to the protestant, or applied as tax
credit against his existing or future tax liability.

(d) In the event that the protest is denied or upon the lapse of the sixty day period
prescribed in subparagraph (a), the taxpayer may avail of the remedies as provided
for in Chapter 3, Title II, Book II of this Code.

Section 253. Repayment of Excessive Collections. - When an assessment of basic real

property tax, or any other tax levied under this Title, is found to be illegal or erroneous and
the tax is accordingly reduced or adjusted, the taxpayer may file a written claim for refund or
credit for taxes and interests with the provincial or city treasurer within two (2) years from the
date the taxpayer is entitled to such reduction or adjustment.

The provincial or city treasurer shall decide the claim for tax refund or credit within sixty (60)
days from receipt thereof. In case the claim for tax refund or credit is denied, the taxpayer
may avail of the remedies as provided in Chapter 3, Title II, Book II of this Code.

Section 254. Notice of Delinquency in the Payment of the Real Property Tax. -

(a) When the real property tax or any other tax imposed under this Title becomes
delinquent, the provincial, city or municipal treasurer shall immediately cause a
notice of the delinquency to be posted at the main hall and in a publicly accessible
and conspicuous place in each barangay of the local government unit concerned.
The notice of delinquency shall also be published once a week for two (2)
consecutive weeks, in a newspaper of general circulation in the province, city, or
municipality.

(b) Such notice shall specify the date upon which the tax became delinquent and
shall state that personal property may be distrained to effect payment. It shall
likewise state that any time before the distraint of personal property, payment of the
tax with surcharges, interests and penalties may be made in accordance with the
next following Section, and unless the tax, surcharges and penalties are paid before
the expiration of the year for which the tax is due except when the notice of
assessment or special levy is contested administratively or judicially pursuant to the
provisions of Chapter 3, Title II, Book II of this Code, the delinquent real property will
be sold at public auction, and the title to the property will be vested in the purchaser,
subject, however, to the right of the delinquent owner of the property or any person
having legal interest therein to redeem the property within one (1) year from the date
of sale.

Section 255. Interests on Unpaid Real Property Tax. - In case of failure to pay the basic real
property tax or any other tax levied under this Title upon the expiration of the periods as
provided in Section 250, or when due, as the case may be, shall subject the taxpayer to the
payment of interest at the rate of two percent (2%) per month on the unpaid amount or a
fraction thereof, until the delinquent tax shall have been fully paid: Provided, however, That
in no case shall the total interest on the unpaid tax or portion thereof exceed thirty-six (36)
months.

Section 256. Remedies For The Collection Of Real Property Tax. - For the collection of the
basic real property tax and any other tax levied under this Title, the local government unit
concerned may avail of the remedies by administrative action thru levy on real property or by
judicial action.

Section 257. Local Governments Lien. - The basic real property tax and any other tax levied
under this Title constitutes a lien on the property subject to tax, superior to all liens, charges
or encumbrances in favor of any person, irrespective of the owner or possessor thereof,
enforceable by administrative or judicial action, and may only be extinguished upon payment
of the tax and the related interests and expenses.

Section 258. Levy on Real Property. - After the expiration of the time required to pay the
basic real property tax or any other tax levied under this Title, real property subject to such
tax may be levied upon through the issuance of a warrant on or before, or simultaneously
with, the institution of the civil action for the collection of the delinquent tax. The provincial or
city treasurer, or a treasurer of a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area, as the
case may be, when issuing a warrant of levy shall prepare a duly authenticated certificate
showing the name of the delinquent owner of the property or person having legal interest
therein, the description of the property, the amount of the tax due and the interest thereon.
The warrant shall operate with the force of a legal execution throughout the province, city or
a municipality, within the Metropolitan Manila Area. The warrant shall be mailed to or served
upon the delinquent owner of the real property or person having legal interest therein, or in
case he is out of the country or cannot be located, the administrator or occupant of the
property. At the same time, written notice of the levy with the attached warrant shall be
mailed to or served upon the assessor and the Registrar of Deeds of the province, city or
municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area where the property is located, who shall
annotate the levy on the tax declaration and certificate of title of the property, respectively.

The levying officer shall submit a report on the levy to the sanggunian concerned within ten
(10) days after receipt of the warrant by the owner of the property or person having legal
interest therein.

Section 259. Penalty for Failure to Issue and Execute Warrant. - Without prejudice to
criminal prosecution under the Revised Penal Code and other applicable laws, any local
treasurer or his deputy who fails to issue or execute the warrant of levy within one (1) year
from the time the tax becomes delinquent or within thirty (30) days from the date of the
issuance thereof, or who is found guilty of abusing the exercise thereof in an administrative
or judicial proceeding shall be dismissed from the service.

Section 260. Advertisement and Sale. - Within thirty (30) days after service of the warrant of
levy, the local treasurer shall proceed to publicly advertise for sale or auction the property or
a usable portion thereof as may be necessary to satisfy the tax delinquency and expenses of
sale. The advertisement shall be effected by posting a notice at the main entrance of the
provincial, city or municipal building, and in a publicly accessible and conspicuous place in
the barangay where the real property is located, and by publication once a week for two (2)
weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the province, city or municipality where the
property is located. The advertisement shall specify the amount of the delinquent tax, the
interest due thereon and expenses of sale, the date and place of sale, the name of the owner
of the real property or person having legal interest therein, and a description of the property
to be sold. At any time before the date fixed for the sale, the owner of the real property or
person having legal interest therein may stay the proceedings by paying the delinquent tax,
the interest due thereon and the expenses of sale. The sale shall be held either at the main
entrance of the provincial, city or municipal building, or on the property to be sold, or at any
other place as specified in the notice of the sale.

Within thirty (30) days after the sale, the local treasurer or his deputy shall make a report of
the sale to the sanggunian concerned, and which shall form part of his records. The local
treasurer shall likewise prepare and deliver to the purchaser a certificate of sale which shall
contain the name of the purchaser, a description of the property sold, the amount of the
delinquent tax, the interest due thereon, the expenses of sale and a brief description of the
proceedings: Provided, however, That proceeds of the sale in excess of the delinquent tax,
the interest due thereon, and the expenses of sale shall be remitted to the owner of the real
property or person having legal interest therein.

The local treasurer may, by ordinance duly approved, advance an amount sufficient to defray
the costs of collection thru the remedies provided for in this Title, including the expenses of
advertisement and sale.

Section 261. Redemption of Property Sold. - Within one (1) year from the date of sale, the
owner of the delinquent real property or person having legal interest therein, or his
representative, shall have the right to redeem the property upon payment to the local
treasurer of the amount of the delinquent tax, including the interest due thereon, and the
expenses of sale from the date of delinquency to the date of sale, plus interest of not more
than two percent (2%) per month on the purchase price from the date of sale to the date of
redemption. Such payment shall invalidate the certificate of sale issued to the purchaser and
the owner of the delinquent real property or person having legal interest therein shall be
entitled to a certificate of redemption which shall be issued by the local treasurer or his
deputy.

From the date of sale until the expiration of the period of redemption, the delinquent real
property shall remain in possession of the owner or person having legal interest therein who
shall be entitled to the income and other fruits thereof.

The local treasurer or his deputy, upon receipt from the purchaser of the certificate of sale,
shall forthwith return to the latter the entire amount paid by him plus interest of not more than
two percent (2%) per month. Thereafter, the property shall be free from lien of such
delinquent tax, interest due thereon and expenses of sale.

Section 262. Final Deed to Purchaser. - In case the owner or person having legal interest
fails to redeem the delinquent property as provided herein, the local treasurer shall execute a
deed conveying to the purchaser said property, free from lien of the delinquent tax, interest
due thereon and expenses of sale. The deed shall briefly state the proceedings upon which
the validity of the sale rests.

Section 263. Purchase of Property By the Local Government Units for Want of Bidder. - In
case there is no bidder for the real property advertised for sale as provided herein, the real
property tax and the related interest and costs of sale the local treasurer conducting the sale
shall purchase the property in behalf of the local government unit concerned to satisfy the
claim and within two (2) days thereafter shall make a report of his proceedings which shall be
reflected upon the records of his office. It shall be the duty of the Registrar of Deeds
concerned upon registration with his office of any such declaration of forfeiture to transfer the
title of the forfeited property to the local government unit concerned without the necessity of
an order from a competent court.

Within one (1) year from the date of such forfeiture, the taxpayer or any of his representative,
may redeem the property by paying to the local treasurer the full amount of the real property
tax and the related interest and the costs of sale. If the property is not redeemed as provided
herein, the ownership thereof shall be vested on the local government unit concerned.

Section 264. Resale of Real Estate Taken for Taxes, Fees, or Charges. - The sanggunian
concerned may, by ordinance duly approved, and upon notice of not less than twenty (20)
days, sell and dispose of the real property acquired under the preceding section at public
auction. The proceeds of the sale shall accrue to the general fund of the local government
unit concerned.

Section 265. Further Distraint or Levy. - Levy may be repeated if necessary until the full
amount due, including all expenses, is collected.

Section 266. Collection of Real Property Tax Through the Courts. - The local government
unit concerned may enforce the collection of the basic real property tax or any other tax
levied under this Title by civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction. The civil action
shall be filed by the local treasurer within the period prescribed in Section 270 of this Code.

Section 267. Action Assailing Validity of Tax Sale. - No court shall entertain any action
assailing the validity or any sale at public auction of real property or rights therein under this
Title until the taxpayer shall have deposited with the court the amount for which the real
property was sold, together with interest of two percent (2%) per month from the date of sale
to the time of the institution of the action. The amount so deposited shall be paid to the
purchaser at the auction sale if the deed is declared invalid but it shall be returned to the
depositor if the action fails.

Neither shall any court declare a sale at public auction invalid by reason or irregularities or
informalities in the proceedings unless the substantive rights of the delinquent owner of the
real property or the person having legal interest therein have been impaired.

Section 268. Payment of Delinquent Taxes on Property Subject of Controversy. - In any

action involving the ownership or possession of, or succession to, real property, the court
may, motu propio or upon representation of the provincial, city, or municipal treasurer or his
deputy, award such ownership, possession, or succession to any party to the action upon
payment to the court of the taxes with interest due on the property and all other costs that
may have accrued, subject to the final outcome of the action.

Section 269. Treasurer to Certify Delinquencies Remaining Uncollected. - The provincial,

city or municipal treasurer or their deputies shall prepare a certified list of all real property tax
delinquencies which remained uncollected or unpaid for at least one (1) year in his
jurisdiction, and a statement of the reason or reasons for such non-collection or non-
payment, and shall submit the same to the sanggunian concerned on or before December
thirty-first (31st) of the year immediately succeeding the year in which the delinquencies
were incurred, with a request for assistance in the enforcement of the remedies for collection
provided herein.

Section 270. Periods Within Which To Collect Real Property Taxes. - The basic real
property tax and any other tax levied under this Title shall be collected within five (5) years
from the date they become due. No action for the collection of the tax, whether administrative
or judicial, shall be instituted after the expiration of such period. In case of fraud or intent to
evade payment of the tax, such action may be instituted for the collection of the same within
ten (10) years from the discovery of such fraud or intent to evade payment.

The period of prescription within which to collect shall be suspended for the time during
which:

(1) The local treasurer is legally prevented from collecting the tax;

(2) The owner of the property or the person having legal interest therein requests for
reinvestigation and executes a waiver in writing before the expiration of the period
within which to collect; and

(3) The owner of the property or the person having legal interest therein is out of the
country or otherwise cannot be located.

CHAPTER VII
Disposition of Proceeds

Section 271. Distribution of Proceeds. - The proceeds of the basic real property tax,
including interest thereon, and proceeds from the use, lease or disposition, sale or
redemption of property acquired at a public auction in accordance with the provisions of this
Title by the province or city or a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area shall be
distributed as follows:

(a) In the case of provinces:

(1) Province - Thirty-five percent (35%) shall accrue to the general fund;

(2) Municipality - Forty percent (40%) to the general fund of the municipality
where the property is located; and

(3) Barangay - Twenty-five percent (25%) shall accrue to the barangay where
the property is located.

(b) In the case of cities:

(1) City - Seventy percent (70%) shall accrue to the general fund of the city;
and

(2) Thirty percent (30%) shall be distributed among the component

barangays of the cities where the property is located in the following manner:

(i) Fifty percent (50%) shall accrue to the barangay where the
property is located;

(ii) Fifty percent (50%) shall accrue equally to all component

barangays of the city; and

(c) In the case of a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area:

 (1) Metropolitan Manila Authority - Thirty-five percent (35%) shall accrue to
the general fund of the authority;

(2) Municipality - Thirty-five percent (35% shall accrue to the general fund of
the municipality where the property is located;

(3) Barangays - Thirty percent (30%) shall be distributed among the

component barangays of the municipality where the property is located in the
following manner:

(i) Fifty percent (50%) shall accrue to the barangay where the
property is located;

(ii) Fifty percent (50%) shall accrue equally to all component

barangays of the municipality.

(d) The share of each barangay shall be released, without need of any further action,
directly to the barangay treasurer on a quarterly basis within five (5) days after the
end of each quarter and shall not be subject to any lien or holdback for whatever
purpose.

Section 272. Application of Proceeds of the Additional One Percent SEF Tax. - The
proceeds from the additional one percent (1%) tax on real property accruing to the Special
Education Fund (SEF) shall be automatically released to the local school boards: Provided,
That, in case of provinces, the proceeds shall be divided equally between the provincial and
municipal school boards: Provided, however, That the proceeds shall be allocated for the
operation and maintenance of public schools, construction and repair of school buildings,
facilities and equipment, educational research, purchase of books and periodicals, and
sports development as determined and approved by the Local School Board.

Section 273. Proceeds of the Tax on Idle Lands. - The proceeds of the additional real
property tax on idle lands shall accrue to the respective general fund of the province or city
where the land is located. In the case of a municipality within the Metropolitan Manila Area,
the proceeds shall accrue equally to the Metropolitan Manila Authority and the municipality
where the land is located.

Section 274. Proceeds of the Special Levy. - The proceeds of the special levy on lands
benefited by public works, projects and other improvements shall accrue to the general fund
of the local government unit which financed such public works, projects or other
improvements.

CHAPTER VIII
Special Provisions

Section 275. General Assessment Revision; Expenses Incident Thereto. - The sanggunian
of provinces, cities and municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area shall provide the
necessary appropriations to defray the expenses incident to the general revision of real
property assessment.
All expenses incident to a general revision of real property assessment shall, by ordinance of
the sangguniang panlalawigan, be apportioned between the province and the municipality on
the basis of the taxable area of the municipality concerned.

Section 276. Condonation or Reduction of Real Property Tax and Interest. - In case of a
general failure of crops or substantial decrease in the price of agricultural or agribased
products, or calamity in any province, city or municipality, the sanggunian concerned, by
ordinance passed prior to the first (1st) day of January of any year and upon
recommendation of the Local Disaster Coordinating Council, may condone or reduce, wholly
or partially, the taxes and interest thereon for the succeeding year or years in the city or
municipality affected by the calamity.

Section 277. Condonation or Reduction of Tax by the President of the Philippines. - The
President of the Philippines may, when public interest so requires, condone or reduce the
real property tax and interest for any year in any province or city or a municipality within the
Metropolitan Manila Area.

Section 278. Duty of Registrar of Deeds and Notaries Public to Assist the Provincial, City or
Municipal Assessor. - It shall be the duty of the Registrar of Deeds and notaries public to
furnish the provincial, city or municipal assessor with copies of all contracts selling,
transferring, or otherwise conveying, leasing, or mortgaging real property received by, or
acknowledged before them.

Section 279. Insurance Companies to Furnish Information. - Insurance companies are

hereby required to furnish the provincial, city or municipal assessor copies of any contract or
policy insurance on buildings, structures, and improvements insured by them or such other
documents which may be necessary for the proper assessment thereof.

Section 280. Fees in Court Actions. - All court actions, criminal or civil, instituted at the
instance of the provincial, city or municipal treasurer or assessor under the provisions of this
Code, shall be exempt from the payment of court and sheriff's fees.

Section 281. Fees in Registration of Papers or Documents on Sale of Delinquent Real

Property to Province, City or Municipality. - All certificates, documents, and papers covering
the sale of delinquent property to the province, city or municipality, if registered in the
Registry of Property, shall be exempt from the documentary stamp tax and registration fees.

Section 282. Real Property Assessment Notices or Owner's Copies of Tax Declarations to
be Exempt from Postal Charges or Fees. - All real property assessment notices or owner's
copies of tax declaration sent through the mails by the assessor shall be exempt from the
payment of postal charges or fees.

Section 283. Sale and Forfeiture Before Effectivity of Code. - Tax delinquencies incurred,
and sales and forfeitures of delinquent real property effected, before the effectivity of this
Code shall be governed by the provisions of applicable laws then in force.

TITLE III
SHARES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS IN THE PROCEEDS OF NATIONAL TAXES

CHAPTER I
Allotment of Internal Revenue
Section 284. Allotment of Internal Revenue Taxes. - Local government units shall have a
share in the national internal revenue taxes based on the collection of the third fiscal year
preceding the current fiscal year as follows:

(a) On the first year of the effectivity of this Code, thirty percent (30%);

(b) On the second year, thirty-five percent (35%); and

(c) On the third year and thereafter, forty percent (40%).

Provided, That in the event that the national government incurs an unmanageable public
sector deficit, the President of the Philippines is hereby authorized, upon the
recommendation of Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Interior and Local Government and
Secretary of Budget and Management, and subject to consultation with the presiding officers
of both Houses of Congress and the presidents of the "liga", to make the necessary
adjustments in the internal revenue allotment of local government units but in no case shall
the allotment be less than thirty percent (30%) of the collection of national internal revenue
taxes of the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year: Provided, further, That in the
first year of the effectivity of this Code, the local government units shall, in addition to the
thirty percent (30%) internal revenue allotment which shall include the cost of devolved
functions for essential public services, be entitled to receive the amount equivalent to the
cost of devolved personal services.

Section 285. Allocation to Local Government Units. - The share of local government units in
the internal revenue allotment shall be collected in the following manner:

(a) Provinces - Twenty-three percent (23%);

(b) Cities - Twenty-three percent (23%);

(c) Municipalities - Thirty-four percent (34%); and

(d) Barangays - Twenty percent (20%)

Provided, however, That the share of each province, city, and municipality shall be
determined on the basis of the following formula:

(a) Population - Fifty percent (50%);

(b) Land Area - Twenty-five percent (25%); and

(c) Equal sharing - Twenty-five percent (25%)

Provided, further, That the share of each barangay with a population of not less than one
hundred (100) inhabitants shall not be less than Eighty thousand (P80,000.00) per annum
chargeable against the twenty percent (20%) share of the barangay from the internal
revenue allotment, and the balance to be allocated on the basis of the following formula:

(a) On the first year of the effectivity of this Code:

(1) Population - Forty percent (40%); and

 (2) Equal sharing - Sixty percent (60%)

(b) On the second year:

(1) Population - Fifty percent (50%); and

(2) Equal sharing - Fifty percent (50%)

(c) On the third year and thereafter:

(1) Population - Sixty percent (60%); and

(2) Equal sharing - Forty percent (40%).

Provided, finally, That the financial requirements of barangays created by local government
units after the effectivity of this Code shall be the responsibility of the local government unit
concerned.

Section 286. Automatic Release of Shares. -

(a) The share of each local government unit shall be released, without need of any
further action, directly to the provincial, city, municipal or barangay treasurer, as the
case may be, on a quarterly basis within five (5) days after the end of each quarter,
and which shall not be subject to any lien or holdback that may be imposed by the
national government for whatever purpose.

(b) Nothing in this Chapter shall be understood to diminish the share of local
government units under existing laws.

Section 287. Local Development Projects. - Each local government unit shall appropriate in
its annual budget no less than twenty percent (20%) of its annual internal revenue allotment
for development projects. Copies of the development plans of local government units shall
be furnished the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Section 288. Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Finance, in consultation with the
Secretary of Budget and Management, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
for a simplified disbursement scheme designed for the speedy and effective enforcement of
the provisions of this Chapter.

CHAPTER II
Share of Local Government Units in the National Wealth

Section 289. Share in the Proceeds from the Development and Utilization of the National
Wealth. - Local government units shall have an equitable share in the proceeds derived from
the utilization and development of the national wealth within their respective areas, including
sharing the same with the inhabitants by way of direct benefits.

Section 290. Amount of Share of Local Government Units. - Local government units shall, in
addition to the internal revenue allotment, have a share of forty percent (40%) of the gross
collection derived by the national government from the preceding fiscal year from mining
taxes, royalties, forestry and fishery charges, and such other taxes, fees, or charges,
including related surcharges, interests, or fines, and from its share in any co-production, joint
venture or production sharing agreement in the utilization and development of the national
wealth within their territorial jurisdiction.

Section 291. Share of the Local Governments from any Government Agency or Owned or
Controlled Corporation. - Local government units shall have a share based on the preceding
fiscal year from the proceeds derived by any government agency or government-owned or
controlled corporation engaged in the utilization and development of the national wealth
based on the following formula whichever will produce a higher share for the local
government unit:

(a) One percent (1%) of the gross sales or receipts of the preceding calendar year; or

(b) Forty percent (40%) of the mining taxes, royalties, forestry and fishery charges
and such other taxes, fees or charges, including related surcharges, interests, or
fines the government agency or government owned or controlled corporation would
have paid if it were not otherwise exempt.

Section 292. Allocation of Shares. - The share in the preceding Section shall be distributed
in the following manner:

(a) Where the natural resources are located in the province:

(1) Province - Twenty percent (20%);

(2) Component City/Municipality - Forty-five percent (45%); and

(3) Barangay - Thirty-five percent (35%)

Provided, however, That where the natural resources are located in two (2) or more
provinces, or in two (2) or more component cities or municipalities or in two (2) or
more barangays, their respective shares shall be computed on the basis of:

(1) Population - Seventy percent (70%); and

(2) Land area - Thirty percent (30%)

(b) Where the natural resources are located in a highly urbanized or independent
component city:

(1) City - Sixty-five percent (65%); and

(2) Barangay - Thirty-five percent (35%)

Provided, however, That where the natural resources are located in such two (2) or
more cities, the allocation of shares shall be based on the formula on population and
land area as specified in paragraph (a) of this Section.

Section 293. Remittance of the Share of Local Government Units. - The share of local
government units from the utilization and development of national wealth shall be remitted in
accordance with Section 286 of this Code: Provided, however, That in the case of any
government agency or government-owned or controlled corporation engaged in the
utilization and development of the national wealth, such share shall be directly remitted to the
provincial, city, municipal or barangay treasurer concerned within five (5) days after the end
of each quarter.

Section 294. Development and Livelihood Projects. - The proceeds from the share of local
government units pursuant to this chapter shall be appropriated by their respective
sanggunian to finance local government and livelihood projects: Provided, however, That at
least eighty percent (80%) of the proceeds derived from the development and utilization of
hydrothermal. geothermal, and other sources of energy shall be applied solely to lower the
cost of electricity in the local government unit where such a source of energy is located.

TITLE IV
Credit Financing

Section 295. Scope. - This Title shall govern the power of local government units to create
indebtedness and to enter into credit and other financial transactions.

Section 296. General Policy. -

(a) It shall be the basic policy that any local government unit may create
indebtedness, and avail of credit facilities to finance local infrastructure and other
socio-economic development projects in accordance with the approved local
development plan and public investment program.

(b) A local government unit may avail of credit lines from government or private
banks and lending institutions for the purpose of stabilizing local finances.

Section 297. Loans, Credits, and Other Forms of Indebtedness of Local Government Units. -

(a) A local government unit may contract loans, credits, and other forms of
indebtedness with any government or domestic private bank and other lending
institutions to finance the construction, installation, improvement, expansion,
operation, or maintenance of public facilities, infrastructure facilities, housing
projects, the acquisition of real property, and the implementation of other capital
investment projects, subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by
the local government unit and the lender. The proceeds from such transactions shall
accrue directly to the local government unit concerned.

(b) A local government unit may likewise secure from any government bank and
lending institution short, medium and long-term loans and advances against security
of real estate or other acceptable assets for the establishment, development, or
expansion of agricultural, industrial, commercial, house financing projects, livelihood
projects, and other economic enterprises.

(c) Government financial and other lending institutions are hereby authorized to grant
loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness out of their loanable funds to local
government units for purposes specified above.

Section 298. Deferred-Payment and other Financial Schemes. - Provincial, city and
municipal governments may likewise acquire property, plant, machinery, equipment, and
such necessary accessories under a supplier's credit, deferred payment plan, or either
financial scheme.

Section 299. Bonds and Other Long-Term Securities. - Subject to the rules and regulations
of the Central Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission, provinces, cities, and
municipalities are hereby authorized to issue bonds, debentures, securities, collaterals, notes
and other obligations to finance self-liquidating, income-producing development or livelihood
projects pursuant to the priorities established in the approved local development plan or the
public investment program. The sanggunian concerned shall, through an ordinance
approved by a majority of all its members, declare and state the terms and conditions of the
bonds and the purpose for which the proposed indebtedness is to be incurred.

Section 300. Inter-Local Government Loans, Grants, and Subsidies. - Provinces, cities, and
municipalities may, upon approval of the majority of all members of the sanggunian
concerned and in amounts not exceeding their surplus funds, extend loans, grants, or
subsidies to other local government units under such terms and conditions as may be agreed
upon by the contracting parties.

Local government units may, upon approval of their respective sanggunian, jointly or
severally contract loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness for purposes mutually
beneficial to them.

Section 301. Loans from Funds Secured by the National Government from Foreign
Sources. -

(a) The President, or his duly authorized representative, may, through any
government financial or other lending institution, relend to any province, city,
municipality, or barangay, the proceeds of loans contracted with foreign financial
institutions or other international funding agencies for the purpose of financing the
construction, installation, improvement, expansion, operation, or maintenance of
public utilities and facilities, infrastructure facilities, or housing projects, the
acquisition of real property, and the implementation of other capital investment
projects, subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the
President and the local government unit. The proceeds from such loans shall accrue
directly to the local government concerned.

(b) The President may likewise authorize the relending to local government units the
proceeds of grants secured from foreign sources, subject to the provisions of existing
laws and the applicable grant agreements. (c) Repayment or amortization of loans
including accrued interest thereon, may be financed partly from the income of the
projects or services and from the regular income of the local government unit, which
must be provided for and appropriated regularly in its annual budget until the loan
and the interest thereon shall have been fully paid.

Section 302. Financing, Construction, Maintenance, Operation, and Management of

Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector. -

(a) Local government units may enter into contracts with any duly prequalified
individual contractor, for the financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of
any financially viable infrastructure facilities, under the build-operate-transfer
agreement, subject to the applicable provisions of Republic Act Numbered Sixty-nine
hundred fifty-seven (R.A. No. 6957) authorizing the financing, construction, operation
and maintenance of infrastructure projects by the private sector and the rules and
regulations issued thereunder and such terms and conditions provided in this
Section.

(b) Local government units shall include in their respective local development plans
and public investment programs priority projects that may be financed, constructed,
operated and maintained by the private sector under this Section. It shall be the duty
of the local government unit concerned to disclose to the public all projects eligible
for financing under this Section, including official notification of duly registered
contractors and publications in newspapers of general or local circulation and in
conspicuous and accessible public places. Local projects under the build-operate-
and-transfer agreement shall be confirmed by the local development councils.

(c) Projects implemented under this Section shall be subject to the following terms
and conditions:

(1) The provincial, city or municipal engineer, as the case may be, upon
formal request in writing by the local chief executive, shall prepare the plans
and specifications for the proposed projects, which shall be submitted to the
sanggunian for approval.

(2) Upon approval by the sanggunian of the project plans and specifications,
the provincial, city, or municipal engineer shall, as the case may be, cause to
be published once every week, for two (2) consecutive weeks in at least one
(1) local newspaper which is circulated in the region, province, city or
municipality in which the project is to be implemented, a notice inviting all
duly qualified contractors to participate in a public bidding for the projects so
approved. The conduct of public bidding and award of contracts for local
government projects under this Section shall be in accordance with this Code
and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.

In the case of a build-operate-and-transfer agreement, the contract shall be

awarded to the lowest complying bidder whose offer is deemed most
advantageous to the local government and based on the present value of its
proposed tolls, fees, rentals, and charges over a fixed term for the facility to
be constructed, operated, and maintained according to the prescribed
minimum design and performance standards, plans, and specifications. For
this purpose, the winning contractor shall be automatically granted by the
local government unit concerned the franchise to operate and maintain the
facility, including the collection of tolls, fees, rentals, and charges in
accordance with subsection (c-4) hereof.

In the case of a build-operate-and-transfer agreement, the contract shall be

awarded to the lowest complying bidder based on the present value of its
proposed schedule of amortization payments for the facility to be constructed
according to the prescribed minimum design and performance standards,
plans, and specifications.

(3) Any contractor who shall undertake the prosecution of any project under
this Section shall post the required bonds to protect the interest of the
province, city, or municipality, in such amounts as may be fixed by the
sanggunian concerned and the provincial, city or municipal engineer shall
 not, as the case may be, allow any contractor to initiate the prosecution of
projects under this Section unless such contractor presents proof or evidence
that he has posted the required bond.

(4) The contractor shall be entitled to a reasonable return of its investment in

accordance with its bid proposal as accepted by the local government unit
concerned.

In the case of a build-operate-and-transfer agreement, the repayment shall

be made by authorizing the contractor to charge and collect reasonable tolls,
fees, rentals, and charges for the use of the project facility not exceeding
those proposed in the bid and incorporated in the contract: Provided, That
the local government unit concerned shall, based on reasonableness and
equity, approve the tolls, fees, rentals and charges: Provided, further, That
the imposition and collection of tolls, fees, rentals and charges shall be for a
fixed period as proposed in the bid and incorporated in the contract which
shall in no case exceed fifty (50) years: Provided, finally, That during the
lifetime of the contract, the contractor shall undertake the necessary
maintenance and repair of the facility in accordance with standards
prescribed in the bidding documents and in the contract.

In the case of a build-operate-and-transfer agreement, the repayment shall

be made through amortization payments in accordance with the schedule
proposed in the bid and incorporated in the contract.

In case of land reclamation or construction of industrial estates, the

repayment plan may consist of the grant of a portion or percentage of the
reclaimed land or the industrial estate constructed.

(5) Every infrastructure project undertaken under this Section shall be

constructed, operated, and maintained by the contractor under the technical
supervision of the local government unit and in accordance with the plans,
specifications, standards, and costs approved by it.

(d) The provincial, city, or municipal legal officer shall, as the case may be, review
the contracts executed pursuant to this Section to determine their legality, validity,
enforceability and correctness of form.

Section 303. Remedies and Sanctions. - Local government unit shall appropriate in their
respective annual budgets such amounts as are sufficient to pay the loans and other
indebtedness incurred or redeem or retire bonds, debentures, securities, notes and other
obligations issued under this Title: Provided, That failure to provide the appropriations herein
required shall render their annual budgets inoperative.

TITLE V
Local Fiscal Administration

CHAPTER I
General Provisions

Section 304. Scope. - This Title shall govern the conduct and management of financial
affairs, transactions, and operations of provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.
Section 305. Fundamental Principles. - The financial affairs, transactions, and operations of
local government units shall be governed by the following fundamental principles:

(a) No money shall be paid out of the local treasury except in pursuance of an
appropriations ordinance or law;

(b) Local government funds and monies shall be spent solely for public purposes;

(c) Local revenue is generated only from sources expressly authorized by law or
ordinance, and collection thereof shall at all times be acknowledged properly;

(d) All monies officially received by a local government officer in any capacity or on
any occasion shall be accounted for as local funds, unless otherwise provided by
law;

(e) Trust funds in the local treasury shall not be paid out except in fulfillment of the
purpose for which the trust was created or the funds received;

(f) Every officer of the local government unit whose duties permit or require the
possession or custody of local funds shall be properly bonded, and such officer shall
be accountable and responsible for said funds and for the safekeeping thereof in
conformity with the provisions of law;

(g) Local governments shall formulate sound financial plans, and local budgets shall
be based on functions, activities, and projects, in terms of expected results;

(h) Local budget plans and goals shall, as far as practicable, be harmonized with
national development plans, goals, and strategies in order to optimize the utilization
of resources and to avoid duplication in the use of fiscal and physical resources;

(i) Local budgets shall operationalize approved local development plans;

(j) Local government units shall ensure that their respective budgets incorporate the
requirements of their component units and provide for equitable allocation of
resources among these component units;

(k) National planning shall be based on local planning to ensure that the needs and
aspirations of the people as articulated by the local government units in their
respective local development plans are considered in the formulation of budgets of
national line agencies or offices;

(l) Fiscal responsibility shall be shared by all those exercising authority over the
financial affairs, transactions, and operations of the local government units; and

(m) The local government unit shall endeavor to have a balanced budget in each
fiscal year of operation.

Section 306. Definitions. - When used in this Title, the term -

(a) "Annual Budget" refers to a financial plan embodying the estimates of income and
expenditures for one (1) fiscal year;
(b) "Appropriation" refers to an authorization made by ordinance, directing the
payment of goods and services from local government funds under specified
conditions or for specific purposes;

(c) "Budget Document" refers to the instrument used by the local chief executive to
present a comprehensive financial plan to the sanggunian concerned;

(d) "Capital Outlays" refers to appropriations for the purchase of goods and services,
the benefits of which extend beyond the fiscal year and which add to the assets of
the local government unit concerned, including investments in public utilities such as
public markets and slaughterhouses;

(e) "Continuing Appropriation" refers to an appropriation available to support

obligations for a specified purpose or projects, such as those for the construction of
physical structures or for the acquisition of real property or equipment, even when
these obligations are incurred beyond the budget year;

(f) "Current Operating Expenditures" refers to appropriations for the purchase of

goods and services for the conduct of normal local government operations within the
fiscal year, including goods and services that will be used or consumed during the
budget year;

(g) "Expected Results" refers to the services, products, or benefits that shall accrue
to the public, estimated in terms of performance measures or physical targets;

(h) "Fund" refers to a sum of money, or other assets convertible to cash, set aside for
the purpose of carrying out specific activities or attaining certain objectives in
accordance with special regulations, restrictions, or limitations, and constitutes as
independent fiscal and accounting entity;

(i) "Income" refers to all revenues and receipts collected or received forming the
gross accretions of funds of the local government unit;

(j) "Obligations" refers to an amount committed to be paid by the local government

unit for any lawful act made by an accountable officer for and in behalf of the local
unit concerned;

(k) "Personal Services" refers to appropriations for the payment of salaries, wages
and other compensation of permanent, temporary, contractual, and casual
employees of the local government unit;

(l) "Receipts" refers to income realized from operations and activities of the local
government or are received by it in the exercise of its corporate functions, consisting
of charges for services rendered, conveniences furnished, or the price of a
commodity sold, as well as loans, contributions or aids from other entities, except
provisional advances for budgetary purposes; and

(m) "Revenue" refers to income derived from the regular system of taxation enforced
under authority of law or ordinance, and, as such, accrue more or less regularly
every year.
 CHAPTER II
Local and Other Special Funds

ARTICLE I
Receipts, Safekeeping Article and Disposition of Local Funds

Section 307. Remittance of Government Monies to the Local Treasury. - Officers of local
government authorized to receive and collect monies arising from taxes, revenues, or
receipts of any kind shall remit the full amount received and collected to the treasury of such
local government unit which shall be credited to the particular account or accounts to which
the monies in question properly belong.

Section 308. Local Funds. - Every local government unit shall maintain a General Fund
which shall be used to account for such monies and resources as may be received by and
disbursed from the local treasury. The General Fund shall consist of monies and resources
of the local government which are available for the payment of expenditures, obligations or
purposes not specifically declared by law as accruing and chargeable to, or payable from,
any other fund.

Section 309. Special Funds. - There shall be maintained in every provincial, city, or
municipal treasury the following special funds:

(a) Special Education Fund (SEF) shall consist of the respective shares of provinces,
cities, municipalities and barangays in the proceeds of the additional tax on real
property to be appropriated for purposes prescribed in Section 272 of this Code; and

(b) Trust Funds shall consist of private and public monies which have officially come
into the possession of the local government or of a local government official as
trustee, agent or administrator, or which have been received as a guaranty for the
fulfillment of some obligation. A trust fund shall only be used for the specific purpose
for which it was created or for which it came into the possession of the local
government unit.

Section 310. Separation of Books and Depository Accounts. - Local accountants and
treasurers shall maintain separate books and depository accounts, respectively, for each
fund in their custody or administration under such rules and regulations as the Commission
on Audit may prescribe.

Section 311. Depository Accounts. - Local treasurers shall maintain depository accounts in
the name of their respective local government units with banks, preferably government-
owned, located in or nearest to their respective areas of jurisdiction. Earnings of each
depository account shall accrue exclusively thereto.

Section 312. Separation of Personal Money from Public Funds. - Local treasurers and other
accountable officers shall keep monies separate and distinct from local public funds in their
custody and shall not make profit out of public money or otherwise apply the same to any
use not authorized by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE II
Special Accounts
Section 313. Special Accounts to be Maintained in the General Fund. - Local government
units shall maintain special accounts in the general fund for the following:

(a) Public utilities and other economic enterprises;

(b) Loans, interests, bond issues, and other contributions for specific purposes; and

(c) Development projects funded from the share of the local government unit
concerned in the internal revenue allotment and such other special accounts which
may be created by law or ordinance.

Receipts, transfers, and expenditures involving the foregoing special accounts shall be
properly taken up thereunder.

Profits or income derived the operation of public utilities and other economic enterprises,
after deduction for the cost of improvement, repair and other related expenses of the public
utility or economic enterprise concerned, shall first be applied for the return of the advances
or loans made therefor. Any excess shall form part of the general fund of the local
government unit concerned.

CHAPTER III
Budgeting

ARTICLE I
Local Government Budgets

Section 314. Form and Content. -

(a) Local government budgets shall primarily consists of two (2) parts:

(1) The estimates of income; and

(2) The total appropriations covering the current operating expenditures and
capital outlays.

(b) The budget document shall contain:

(1) A budget message of the local chief executive setting forth in brief the
significance of the executive budget, particularly in relation to the approved
local development plan;

(2) A brief summary of the functions, projects, and activities to be

accomplished in pursuit of the goals and objectives of the local government
unit for the ensuing fiscal year, specifically the delivery of basic services or
facilities enumerated under Section 17 of this Code;

(3) Summary of financial statements setting forth:

(i) The actual income and expenditures during the immediately

preceding year;
 (ii) The actual income and expenditures of the first two (2) quarters
and the estimates of income and expenditures for the last two (2)
quarters of the current fiscal year;

(iii) The estimates of income for the ensuing fiscal year from
ordinances and laws existing at the time the proposed budget is
transmitted, together with other proposals;

(iv) The estimated expenditures necessary to carry out the functions,

projects, and activities of the local government unit for the ensuing
fiscal year;

(v) All essential facts regarding the bonded and other long-term
obligations and indebtedness of the local government unit, if any;

(vi) Summary statement of all statutory and contractual obligations

due; and

(vii) Such other financial statements and data as are deemed

necessary or desirable in order to disclose in all practicable detail the
financial condition of the local government unit.

Section 315. Submission of Detailed Statements of Income and Expenditures. - (a) On or

before the fifteenth (15th) day of July of each year, local treasurers shall submit to their
respective local chief executives a certified statement, covering the income and expenditures
of the preceding fiscal year, the actual income and expenditures of the first two (2) quarters
of the current year, and the estimated income and expenditures for the last two (2) quarters
of the current year.

Section 316. Local Finance Committee. - There is hereby created in every province, city or
municipality a local finance committee to be composed of the local planning and
development officer, the local budget officer, and the local treasurer. It shall exercise the
following functions:

(a) Determine the income reasonably projected as collectible for the ensuing fiscal
year;

(b) Recommend the appropriate tax and other revenue measures or borrowings
which may be appropriate to support the budget;

(c) Recommend to the local chief executive concerned the level of the annual
expenditures and the ceilings of spending for economic, social, and general services
based on the approved local development plans;

(d) Recommend to the local chief executive concerned the proper allocation of
expenditures for each development activity between current operating expenditures
and capital outlays;

(e) Recommend to the local chief executive concerned the amount to be allocated for
capital outlay under each development activity or infrastructure project;
 (f) Assist the sangguniang panlalawigan in the review and evaluation of budget of
component cities and municipalities in the case of provincial finance committee, the
barangay budgets in the case of city or municipal finance committee, and
recommend the appropriate action thereon;

(g) Assist the sanggunian concerned in the analysis and review of annual regular and
supplemental budgets of the respective local government unit to determine
compliance with statutory and administrative requirements; and

(h) Conduct semi-annual review and general examination of cost and

accomplishments against performance standards applied in undertaking
development projects.

A copy of this report shall be furnished the local chief executive and the sanggunian
concerned, and shall be posted in conspicuous and publicly accessible places in the
provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays.

Section 317. Submission of Budget Proposals by Heads or Departments or Offices. -

(a) Each head of department or office shall submit a budget proposal for his
department or office to the local chief executive on or before the fifteenth (15th) of
July of each year: Provided, That the budget proposal of each department of office
shall be categorized under either economic, social or general services: Provided,
further, That each service shall be covered by the budget of at least one (1)
department or office of the local government unit concerned.

The said budget proposal shall be prepared in accordance with such policy and
program guidelines as the local chief executive concerned may issue in conformity
with the local development plan, the budgetary ceilings prescribed by the local
finance committee, and the general requirements prescribed in this Title.

(b) Budget proposals of departments or offices shall be divided into two (2) primary
categories, namely: the current operating expenditures and the capital outlays. Such
budget proposals shall contain the following information:

(1) Objectives, functions, and projects showing the general character and
relative importance of the work to be accomplished or the services to be
rendered, and the cost thereof;

(2) Organizational charts and staffing patterns indicating the list of plantilla
positions with their corresponding salaries, and proposals for reclassification
of positions and salary changes, as well as the creation of new positions with
their proposed salary grade, duly supported by proper justification;

(3) Brief description of the functions, projects and activities for the ensuing
fiscal year, expected results for each function, project and activity, and the
nature of work to be performed, including the objects of expenditures for
each function, project and activity;

(4) Relation of the work and financial proposals to approved local

development plans;
 (5) Estimated current operating expenditures and capital outlays with
comparative data for the last two (2) preceding, current, and ensuing fiscal
years; and

(6) Accomplishment reports for the last two (2) preceding and current fiscal
years.

Section 318. Preparation of the Budget by the Local Chief Executive. - Upon receipt of the
statements of income and expenditures from the treasurer, the budget proposals of the
heads of departments and offices, and the estimates of income and budgetary ceilings from
the local finance committee, the local chief executive shall prepare the executive budget for
the ensuing fiscal year in accordance with the provisions of this Title.

The local chief executive shall submit the said executive budget to the sanggunian
concerned not later than the sixteenth (16th) of October of the current fiscal year. Failure to
submit such budget on the date prescribed herein shall subject the local chief executive to
such criminal and administrative penalties as provided for under this Code and other
applicable laws.

Section 319. Legislative Authorization of the Budget. - On or before the end of the current
fiscal year, the sanggunian concerned shall, through an ordinance, the annual budget of the
local government unit for the ensuing fiscal year on the basis of the estimates of income and
expenditures submitted by the local chief executive.

Section 320. Effectivity of Budgets. - The ordinance enacting the annual budget shall take
effect at the beginning of the ensuing calendar year. An ordinance enacting a supplemental
budget, however, shall take effect upon its approval or on the date fixed therein.

The responsibility for the execution of the annual and supplemental budgets and the
accountability therefor shall be vested primarily in the local chief executive concerned.

Section 321. Changes in the Annual Budget. - All budgetary proposals shall be included and
considered in the budget preparation process. After the local chief executive concerned shall
have submitted the executive budget to the sanggunian, no ordinance providing for a
supplemental budget shall be enacted, except when supported by funds actually available as
certified by the local treasurer or by new revenue sources.

A supplemental budget may also be enacted in times of public calamity by way of budgetary
realignment to set aside appropriations for the purchase of supplies and materials or the
payment of services which are exceptionally urgent or absolutely indispensable to prevent
imminent danger to, or loss of, life or property, in the jurisdiction of the local government unit
or in other areas declared by the President in a state of calamity. Such ordinance shall
clearly indicate the sources of funds available for appropriations, as certified under oath by
the local treasurer and local accountant and attested by the local chief executive, and the
various items of appropriations affected and the reasons for the change.

Section 322. Reversion of Unexpended Balances of Appropriations, Continuing

Appropriations. - Unexpended balances of appropriations authorized in the annual
appropriations ordinance shall revert to the unappropriated surplus of the general fund at the
end of the fiscal year and shall not thereafter be available for the expenditure except by
subsequent enactment. However, appropriations for capital outlays shall continue and
remain valid until fully spent, reverted or the project is completed. Reversions of continuing
appropriations shall not be allowed unless obligations therefor have been fully paid or
otherwise settled.

The balances of continuing appropriations shall be reviewed as part of the annual budget
preparation and the sanggunian concerned may approve, upon recommendation of the local
chief executive, the reversion of funds no longer needed in connection with the activities
funded by said continuing appropriations subject to the provisions of this Section.

Section 323. Failure to Enact the Annual Appropriations. - In case the sanggunian
concerned fails to pass the ordinance authorizing the annual appropriations at the beginning
of the ensuing fiscal year, it shall continue to hold sessions, without additional remuneration
for its members, until such ordinance is approved, and no other business may be taken up
during such sessions. If the sanggunian still fails to enact such ordinance after ninety (90)
days from the beginning of the fiscal year, the ordinance authorizing the appropriations of the
preceding year shall be deemed reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the
ordinance authorizing the proposed appropriations is passed by the sanggunian concerned.
However, only the annual appropriations for salaries and wages of existing positions,
statutory and contractual obligations, and essential operating expenses authorized in the
annual and supplemental budgets for the preceding year shall be deemed reenacted and
disbursement of funds shall be in accordance therewith.

In the implementation of such reenacted ordinance, the local treasurer concerned shall
exclude from the estimates of income for the preceding fiscal year those realized from
nonrecurring sources, like national aids, proceeds from loans, sale of assets, prior year
adjustments, and other analogous sources of income. No ordinance authorizing
supplemental appropriations shall be passed in place of the annual appropriations.

In case the revised income estimates be less than the aggregate reenacted appropriations,
the local treasurer concerned shall accordingly advise the sanggunian concerned which
shall, within ten (10) days from the receipt of such advice, make the necessary adjustments
or reductions. The revised appropriations authorized by the sanggunian concerned shall then
be the basis for disbursements.

Section 324. Budgetary Requirements. - The budgets of local government units for any
fiscal year shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The aggregate amount appropriated shall not exceed the estimates of income;

(b) Full provision shall be made for all statutory and contractual obligations of the
local government unit concerned: Provided, however, That the amount of
appropriations for debt servicing shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the regular
income of the local government unit concerned;

(c) In the case of provinces, cities, and municipalities, aid to component barangays
shall be provided in amounts of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per
barangay; and

(d) Five percent (5%) of the estimated revenue from regular sources shall be set
aside as an annual lump sum appropriation for unforeseen expenditures arising from
the occurrence of calamities: Provided, however, That such appropriation shall be
used only in the area, or a portion thereof, of the local government unit or other areas
declared by the President in a state of calamity.
Section 325. General Limitations. - The use of the provincial, city, and municipal funds shall
be subject to the following limitations:

(a) The total appropriations, whether annual or supplemental, for personal services of
a local government unit for one (1) fiscal year shall not exceed forty-five percent
(45%) in the case of first to third class provinces, cities and municipalities, and fifty-
five percent (55%) in the case of fourth class or lower, of the total annual income
from regular sources realized in the next preceding fiscal year. The appropriations for
salaries, wages, representation and transportation allowances of officials and
employees of the public utilities and economic enterprises owned, operated, and
maintained by the local government unit concerned shall not be included in the
annual budget or in the computation of the maximum amount for personal services.
The appropriations for the personal services of such economic enterprises shall be
charged to their respective budgets;

(b) No official or employee shall be entitled to a salary rate higher than the maximum
fixed for his position or other positions of equivalent rank by applicable laws or rules
and regulations issued thereunder;

(c) No local fund shall be appropriated to increase or adjust salaries or wages of

officials and employees of the national government, except as may be expressly
authorized by law;

(d) In cases of abolition of positions and the creation of new ones resulting from the
abolition of existing positions in the career service, such abolition or creation shall be
made in accordance with pertinent provisions of this code and the civil service law,
rules and regulations;

(e) Positions in the official plantilla for career positions which are occupied by
incumbents holding permanent appointments shall be covered by adequate
appropriations;

(f) No changes in designation or nomenclature of positions resulting in a promotion or

demotion in rank or increase or decrease in compensation shall be allowed, except
when the position is actually vacant, and the filling of such positions shall be strictly
made in accordance with the civil service law, rules and regulations;

(g) The creation of new positions and salary increases or adjustments shall in no
case be made retroactive;

(h) The annual appropriations for discretionary purposes of the local chief executive
shall not exceed two percent (2%) of the actual receipts derived from basic real
property tax in the next preceding calendar year. Discretionary funds shall be
disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate vouchers and
subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law. No amount shall be
appropriated for the same purpose except as authorized under this Section.

Section 326. Review of Appropriation Ordinances of Provinces, Highly-Urbanized Cities,

Independent Component Cities, and Municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area. - The
Department of Budget and Management shall review ordinances authorizing the annual or
supplemental appropriations of provinces, highly-urbanized cities, independent component
cities, and municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area in accordance with the
immediately succeeding Section.

Section 327. Review of Appropriation Ordinances of Component Cities and Municipalities. -

The sangguniang panlalawigan shall review the ordinance authorizing annual or
supplemental appropriations of component cities and municipalities in the same manner and
within the same period prescribed for the review of other ordinances.

If within ninety (90) days from receipt of copies of such ordinance, the sangguniang
panlalawigan takes no action thereon, the same shall be deemed to have been reviewed in
accordance with law and shall continue to be in full force and effect. If within the same
period, the sangguniang panlalawigan shall have ascertained that the ordinance authorizing
annual or supplemental appropriations has not complied with the requirements set forth in
this Title, the sangguniang panlalawigan shall, within the ninety-day period hereinabove
prescribed declare such ordinance inoperative in its entirety or in part. Items of appropriation
contrary to limitations prescribed in this Title or in excess of the amounts prescribed herein
shall be disallowed or reduced accordingly.

The sangguniang panlalawigan shall within the same period advise the sangguniang
panlungsod or sangguniang bayan concerned through the local chief executive of any action
on the ordinance under review. Upon receipt of such advice, the city or municipal treasurer
concerned shall not make further disbursements of funds from any of the items of
appropriation declared inoperative, disallowed or reduced.

Section 328. Duration of Appropriation. - Appropriations for ordinary administrative purposes

not duly obligated shall terminate with the fiscal year and all unexpended balances thereof
shall be automatically reverted on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of each year to the
general fund of the local government unit.

ARTICLE II
Barangay Budgets

Section 329. Barangay Funds. - Unless otherwise provided in this Title, all the income of the
barangay from whatever source shall accrue to its general fund and shall, at the option of the
barangay concerned, be kept as trust fund in the custody of the city or municipal treasurer or
be deposited in a bank, preferably government-owned, situated in or nearest to its area of
jurisdiction. Such funds shall be disbursed in accordance with the provisions of this Title. Ten
percent (10%) of the general fund of the barangay shall be set aside for the sangguniang
kabataan.

Section 330. Submission of Detailed Statements of Income and Expenditures for the
Barangay Budgets. - On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of September of each year, the
barangay treasurer shall submit to the punong barangay a statement covering the estimates
of income and expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year, based on a certified statement issued
by the city or municipal treasurer covering the estimates of income from local sources for the
barangay concerned.

Section 331. Preparation of the Barangay Budget. -

(a) Upon receipt of the statement of income and expenditures from the barangay
treasurer, the punong barangay shall prepare the barangay budget for the ensuing
 fiscal year in the manner and within the period prescribed in this Title and submit the
annual barangay budget to the sangguniang barangay for legislative enactment.

(b) The total annual appropriations for personal services of a barangay for one (1)
fiscal year shall not exceed fifty-five percent (55%) of the total annual income actually
realized from local sources during the next preceding fiscal year.

(c) The barangay budget shall likewise be subject to the same budgetary
requirements and limitations hereinabove prescribed.

Section 332. Effectivity of Barangay Budgets. - The ordinance enacting the annual budget
shall take effect at the beginning of the ensuing calendar year. An ordinance enacting a
supplemental budget, however, shall take effect upon its approval or on the date fixed
therein.

The responsibility for the execution of the annual and supplemental budgets and the
accountability therefor shall be vested primarily in the punong barangay concerned.

Section 333. Review of the Barangay Budget. -

(a) Within ten (10) days from its approval, copies of the barangay ordinance
authorizing the annual appropriations shall be furnished the sangguniang panlungsod
or the sangguniang bayan, as the case may be, through the city or municipal budget
officer. The sanggunian concerned shall have the power to review such ordinance in
order to ensure that the provisions of this Title are complied with. If within sixty (60)
days after the receipt of the ordinance, the sanggunian concerned takes no action
thereon, the same shall continue to be in full force and effect. If within the same
period, the sanggunian concerned shall have ascertained that the ordinance contains
appropriations in excess of the estimates of the income duly certified as collectible,
or that the same has not complied with the budgetary requirements set forth in this
Title, the said ordinance shall be declared inoperative in its entirety or in part. Items
of appropriation contrary to, or in excess of, any of the general limitations or the
maximum amount prescribed in this Title shall be disallowed or reduced accordingly.

(b) Within the period hereinabove fixed, the sangguniang panlungsod or

sangguniang bayan concerned shall return the barangay ordinance, through the city
or municipal budget officer, to the punong barangay with the advice of action thereon
for proper adjustments, in which event, the barangay shall operate on the ordinance
authorizing annual appropriations of the preceding fiscal year until such time that the
new ordinance authorizing annual appropriations shall have met the objections
raised. Upon receipt of such advice, the barangay treasurer or the city or municipal
treasurer who has custody of the funds shall not make further disbursement from any
item of appropriation declared inoperative, disallowed, or reduced.

Section 334. Barangay Financial Procedures. -

(a) The barangay treasurer shall collect all taxes, fees, and other charges due and
contributions accruing to the barangay for which he shall issue official receipts, and
shall deposit all collections with the city or municipal treasury or in the depository
account maintained in the name of the barangay within five (5) days after receipt
thereof. He may collect real property taxes and such other taxes as may be imposed
 by a province, city or municipality that are due in his barangay only after being
deputized by the local treasurer concerned for the purpose.

(b) The barangay treasurer may be authorized by the sangguniang barangay to

make direct purchases amounting to not more than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00)
at any time for the ordinary and essential needs of the barangay. The petty cash that
the barangay treasurer may be authorized to hold for the purpose shall not exceed
twenty percent (20%) of the funds available and to the credit of the barangay
treasury.

(c) The financial records of the barangay shall be kept in the office of the city or
municipal accountant in simplified manner as prescribed by the Commission on
Audit. Representatives of the Commission on Audit shall audit such accounts
annually or as often as may be necessary and make a report of the audit to the
sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan, as the case may be. The
Commission on Audit shall prescribe and put into effect simplified procedures for
barangay finances within six (6) months following the effectivity of this Code.

CHAPTER IV
Expenditures, Disbursements, Accounting and Accountability

Section 335. Prohibitions Against Expenditures for Religious or Private Purposes. - No

public money or property shall be appropriated or applied for religious or private purposes.

Section 336. Use of Appropriated Funds and Savings. - Funds shall be available exclusively
for the specific purpose for which they have been appropriated. No ordinance shall be
passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations from one item to another. However, the
local chief executive or the presiding officer of the sanggunian concerned may, by ordinance,
be authorized to augment any item in the approved annual budget for their respective offices
from savings in other items within the same expense class of their respective appropriations.

Section 337. Restriction Upon Limit of Disbursements. - Disbursements in accordance with

appropriations in the approved annual budget may be made from any local fund in the
custody of the treasurer, but the total disbursements from any local fund shall in no case
exceed fifty percent (50%) of the uncollected estimated revenue accruing to such local fund
in addition to the actual collections: Provided, however, That no cash overdraft in any local
fund shall be incurred at the end of the fiscal year.

In case of emergency arising from a typhoon, earthquake, or any other calamity, the
sanggunian concerned may authorize the local treasurer to continue making disbursements
from any local fund in his possession in excess of the limitations herein provided, but only for
such purposes and amounts included in the approved annual budgets.

Any overdraft which may be incurred at the end of the year in any local fund by virtue of the
provisions hereof shall be covered with the first collections of the immediately succeeding
fiscal year accruing to such local fund.

Section 338. Prohibitions Against Advance Payments. - No money shall be paid on account
of any contract under which no services have been rendered or goods delivered.
Section 339. Cash Advances. - No cash advance shall be granted to any local official or
employee, elective or appointive, unless made in accordance with the rules and regulations
as the Commission on Audit may prescribe.

Section 340. Persons Accountable for Local Government Funds. - Any officer of the local
government unit whose duty permits or requires the possession or custody of local
government funds shall be accountable and responsible for the safekeeping thereof in
conformity with the provisions of this Title. Other local officers who, though not accountable
by the nature of their duties, may likewise be similarly held accountable and responsible for
local government funds through their participation in the use or application thereof.

Section 341. Prohibitions Against Pecuniary Interest. - Without prejudice to criminal

prosecution under applicable laws, any local treasurer, accountant, budget officer, or other
accountable local officer having any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any contract,
work or other business of the local government unit of which he is an accountable officer
shall be administratively liable therefor.

Section 342. Liability for Acts Done Upon Direction of Superior Officer, or Upon Participation
of Other Department Heads or Officers of Equivalent Rank. - Unless he registers his
objection in writing, the local treasurer, accountant, budget officer, or other accountable
officer shall not be relieved of liability for illegal or improper use or application or deposit of
government funds or property by reason of his having acted upon the direction of a superior
officer, elective or appointive, or upon participation of other department heads or officers of
equivalent rank. The superior officer directing, or the department head participating in such
illegal or improper use or application or deposit of government funds or property, shall be
jointly and severally liable with the local treasurer, accountant, budget officer, or other
accountable officer for the sum or property so illegally or improperly used, applied or
deposited.

Section 343. Prohibition Against Expenses for Reception and Entertainment. - No money
shall be appropriated, used, or paid for entertainment or reception except to the extent of the
representation allowances authorized by law or for the reception of visiting dignitaries of
foreign governments or foreign missions, or when expressly authorized by the President in
specific cases.

Section 344. Certification, and Approval of, Vouchers. - No money shall be disbursed unless
the local budget officer certifies to the existence of appropriation that has been legally made
for the purpose, the local accountant has obligated said appropriation, and the local treasurer
certifies to the availability of funds for the purpose. Vouchers and payrolls shall be certified to
and approved by the head of the department or office who has administrative control of the
fund concerned, as to validity, propriety, and legality of the claim involved. Except in cases of
disbursements involving regularly recurring administrative expenses such as payrolls for
regular or permanent employees, expenses for light, water, telephone and telegraph
services, remittances to government creditor agencies such as GSIS, SSS, LDP, DBP,
National Printing Office, Procurement Service of the DBM and others, approval of the
disbursement voucher by the local chief executive himself shall be required whenever local
funds are disbursed.

In cases of special or trust funds, disbursements shall be approved by the administrator of

the fund.
In case of temporary absence or incapacity of the department head or chief of office, the
officer next-in-rank shall automatically perform his function and he shall be fully responsible
therefor.

Section 345. Officials Authorized to Draw Checks in Settlement of Obligations. - Checks in

obligations shall be drawn by the local treasurer and countersigned by the local
administrator.

In case of temporary absence or incapacity of the foregoing officials, these duties shall
devolve upon their immediate assistants.

Section 346. Disbursements of Local Funds and Statement of Accounts. - Disbursements

shall be made in accordance with the ordinance authorizing the annual or supplemental
appropriations without the prior approval of the sanggunian concerned. Within thirty (30)
days after the close of each month, the local accountant shall furnish the sanggunian with
such financial statements as may be prescribed by the Commission on Audit. In the case of
the year-end statement of accounts, the period shall be sixty (60) days after the thirty-first
(31st) of December.

Section 347. Rendition of Accounts. - Local treasurers, accountants and other local
accountable officers shall render their accounts within such time, in such form, style, and
content and under such regulations as the Commission on Audit may prescribe.

Provincial, city, and municipal auditors shall certify the balances arising in the accounts
settled by them to the Chairman of the Commission on Audit and to the local treasurer,
accountant, and other accountable officers. Copies of the certification shall be prepared and
furnished other local officers who may be held jointly and severally liable for any loss or
illegal, improper or unauthorized use or misappropriation of local funds or property.

Section 348. Auditorial Visitation. - The books, accounts, papers, and cash of local
treasurer, accountant, budget officer, or other accountable officers shall at all times be open
for inspection of the Commission on Audit or its duly authorized representative.

In case an examination of the accounts of a local treasurer discloses a shortage in cash

which should be on hand, it shall be the duty of the examining officer to seize the office and
its contents, notify the Commission on Audit, the local chief executive concerned, and the
local accountant. Thereupon, the examining officer shall immediately turn over to the
accountable officer next-in-rank in the local treasury service, unless the said officer is
likewise under investigation, the office of the treasurer and its contents, and close and render
his accounts on the date of turnover. In case the accountable officer next in rank is under
investigation, the auditor shall take full possession of the office and its contents, close and
render his accounts on the date of taking possession, and temporarily continue the public
business of such office until such time that the local treasurer is restored or a successor has
been duly designated. The local treasurer or accountable officer found with such shortage
shall be automatically suspended from office.

Section 349. Accounting for Revenues. - Estimated revenues which remain unrealized at the
close of the fiscal year shall not be booked or credited to the unappropriated surplus or any
other account.

Section 350. Accounting for Obligations. - All lawful expenditures and obligations incurred
during a fiscal year shall be taken up in the accounts of that year.
Section 351. General Liability for Unlawful Expenditures. - Expenditures of funds or use of
property in violation of this Title and other laws shall be a personal liability of the official or
employee responsible therefor.

Section 352. Posting of the Summary of Income and Expenditures. - Local treasurers,
accountants, budget officers, and other accountable officers shall, within thirty (30) days from
the end of the fiscal year, post in at least three (3) publicly accessible and conspicuous
places in the local government unit a summary of all revenues collected and funds received
including the appropriations and disbursements of such funds during the preceding fiscal
year.

Section 353. The Official Fiscal Year. - The official fiscal year of local government units shall
be the period beginning with the first day of January and ending with the thirty-first day of
December of the same year.

Section 354. Administrative Issuances; Budget Operations Manual. - The Secretary of

Budget and Management jointly with the Chairman of the Commission on Audit shall, within
one (1) year from the effectivity of this Code, promulgate a Budget Operations Manual for
local government units to improve and systematize methods, techniques, and procedures
employed in budget preparation, authorization, execution, and accountability.

TITLE VI
Property and Supply Management in the Local Government Units

Section 355. Scope. - This Title shall govern the procurement, care, utilization, custody, and
disposal of supplies, as defined herein, by local government units and the other aspects of
supply management at the local levels.

Section 356. General Rule in Procurement or Disposal. - Except as otherwise provided

herein, acquisition of supplies by local government units shall be through competitive public
bidding. Supplies which have become unserviceable or no longer needed shall be sold,
whenever applicable, at public auction, subject to applicable rules and regulations.

Section 357. Definition of Terms. - When used in this Title, the term

(a) "Lowest Complying and Responsible Bid" refers to the proposal of one who offers
the lowest price, meets all the technical specifications and requirements of the
supplies desired and, as a dealer in the line of supplies involved, maintains a regular
establishment, and has complied consistently with previous commitments;

(b) "Suitable Substitute" refers to that kind of article which would serve substantially
the same purpose or produce substantially the same results as the brand, type, or
make of article originally desired or requisitioned;

(c) "Supplies" includes everything, except real property, which may be needed in the
transaction of public business or in the pursuit of any undertaking, project, or activity,
whether in the nature of equipment, furniture, stationary materials for construction or
personal property of any sort, including non-personal or contractual services such as
the repair and maintenance of equipment and furniture, as well as trucking, hauling,
janitorial, security, and related services; and
 (d) "Terms and Conditions" refer to other requirements not affecting the technical
specifications and requirements of the required supplies desired such as bonding,
terms of delivery and payment, and related preferences.

Section 358. Requirement of Requisition. - Any order for supplies shall be filled by the
provincial or city general services officer or the municipal or barangay treasurer concerned,
as the case may be, for any office or department of a local government unit only upon written
requisition as hereinafter provided.

Section 359. Officers Having Authority to Draw Requisitions. - Requisitions shall be

prepared by the head of office or department needing the supplies, who shall certify as to
their necessity for official use and specify the project or activity where the supplies are to be
used.

Section 360. Certification by the Local Budget Officer, Accountant, and Treasurer. - Every
requisition must be accompanied by a certificate signed by the local budget officer, the local
accountant, and the local treasurer showing that an appropriation therefor exists, the
estimated amount of such expenditure has been obligated, and the funds are available for
the purpose, respectively.

Section 361. Approval of Requisitions. - Approval of the requisition by the head of office or
department concerned who has administrative control of the appropriation against which the
proposed expenditure is chargeable is deemed sufficient, except in case of requisition for
supplies to be carried in stock which shall be approved by the local chief executive
concerned: Provided, That such supplies are listed or included in the annual procurement
plan and the maximum quantity thereof does not exceed the estimated consumption
corresponding to a programmed three-month period: Provided, further, That nothing herein
contained shall be held as authorizing the purchase of furniture and equipment for stock
purposes.

Section 362. Call for Bids. - When procurement is to be made by local government units, the
provincial or city general services officer or the municipal or barangay treasurer shall call
bids for open public competition. The call for bids shall show the complete specifications and
technical descriptions of the required supplies and shall embody all terms and conditions of
participation and award, terms of delivery and payment, and all other covenants affecting the
transaction. In all calls for bids, the right to waive any defect in the tender as well as the right
to accept the bid most advantageous to the government shall be reserved. In no case,
however, shall failure to meet the specifications or technical requirements of the supplies
desired be awarded.

Section 363. Publication of Call for Bids. - The call for bids shall be given the widest publicity
possible, sending, by mail or otherwise, any known prospective participant in the locality, of
copies of the call and by posting copies of the same in at least three (3) publicly accessible
and conspicuous places in the provincial capitol or city, municipal, or barangay hall, as the
case may be.

The notice of the bidding may likewise be published in a newspaper of general circulation in
the territorial jurisdiction of the local government unit concerned when the provincial or city
general services officer or the municipal or barangay treasurer, as the case may be, deems it
necessary in order to obtain the lowest responsible and complying bid.
The opening of bids shall only be made in the presence of the provincial or city auditor or his
duly authorized representative who shall initial and secure copies of the bids and certify the
abstract of the bidding.

Section 364. The Committee on Awards. - There shall be in every province, city or
municipality a committee on awards to decide the winning bids and questions of awards on
procurement and disposal of property.

The Committee on Awards shall be composed of the local chief executive as chairman, the
local treasurer, the local accountant, the local budget officer, the local general services
officer, and the head of office or department for whose use the supplies are being procured,
as members. In case a head of office or department would sit in a dual capacity, a member
of the sanggunian elected from among its members shall sit as a member. The committee on
awards at the barangay level shall be the sangguniang barangay. No national official shall sit
as a member of the committee on awards.

The results of the bidding shall be made public by conspicuously posting the same in the
provincial capitol or city, municipal, or barangay hall.

Section 365. Rule on Awards. - Awards in the procurement of supplies shall be given to the
lowest complying and responsible bid which meets all the terms and conditions of the
contract or undertaking.

Section 366. Procurement Without Public Bidding. - Procurement of supplies may be made
without the benefit of public bidding under any of the following modes:

(a) Personal canvass of responsible merchants;

(b) Emergency purchase;

(c) Negotiated purchase;

(d) Direct purchase from manufacturers or exclusive distributors; and

(e) Purchase from other government entities.

Section 367. Procurement through Personal Canvass. - Upon approval by the Committee on
Awards, procurement of supplies may be effected after personal canvass of at least three (3)
responsible suppliers in the locality by a committee of three (3) composed of the local
services officer or the municipal or barangay treasurer, as the case may be, the local
accountant, and the head of office or department for whose use the supplies are being
procured. The award shall be decided by the Committee on Awards.

Purchases under this Section shall not exceed the amounts specified hereunder for all items
in any one (1) month for each local government unit:

Provinces and Cities and Municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area:

First and Second Class - One hundred fifty thousand pesos (P150,000.00)

Third and Fourth Class - One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00)

 Fifth and Sixth Class - Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)

Municipalities:

First Class - Sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00)

Second and Third Class - Forty thousand pesos (P40,000.00)

Fourth Class and Below - Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00)

Section 368. Emergency Purchase. - In cases of emergency where the need for the supplies
is exceptionally urgent or absolutely indispensable and only to prevent imminent danger to,
or loss of, life or property, local government units may, through the local chief executive
concerned, make emergency purchases or place repair orders, regardless of amount,
without public bidding. Delivery of purchase orders or utilization of repair orders pursuant to
this Section shall be made within ten (10) days after placement of the same. Immediately
after the emergency purchase or repair order is made, the chief of office or department
making the emergency purchase or repair order shall draw a regular requisition to cover the
same which shall contain the following:

(a) A complete description of the supplies acquired or the work done or to be

performed;

(b) By whom furnished or executed;

(c) Date of placing the order and the date and time of delivery or execution;

(d) The unit price and the total contract price;

(e) A brief and concise explanation of the circumstances why procurement was of
such urgency that the same could not be done through the regular course without
involving danger to, or loss of, life or property;

(f) A certification of the provincial or city general services or the municipal or

barangay treasurer, as the case may be, to the effect that the price paid or
contracted for was the lowest at the time of procurement; and

(g) A certification of the local budget officer as to the existence of appropriations for
the purpose, the local accountant as to the obligation of the amount involved, and the
local treasurer as to the availability of funds. The goods or services procured under
this Section must be utilized or availed of within fifteen (15) days from the date of
delivery or availability.

Without prejudice to criminal prosecution under applicable laws, the local chief executive, the
head of department, or the chief of office making the procurement shall be administratively
liable for any violation of this Section and shall be a ground for suspension or dismissal from
service.

Section 369. Negotiated Purchase. -

 (a) In cases where public biddings have failed for two (2) consecutive times and no
suppliers have qualified to participate or win in the biddings, local government units
may, through the local chief executive concerned, undertake the procurement of
supplies by negotiated purchase, regardless of amount, without public bidding:
Provided, however, That the contract covering the negotiated purchase shall be
approved by the sanggunian concerned. Delivery of purchase orders or utilization of
repair orders pursuant to this Section shall be made within seven (7) days after
placement of the same. Immediately after the negotiated purchase or repair order is
made, the local chief executive concerned shall draw a regular requisition to cover
the same which shall contain the following:

(1) A complete description of the supplies acquired or the work done or to be

performed;

(2) By whom furnished or executed;

(3) Date of placing the order and the date and time of delivery or execution;

(4) The unit price and the total contract price;

(5) A certification of the provincial or city general services of the municipal or

barangay treasurer, as the case may be, to the effect that the price paid or
contracted for was the lowest at the time of procurement;

(6) A certification to the effect that the price paid or contracted for was the
lowest at the time of procurement; and

(7) A certification of the local budget officer as to the existence of

appropriations for the purpose, the local accountant as to the obligation of the
amount involved, and the local treasurer as to the availability of funds.

(b) In case of repeat orders for regular supplies, procurement may be made by
negotiated purchase: Provided, That the repeat order is made within three (3)
months from the last procurement of the same item: Provided, further, That the same
terms and conditions of sale are obtained for the said repeat order.

Section 370. Procurement from Duly Licensed Manufacturer. - Procurement may be made
directly from duly licensed manufacturers in cases of supplies of Philippine manufacture or
origin and in case there are two (2) or more manufacturers shall be conducted to obtain the
lowest price for the quality of the said supplies.

Section 371. Procurement from Exclusive Philippine Agents or Distributors. - Procurement

may, in the case of supplies of foreign origin, preferably be made directly from the exclusive
or reputable Philippine distributors or agents, subject to the following conditions:

(a) That the Philippine distributor has no subdealers selling at lower prices; and

(b) That no suitable substitutes or substantially the same quality are available at
lower prices.
Section 372. Procurement from Government Entities. - Procurement may be made directly
from the government entities producing the required supplies, including units or agencies of
foreign governments with which the Philippines maintains diplomatic relations. In the latter
case, prior authority from the Office of the President shall be required.

Section 373. Annual Procurement Program. -

(a) On or before the fifteenth (15th) day of July each year, the local chief executive
shall prepare an annual procurement program for the ensuing fiscal year which shall
contain an itemized list of the estimated quantity of supplies needed for such year, a
complete description thereof as to kind, quality, estimated cost, and balance on
hand: Provided, however, That the total estimated cost of the approved annual
procurement program shall not exceed the total appropriations authorized for the
acquisition of supplies. The local government units may augment the supplies and
equipment provided by the Supreme Court to the lower courts located in their
respective jurisdictions.

(b) Except in emergency cases or where urgent indispensable needs could not have
been reasonably anticipated, no purchase of supplies shall be made unless included
in. or covered by, the approved procurement program. (c) The conversion of excess
cash into supplies stock is hereby prohibited except to the extent of the kind and
quantity specified in the approved annual procurement plan. A violation of this
Section shall be a ground for suspension or dismissal of any political or employee
responsible therefor.

Section 374. Establishment of an Archival System. - Every local government unit shall
provide for the establishment of archival system to ensure the safety and protection of all
government property, public documents or records such as records of births, marriages,
property inventory, land assessments, land ownership, tax payments, tax accounts, and
business permits, and such other records or documents of public interest in the various
departments and offices of the provincial, city, or municipal government concerned.

Section 375. Primary and Secondary Accountability for Government Property. -

(a) Each head of department or office of a province, city, municipality or barangay

shall be primarily accountable for all government property assigned or issued to his
department or office. The person or persons entrusted with the possession or
custody of government property under the accountability of any head of department
or office shall be immediately accountable to such officer.

(b) The head of a department or office primarily accountable for government property
may require any person in possession of the property or having custody and control
thereof under him to keep such records and make reports as may be necessary for
his own information and protection.

(c) Buildings and other physical structures shall be under the accountability and
responsibility of the provincial or city general services officer or the municipal mayor
or punong barangay, as the case may be. (d) Every officer primarily accountable for
government property shall keep a complete record of all properties under his charge
and render his accounts therefor semiannually to the provincial or city general
services officer or the municipal mayor or punong barangay, as the case may be.
Section 376. Responsibility for Proper Use and Care of Government Property. - The person
in actual physical possession of government property or entrusted with its custody and
control shall be responsible for its proper use and care and shall exercise due diligence in
the utilization and safekeeping thereof.

Section 377. Measure of Liability of Persons Accountable for Government Property. -

(a) The person immediately accountable for government property shall be liable for
its money value in case of the illegal, improper or unauthorized use or misapplication
thereof, by himself or any other person for whose acts he may be responsible, and
he shall be liable for all loss, damage, or deterioration occasioned by negligence in
the keeping or use of property unless it is proved that he has exercised due diligence
and care in the utilization and safekeeping thereof.

(b) Unless he registers his objection in writing, an accountable person shall not be
relieved from liability by reason of his having acted under the direction of a superior
officer in using property with which he is chargeable; but the officer directing any
illegal, unauthorized or improper use of property shall first be required to answer
therefor.

(c) In cases of loss, damage, or deterioration of government property arising from, or

attributable to, negligence in security, the head of the security agency shall be held
liable therefor.

Section 378. Credit for Loss Occurring in Transit or Due to Casualty. - When a loss of
government property occurs while the same is in transit or is caused by fire, theft, force
majeure, or other casualty, the officer accountable therefor or having custody thereof shall
immediately notify the provincial or city auditor concerned within thirty (30) days from the
date the loss occurred or for such longer period as the provincial, city or municipal auditor, as
the case may be, may in the particular case allow, and he shall present his application for
relief, with the available evidence in support thereof. An officer who fails to comply with this
requirement shall not be relieved of liability or allowed credit for any such loss in the
settlement of his accounts.

A provincial, city or municipal auditor shall not allow credit for these losses unless so
expressly authorized by the Chairman of the Commission on Audit, to the exercised only if
the loss is not in excess of fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00). In any case when the
allowance of credit is not within the competence of the provincial, city or municipal auditor,
the application and evidence, with the recommendation of the auditor concerned, shall be
forwarded to the Chairman of the Commission on Audit for his appropriate action.

Section 379. Property Disposal. - When property of any local government unit has become
unserviceable for any cause or is no longer needed, it shall upon application of the officer
accountable therefor, be inspected and appraised by the provincial, city or municipal auditor,
as the case may be, or his duly authorized representative or that of the Commission on Audit
and, if found valueless or unusable, shall be destroyed in the presence of the inspecting
officer.

If found valuable, the same shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder under the
supervision of the committee on awards and in the presence of the provincial, city or
municipal auditor or his duly authorized representative. Notice of the public auction shall be
posted in at least three (3) publicly accessible and conspicuous places, and if the acquisition
cost exceeds One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) in the case of provinces and
cities, and Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) in the case of municipalities, notice of auction
shall be published at least two (2) times within a reasonable period in a newspaper of
general circulation in the locality.

Section 380. Negotiated Sale of Property. - Property no longer needed may also be
disposed of at a private sale at such price as may be determined by the committee on
awards, subject to the approval of the Commission on Audit or its duly authorized
representative when the acquisition or transfer cost of the property exceeds Fifty thousand
pesos (P50,000.00) in the case of provinces and cities, and Twenty-five thousand pesos
(P25,000.00) in the case of municipalities and barangays.

In case of real property, the disposal shall be subject to the approval of the Commission on
Audit regardless of the value or cost involved.

Section 381. Transfer Without Cost. - Property which has become unserviceable or is no
longer needed may be transferred without cost to another office, agency, subdivision or
instrumentality of the national government or another local government unit at an appraised
valuation determined by the local committee on awards. Such transfer shall be subject to the
approval of the sanggunian concerned making the transfer and by the head of the office,
agency, subdivision, instrumentality or local government unit receiving the property.

Section 382. Tax Exemption Privileges of Local Government Units. - Local government units
shall be exempt from the payment of duties and taxes for the importation of heavy equipment
or machineries which shall be used for the construction, improvement, repair, and
maintenance of roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects, as well as garbage trucks,
fire trucks, and other similar equipment: Provided, however, That such equipment or
machineries shall not be disposed of, either by public auction or negotiated sale as
hereinabove provided, within five (5) years from the importation thereof. In case the
machinery or equipment is sold within the five-year period, the purchasers or recipients shall
be considered the importers thereof, and shall be liable for duties and taxes computed on the
book value of such importation.

Section 383. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Chairman of the Commission on
Audit shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to effectively implement the
provisions of this Title, including requirements as to testing, inspection, and standardization
of supply and property.

BOOK III
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

TITLE I
THE BARANGAY

CHAPTER I
Role and Creation of the Barangay

Section 384. Role of the Barangay. - As the basic political unit, the barangay serves as the
primary planning and implementing unit of government policies, plans, programs, projects,
and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people
may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably
settled.
Section 385. Manner of Creation. - A barangay may be created, divided, merged, abolished,
or its boundary substantially altered, by law or by an ordinance of the sangguniang
panlalawigan or panlungsod, subject to approval by a majority of the votes cast in a
plebiscite to be conducted by the COMELEC in the local government unit or units directly
affected within such period of time as may be determined by the law or ordinance creating
said barangay. In the case of the creation of barangays by the sangguniang panlalawigan,
the recommendation of the sangguniang bayan concerned shall be necessary.

Section 386. Requisites for Creation. -

(a) A barangay may be created out of a contiguous territory which has a population
of at least two thousand (2,000) inhabitants as certified by the National Statistics
Office except in cities and municipalities within Metro Manila and other metropolitan
political subdivisions or in highly urbanized cities where such territory shall have a
certified population of at least five thousand (5,000) inhabitants: Provided, That the
creation thereof shall not reduce the population of the original barangay or barangays
to less than the minimum requirement prescribed herein.

To enhance the delivery of basic services in the indigenous cultural communities,

barangays may be created in such communities by an Act of Congress,
notwithstanding the above requirement.

(b) The territorial jurisdiction of the new barangay shall be properly identified by
metes and bounds or by more or less permanent natural boundaries. The territory
need not be contiguous if it comprises two (2) or more islands.

(c) The governor or city mayor may prepare a consolidation plan for barangays,
based on the criteria prescribed in this Section, within his territorial jurisdiction. The
plan shall be submitted to the sangguniang panlalawigan or sangguniang
panlungsod concerned for appropriate action.

In the case of municipalities within the Metropolitan Manila Area and other
metropolitan political subdivisions, the barangay consolidation plan shall be prepared
and approved by the sangguniang bayan concerned.

CHAPTER II
Barangay Officials and Offices

Section 387. Chief Officials and Offices. -

(a) There shall be in each barangay a punong barangay, seven (7) sangguniang
barangay members, the sangguniang kabataan chairman, a barangay secretary, and
a barangay treasurer.

(b) There shall also be in every barangay a lupong tagapamayapa. The sangguniang
barangay may form community brigades and create such other positions or offices as
may be deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the barangay government in
accordance with the needs of public service, subject to the budgetary limitations on
personal services prescribed under Title Five, Book II of this Code.
Section 388. Persons in Authority. - For purposes of the Revised Penal Code, the punong
barangay, sangguniang barangay members, and members of the lupong tagapamayapa in
each barangay shall be deemed as persons in authority in their jurisdictions, while other
barangay officials and members who may be designated by law or ordinance and charged
with the maintenance of public order, protection and security of life and property, or the
maintenance of a desirable and balanced environment, and any barangay member who
comes to the aid of persons in authority, shall be deemed agents of persons in authority.

CHAPTER III
The Punong Barangay

Section 389. Chief Executive: Powers, Duties, and Functions. -

(a) The punong barangay, as the chief executive of the barangay government, shall
exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions, as provided by this
Code and other laws.

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance, the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the barangay and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this
Code, the punong barangay shall:

(1) Enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the barangay;

(2) Negotiate, enter into, and sign contracts for and in behalf of the barangay,
upon authorization of the sangguniang barangay;

(3) Maintain public order in the barangay and, in pursuance thereof, assist
the city or municipal mayor and the sanggunian members in the performance
of their duties and functions;

(4) Call and preside over the sessions of the sangguniang barangay and the
barangay assembly, and vote only to break a tie;

(5) Upon approval by a majority of all the members of the sangguniang

barangay, appoint or replace the barangay treasurer, the barangay secretary,
and other appointive barangay officials;

(6) Organize and lead an emergency group whenever the same may be
necessary for the maintenance of peace and order or on occasions of
emergency or calamity within the barangay;

(7) In coordination with the barangay development council, prepare the

annual executive and supplemental budgets of the barangay;

(8) Approve vouchers relating to the disbursement of barangay funds;

(9) Enforce laws and regulations relating to pollution control and protection of
the environment;

(10) Administer the operation of the katarungang pambarangay in

accordance with the provisions of this Code;
 (11) Exercise general supervision over the activities of the sangguniang
kabataan;

(12) Ensure the delivery of basic services as mandated under Section 17 of

this Code;

(13) Conduct an annual palarong barangay which shall feature traditional

sports and disciplines included in national and international games, in
coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports;

(14) Promote the general welfare of the barangay; and

(15) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(b) In the performance of his peace and order functions. the punong barangay shall
be entitled to possess and carry the necessary firearm within his territorial
jurisdiction, subject to appropriate rules and regulations.

CHAPTER IV
The Sangguniang Barangay

Section 390. Composition. - The sangguniang barangay, the legislative body of the
barangay, shall be composed of the punong barangay as presiding officer, and the seven (7)
regular sangguniang barangay members elected at large and sangguniang kabataan
chairman, as members.

Section 391. Powers, Duties, and Functions. -

(a) The sangguniang barangay, as the legislative body of the barangay, shall:

(1) Enact ordinances as may be necessary to discharge the responsibilities

conferred upon it by law or ordinance and to promote the general welfare of
the inhabitants therein;

(2) Enact tax revenue ordinances, subject to the limitations imposed in this
Code;

(3) Enact annual and supplemental budgets in accordance with the

provisions of this Code;

(4) Provide for the construction and maintenance of barangay facilities and
other public works projects chargeable to the general fund of the barangay or
such other funds actually available for the purpose;

(5) Submit to the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan such

suggestions or recommendations as it may see fit for the improvement of the
barangay or for the welfare of the inhabitants thereof;
(6) Assist in the establishment, organization, and promotion of cooperative
enterprises that will improve the economic condition and well-being of the
residents;

(7) Regulate the use of multi-purpose halls, multi-purpose pavements, grain

or copra dryers, patios and other post-harvest facilities, barangay
waterworks, barangay markets, parking areas or other similar facilities
constructed with government funds within the jurisdiction of the barangay and
charge reasonable fees for the use thereof;

(8) Solicit or accept monies, materials and voluntary labor for specific public
works and cooperative enterprises of the barangay from residents, land
owners, producers and merchants in the barangay; monies from grants-in-
aid, subsidies, contributions, and revenues made available to the barangays
from national, provincial, city or municipal funds; and monies from other
private agencies and individuals: Provided, however, That monies or
properties donated by private agencies and individuals for specific purposes
shall accrue to the barangay as trust fund;

(9) Solicit or accept, in any or all the foregoing public works and cooperative
enterprises, such cooperation as is made available by national, provincial,
city, or municipal agencies established by law to render financial, technical,
and advisory assistance to barangays and to barangay residents: Provided,
however, That in soliciting or accepting such cooperation, the sangguniang
barangay need not pledge any sum of money for expenditure in excess of
amounts currently in the barangay treasury or encumbered for other
purposes;

(10) Provide compensation, reasonable allowances or per diems as well as

travel expenses for sangguniang barangay members and other barangay
officials, subject to the budgetary limitations prescribed under Title Five, Book
II of this Code: Provided, however, That no increase in the compensation or
honoraria of the sangguniang barangay members shall take effect until after
the expiration of the full term of all members of the sangguniang barangay
approving such increase;

(11) Hold fund-raising activities for barangay projects without the need of
securing permits from any national or local office or agency. The proceeds
from such activities shall be tax-exempt and shall accrue to the general fund
of the barangay: Provided, That in the appropriation thereof, the specific
purpose for which such fund-raising activity has been held shall be first
satisfied: Provided, further, That no fund-raising activities shall be held within
a period of sixty (60) days immediately preceding and after a national or local
election, recall, referendum, or plebiscite: Provided, finally, That said fund-
raising activities shall comply with national policy standards and regulations
on morals, health, and safety of the persons participating therein. The
sangguniang barangay, through the punong barangay, shall render a public
accounting of the funds raised at the completion of the project for which the
fund-raising activity was undertaken;

(12) Authorize the punong barangay to enter into contracts in behalf of the
barangay, subject to the provisions of this Code;
 (13) Authorize the barangay treasurer to make direct purchases in an amount
not exceeding One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) at any one time for the
ordinary and essential administrative needs of the barangay;

(14) Prescribe fines in amounts not exceeding One thousand pesos

(P1,000.00) for violation of barangay ordinances;

(15) Provide for the administrative needs of the lupong tagapamayapa and
the pangkat ng tagapagkasundo;

(16) Provide for the organization of community brigades, barangay tanod, or

community service units as may be necessary;

(17) Organize regular lectures, programs, or fora on community problems

such as sanitation, nutrition, literacy, and drug abuse, and convene
assemblies to encourage citizen participation in government;

(18) Adopt measures to prevent and control the proliferation of squatters and
mendicants in the barangay;

(19) Provide for the proper development and welfare of children in the
barangay by promoting and supporting activities for the protection and total
development of children, particularly those below seven (7) years of age;

(20) Adopt measures towards the prevention and eradication of drug abuse,
child abuse, and juvenile delinquency;

(21) Initiate the establishment of a barangay high school, whenever feasible,

in accordance with law;

(22) Provide for the establishment of a non-formal education center in the

barangay whenever feasible, in coordination with the Department of
Education, Culture and Sports;

(23) Provide for the delivery of basic services; and

(24) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 392. Other Duties of Sangguniang Barangay Members. - In addition to their duties
as members of the sangguniang barangay, sangguniang barangay members may:

(a) Assist the punong barangay in the discharge of his duties and functions;

(b) Act as peace officers in the maintenance of public order and safety; and

(c) Perform such other duties and functions as the punong barangay may delegate.

Section 393. Benefits of Barangay Officials. -

(a) Barangay officials, including barangay tanods and members of the lupong
tagapamayapa, shall receive honoraria, allowances, and such other emoluments as
may be authorized by law or barangay, municipal or city ordinance in accordance
with the provisions of this Code, but in no case shall it be less than One thousand
pesos (P1,000.00) per month for the punong barangay and Six hundred pesos
(P600.00) per month for the sangguniang barangay members, barangay treasurer,
and barangay secretary: Provided, however, That the annual appropriations for
personal services shall be subject to the budgetary limitations prescribed under Title
Five, Book II of this Code;

(b) The punong barangay, the sangguniang barangay members, the barangay
treasurer, and the barangay secretary shall also:

(1) Be entitled to Christmas bonus of at least One thousand pesos

(P1,000.00) each, the funds for which shall be taken from the general fund of
the barangay or from such other funds appropriated by the national
government for the purpose;

(2) Be entitled, during their incumbency, to insurance coverage which shall

include, but shall not be limited to temporary and permanent disability, double
indemnity, accident insurance, death and burial benefits, in accordance with
Republic Act Numbered Sixty-nine hundred forty-two (R.A. No. 6942),
entitled "An Act Increasing the Insurance Benefits of Local Government
Officials and Providing Funds Therefor";

(3) Be entitled to free medical care including subsistence, medicines, and

medical attendance in any government hospital or institution: Provided, That
such hospital care shall include surgery or surgical expenses, medicines, X-
rays, laboratory fees, and other hospital expenses;

In case of extreme urgency where there is no available government hospital

or institution, the barangay official attendance to the nearest private clinic,
hospital or institution and the expenses not exceeding Five thousand pesos
(P5,000.00) that may be incurred therein shall be chargeable against the
funds of the barangay concerned;

(4) Be exempted during their incumbency from paying tuition and

matriculation fees for their legitimate dependent children attending state
colleges or universities. He may likewise avail of such educational benefits in
a state college or university located within the province or city to which the
barangay belongs; and

(5) Be entitled to appropriate civil service eligibility on the basis of the number
of years of service to the barangay, pursuant to the rules and regulations
issued by the Civil Service Commission.

(c) Elective barangay officials shall have preference in appointments to any

government position or in any government-owned or controlled corporations,
including their subsidiaries, after their tenure of office, subject to the requisite
qualifications and the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph.
 (d) All duly appointed members of the barangay tanod brigades, or their equivalent,
which shall number not more than twenty (20) in each barangay, shall be granted
insurance or other benefits during their incumbency, chargeable to the barangay or
the city or municipal government to which the barangay belongs.

CHAPTER V
Appointive Barangay Officials

Section 394. Barangay Secretary: Appointment, Qualifications, Powers and Duties. -

(a) The barangay secretary shall be appointed by the punong barangay with the
concurrence of the majority of all the sangguniang barangay members. The
appointment of the barangay secretary shall not be subject to attestation by the Civil
Service Commission.

(b) The barangay secretary shall be of legal age, a qualified voter and an actual
resident of the barangay concerned.

(c) No person shall be appointed barangay secretary if he is a sangguniang

barangay member, a government employee, or a relative of the punong barangay
within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity of affinity.

(d) The barangay secretary shall:

(1) Keep custody of all records of the sangguniang barangay and the
barangay assembly meetings;

(2) Prepare and keep the minutes of all meetings of the sangguniang
barangay and the barangay assembly;

(3) Prepare a list of members of the barangay assembly, and have the same
posted in conspicuous places within the barangay;

(4) Assist in the preparation of all necessary forms for the conduct of
barangay elections, initiatives, referenda or plebiscites, in coordination with
the COMELEC;

(5) Assist the municipal civil registrar in the registration of births, deaths, and
marriages;

(6) Keep an updated record of all inhabitants of the barangay containing the
following items of information: name, address, place and date of birth, sex,
civil status, citizenship, occupation, and such other items of information as
may be prescribed by law or ordinance;

(7) Submit a report on the actual number of barangay residents as often as

may be required by the sangguniang barangay; and

(8) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
Section 395. Barangay Treasurer: Appointment, Qualification, Powers and Duties. -

(a) The barangay treasurer shall be appointed by the punong barangay with the
concurrence of the majority of all the sangguniang barangay members. The
appointment of the barangay treasurer shall not be subject to attestation by the Civil
Service Commission.

(b) The barangay treasurer shall be of legal age, a qualified voter, and an actual
resident of the barangay concerned.

(c) No person shall be appointed barangay treasurer if he is a sangguniang barangay

member, a government employee, or a relative of the punong barangay within the
fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

(d) The barangay treasurer shall be bonded in accordance with existing laws in an
amount to be determined by the sangguniang barangay but not exceeding Ten
thousand pesos (P10,000.00), premiums for which shall be paid by the barangay.

(e) The barangay treasurer shall:

(1) Keep custody of barangay funds and properties;

(2) Collect and issue official receipts for taxes, fees, contributions, monies,
materials, and all other resources accruing to the barangay treasury and
deposit the same in the account of the barangay as provided under Title Five,
Book II of this Code;

(3) Disburse funds in accordance with the financial procedures provided in

this Code;

(4) Submit to the punong barangay a statement covering the actual and
estimates of income and expenditures for the preceding and ensuing
calendar years, respectively, subject to the provisions of Title Five, Book II of
this Code.

(5) Render a written accounting report of all barangay funds and property
under his custody at the end of each calendar year, and ensure that such
report shall be made available to the members of the barangay assembly and
other government agencies concerned;

(6) Certify as to the availability of funds whenever necessary;

(7) Plan and attend to the rural postal circuit within his jurisdiction; and

(8) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 396. Other Appointive Officials. - The qualifications, duties, and functions of all other
barangay officials appointed by the punong barangay shall be governed by the provisions of
this Code and other laws or by barangay ordinances.
 CHAPTER VI
Barangay Assembly

Section 397. Composition; Meetings. -

(a) There shall be a barangay assembly composed of all persons who are actual
residents of the barangay for at least six (6) months, fifteen (15) years of age or over,
citizens of the Philippines, and duly registered in the list of barangay assembly
members.

(b) The barangay assembly shall meet at least twice a year to hear and discuss the
semestral report of the sangguniang barangay concerning its activities and finances
as well as problems affecting the barangay. Its meetings shall be held upon call of
the punong barangay or of at least four (4) members of the sangguniang barangay,
or upon written petition of at least five percent (5%) of the assembly members.

(c) No meeting of the barangay assembly shall take place unless a written notice is
given one (1) week prior to the meeting except on matters involving public safety or
security, in which case notice within a reasonable time shall be sufficient. The
punong barangay, or in his absence, the sangguniang barangay member acting as
punong barangay, or any assembly member selected during the meeting, shall act as
presiding officer in all the meetings of the assembly. The barangay secretary, or in
his absence, any member designated by the presiding officer to act as secretary,
shall discharge the duties of secretary of the barangay assembly.

Section 398. Powers of the Barangay Assembly. - The barangay assembly shall:

(a) Initiate legislative processes by recommending to the sangguniang barangay the

adoption of measures for the welfare of the barangay and the city or municipality
concerned;

(b) Decide on the adoption of initiative as a legal process whereby the registered
voters of the barangay may directly propose, enact, or amend any ordinance; and

(c) Hear and pass upon the semestral report of the sangguniang barangay
concerning its activities and finances.

CHAPTER VII
Katarungang Pambarangay

Section 399. Lupong Tagapamayapa. -

(a) There is hereby created in each barangay a lupong tagapamayapa, hereinafter

referred to as the lupon, composed of the punong barangay, as chairman and ten
(10) to twenty (20) members. The lupon shall be constituted every three (3) years in
the manner provided herein.

(b) Any person actually residing or working, in the barangay, not otherwise expressly
disqualified by law, and possessing integrity, impartiality, independence of mind,
sense of fairness, and reputation for probity, may be appointed a member of the
lupon.
 (c) A notice to constitute the lupon, which shall include the names of proposed
members who have expressed their willingness to serve, shall be prepared by the
punong barangay within the first fifteen (15) days from the start of his term of office.
Such notice shall be posted in three (3) conspicuous places in the barangay
continuously for a period of not less than three (3) weeks;

(d) The punong barangay, taking into consideration any opposition to the proposed
appointment or any recommendations for appointment as may have been made
within the period of posting, shall within ten (10) days thereafter, appoint as members
those whom he determines to be suitable therefor. Appointments shall be in writing,
signed by the punong barangay, and attested to by the barangay secretary.

(e) The list of appointed members shall be posted in three (3) conspicuous places in
the barangay for the entire duration of their term of office; and

(f) In barangays where majority of the inhabitants are members of indigenous cultural
communities, local systems of settling disputes through their councils of datus or
elders shall be recognized without prejudice to the applicable provisions of this Code.

Section 400. Oath and Term of Office. - Upon appointment, each lupon member shall take
an oath of office before the punong barangay. He shall hold office until a new lupon is
constituted on the third year following his appointment unless sooner terminated by
resignation, transfer of residence or place of work, or withdrawal of appointment by the
punong barangay with the concurrence of the majority of all the members of the lupon.

Section 401. Vacancies. - Should a vacancy occur in the lupon for any cause, the punong
barangay shall immediately appoint a qualified person who shall hold office only for the
unexpired portion of the term.

Section 402. Functions of the Lupon. - The lupon shall:

(a) Exercise administrative supervision over the conciliation panels provided herein;

(b) Meet regularly once a month to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among its
members and the public on matters relevant to the amicable settlement of disputes,
and to enable various conciliation panel members to share with one another their
observations and experiences in effecting speedy resolution of disputes; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 403. Secretary of the Lupon. - The barangay secretary shall concurrently serve as
the secretary of the lupon. He shall record the results of mediation proceedings before the
punong barangay and shall submit a report thereon to the proper city or municipal courts. He
shall also receive and keep the records of proceedings submitted to him by the various
conciliation panels.

Section 404. Pangkat ng Tagapagkasundo. -

(a) There shall be constituted for each dispute brought before the lupon a conciliation
panel to be known as the pangkat ng tagapagkasundo, hereinafter referred to as the
 pangkat, consisting of three (3) members who shall be chosen by the parties to the
dispute from the list of members of the lupon.

Should the parties fail to agree on the pangkat membership, the same shall be
determined by lots drawn by the lupon chairman.

(b) The three (3) members constituting the pangkat shall elect from among
themselves the chairman and the secretary. The secretary shall prepare the minutes
of the pangkat proceedings and submit a copy duly attested to by the chairman to the
lupon secretary and to the proper city or municipal court. He shall issue and cause to
be served notices to the parties concerned.

The lupon secretary shall issue certified true copies of any public record in his
custody that is not by law otherwise declared confidential.

Section 405. Vacancies in the Pangkat. - Any vacancy in the pangkat shall be chosen by the
parties to the dispute from among the other lupon members. Should the parties fail to agree
on a common choice, the vacancy shall be filled by lot to be drawn by the lupon chairman.

Section 406. Character of Office and Service of Lupon Members. -

(a) The lupon members, while in the performance of their official duties or on the
occasion thereof, shall be deemed as persons in authority, as defined in the Revised
Penal Code.

(b) The lupon or pangkat members shall serve without compensation, except as
provided for in Section 393 and without prejudice to incentives as provided for in this
Section and in Book IV of this Code. The Department of the Interior and Local
Government shall provide for a system of granting economic or other incentives to
the lupon or pangkat members who adequately demonstrate the ability to judiciously
and expeditiously resolve cases referred to them. While in the performance of their
duties, the lupon or pangkat members, whether in public or private employment, shall
be deemed to be on official time, and shall not suffer from any diminution in
compensation or allowance from said employment by reason thereof.

Section 407. Legal Advice on Matters Involving Questions of Law. - The provincial, city legal
officer or prosecutor or the municipal legal officer shall render legal advice on matters
involving questions of law to the punong barangay or any lupon or pangkat member
whenever necessary in the exercise of his functions in the administration of the katarungang
pambarangay.

Section 408. Subject Matter for Amicable Settlement; Exception Thereto. - The lupon of
each barangay shall have authority to bring together the parties actually residing in the same
city or municipality for amicable settlement of all disputes except:

(a) Where one party is the government, or any subdivision or instrumentality thereof;

(b) Where one party is a public officer or employee, and the dispute relates to the
performance of his official functions;
 (c) Offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one (1) year or a fine exceeding
Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00);

(d) Offenses where there is no private offended party;

(e) Where the dispute involves real properties located in different cities or
municipalities unless the parties thereto agree to submit their differences to amicable
settlement by an appropriate lupon;

(f) Disputes involving parties who actually reside in barangays of different cities or
municipalities, except where such barangay units adjoin each other and the parties
thereto agree to submit their differences to amicable settlement by an appropriate
lupon;

(g) Such other classes of disputes which the President may determine in the interest
of Justice or upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Justice.

The court in which non-criminal cases not falling within the authority of the lupon
under this Code are filed may, at any time before trial motu propio refer the case to
the lupon concerned for amicable settlement.

Section 409. Venue. -

(a) Disputes between persons actually residing in the same barangay shall be
brought for amicable settlement before the lupon of said barangay.

(b) Those involving actual residents of different barangays within the same city or
municipality shall be brought in the barangay where the respondent or any of the
respondents actually resides, at the election of the complaint.

(c) All disputes involving real property or any interest therein shall be brought in the
barangay where the real property or the larger portion thereof is situated.

(d) Those arising at the workplace where the contending parties are employed or at
the institution where such parties are enrolled for study, shall be brought in the
barangay where such workplace or institution is located.

Objections to venue shall be raised in the mediation proceedings before the punong
barangay; otherwise, the same shall be deemed waived. Any legal question which
may confront the punong barangay in resolving objections to venue herein referred to
may be submitted to the Secretary of Justice, or his duly designated representative,
whose ruling thereon shall be binding.

Section 410. Procedure for Amicable Settlement. -

(a) Who may initiate proceeding - Upon payment of the appropriate filing fee, any
individual who has a cause of action against another individual involving any matter
within the authority of the lupon may complain, orally or in writing, to the lupon
chairman of the barangay.
 (b) Mediation by lupon chairman - Upon receipt of the complaint, the lupon chairman
shall within the next working day summon the respondent(s), with notice to the
complainant(s) for them and their witnesses to appear before him for a mediation of
their conflicting interests. If he fails in his mediation effort within fifteen (15) days from
the first meeting of the parties before him, he shall forthwith set a date for the
constitution of the pangkat in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.

(c) Suspension of prescriptive period of offenses - While the dispute is under

mediation, conciliation, or arbitration, the prescriptive periods for offenses and cause
of action under existing laws shall be interrupted upon filing the complaint with the
punong barangay. The prescriptive periods shall resume upon receipt by the
complainant of the complainant or the certificate of repudiation or of the certification
to file action issued by the lupon or pangkat secretary: Provided, however, That such
interruption shall not exceed sixty (60) days from the filing of the complaint with the
punong barangay.

(d) Issuance of summons; hearing; grounds for disqualification - The pangkat shall
convene not later than three (3) days from its constitution, on the day and hour set by
the lupon chairman, to hear both parties and their witnesses, simplify issues, and
explore all possibilities for amicable settlement. For this purpose, the pangkat may
issue summons for the personal appearance of parties and witnesses before it. In the
event that a party moves to disqualify any member of the pangkat by reason of
relationship, bias, interest, or any other similar grounds discovered after the
constitution of the pangkat, the matter shall be resolved by the affirmative vote of the
majority of the pangkat whose decision shall be final. Should disqualification be
decided upon, the resulting vacancy shall be filled as herein provided for.

(e) Period to arrive at a settlement - The pangkat shall arrive at a settlement or

resolution of the dispute within fifteen (15) days from the day it convenes in
accordance with this section. This period shall, at the discretion of the pangkat, be
extendible for another period which shall not exceed fifteen (15) days, except in
clearly meritorious cases.

Section 411. Form of settlement. - All amicable settlements shall be in writing, in a language
or dialect known to the parties, signed by them, and attested to by the lupon chairman or the
pangkat chairman, as the case may be. When the parties to the dispute do not use the same
language or dialect, the settlement shall be written in the language known to them.

Section 412. Conciliation. -

(a) Pre-condition to Filing of Complaint in Court. - No complaint, petition, action, or

proceeding involving any matter within the authority of the lupon shall be filed or
instituted directly in court or any other government office for adjudication, unless
there has been a confrontation between the parties before the lupon chairman or the
pangkat, and that no conciliation or settlement has been reached as certified by the
lupon secretary or pangkat secretary as attested to by the lupon or pangkat chairman
or unless the settlement has been repudiated by the parties thereto.

(b) Where Parties May Go Directly to Court. - The parties may go directly to court in
the following instances:

(1) Where the accused is under detention;

 (2) Where a person has otherwise been deprived of personal liberty calling
for habeas corpus proceedings;

(3) Where actions are coupled with provisional remedies such as preliminary
injunction, attachment, delivery of personal property and support pendente
lite; and

(4) Where the action may otherwise be barred by the statute of limitations.

(c) Conciliation among members of indigenous cultural communities. - The customs

and traditions of indigenous cultural communities shall be applied in settling disputes
between members of the cultural communities.

Section 413. Arbitration. -

(a) The parties may, at any stage of the proceedings, agree in writing that they shall
abide by the arbitration award of the lupon chairman or the pangkat. Such agreement
to arbitrate may be repudiated within five (5) days from the date thereof for the same
grounds and in accordance with the procedure hereinafter prescribed. The arbitration
award shall be made after the lapse of the period for repudiation and within ten (10)
days thereafter.

(b) The arbitration award shall be in writing in a language or dialect known to the
parties. When the parties to the dispute do not use the same language or dialect, the
award shall be written in the language or dialect known to them.

Section 414. Proceedings Open to the Public; Exception. - All proceedings for settlement
shall be public and informal: Provided, however, That the lupon chairman or the pangkat
chairman, as the case may be, may motu proprio or upon request of a party, exclude the
public from the proceedings in the interest of privacy, decency, or public morals.

Section 415. Appearance of Parties in Person. - In all katarungang pambarangay

proceedings, the parties must appear in person without the assistance of counsel or
representative, except for minors and incompetents who may be assisted by their next-of-kin
who are not lawyers.

Section 416. Effect of Amicable Settlement and Arbitration Award. - The amicable
settlement and arbitration award shall have the force and effect of a final judgment of a court
upon the expiration of ten (10) days from the date thereof, unless repudiation of the
settlement has been made or a petition to nullify the award has been filed before the proper
city or municipal court.

However, this provision shall not apply to court cases settled by the lupon under the last
paragraph of Section 408 of this Code, in which case the compromise or the pangkat
chairman shall be submitted to the court and upon approval thereof, have the force and
effect of a judgment of said court.

Section 417. Execution. - The amicable settlement or arbitration award may be enforced by
execution by the lupon within six (6) months from the date of the settlement. After the lapse
of such time, the settlement may be enforced by action in the appropriate city or municipal
court.
Section 418. Repudiation. - Any party to the dispute may, within ten (10) days from the date
of the settlement, repudiate the same by filing with the lupon chairman a statement to that
effect sworn to before him, where the consent is vitiated by fraud, violence, or intimidation.
Such repudiation shall be sufficient basis for the issuance of the certification for filing a
complaint as hereinabove provided.

Section 419. Transmittal of Settlement and Arbitration. - Award to the Court. - The secretary
of the lupon shall transmit the settlement or the arbitration award to the appropriate city or
municipal court within five (5) days from the date of the award or from the lapse of the ten-
day period repudiating the settlement and shall furnish copies thereof to each of the parties
to the settlement and the lupon chairman.

Section 420. Power to Administer Oaths. - The punong barangay, as chairman of the lupong
tagapamayapa, and the members of the pangkat are hereby authorized to administer oaths
in connection with any matter relating to all proceedings in the implementation of the
katarungang pambarangay.

Section 421. Administration; Rules and Regulations. - The city or municipal mayor, as the
case may be, shall see to the efficient and effective implementation and administration of the
katarungang pambarangay. The Secretary of Justice shall promulgate the rules and
regulations necessary to implement this Chapter.

Section 422. Appropriations. - Such amount as may be necessary for the effective
implementation of the katarungang pambarangay shall be provided for in the annual budget
of the city or municipality concerned.

CHAPTER VIII
Sangguniang Kabataan

Section 423. Creation and Election. -

(a) There shall be in every barangay a sangguniang kabataan to be composed of a

chairman, seven (7) members, a secretary, and a treasurer.

(b) A sangguniang kabataan official who, during his term of office, shall have passed
the age of twenty-one (21) years shall be allowed to serve the remaining portion of
the term for which he was elected.

Section 424. Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The katipunan ng kabataan shall be composed of all
citizens of the Philippines actually residing in the barangay for at least six (6) months, who
are fifteen (15) but not more than twenty-one (21) years of age, and who are duly registered
in the list of the sangguniang kabataan or in the official barangay list in the custody of the
barangay secretary.

Section 425. Meetings of the Katipunan ng Kabataan. - The katipunan ng kabataan shall
meet at least once every three (3) months, or at the call of the chairman of the sangguniang
kabataan or upon written petition of at least one-twentieth (1/20) of its members, to decide on
important issues affecting the youth of the barangay.

Section 426. Powers and Functions of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - The sangguniang
kabataan shall:
 (a) Promulgate resolutions necessary to carry out the objectives of the youth in the
barangay in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Code;

(b) Initiate programs designed to enhance the social, political, economic, cultural,
intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical development of the members;

(c) Hold fund-raising activities, the proceeds of which shall be tax-exempt and shall
accrue to the general fund of the sangguniang kabataan: Provided, however, That in
the appropriation thereof, the specific purpose for which such activity has been held
shall be first satisfied;

(d) Create such bodies or committees as it may deem necessary to effectively carry
out its programs and activities;

(e) Submit annual and end-of-term reports to the sangguniang barangay on their
projects and activities for the survival and development of the youth in the barangay;

(f) Consult and coordinate with all youth organizations in the barangay for policy
formulation and program implementation;

(g) Coordinate with the appropriate national agency for the implementation of youth
development projects and programs at the national level;

(h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the
sangguniang barangay may determine or delegate; and

(i) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 427. Meetings of the Sangguniang Kabataan. - The sangguniang kabataan shall
meet regularly once a month on the date, time, and place to be fixed by the said sanggunian.
Special meetings may be called by the sangguniang kabataan chairman or any three (3) of
its members by giving written notice to all members of the date, time, place and agenda of
the meeting at least one (1) day in advance. Notices of regular or special meetings shall be
furnished the punong barangay and the sangguniang barangay.

A majority of the members of the sangguniang kabataan shall constitute a quorum.

Section 428. Qualifications. - An elective official of the sangguniang kabataan must be a

citizen of the Philippines, a qualified voter of the katipunan ng kabataan, a resident of the
barangay for at least one (1) year immediately prior to election, at least fifteen (15) years but
not more than twenty- one (21) years of age on the day of his election, able to read and write
Filipino, English, or the local dialect, and must not have been convicted of any crime
involving moral turpitude.

Section 429. Term of Office. - The sangguniang kabataan chairman and members shall hold
office for a period of three (3) years, unless sooner removed for cause as provided by law,
permanently incapacitated, die or resign from office.

Section 430. Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman. - The registered voters of the katipunan ng
kabataan shall elect the chairman of the sangguniang kabataan who shall automatically
serve as an ex officio member of the sangguniang barangay upon his assumption to office.
As such, he shall exercise the same powers, discharge the same duties and functions, and
enjoy the same privileges as the regular sangguniang barangay members, and shall be the
chairman of the committee on youth and sports development in the said sanggunian.

Section 431. Powers and Duties of the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman. - In addition to
the duties which may be assigned to him by the sangguniang barangay, the sangguniang
kabataan chairman shall:

(a) Call and preside over all meetings of the katipunan ng kabataan and the
sangguniang kabataan;

(b) Implement policies, programs, and projects within his jurisdiction in coordination
with the sangguniang barangay;

(c) Exercise general supervision over the affairs and activities of the sangguniang
kabataan and the official conduct of its members, and such other officers of the
sangguniang kabataan within his jurisdiction;

(d) With the concurrence of the sangguniang kabataan, appoint from among the
members of the sangguniang kabataan, the secretary and treasurer and such other
officers as may be deemed necessary; and

(e) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 432. Sangguniang Kabataan Secretary. - The sangguniang kabataan secretary

shall:

(a) Keep all records of the katipunan ng kabataan and sangguniang kabataan;

(b) Prepare and keep the minutes of all meetings of the katipunan ng kabataan and
sangguniang kabataan;

(c) Prepare all forms necessary for the conduct of registrations, elections, initiatives,
referenda, or plebiscites, in coordination with the barangay secretary and the
COMELEC; and

(d) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the chairman of
the sangguniang kabataan may prescribe or direct.

Section 433. Sangguniang Kabataan Treasurer. - The sangguniang kabataan treasurer

shall:

(a) Take custody of all sangguniang kabataan property and funds not otherwise
deposited with the city or municipal treasurer;

(b) Collect and receive contributions, monies, materials, and all other sources
intended for the sangguniang kabataan and katipunan ng kabataan;
 (c) Disburse funds in accordance with an approved budget of the sangguniang
kabataan;

(d) Certify to the availability of funds whenever necessary;

(e) Submit to the sangguniang kabataan and to the sangguniang barangay certified
and detailed statements of actual income and expenditures at the end of every
month; and

(f) Perform such other duties and discharge such other functions as the chairman of
the sangguniang kabataan may direct.

Section 434. Privileges of Sangguniang Kabataan Officials. - The sangguniang kabataan

chairman shall have the same privileges enjoyed by other sangguniang barangay officials
under this Code subject to such requirements and limitations provided herein. During their
incumbency, sangguniang kabataan officials shall be exempt from payment of tuition and
matriculation fees while enrolled in public tertiary schools, including state colleges and
universities. The national government shall reimburse said college or university the amount
of the tuition and matriculation fees: Provided, That, to qualify for the privilege, the said
officials shall enroll in a state college or university within or nearest their area of jurisdiction.

Section 435. Succession and Filling of Vacancies. -

(a) In case a sangguniang kabataan chairman refuses to assume office, fails to

qualify, is convicted of a felony, voluntarily resigns, dies, is permanently
incapacitated, is removed from office, or has been absent without leave for more
than three (3) consecutive months, the sangguniang kabataan member who obtained
the next highest number of votes in the election immediately preceding shall assume
the office of the chairman for the unexpired portion of the term, and shall discharge
the powers and duties, and enjoy the rights and privileges appurtenant to the office.
In case the said member refuses to assume the position or fails to qualify, the
sangguniang member obtaining the next highest number of votes shall assume the
position of the chairman for the unexpired portion of the term.

(b) Where two (2) or more sangguniang kabataan members obtained the same next
highest number of votes, the other sangguniang kabataan members shall conduct an
election to choose the successor to the chairman from among the said members.

(c) After the vacancy shall have been filled, the sangguniang kabataan chairman
shall call a special election to complete the membership of said sanggunian. Such
sangguniang kabataan member shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term
of the vacant seat.

(d) In case of suspension of the sangguniang kabataan chairman, the successor, as

determined in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section shall assume the position during
the period of such suspension.

CHAPTER IX
Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan

Section 436. Pederasyon ng mga Kabataan. -

 (a) There shall be an organization of all the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang
kabataan to be known as follows:

(1) in municipalities pambayang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan;

(2) in cities, panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan;

(3) in provinces, panlalawigang pederasyon ng mga kabataan;

(4) in special metropolitan political subdivisions, pangmetropolitan

pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan; and

(5) on the national level pambansang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang

kabataan.

(b) The pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan shall, at all levels, elect from
among themselves the president, vice- president and such other officers as may be
necessary and shall be organized in the following manner:

(1) The panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon shall be composed of the

sangguniang kabataan chairmen of barangays in the city or municipality,
respectively;

(2) The panlalawigang pederasyon shall be composed of presidents of the

panlungsod and pambayang pederasyon;

(3) The pangmetropolitang pederasyon shall be composed of presidents of

the panlungsod and pambayan pederasyon;

(c) The elected presidents of the pederasyon at the provincial, highly urbanized city,
and metropolitan political subdivision levels shall constitute the pambansang
katipunan ng mga sangguniang kabataan.

Section 437. Constitution and By-Laws. - The term of office, manner of election, removal
and suspension of the officers of the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan at all levels
shall be governed by the constitution and by-laws of the pederasyon in conformity with the
provisions of this Code and national policies on youth.

Section 438. Membership in the Sanggunian. -

(a) A sangguniang kabataan chairman shall, upon certification of his election by the
COMELEC and during his tenure of office is elected as pederasyon president, serve
as an ex-officio member of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod,
and sangguniang bayan, as the case may be, without need of further appointment.

(b) The vice-president of the pederasyon whose president has been elected as
president of a higher pederasyon shall serve as ex-officio member of the sanggunian
concerned without need of further appointment.
 (c) The pederasyon president or vice-president, as the case may be, shall be the
chairman of the committee on youth and sports development of the sanggunian
concerned.

CHAPTER X
Linggo ng Kabataan

Section 439. Observance of Linggo ng Kabataan. -

(a) Every barangay, municipality, city and province shall, in coordination with the
pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan at all levels, conduct an annual activity to
be known as the Linggo ng Kabataan on such date as shall be determined by the
Office of the President.

(b) The observance of the Linggo ng Kabataan shall include the election of the
counterparts of all local elective and appointive officials, as well as heads of national
offices or agencies stationed or assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the local
government unit, among in-school and community youth residing in the local
government unit concerned from ages thirteen (13) to seventeen (17). During said
week, they shall hold office as boy and girl officials and shall perform such duties and
conduct such activities as may be provided in the ordinance enacted pursuant to this
Chapter.

TITLE II
THE MUNICIPALITY

CHAPTER I
Role and Creation of the Municipality

Section 440. Role of the Municipality. - The municipality, consisting of a group of barangays,
serves primarily as a general purpose government for the coordination and delivery of basic,
regular and direct services and effective governance of the inhabitants within its territorial
jurisdiction.

Section 441. Manner of Creation. - A municipality may be created, divided, merged,

abolished, or its boundary substantially altered only by an Act of Congress and subject to the
approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be conducted by the COMELEC in
the local government unit or units directly affected. Except as may otherwise be provided in
the said Act, the plebiscite shall be held within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date
of its effectivity.

Section 442. Requisites for Creation. -

(a) A municipality may be created if it has an average annual income, as certified by

the provincial treasurer, of at least Two million five hundred thousand pesos
(P2,500,000.00) for the last two (2) consecutive years based on the 1991 constant
prices; a population of at least twenty-five thousand (25,000) inhabitants as certified
by the National Statistics Office; and a contiguous territory of at least fifty (50) square
kilometers as certified by the Lands Management Bureau: Provided, That the
creation thereof shall not reduce the land area, population or income of the original
municipality or municipalities at the time of said creation to less than the minimum
requirements prescribed herein.
 (b) The territorial jurisdiction of a newly-created municipality shall be properly
identified by metes and bounds. The requirement on land area shall not apply where
the municipality proposed to be created is composed of one (1) or more islands. The
territory need not be contiguous if it comprises two (2) or more islands.

(c) The average annual income shall include the income accruing to the general fund
of the municipality concerned, exclusive of special funds, transfers and non-recurring
income.

(d) Municipalities existing as of the date of the effectivity of this Code shall continue
to exist and operate as such. Existing municipal districts organized pursuant to
presidential issuances or executive orders and which have their respective set of
elective municipal officials holding office at the time of the effectivity of this Code
shall henceforth be considered as regular municipalities.

CHAPTER II
Municipal Officials in General

Section 443. Officials of the Municipal Government. -

(a) There shall be in each municipality a municipal mayor, a municipal vice-mayor,

sangguniang bayan members, a secretary to the sangguniang bayan, a municipal
treasurer, a municipal assessor, a municipal accountant, a municipal budget officer,
a municipal planning and development coordinator, a municipal engineer/building
official, a municipal health officer and a municipal civil registrar.

(b) In addition thereto, the mayor may appoint a municipal administrator, a municipal
legal officer, a municipal agriculturist, a municipal environment and natural resources
officer, a municipal social welfare and development officer, a municipal architect, and
a municipal information officer.

(c) The sangguniang bayan may:

(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof;

(2) Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
of the municipal government; or

(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest
of efficiency and economy.

(d) Unless otherwise provided herein, heads of departments and offices shall be
appointed by the municipal mayor with the concurrence of the majority of all the
sangguniang bayan members, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. The
sangguniang bayan shall act on the appointment within fifteen (15) days from the
date of its submission; otherwise, the same shall be deemed confirmed.

(e) Elective and appointive municipal officials shall receive such compensation,
allowances and other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance,
subject to the budgetary limitations on personal services as prescribed in Title Five,
Book Two of this Code: Provided, That no increase in compensation of the mayor,
 vice-mayor, and sangguniang bayan members shall take effect until after the
expiration of the full term of all the elective local officials approving such increase.

CHAPTER III
Officials and Offices Common to All Municipalities

ARTICLE I
The Municipal Mayor

Section 444. The Chief Executive: Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. -

(a) The municipal mayor, as the chief executive of the municipal government, shall
exercise such powers and performs such duties and functions as provided by this
Code and other laws.

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this
Code, the municipal mayor shall:

(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects,
services, and activities of the municipal government, and in this connection,
shall:

(i) Determine the guidelines of municipal policies and be responsible

to the sangguniang bayan for the program of government;

(ii) Direct the formulation of the municipal development plan, with the
assistance of the municipal development council, and upon approval
thereof by the sangguniang bayan, implement the same;

(iii) At the opening of the regular session of the sangguniang bayan

for every calendar year and, as may be deemed necessary, present
the program of government and propose policies and projects for the
consideration of the sangguniang bayan as the general welfare of the
inhabitants and the needs of the municipal government may require;

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang

bayan and, from time to time as the situation may require, provide
such information and data needed or requested by said sanggunian
in the performance of its legislative functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are
wholly or mainly paid out of municipal funds and whose appointments
are not otherwise provided for in this Code, as well as those he may
be authorized by law to appoint;

(vi) Upon authorization by the sangguniang bayan, represent the

municipality in all its business transactions and sign on its behalf all
bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents made
pursuant to law or ordinance;
(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary
during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and
calamities;

(viii) Determine, according to law or ordinance, the time, manner and

place of payment of salaries or wages of the officials and employees
of the municipality;

(ix) Allocate and assign office space to municipal and other officials
and employees who, by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space
in the municipal hall and other buildings owned or leased by the
municipal government;

(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the

municipality faithfully discharge their duties and functions as provided
by law and this Code, and cause to be instituted administrative or
judicial proceedings against any official or employee of the
municipality who may have committed as offense in the performance
of his official duties;

(xi) Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices,
officials, agents or employees of the municipality and in aid of his
executive powers and authority, require all national officials and
employees stationed in or assigned to the municipality to make
available to him such books, records, and other documents in their
custody, except those classified by law as confidential;

(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him to the provincial

governor within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance: Provided,
That municipalities of Metropolitan Manila Area and that of any
metropolitan political subdivision shall furnish copies of said executive
orders to the metropolitan authority council chairman and to the
Office of the President;

(xiii) Visit component barangays of the municipality at least once

every six (6) months to deepen his understanding of problems and
conditions therein, listen and give appropriate counsel to local
officials and inhabitants, inform the component barangay officials and
inhabitants of general laws and ordinances which especially concern
them, and otherwise conduct visits and inspections to the end that the
governance of the municipality will improve the quality of life of the
inhabitants;

(xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees appointed

by him and the commutation of the monetary value of leave credits
according to law;

(xv) Authorize official trips outside of the municipality of municipal

officials and employees for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days;

(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or

assigned to the municipality to advise him on matters affecting the
 municipality and to make recommendations thereon, or to coordinate
in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and
projects, and when appropriate, initiate an administrative or judicial
action against a national government official or employee who may
have committed an offense in the performance of his official duties
while stationed in or assigned to the local government unit
concerned;

(xvii) Subject to availability of funds, authorize payment of medical

care, necessary transportation, subsistence, hospital or medical fees
of municipal officials and employees who are injured while in the
performance of their official duties and functions;

(xviii) Solemnize marriages, any provision of law to the contrary

notwithstanding;

(xix) Conduct a palarong bayan, in coordination with the Department

of Education, Culture and Sports, as an annual activity which shall
feature traditional sports and disciplines included in national and
international games; and

(xx) Submit to the provincial governor the following reports: an annual

report containing a summary of all matters pertaining to the
management, administration and development of the municipality and
all information and data relative to its political, social and economic
conditions; and supplemental reports when unexpected events and
situations arise at any time during the year, particularly when man-
made or natural disasters or calamities affect the general welfare of
the municipality, province, region or country. mayors of municipalities
of the Metropolitan Manila Area and other metropolitan political
subdivisions shall submit said reports to their respective metropolitan
council chairmen and to the Office of the President;

(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the
municipality and the exercise of its corporate powers provided for under
Section 22 of this Code implement all approved policies, programs, projects,
services and activities of the municipality and, in addition to the foregoing,
shall:

(i) Ensure that the acts of the municipality's component barangays

and of its officials and employees are within the scope of their
prescribed powers, functions, duties and responsibilities;

(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars or meetings of any

elective and appointive officials of the municipality, including
provincial officials and national officials and employees stationed in or
assigned to the municipality at such time and place and on such
subject as he may deem important for the promotion of the general
welfare of the local government unit and its inhabitants;

(iii) Issue such executive orders as are necessary for the proper
enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;
 (iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearm within his territorial
jurisdiction;

(v) Act as the deputized representative of the National Police

Commission, formulate the peace and order plan of the municipality
and upon its approval implement the same and exercise general and
operational control and supervision over the local police in the
municipality in accordance with R.A. No 6975;

(vi) Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress

disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition or to apprehend
violators of the law when public interest so requires and the municipal
police forces are inadequate to cope with the situation or the
violators;

(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and
apply the same to the implementation of development plans, program
objectives and priorities as provided for under Section 18 of this Code,
particularly those resources and revenues programmed for gro-industrial
development and country-wide growth and progress, and relative thereto,
shall:

(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare and

submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in
accordance with the budget preparation process under Title Five,
Book II of this Code;

(ii) Prepare and submit to the sanggunian for approval the executive
and supplemental budgets of the municipality for the ensuing
calendar year in the manner provided for under Title Five, Book II of
this Code;

(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the municipality are
collected and that municipal funds are applied in accordance with law
or ordinance to the payment of expenses and settlement of
obligations of the municipality;

(iv) Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for
any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits
had been issued, pursuant to law or ordinance;

(v) Issue permits, without need of approval therefor from any national
agency, for the holding of activities for any charitable or welfare
purpose, excluding prohibited games of chance or shows contrary to
law, public policy and public morals;

(vi) Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or other

structures to obtain the necessary permit, subject to such fines and
penalties as may be imposed by law or ordinance, or to make
necessary changes in the construction of the same when said
construction violates any law or ordinance, or to order the demolition
 or removal of said house, building or structure within the period
prescribed by law or ordinance;

(vii) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land,

mineral, marine, forest, and other resources of the municipality;
provide efficient and effective property and supply management in the
municipality; and protect the funds, credits, rights and other
properties of the municipality; and

(viii) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial

proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees
or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property; and cause the
municipality to be defended against all suits to ensure that its
interests, resources and rights shall be adequately protected;

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code and, in addition
thereto, shall:

(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and highways
funded by the national government shall be, as far as practicable,
carried out in a spatially contiguous manner and in coordination with
the construction and repair of the roads and bridges of the
municipality and the province; and

(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services rendered by

national and provincial offices, including public works and
infrastructure programs in the municipality; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(c) During his incumbency, the municipal mayor shall hold office in the municipal hall.

(d) The municipal mayor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation

corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-seven (27) as prescribed under R.A. No. 6758
and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE II
The Vice Mayor

Section 445. Powers, Duties and Compensation. -

(a) The vice-mayor shall:

(1) Be the presiding officer of the sangguniang bayan and sign all warrants
drawn on the municipal treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the
operation of the sangguniang bayan;
 (2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and
employees of the sangguniang bayan, except those whose manner of
appointment is specifically provided in this Code;

(3) Assume the office of the municipal mayor for the unexpired term of the
latter in the event of permanent vacancy as provided for in Section 44, Book I
of this Code;

(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the
municipal mayor in cases of temporary vacancy as provided for in Section
46, Book I of this Code; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(b) The vice-mayor shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to Salary

Grade twenty five (25) as prescribed under R.A. No. 6758 and the implementing
guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE III
The Sangguniang Bayan

Section 446. Composition. -

(a) The sangguniang bayan, the legislative body of the municipality, shall be
composed of the municipal vice mayor as the presiding officer, the regular
sanggunian members, the president of the municipal chapter of the liga ng mga
barangay, the president of the pambayang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang
kabataan, and the sectoral representatives, as members.

(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from
the women; and as shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned within ninety
(90) days prior to the holding of local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or
industrial workers, and one (1) from other sectors, including the urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.

(c) The regular members of the sangguniang bayan and the sectoral representatives
shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law.

Section 447. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation. -

(a) The sangguniang bayan, as the legislative body of the municipality, shall enact
ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the
municipality and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code and in the proper
exercise of the corporate powers of the municipality as provided for under Section 22
of this Code, and shall:

(1) Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and
effective municipal government, and in this connection shall:
(i) Review all ordinances approved by the sangguniang barangay and
executive orders issued by the punong barangay to determine
whether these are within the scope of the prescribed powers of the
sanggunian and of the punong barangay;

(ii) Maintain peace and order by enacting measures to prevent and

suppress lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or sedition
and impose penalties for the violation of said ordinances;

(iii) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Two thousand

five hundred pesos (P2,500.00) or an imprisonment for a period not
exceeding six (6) months, or both in the discretion of the court, for the
violation of a municipal ordinance;

(iv) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the municipality from

the harmful effects of man-made or natural disasters and calamities
and to provide relief services and assistance for victims during and in
the aftermath of said disasters or calamities and their return to
productive livelihood following said events;

(v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose

appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places,
vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, establishment and maintenance
of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited games of
chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money or property,
drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, juvenile
delinquency, the printing, distribution or exhibition of obscene or
pornographic materials or publications, and such other activities
inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the
municipality;

(vi) Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for

acts which endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing and
other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of
logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered
species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, and such other
activities which result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of
rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance;

(vii) Subject to the provisions of this Code and pertinent laws,

determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the
municipality;

(viii) Determine the positions and salaries, wages, allowances and

other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly
or mainly from municipal funds and provide for expenditures
necessary for the proper conduct of programs. projects, services, and
activities of the municipal government;

(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person not

in the government service who fills up a temporary vacancy or grant
honorarium to any qualified official or employee designated to fill a
 temporary vacancy in a concurrent capacity, at the rate authorized by
law;

(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor, to

ensure the safety and protection of all municipal government
property, public documents, or records such as those relating to
property inventory, land ownership, records of births, marriages,
deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits, and such
other records and documents of public interest in the offices and
departments of the municipal government;

(xi) When the finances of the municipal government allow, provide for
additional allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors,
public elementary and high school teachers, and other national
government officials stationed in or assigned to the municipality;

(xii) Provide for legal assistance to barangay officials who, in the

performance of their official duties or on the occasion thereof, have to
initiate judicial proceedings or defend themselves against legal
action; and

(xii) Provide for group insurance or additional insurance coverage for

barangay officials, including members of barangay tanod brigades
and other service units, with public or private insurance companies,
when the finances of the municipal government allow said coverage.

(2) Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the
development plans, program objectives and priorities of the municipality as
provided for under Section 18 of this Code with particular attention to agro-
industrial development and countryside growth and progress, and relative
thereto, shall:

(i) Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the municipal

government and appropriate funds for specific programs, projects,
services and activities of the municipality, or for other purposes not
contrary to law, in order to promote the general welfare of the
municipality and its inhabitants;

(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang bayan, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and
charges, prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific
purposes, and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;

(iii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and upon the
majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang bayan, authorize
the municipal mayor to negotiate and contract loans and other forms
of indebtedness;

(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang bayan, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of
bonds or other instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose of raising
funds to finance development projects;

(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the

rental of buildings for the use of the municipality and, upon the
majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang bayan, authorize
the municipal mayor to lease to private parties such public buildings
held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, rules and
regulations;

(vi) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of property

within the jurisdiction of the municipality:

(vii) Adopt a comprehensive land use plan for the municipality:

Provided, That the formulation, adoption, or modification of said plan
shall be in coordination with the approved provincial comprehensive
land use plan;

(viii) Reclassify land within the jurisdiction of the municipality, subject

to the pertinent provisions of this Code;

(ix) Enact integrated zoning ordinances in consonance with the

approved comprehensive land use plan, subject to existing laws,
rules and regulations; established fire limits or zones, particularly in
populous centers; and regulate the construction, repair or
modification of buildings within said fire limits or zones in accordance
with the provisions of this Code;

(x) Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans for
residential, commercial, or industrial purposes and other development
purposes, and collect processing fees and other charges the
proceeds of which shall accrue entirely to the municipality: Provided,
however, That, where approval by a national agency or office is
required, said approval shall not be withheld for more than thirty (30)
days from receipt of the application. Failure to act on the application
within the period stated above shall be deemed as approval thereof;

(xi) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, grant the

exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or fish pens, or the
taking or catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag of fry of
any species or fish within the municipal waters;

(xii) With the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the

members of the sangguniang bayan, grant tax exemptions, incentives
or reliefs to entities engaged in community growth-inducing
industries, subject to the provisions of Chapter 5, Title I, Book II of
this Code.

(xiii) Grant loans or provide grants to other local government units or

to national, provincial and municipal charitable, benevolent or
educational institutions: Provided, That said institutions are operated
and maintained within the municipality;
 (xiv) Regulate the numbering of residential, commercial and other
buildings; and

(xv) Regulate the inspection, weighing and measuring of articles of

commerce.

(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, grant franchises, enact
ordinances authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, or enact
ordinances levying taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for
such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of
the municipality, and pursuant to this legislative authority shall:

(i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services
rendered by the municipal government to private persons or entities;

(ii) Regulate any business, occupation, or practice of profession or

calling which does not require government examination within the
municipality and the conditions under which the license for said
business or practice of profession may be issued or revoked;

(iii) Prescribe the terms and conditions under which public utilities
owned by the municipality shall be operated by the municipal
government or leased to private persons or entities, preferably
cooperatives;

(iv) Regulate the display of and fix the license fees for signs,
signboards, or billboards at the place or places where the profession
or business advertised thereby is, in whole or in part, conducted;

(v) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license the
establishment, operation, and maintenance of cockpits, and regulate
cockfighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided, That
existing rights should not be prejudiced;

(vi) Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of

Transportation and Communications, regulate the operation of
tricycles and grant franchises for the operation thereof within the
territorial jurisdiction of the municipality;

(vii) Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members of the

sangguniang bayan, grant a franchise to any person, partnership,
corporation, or cooperative to establish, construct, operate and
maintain ferries, wharves, markets or slaughterhouses, or such other
similar activities within the municipality as may be allowed by
applicable laws: Provided, That, cooperatives shall be given
preference in the grant of such a franchise.

(4) Regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures
within the municipality in order to promote the general welfare and for said
purpose shall:
 (i) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(ii) Require that buildings and the premises thereof and any land
within the municipality be kept and maintained in a sanitary condition;
impose penalties for any violation thereof, or upon failure to comply
with said requirement, have the work done and require the owner,
administrator or tenant concerned to pay the expenses of the same;
or require the filling up of any land or premises to a grade necessary
for proper sanitation;

(iii) Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals,
clinics and other similar establishments;

(iv) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes,

restaurants, beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses,
lodging houses, and other similar establishments, including tourist
guides and transports;

(v) Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing of any intoxicating

malt, vino, mixed or fermented liquors at any retail outlet;

(vi) Regulate the establishment and provide for the inspection of

steam boilers or any heating device in buildings and the storage of
inflammable and highly combustible materials within the municipality;

(vii) Regulate the establishment, operation, and maintenance of

entertainment or amusement facilities, including theatrical
performances, circuses, billiards pools, public dancing schools, public
dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors, and other places of
entertainment or amusement; regulate such other events or activities
for amusement or entertainment, particularly those which tend to
disturb the community or annoy the inhabitants, or require the
suspension or suppression of the same; or, prohibit certain forms of
amusement or entertainment in order to protect the social and moral
welfare of the community;

(viii) Provide for the impounding of stray animals; regulate the

keeping of animals in homes or as part of a business, and the
slaughter, sale or disposition of the same; and adopt measures to
prevent and penalize cruelty to animals; and

(ix) Regulate the establishment, operation, and maintenance of

funeral parlors and the burial or cremation of the dead, subject to
existing laws, rules and regulations.

(5) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery
of the basic services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this
Code, and in addition to said services and facilities, shall:

(i) Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection, and

conservation of communal forests and watersheds, tree parks,
greenbelts, mangroves, and other similar forest development
projects;

(ii) Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animal corrals and

authorize the operation thereof, and regulate the construction and
operation of private markets, talipapas or other similar buildings and
structures;

(iii) Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation of

ferries, wharves, and other structures, and marine and seashore or
offshore activities intended to accelerate productivity;

(iv) Regulate the preparation and sale of meat, poultry, fish,

vegetables, fruits, fresh dairy products, and other foodstuffs for public
consumption;

(v) Regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges,

parks and other public places and approve the construction,
improvement, repair and maintenance of the same; establish bus and
vehicle stops and terminals or regulate the use of the same by
privately-owned vehicles which serve the public; regulate garages
and the operation of conveyances for hire; designate stands to be
occupied by public vehicles when not in use; regulate the putting up
of signs, signposts, awnings and awning posts on the streets; provide
for the lighting, cleaning and sprinkling of streets and public places;

(vi) Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges, prohibit the putting up
of encroachments or obstacles thereon, and, when necessary in the
interest of public welfare, authorize the removal of encroachments
and illegal constructions in public places;

(vii) Subject to existing laws, provide for the establishment, operation,

maintenance, and repair of an efficient waterworks system to supply
water for the inhabitants; regulate the construction, maintenance,
repair and use of hydrants, pumps, cisterns and reservoirs; protect
the purity and quantity of the water supply of the municipality and, for
this purpose, extend the coverage of appropriate ordinances over all
territory within the drainage area of said water supply and within one
hundred (100) meters of the reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct,
pumping station, or watershed used in connection with the water
service; and regulate the consumption, use or wastage of water;

(viii) Regulate the drilling and excavation of the ground for laying of
water, gas, sewer, and other pipes and the construction, repair and
maintenance of public drains, sewers, cesspools, tunnels and similar
structures; regulate the placing of poles and the use of crosswalks,
curbs, and gutters; adopt measures to ensure public safety against
open canals, manholes, live wires and other similar hazards to life
and property; and regulate the construction and use of private water
closets, privies and other similar structures in buildings and homes;
 (ix) Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and
construction of all gas mains, electric, telegraph and telephone wires,
conduits, meters and other apparatus; and, provide for the correction,
condemnation or removal of the same when found to be dangerous,
defective or otherwise hazardous to the welfare of the inhabitants;

(x) Subject to the availability of funds and to existing laws, rules and
regulations, establish and provide for the operation of vocational and
technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the
approval of the Department of Education. Culture and Sports, fix and
collect reasonable fees and other school charges on said institutions,
subject to existing laws on tuition fees;

(xi) Establish a scholarship fund for poor but deserving students

residing within the municipality in schools located within its
jurisdiction;

(xii) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent

the introduction and spread of diseases;

(xiii) Provide for an efficient and effective system of solid waste and
garbage collection disposal and prohibit littering and the placing or
throwing of garbage, refuse and other filth and wastes;

(xiv) Provide for the care of paupers, the aged, the sick, persons of
unsound mind, disabled persons, abandoned minors, juvenile
delinquents, drug dependents, abused children and other needy and
disadvantaged persons, particularly children and youth below
eighteen (18) years of age and, subject to availability of funds,
establish and provide for the operation of centers and facilities for
said needy and disadvantaged persons;

(xv) Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of

jails and detention centers, institute sound jail management
programs, and appropriate funds for the subsistence of detainees and
convicted prisoners in the municipality;

(xvi) Establish a municipal council whose purpose is the promotion of

culture and the arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-
governmental organizations and, subject to the availability of funds,
appropriate funds for the support and development of the same; and

(xvi) Establish a municipal council for the orderly which shall

formulate policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to the
elderly and to the community; provide incentives for non-
governmental agencies and entities and, subject to the availability of
funds, appropriate funds to support programs and projects for the
benefit of the elderly; and

(6) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
 (b) The members of the sangguniang bayan shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-four (24) as prescribed under
R.A. No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto: Provided,
That, in municipalities in Metropolitan Manila Area and other metropolitan political
subdivisions, members of the sangguniang bayan shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to Salary grade twenty-five (25).

TITLE III
THE CITY

CHAPTER I
Role and Creation of the City

Section 448. Role of the City. - The city, consisting of more urbanized and developed
barangays. serves as a general purpose government for the coordination and delivery of
basic, regular, and direct services and effective governance of the inhabitants within its
territorial jurisdiction.

Section 449. Manner of Creation. - A city may be created, divided, merged, abolished, or its
boundary substantially altered, only by an Act of Congress, and subject to approval by a
majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be conducted by the COMELEC in the local
government unit or units directly affected. Except as may otherwise be provided in such Act.
the plebiscite shall be held within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of its
effectivity.

Section 450. Requisites for Creation.

(a) A municipality or a cluster of barangays may be converted into a component city if

it has an average annual income, as certified by the Department of Finance, of at
least Twenty million (P20,000,000.00) for the last two (2) consecutive years based on
1991 constant prices, and if it has either of the following requisites:

(i) a contiguous territory of at least one hundred (100) square kilometers, as

certified by the Lands Management Bureau; or

(ii) a population of not less than one hundred fifty thousand (150,000)
inhabitants, as certified by the National Statistics Office:

Provided, That, the creation thereof shall not reduce the land area,
population, and income of the original unit or units at the time of said creation
to less than the minimum requirements prescribed herein.

(b) The territorial jurisdiction of a newly-created city shall be properly identified by

metes and bounds. The requirement on land area shall not apply where the city
proposed to be created is composed of one (1) or more islands. The territory need
not be contiguous if it comprises two (2) or more islands.

(c) The average annual income shall include the income accruing to the general
fund, exclusive of specific funds, transfers, and non-recurring income.
Section 451. Cities, Classified. - A city may either be component or highly urbanized:
Provided, however, That the criteria established in this Code shall not affect the classification
and corporate status of existing cities.

component cities whose charters prohibit their voters from voting for provincial elective
officials. Independent component cities shall be independent of the province. Independent
component cities are those

Section 452. Highly Urbanized Cities.

(a) Cities with a minimum population of two hundred thousand (200,000) inhabitants
as certified by the National Statistics Office, and within the latest annual income of at
least Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) based on 1991 constant prices, as
certified by the city treasurer, shall be classified as highly urbanized cities.

(b) Cities which do not meet above requirements shall be considered component
cities of the province in which they are geographically located. If a component city is
located within the boundaries of two (2) or more provinces, such city shall be
considered a component of the province of which it used to be a municipality.

(c) Qualified voters of highly urbanized cities shall remain excluded from voting for
elective provincial officials.

Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution or this Code, qualified voters of

independent component cities shall be governed by their respective charters, as
amended, on the participation of voters in provincial elections.

Qualified voters of cities who acquired the right to vote for elective provincial officials
prior to the classification of said cities as highly-urbanized after the ratification of the
Constitution and before the effectivity of this Code, shall continue to exercise such
right.

Section 453. Duty to Declare Highly Urbanized Status. - It shall be the duty of the President
to declare a city as highly urbanized within thirty (30) days after it shall have met the
minimum requirements prescribed in the immediately preceding section, upon proper
application therefor and ratification in a plebiscite by the qualified voters therein.

CHAPTER II
City Officials in General

Section 454. Officials of the City Government.

(a) There shall be in each city a mayor, a vice-mayor, sangguniang panlungsod

members, a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod, a city treasurer, a city
assessor, a city accountant, a city budget officer, a city planning and development
coordinator, a city engineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city
administrator, a city legal officer, a city veterinarian, a city social welfare and
development officer, and a city general services officer.
 (b) In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint a city architect, a city information
officer, a city agriculturist, a city population officer, a city environment and natural
resources officer, and a city cooperatives officer.

The appointment of a city population officer shall be optional in the city: Provided,
however, That cities which have existing population offices shall continue to maintain
such offices for a period of five (5) years from the date of the effectivity of this Code,
after which said offices shall become optional.

(c) The sangguniang panlungsod may:

(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof;

(2) Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
of the city government; or

(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest
of efficiency and economy.

(d) Unless otherwise provided herein, heads of departments and offices shall be
appointed by the city mayor with the concurrence of the majority of all the
sangguniang panlungsod members, subject to civil service law, rules and
regulations. The sangguniang panlungsod shall act on the appointment within fifteen
(15) days from the date of its submission, otherwise the same shall be deemed
confirmed.

(e) Elective and appointive city officials shall receive such compensation, allowances,
and other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance, subject to the
budgetary limitations on personal services prescribed under Title Five, Book II of this
Code: Provided, That, no increase in compensation of the mayor, vice-mayor and
sangguniang panlungsod members shall take effect until after the expiration of the
full term of the said local officials approving such increase.

CHAPTER III
Officials and Offices Common to All Cities

ARTICLE I
The City Mayor

Section 455. Chief Executive; Powers, Duties and Compensation.

(a) The city mayor, as chief executive of the city government, shall exercise such
powers and perform such duties and functions as provided by this Code and other
laws.

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the city and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code, the
city mayor shall:

(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects,
services, and activities of the city government. and in this connection, shall:
(i) Determine the guidelines of city policies and be responsible to the
sangguniang panlungsod for the program of government;

(ii) Direct the formulation of the city development plan, with the
assistance of the city development council, and upon approval
thereof by the sangguniang panlungsod, implement the same;

(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and

projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod at the
opening of the regular session of the sangguniang panlungsod every
calendar year and as often as may be deemed necessary as the
general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the city
government may require;

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang

panlungsod and as often as may be deemed necessary, provide such
information and data needed or requested by said sanggunian in the
performance of its legislative functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are
wholly or mainly paid out of city funds and whose appointments are
not otherwise provided for in this Code, as well as those he may be
authorized by law to appoint;

(vi) Represent the city in all its business transactions and sign in its
behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other
documents upon authority of the sangguniang panlungsod or
pursuant to law or ordinance;

(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary

during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and
calamities;

(viii) Determine the time, manner and place of payment of salaries or

wages of the officials and employees of the city, in accordance with
law or ordinance;

(ix) Allocate and assign office space to city and other officials and
employees who, by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space in the
city hall and other buildings owned or leased by the city government;

(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the city
faithfully discharge their duties and functions as provided by law and
this Code, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial
proceedings against any official or employee of the city who may
have committed an offense in the performance of his official duties;

(xi) Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices,
officials, agents or employees of the city and, in aid of his executive
powers and authority, require all national officials and employees
stationed in or assigned to the city to make available to him such
books, records, and other documents in their custody, except those
classified by law as confidential;

(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him, to the

provincial governor in the case of component city mayors, to the
Office of the President in the case of highly-urbanized city mayors
and to their respective metropolitan council chairmen in the case of
mayors of cities in the Metropolitan Manila Area and other
metropolitan political subdivisions, within seventy-two (72) hours after
their issuances;

(xiii) Visit component barangays of the city at least once every six (6)
months to deepen his understanding of problems and conditions,
listen and give appropriate counsel to, local officials and inhabitants,
inform the component barangay officials and inhabitants of general
laws and ordinances which especially concern them, and otherwise
conduct visits and inspections to ensure that the governance of the
city will improve the quality of life of the inhabitants;

(xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees appointed

by him and the commutation of the monetary value of their leave
credits in accordance with law;

(xv) Authorize official trips of city officials and employees outside of

the city for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days;

(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or

assigned to the city to advise him on matters affecting the city and to
make recommendations thereon; coordinate with said official or
employee in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs
and projects; and, when appropriate, initiate an administrative or
judicial action against a national government official or employee who
may have committed an offense in the performance of his official
duties while stationed in or assigned to the city;

(xvii) Authorize payment for medical care, necessary transportation,

subsistence, hospital or medical fees of city officials and employees
who are injured while in the performance of their duties and functions,
subject to availability of funds;

(xviii) Solemnize marriage, any provision of law to the contrary

notwithstanding;

(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod, which shall feature

traditional sports and disciplines included in national and international
games, in coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and
Sports; and

(xx) Submit to the provincial governor, in case of component cities; to

the Office of the President, in the case of highly-urbanized cities; to
their respective metropolitan authority council chairmen and to the
Office of the President, in case of cities of the Metropolitan Manila
 Area and other metropolitan political subdivisions, the following
reports: an annual report containing a summary of all matters
pertinent to the management, administration and development of the
city and all information and data relative to its political, social and
economic conditions; and supplemental reports when unexpected
events and situations arise at any time during the year, particularly
when man-made or natural disasters or calamities affect the general
welfare of the city, province, region or country;

(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the city and
in the exercise of the appropriate corporate powers provided for under
Section 22 of this Code, implement all approved policies, programs, projects,
services and activities of the city and, in addition to the foregoing, shall:

(i) Ensure that the acts of the city's component barangays and of its
officials and employees are within the scope of their prescribed
powers, duties and functions;

(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars, or meetings of any

elective and appointive officials of the city, including provincial
officials and national officials and employees stationed in or assigned
to the city, at such time and place and on such subject as he may
deem important for the promotion of the general welfare of the local
government unit and its inhabitants;

(ii) Issue such executive orders for the faithful and appropriate
enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;

(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearm within his territorial

jurisdiction;

(v) Act as the deputized representative of the National Police

Commission, formulate the peace and order plan of the city and upon
its approval, implement the same; and as such exercise general and
operational control and supervision over the local police forces in the
city, in accordance with R.A. No. 6975;

(vi) Call upon the appropriate law enforcement agencies to suppress

disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition, or to apprehend
violators of the law when public interest so requires and the city
police forces are inadequate to cope with the situations or the
violators;

(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and
apply the same to the implementation of development plans, program
objectives and priorities as provided for under Section 18 of this Code,
particularly those resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial
development and countryside growth and progress and, relative thereto,
shall:

(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare and

submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in
 accordance with the budget preparations process under Title Five,
Book II of this Code;

(ii) Prepare and submit to the sanggunian for approval the executive
and supplemental budgets of the city for the ensuing calendar year in
the manner provided for under Title Five, Book II of this Code;

(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the city are collected,
and that city funds are applied to the payment of expenses and
settlement of obligations of the city, in accordance with law or
ordinance;

(iv) Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for
any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits
had been issued, pursuant to law or ordinance;

(v) Issue permits, without need of approval therefor from any national
agency, for the holding of activities for any charitable or welfare
purpose, excluding prohibited games of chance or shows contrary to
law, public policy and public morals;

(vi) Require owners of illegally constructed houses, buildings or other

structures to obtain the necessary permit, subject to such fines and
penalties as may be imposed by law or ordinance, or to make
necessary changes in the construction of the same when said
construction violates any law or ordinance, or to order the demolition
or removal of said house, building or structure within the period
prescribed by law or ordinance;

(vii) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land,

mineral, marine, forest, and other resources of the city; provide
efficient and effective property and supply management in the city;
and protect the funds, credits, rights and other properties of the city;
and

(viii) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial

proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees
or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property; and cause the
city to be defended against all suits to ensure that its interests,
resources and rights shall be adequately protected;

(4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code and, in addition
thereto, shall:

(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and highways
funded by the national government shall be, as far as practicable,
carried out in a spatially contiguous manner and in coordination with
the construction and repair of the roads and bridges of the city, and in
the case of component cities, of the city and of the province; and
 (ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services, including
public works and infrastructure programs, rendered by national
offices in the case of highly urbanized and independent component
cities, and by national and provincial offices in the case of component
cities; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(c) During his incumbency, the city mayor shall hold office in the city hall.

(d) The city mayor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to
Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under R.A. No. 6758 and the implementing
guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE II
The City Vice-Mayor

Section 456. Powers, Duties and Compensation.

(a) The city vice-mayor shall:

(1) Be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlungsod and sign all
warrants drawn on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the
operation of the sangguniang panlungsod;

(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and
employees of the sangguniang panlungsod, except those whose manner of
appointment is specifically provided in this Code;

(3) Assume the office of the city mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in
the event of permanent vacancy as provided for in Section 44, Book I of this
Code;

(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city
mayor in cases of temporary vacancy as provided for in Section 46, Book I of
this Code; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(b) The city vice-mayor shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to

Salary Grade twenty eight (28) for a highly urbanized city and Salary Grade twenty-
six (26) for a component city, as prescribed under R.A. No. 6758 and the
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE III
The Sangguniang Panlungsod

Section 457. Composition

 (a) The sangguniang panlungsod, the legislative body of the city, shall be composed
of the city vice-mayor as presiding officer, the regular sanggunian members, the
president of the city chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the president of the
panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, and the sectoral
representatives, as members.

(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from
the women; and as shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned within ninety
(90) days prior to the holding of the local elections, one (1) from agricultural or
industrial workers; and one (1) from the other sectors, including the urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.

(c) The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod and the sectoral
representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law.

Section 458. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation.

(a) The sangguniang panlungsod, as the legislative body of the city, shall enact
ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the
city and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code and in the proper exercise
of the corporate powers of the city as provided for under Section 22 of this Code, and
shall:

(1) Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and
effective city government, and in this connection, shall:

(i) Review all ordinances approved by the sangguniang barangay and

executive orders issued by the punong barangay to determine
whether these are within the scope of the prescribed powers of the
sanggunian and of the punong barangay;

(ii) Maintain peace and order by enacting measures to prevent and

suppress lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or sedition
and impose penalties for violation of said ordinances;

(iii) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand

pesos (P5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one
(1) year, or both in the discretion of the court, for the violation of a city
ordinance;

(iv) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the city from the
harmful effects of man-made or natural disasters and calamities, and
to provide relief services and assistance for victims during and in the
aftermath of said disasters or calamities and their return to productive
livelihood following said events;

(v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose

appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places,
vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, establishment and maintenance
of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited games of
chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money or property,
drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, juvenile
delinquency, the printing, distribution or exhibition of obscene or
pornographic materials or publications, and such other activities
inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the city.

(vi) Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for

acts which endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing and
other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of
logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered
species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, and such other
activities which result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of
rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance;

(vii) Subject to the provisions of this Code and pertinent laws,

determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the
city;

(viii) Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and
other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly
or mainly from city funds and provide for expenditures necessary for
the proper conduct of programs, projects, services, and activities of
the city government;

(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person not

in the government service who fills up a temporary vacancy or grant
honorarium to any qualified official or employee designated to fill a
temporary vacancy in a concurrent capacity, at the rate authorized by
law;

(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor, to

ensure the safety and protection of all city government property,
public documents, or records such as those relating to property
inventory, land ownership, records of births, marriages, deaths,
assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits, and such other
records and documents of public interest in the offices and
departments of the city government;

(xi) When the finances of the city government allow, provide for
additional allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors,
public elementary and high school teachers, and other national
government officials stationed in or assigned to the city;

(xii) Provide legal assistance to barangay officials who, in the

performance of their official duties or on the occasion thereof, have to
initiate judicial proceedings or defend themselves against legal
action; and

(xiii) Provide for group insurance or additional insurance coverage for

all barangay officials, including members of barangay tanod brigades
and other service units, with public or private insurance companies,
when the finances of the city government allow said coverage;
(2) Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the
development plans, program objectives and priorities of the city as provided
for under Section 18 of this Code, with particular attention to agro-industrial
development and city-wide growth and progress, and relative thereto, shall:

(i) Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the city

government and appropriate funds for specific programs, projects,
services and activities of the city, or for other purposes not contrary to
law, in order to promote the general welfare of the city and its
inhabitants;

(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang panlungsod, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and
charges, prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific
purposes, and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;

(iii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and upon the
majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang panlungsod,
authorize the city mayor to negotiate and contract loans and other
forms of indebtedness;

(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang panlungsod, enact ordinances authorizing the floating of
bonds or other instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose of raising
funds to finance development projects;

(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the

rental of buildings for the use of the city; and, upon the majority vote
of all the members of the sangguniang panlungsod, authorize the city
mayor to lease to private parties such public buildings held in a
proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;

(vi) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of property

within the jurisdiction of the city;

(vii) Adopt a comprehensive land use plan for the city: Provided, That
in the case of component cities, the formulation, adoption or
modification of said plan shall be in coordination with the approved
provincial comprehensive land use plan;

(viii) Reclassify land within the jurisdiction of the city, subject to the
pertinent provisions of this Code;

(ix) Enact integrated zoning ordinances in consonance with the

approved comprehensive land use plan, subject to existing laws,
rules and regulations; establish fire limits or zones, particularly in
populous centers; and regulate the construction, repair or
modification of buildings within said fire limits or zones in accordance
with the provisions of the Fire Code;
 (x) Subject to national law, process and approve subdivision plans for
residential, commercial, or industrial purposes and other development
purposes, and to collect processing fees and other charges, the
proceeds of which shall accrue entirely to the city: Provided, however,
That where approval of a national agency or office is required, said
approval shall not be withheld for more than thirty (30) days from
receipt of the application. Failure to act on the application within the
period stated above shall be deemed as approval thereof;

(xi) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, grant the

exclusive privilege of constructing fish corrals or fish pens, or the
taking or catching of bangus fry, prawn fry or kawag-kawag, or fry of
any species or fish within the city waters;

(xii) With the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the

members of the sangguniang panlungsod, grant tax exemptions,
incentives or reliefs to entities engaged in community growth-inducing
industries, subject to the provisions of Chapter 5, Title I, Book II of
this Code;

(xiii) Grant loans or provide grants to other local government units or

to national, provincial, and city charitable, benevolent or educational
institutions: Provided, That, said institutions are operated and
maintained within the city;

(xiv) Regulate the numbering of residential, commercial and other

buildings; and

(xv) Regulate the inspection, weighing and measuring of articles of

commerce.

(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, enact ordinances

granting franchises and authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, upon
such conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general
welfare of the inhabitants of the city and pursuant to this legislative authority
shall:

(i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services
rendered by the city government to private persons or entities;

(ii) Regulate or fix license fees for any business or practice of

profession within the city and the conditions under which the license
for said business or practice of profession may be revoked and enact
ordinances levying taxes thereon;

(iii) Provide for and set the terms and conditions under which public
utilities owned by the city shall be operated by the city government,
and prescribe the conditions under which the same may be leased to
private persons or entities, preferably cooperatives;
 (iv) Regulate the display of and fix the license fees for signs,
signboards, or billboards at the place or places where the profession
or business advertised thereby is, in whole or in part, conducted;

(v) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, authorize and license the
establishment, operation, and maintenance of cockpits, and regulate
cockfighting and commercial breeding of gamecocks: Provided, That
existing rights should not be prejudiced;

(vi) Subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of

Transportation and Communications, regulate the operation of
tricycles and grant franchises for the operation thereof within the
territorial jurisdiction of the city;

(vii) Upon approval by a majority vote of all the members of the

sangguniang panlungsod: grant a franchise to any person,
partnership, corporation, or cooperative to do business within the city;
establish, construct, operate and maintain ferries, wharves, markets
or slaughterhouses; or undertake such other activities within the city
as may be allowed by existing laws: Provided, That, cooperatives
shall be given preference in the grant of such a franchise.

(4) Regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures
within the city in order to promote the general welfare and for said purpose
shall:

(i) Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(ii) Require that buildings and the premises thereof and any land
within the city be kept and maintained in a sanitary condition; impose
penalties for any violation thereof; or, upon failure to comply with said
requirement, have the work done at the expense of the owner,
administrator or tenant concerned; or require the filling up of any land
or premises to a grade necessary for proper sanitation;

(iii) Regulate the disposal of clinical and other wastes from hospitals,
clinics and other similar establishments;

(iv) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of cafes,

restaurants, beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns, pension houses,
lodging houses, and other similar establishments, including tourist
guides and transports;

(v) Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing of any intoxicating

malt, vino, mixed or fermented liquors at any retail outlet;

(vi) Regulate the establishment and provide for the inspection of

steam boilers or any heating device in buildings and the storage of
inflammable and highly combustible materials within the city;
 (vii) Regulate the establishment, operation, and maintenance of any
entertainment or amusement facilities, including theatrical
performances, circuses, billiard pools, public dancing schools, public
dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors, and other places for
entertainment or amusement; regulate such other events or activities
for amusement or entertainment, particularly those which tend to
disturb the community or annoy the inhabitants, or require the
suspension or suppression of the same; or, prohibit certain forms of
amusement or entertainment in order to protect the social and moral
welfare of the community;

(viii) Provide for the impounding of stray animals; regulate the

keeping of animals in homes or as part of a business, and the
slaughter, sale or disposition of the same; and adopt measures to
prevent and penalize cruelty to animals; and

(ix) Regulate the establishment, operation and maintenance of

funeral parlors and the burial or cremation of the dead, subject to
existing laws, rules and regulations.

(5) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery
of the basic services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this
Code, and in addition to said services and facilities, shall:

(i) Provide for the establishment, maintenance, protection, and

conservation of communal forests and watersheds, tree parks,
greenbelts, mangroves, and other similar forest development
projects;

(ii) Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animal corrals and

authorize the operation thereof by the city government; and regulate
the construction and operation of private markets, talipapas or other
similar buildings and structures;

(iii) Authorize the establishment, maintenance and operation by the

city government of ferries, wharves, and other structures intended to
accelerate productivity related to marine and seashore or offshore
activities;

(iv) Regulate the preparation and sale of meat, poultry, fish,

vegetables, fruits, fresh dairy products, and other foodstuffs for public
consumption;

(v) Regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges,

parks and other public places and approve the construction,
improvement repair and maintenance of the same; establish bus and
vehicle stops and terminals or regulate the use of the same by
privately-owned vehicles which serve the public; regulate garages
and the operation of conveyances for hire; designate stands to be
occupied by public vehicles when not in use; regulate the putting up
of signs, signposts, awnings and awning posts on the streets; and
provide for the lighting, cleaning and sprinkling of streets; and public
places;

(vi) Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges; prohibit encroachments

or obstacles thereon, and when necessary in the interest of public
welfare, authorize the removal or encroachments and illegal
constructions in public places;

(vii) Subject to existing laws, establish and provide for the

maintenance, repair and operation of an efficient waterworks system
to supply water for the inhabitants and to purify the source of the
water supply; regulate the construction, maintenance, repair and use
of hydrants, pumps, cisterns and reservoirs; protect the purity and
quantity of the water supply of the city and, for this purpose, extend
the coverage of appropriate ordinances over all territory within the
drainage area of said water supply and within one hundred (100)
meters of the reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct, pumping station, or
watershed used in connection with the water service; and regulate
the consumption, use or wastage of water and fix and collect charges
therefor;

(viii) Regulate the drilling and excavation of the ground for the laying
of water, gas, sewer, and other pipes and the construction, repair and
maintenance of public drains, sewers, cesspools, tunnels and similar
structures; regulate the placing of poles and the use of crosswalks,
curbs, and gutters; adopt measures to ensure public safety against
open canals, manholes. live wires and other similar hazards to life
and property; and regulate the construction and use of private water
closets, privies and other similar structures in buildings and homes;

(ix) Regulate the placing, stringing, attaching, installing, repair and

construction of all gas mains, electric, telegraph and telephone wires,
conduits, meters and other apparatus; and provide for the correction,
condemnation or removal of the same when found to be dangerous,
defective, or otherwise hazardous to the welfare of the inhabitants;

(x) Subject to the availability of funds and to existing laws, rules and
regulations, establish and provide for the operation of vocational and
technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the
approval of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and
subject to existing law on tuition fees, fix and collect reasonable
tuition fees and other school charges in educational institutions
supported by the city government;

(xi) Establish a scholarship fund for the poor but deserving students
in schools located within its jurisdiction or for students residing within
the city;

(xii) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent

the introduction and spread of diseases;
 (xiii) Provide for an efficient and effective system of solid waste and
garbage collection and disposal; prohibit littering and the placing or
throwing of garbage, refuse and other filth and wastes;

(xiv) Provide for the care of disabled persons, paupers, the aged, the
sick, persons of unsound mind, abandoned minors, juvenile
delinquents, drug dependents, abused children and other needy and
disadvantaged persons, particularly children and youth below
eighteen (18) years of age; and subject to availability of funds,
establish and provide for the operation of centers and facilities for
said needy and disadvantaged persons;

(xv) Establish and provide for the maintenance and improvement of

jails and detention centers, institute a sound jail management
program, and appropriate funds for the subsistence of detainees and
convicted prisoners in the city;

(xvi) Establish a city council whose purpose is the promotion of

culture and the arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-
governmental organizations and, subject to the availability of funds,
appropriate funds for the support and development of the same; and

(xvii) Establish a city council for the elderly which shall formulate
policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to the elderly and to
the community; provide incentives for non-governmental agencies
and entities and, subject to the availability of funds, appropriate funds
to support programs and projects for the benefit of the elderly; and

(6) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(b) The members of the sangguniang panlungsod of component cities shall receive a
minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-five (25) and
members of the sangguniang panlungsod of highly-urbanized cities shall receive a
minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-seven (27),
as prescribed under R.A. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant
thereto.

TITLE IV
THE PROVINCE

CHAPTER I
Role and Creation of the Province

Section 459. Role of the Province. - The province, composed of cluster of municipalities, or
municipalities and component cities, and as a political and corporate unit of government,
serves as dynamic mechanism for developmental processes and effective governance of
local government units within its territorial jurisdiction.

Section 460. Manner of Creation. - A province may be created, divided, merged, abolished,
or its boundary substantially altered, only by an Act of Congress and subject to approval by a
majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be conducted by the COMELEC in the local
government unit or units directly affected. The plebiscite shall be held within one hundred
twenty (120) days from the date of effectivity of said Act, unless otherwise provided therein.

Section 461. Requisites for Creation.

(a) A province may be created if it has an average annual income, as certified by the
Department of Finance, of not less than Twenty million pesos (P20,000,000.00)
based on 1991 constant prices and either of the following requisites:

(i) a contiguous territory of at least two thousand (2,000) square kilometers,

as certified by the Lands Management Bureau; or

(ii) a population of not less than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000)
inhabitants as certified by the National Statistics Office:

Provided, That, the creation thereof shall not reduce the land area,
population, and income of the original unit or units at the time of said creation
to less than the minimum requirements prescribed herein.

(b) The territory need not be contiguous if it comprise two (2) or more islands or is
separated by a chartered city or cities which do not contribute to the income of the
province.

(c) The average annual income shall include the income accruing to the general
fund, exclusive of special funds, trust funds, transfers and non-recurring income.

Section 462. Existing Sub-Provinces. - Existing sub-provinces are hereby converted into
regular provinces upon approval by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite to be held in
the said subprovinces and the original provinces directly affected. The plebiscite shall be
conducted by the COMELEC simultaneously with the national elections following the
effectivity of this Code.

The new legislative districts created as a result of such conversion shall continue to be
represented in Congress by the duly-elected representatives of the original districts out of
which said new provinces or districts were created until their own representatives shall have
been elected in the next regular congressional elections and qualified.

The incumbent elected officials of the said subprovinces converted into regular provinces
shall continue to hold office until June 30, 1992. Any vacancy occurring in the offices
occupied by said incumbent elected officials, or resulting from expiration of their terms of
office in case of a negative vote in the plebiscite results, shall be filled by appointment by the
President. The appointees shall hold office until their successors shall have been elected in
the regular local elections following the plebiscite mentioned herein and qualified. After
effectivity of such conversion, the President shall fill up the position of governor of the newly-
created province through appointment if none has yet been appointed to the same as
hereinbefore provided, and shall also appoint a vice-governor and the other members of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, all of whom shall likewise hold office until their successors shall
have been elected in the next regular local elections and qualified.
All qualified appointive officials and employees in the career service of the said subprovinces
at the time of their conversion into regular provinces shall continue in office in accordance
with civil service law, rules and regulations.

CHAPTER II
Provincial Officials in General

Section 463. Officials of the Provincial Government.

(a) There shall be in each province a governor, a vice-governor, members of the

sangguniang panlalawigan, a secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan, a
provincial treasurer, a provincial assessor, a provincial accountant, a provincial
engineer, a provincial budget officer, a provincial planning and development
coordinator, a provincial legal officer, a provincial administrator, a provincial health
officer, a provincial social welfare and development officer, a provincial general
services officer, a provincial agriculturist, and a provincial veterinarian.

(b) In addition thereto, the governor may appoint a provincial population officer, a
provincial natural resources and environment officer, a provincial cooperative officer,
a provincial architect, and a provincial information officer.

The appointment of a provincial population officer shall be optional in the province:

Provided, however, That provinces which have existing population offices shall
continue to maintain such offices for a period of five (5) years from the date of the
effectivity of this Code, after which said offices shall become optional.

(c) The sangguniang panlalawigan may:

(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof;

(2) Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
of the provincial government; or

(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest
of efficiency and economy;

(d) Unless otherwise provided herein, heads of departments and offices shall
be appointed by the governor with the concurrence of the majority of all the
sangguniang panlalawigan members, subject to civil service law, rules and
regulations. The sangguniang panlalawigan shall act on the appointment
within fifteen (15) days from the date of its submission; otherwise the same
shall be deemed confirmed;

(e) Elective and appointive provincial officials shall receive such compensation,
allowances, and other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance,
subject to the budgetary limitations on personal services prescribed under Title Five,
Book II of this Code: Provided, That, no increase in compensation shall take effect
until after the expiration of the full term of all the elective officials approving such
increase.
Section 464. Residence and Office. - During the incumbency of the governor, he shall have
his official residence in the capital of the province. All elective and appointive provincial
officials shall hold office in the provincial capital: Provided, That, upon resolution of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, elective and appointive provincial officials may hold office in any
component city or municipality within the province for a period of not more than seven (7)
days for any given month.

CHAPTER III
Officials and Offices Common to All Provinces

ARTICLE I
The Provincial Governor

Section 465. The Chief Executive: Powers, Duties, Functions, and Compensation.

(a) The provincial governor, as the chief executive of the provincial government, shall
exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided by this
Code and other laws.

(b) For efficient, effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the
general welfare of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this
Code, the provincial governor shall:

(1) Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects,
services, and activities of the provincial government, and in this connection,
shall:

(i) Determine the guidelines of provincial policies and be responsible

to the sangguniang panlalawigan for the program of government;

(ii) Direct the formulation of the provincial development plan, with the
assistance of the provincial development council, and upon approval
thereof by the sangguniang panlalawigan, implement the same;

(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and

projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlalawigan at the
opening of the regular session of the sangguniang panlalawigan
every calendar year and as after as may be deemed necessary as
the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the provincial
government may require;

(iv) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang

panlalawigan and as often as may be deemed necessary, provide
such information and data needed or requested by said sanggunian
in the performance of its legislative functions;

(v) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are
wholly or mainly paid out of provincial funds and whose appointments
are not otherwise provided for in this Code, as well as those he may
be authorized by law to appoint;
(vi) Represent the province in all its business transactions and sign in
its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other
documents upon authority of the sangguniang panlalawigan or
pursuant to law or ordinance;

(vii) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary

during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and
calamities;

(viii) Determine the time, manner and place of payment of salaries or

wages of the officials and employees of the province, in accordance
with law or ordinance;

(ix) Allocate and assign office space to provincial and other officials
and employees who, by law or ordinance, are entitled to such space
in the provincial capitol and other buildings owned or leased by the
provincial government;

(x) Ensure that all executive officials and employees of the province
faithfully discharge their duties and functions as provided by law and
this Code, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial
proceedings against any official or employee of the province who may
have committed an offense in the performance of his official duties;

(xi) Examine the books, records and other documents of all offices,
officials, agents or employees of the province and, in aid of his
executive powers and authority, require all national officials and
employees stationed in the province to make available to him such
books, records, and other documents in their custody, except those
classified by law as confidential;

(xii) Furnish copies of executive orders issued by him to the Office of

the President within seventy-two (72) hours after their issuance;

(xiii) Visit component cities and municipalities of the province at least

once every six (6) months to deepen his understanding of problems
and conditions, listen and give appropriate counsel to local officials
and inhabitants, inform the officials and inhabitants of component
cities and municipalities of general laws and ordinances which
especially concern them, and otherwise conduct visits and
inspections to ensure that the governance of the province will
improve the quality of life of the inhabitants;

(xiv) Act on leave applications of officials and employees appointed

by him and the commutation of the monetary value of leave credits in
accordance with law;

(xv) Authorize official trips of provincial officials and employees

outside of the province for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days;

(xvi) Call upon any national official or employee stationed in or

assigned to the province to advise him on matters affecting the
 province and to make recommendations thereon; coordinate with said
official or employee in the formulation and implementation of plans,
programs and projects; and when appropriate, initiate an
administrative or judicial action against a national government official
or employee who may have committed an offense in the performance
of his official duties while stationed in or assigned to the province;

(xvii) Authorize payment for medical care, necessary transportation,

subsistence, hospital or medical fees of provincial officials and
employees who are injured while in the performance of their official
duties and functions, subject to availability of funds;

(xviii) Represent the province in inter-provincial or regional sports

councils or committees, and coordinate the efforts of component
cities or municipalities in the regional or national palaro or sports
development activities;

(xix) Conduct an annual palarong panlalawigan, which shall feature

traditional sports and disciplines included in national and international
games in coordination with the Department of Education, Culture and
Sports; and

(xx) Submit to the Office of the President the following reports: an

annual report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the
management, administration and development of the province and all
information and data relative to its political, social and economic
conditions; and supplemental reports when unexpected events and
situations arise at any time during the year, particularly when man-
made or natural disasters or calamities affect the general welfare of
the province, region or country;

(2) Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the province
and the exercise of the appropriate corporate powers provided for under
Section 22 of this Code, implement all approved policies, programs, projects,
services and activities of the province and, in addition to the foregoing, shall:

(i) Ensure that the acts of the component cities and municipalities of
the province and of its officials and employees are within the scope of
their prescribed powers, duties and functions;

(ii) Call conventions, conferences, seminars, or meetings of any

elective and appointive officials of the province and its component
cities and municipalities, including national officials and employees
stationed in or assigned to the province, at such time and place and
on such subject as he may deem important for the promotion of the
general welfare of the province and its inhabitants;

(iii) Issue such executive orders for the faithful and appropriate
enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;

(iv) Be entitled to carry the necessary firearm within his territorial

jurisdiction;
 (v) In coordination with the mayors of component cities and
municipalities and the National Police Commission, formulate the
peace and order plan of the province and upon its approval,
implement the same in accordance with R.A. No. 6975;

(vi) Call upon the appropriate national law enforcement agencies to

suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion or sedition or to
apprehend violators of the law when public interest so requires and
the police forces of the component city or municipality where the
disorder or violation is happening are inadequate to cope with the
situation or the violators;

(3) Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues, and
apply the same to the implementation of development plans, program
objectives and priorities as provided for under Section 18 of this Code,
particularly those resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial
development and country-wide growth and progress and, relative thereto,
shall:

(i) Require each head of an office or department to prepare and

submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuing calendar year, in
accordance with the budget preparation process under Title Five,
Book II of this Code;

(ii) Prepare and submit to the sanggunian for approval the executive
and supplemental budgets of the province for the ensuing calendar
year in the manner provided for under Title Five, Book II of this Code;

(iii) Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of the province are
collected, and that provincial funds are applied to the payment of
expenses and settlement of obligations of the province, in
accordance with law or ordinance;

(iv) Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revoke the same for
any violation of the conditions upon which said licenses or permits
had been issued, pursuant to law or ordinance;

(v) Adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land,

mineral, marine, forest and other resources of the province, in
coordination with the mayors of component cities and municipalities;
provide efficient and effective property and supply management in the
province; and protect the funds, credits, rights, and other properties of
the province; and

(vi) Institute or cause to be instituted administrative or judicial

proceedings for violation of ordinances in the collection of taxes, fees
or charges, and for the recovery of funds and property, and cause the
province to be defended against all suits to ensure that its interests,
resources and rights shall be adequately protected.
 (4) Ensure the delivery of basic services and the provision of adequate
facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code, and in addition
thereto, shall:

(i) Ensure that the construction and repair of roads and

highways funded by the national government shall be, as far
as practicable, carried out in a spatially contiguous manner
and in coordination with the construction and repair of the
roads and bridges of the province and of its component cities
and municipalities; and

(ii) Coordinate the implementation of technical services by

national offices for the province and its component cities and
municipalities, including public works and infrastructure
programs of the provincial government and its component
cities and municipalities;

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(c) The provincial governor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation

corresponding to Salary Grade thirty (30) prescribed under R.A. No. 6758 and the
implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE II
The Provincial Vice-Governor

Section 466. Powers, Duties, and Compensation.

(a) The vice-governor shall:

(1) Be the presiding officer of the sangguniang panlalawigan and sign all
warrants drawn on the provincial treasury for all expenditures appropriated
for the operation of the sangguniang panlalawigan;

(2) Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and
employees of the sangguniang panlalawigan, except those whose manner of
appointment is specially provided in this Code;

(3) Assume the office of the governor for the unexpired term of the latter in
the event of permanent vacancy as provided for in Section 44, Book I of this
Code;

(4) Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the governor
in cases of temporary vacancy as provided for in Section 46, Book I of this
Code; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
 (b) The vice-governor shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to Salary
Grade twenty-eight (28) as prescribed under R.A. No. 6758 and the implementing
guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE III
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Section 467. Composition.

(a) The sangguniang panlalawigan, the legislative body of the province, shall be
composed of the provincial vice-governor as presiding officer, the regular sanggunian
members, the president of the provincial chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the
president of the panlalawigang pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, the
president of the provincial federation of sanggunian members of municipalities and
component cities and the sectoral representatives, as members.

(b) In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from
the women; and as shall be determined by the sanggunian concerned within ninety
(90) days prior to the holding of the local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or
industrial workers; and one (1) from other sectors including the urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.

(c) The regular members of the sangguniang panlalawigan and the sectoral
representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law.

Section 468. Powers, Duties, Functions and Compensation.

(a) The sangguniang panlalawigan, as the legislative body of the province, shall
enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare
of the province and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of this Code in the proper
exercise of the corporate powers of the province as provided for under Section 22 of
this Code, and shall:

(1) Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and
effective provincial government and, in this connection, shall:

(i) Review all ordinances approved by the sangguniang of component

cities and municipalities and executive orders issued by the mayors
of said component units to determine whether these are within the
scope of the prescribed powers of the sanggunian and of the mayor;

(ii) Maintain peace and order by enacting measures to prevent and

suppress lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or sedition
and impose penalties for the violation of said ordinances;

(iii) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand

pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or
both in the discretion of the court, for the violation of a provincial
ordinance;
(iv) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the province from
harmful effects of man-made or natural disasters and calamities, and
to provide relief services and assistance for victims during and in the
aftermath of said disasters and calamities and their return to
productive livelihood following said events;

(v) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose

appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places,
vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, establishment and maintenance
of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited games of
chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money or property,
drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, juvenile
delinquency, the printing, distribution or exhibition of obscene or
pornographic materials or publications, and other activities inimical to
the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the province;

(vi) Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for

acts which endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing and
other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of
logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered
species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, and such other
activities which result in pollution acceleration of eutrophication of
rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance;

(vii) Subject to the provisions of this Code and pertinent laws,

determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the
province;

(viii) Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and
other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly
or mainly from provincial funds and provide for expenditures
necessary for the proper conduct of programs, projects, services, and
activities of the provincial government;

(ix) Authorize the payment of compensation to a qualified person not

in the government service who fills up a temporary vacancy, or grant
honorarium to any qualified official or employee designated to fill a
temporary vacancy in a concurrent capacity, at the rate authorized by
law;

(x) Provide a mechanism and the appropriate funds therefor, to

ensure the safety and protection of all provincial government
property, public documents, or records such as those relating to
property inventory, land ownership, records of births, marriages,
deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits, and such
other records and documents of public interest in the offices and
departments of the provincial government; and

(xi) When the finances of the provincial government allow, provide for
additional allowances and other benefits to judges, prosecutors,
public elementary and high school teachers, and other national
government officials stationed or assigned to the province.
(2) Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the
development plans, program objectives and priorities of the province as
provided for under Section 18 of this Code, with particular attention to agro-
industrial development and country-wide growth and progress and relative
thereto, shall:

(i) Enact the annual and supplemental appropriations of the provincial

government and appropriate funds for specific programs, projects,
services and activities of the province, or for other purposes not
contrary to law, in order to promote the general welfare of the
province and its inhabitants;

(ii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, enact ordinances levying taxes, fees and
charges, prescribing the rates thereof for general and specific
purposes, and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;

(iii) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, authorize the provincial governor to
negotiate and contract loans and other forms of indebtedness;

(iv) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code and applicable

laws and upon the majority vote of all the members of the
sangguniang panlalawigan, enact ordinances authorizing the floating
of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness, for the purpose of
raising funds to finance development projects;

(v) Appropriate funds for the construction and maintenance or the

rental of buildings for the use of the province; and upon the majority
vote of all the members of the sangguniang panlalawigan, authorize
the provincial governor to lease to private parties such public
buildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws, rules
and regulations;

(vi) Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints on the use of property

within the jurisdiction of the province;

(vii) Review the comprehensive land use plans and zoning

ordinances of component cities and municipalities and adopt a
comprehensive provincial land use plan, subject to existing laws; and

(viii) Adopt measures to enhance the full implementation of the

national agrarian reform program in coordination with the Department
of Agrarian Reform;

(3) Subject to the provisions of Book II of this Code, grant franchises,

approve the issuance of permits or licenses, or enact ordinances levying
taxes, fees and charges upon such conditions and for such purposes
intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the province,
and pursuant to this legislative authority, shall:
 (i) Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges for all services
rendered by the provincial government to private persons or entities;
and

(ii) Regulate and fix the license fees for such activities as provided for
under this Code.

(4) Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery
of basic services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code,
and, in addition to said services and facilities, shall:

(i) Adopt measures and safeguards against pollution and for the
preservation of the natural ecosystem in the province, in consonance
with approved standards on human settlements and environmental
sanitation;

(ii) Subject to applicable laws, facilitate or provide for the

establishment and maintenance of waterworks system or district
waterworks for supplying water to inhabitants of component cities and
municipalities;

(iii) Subject to the availability of funds and to existing laws, rules and
regulations, provide for the establishment and operation of vocational
and technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions; and,
with the approval of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports
and subject to existing laws on tuition fees, fix reasonable tuition fees
and other school charges in educational institutions supported by the
provincial government;

(iv) Establish a scholarship fund for the poor but deserving students
in schools located within its jurisdiction or for students residing within
the province;

(v) Approve measures and adopt quarantine regulations to prevent

the introduction and spread of diseases within its territorial
jurisdiction;

(vi) Provide for the care of paupers, the aged, the sick, persons of
unsound mind, abandoned minors, abused children, disabled
persons, juvenile delinquents, drug dependents, and other needy and
disadvantaged persons, particularly children and youth below
eighteen (18) years of age; subject to availability of funds, establish
and support the operation of centers and facilities for said needy and
disadvantaged persons; and facilitate efforts to promote the welfare
of families below the poverty threshold, the disadvantaged, and the
exploited;

(vii) Establish and provide the maintenance and improvement of jails

and detention centers, institute a sound jail management program,
and appropriate funds for the subsistence of detainees and convicted
prisoners in the province;
 (viii) Establish a provincial council whose purpose is the promotion of
culture and the arts, coordinate with government agencies and non-
governmental organizations and, subject to the availability of funds,
appropriate funds for the support and development of the same;

(ix) Establish a provincial council for the elderly which shall formulate
policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to the elderly and to
the province; and subject to the availability of funds, appropriate
funds to support programs and projects for the elderly; and provide
incentives for non-governmental agencies and entities to support the
programs and projects of the elderly; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(b) The members of the sangguniang panlalawigan shall receive a minimum monthly
compensation corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-seven (27) as prescribed under
R.A. No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

TITLE V
APPOINTED LOCAL OFFICIALS COMMON TO ALL MUNICIPALITIES, CITIES AND
PROVINCES

ARTICLE I
Secretary to the Sanggunian

Section 469. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) There shall be a secretary to the sanggunian who shall be a career official with
the rank and salary equal to a head of department or office.

(b) No person shall be appointed secretary to the sanggunian unless he is a citizen

of the Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in law, commerce or public
administration from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service
eligible or its equivalent.

The appointment of a secretary to the sanggunian is mandatory for provincial, city

and municipal governments.

(c) The secretary to the sanggunian shall take charge of the office of the secretary to
the sanggunian and shall:

(1) Attend meetings of the sanggunian and keep a journal of its proceedings;

(2) Keep the seal of the local government unit and affix the same with his
signature to all ordinances, resolutions, and other official acts of the
sanggunian and present the same to the presiding officer for his signature;

(3) Forward to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, for approval,
copies of ordinances enacted by the sanggunian and duly certified by the
 presiding officer, in the manner provided in Section 54 under Book I of this
Code;

(4) Forward to the sanggunian panlungsod or bayan concerned, in the case

of the sangguniang barangay, and to the sangguniang panlalawigan
concerned, in the case of the sangguniang panlungsod of component cities
or sangguniang bayan, copies of duly approved ordinances, in the manner
provided in Sections 56 and 57 under Book I of this Code;

(5) Furnish, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of records
of public character in his custody, upon payment to the treasurer of such fees
as may be prescribed by ordinance;

(6) Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and resolutions
enacted or adopted by the sanggunian, with the dates of passage and
publication thereof;

(7) Keep his office and all non-confidential records therein open to the public
during the usual business hours;

(8) Translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants all
ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval, and cause the
publication of the same together with the original version in the manner
provided under this Code; and

(9) Take custody of the local archives and, where applicable, the local library
and annually account for the same; and

(d) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance relative to his position.

ARTICLE II
The Treasurer

Section 470. Appointment, Qualifications, Powers, and Duties.

(a) The treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least
three (3) ranking, eligible recommendees of the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

(b) The treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the governor or
mayor, as the case may be, to whom he shall report regularly on the tax collection
efforts in the local government unit;

(c) No person shall be appointed treasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a

resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a holder of
a college degree preferably in commerce, public administration or law from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent. He must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service for
at least five (5) years in the case of the city or provincial treasurer, and three (3)
years in the case of municipal treasurer.
 The appointment of a treasurer shall be mandatory for provincial, city and municipal
governments;

(d) The treasurer shall take charge of the treasury office, perform the duties provided
for under Book II of this Code, and shall:

(1) Advise the governor or mayor, as the case may be, the sanggunian, and
other local government and national officials concerned regarding disposition
of local government funds, and on such other matters relative to public
finance;

(2) Take custody of and exercise proper management of the funds of the
local government unit concerned;

(3) Take charge of the disbursement of all local government funds and such
other funds the custody of which may be entrusted to him by law or other
competent authority;

(4) Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the

jurisdiction of the local government unit concerned in relation to the
implementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the provisions under Book II of
this Code;

(5) Maintain and update the tax information system of the local government
unit;

(6) In the case of the provincial treasurer, exercise technical supervision over
all treasury offices of component cities and municipalities; and

(e) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 471. Assistant Treasurer.

(a) An assistant treasurer may be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of
at least three (3) ranking, eligible recommendees of the governor or mayor, subject
to civil service law, rules and regulations.

(b) No person shall be appointed assistant treasurer unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in commerce, public
administration, or law from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired at least five (5) years
experience in the treasury or accounting service in the case of the city or provincial
assistant treasurer and three (3) years in the case of municipal assistant treasurer.

The appointment of an assistant treasurer shall be optional for provincial, city and
municipal governments;

(c) The assistant treasurer shall assist the treasurer and perform such duties as the
latter may assign to him. He shall have authority to administer oaths concerning
 notices and notifications to those delinquent in the payment of real property tax and
concerning official matters relating to the accounts of the treasurer or otherwise
arising in the offices of the treasurer and the assessor.

ARTICLE III
The Assessor

Section 472. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed assessor unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a

resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a holder of
a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any
other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in real property
assessment work or in any related field for at least five (5) years in the case of the
city or provincial assessor, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal assessor.

The appointment of an assessor shall be mandatory for provincial, city and municipal
governments.

(b) The assessor shall take charge of the assessor's office, perform the duties
provided under Book II of this Code, and shall:

(1) Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment
of real properties for taxation purposes are properly executed;

(2) Initiate, review, and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the valuation and
assessment of real properties for taxation purposes;

(3) Establish a systematic method of real property assessment;

(4) Install and maintain a real property identification and accounting system;

(5) Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing

graphically all property subject to assessment and gather all data concerning
the same;

(6) Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine whether all
real property within the province are properly listed in the assessment rolls;

(7) Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for taxation
purposes of all real properties in the local government unit concerned;

(8) Prepare a schedule of the fair market value for the different classes of
real properties, in accordance with Title Two under Book II of this Code;

(9) Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of

assessment records of real property and all other records relative to its
assessment, upon payment of a service charge or fee to the treasurer;
 (10) Submit every semester a report of all assessments, as well as
cancellations and modifications of assessments to the local chief executive
and the sanggunian concerned;

(11) In the case of the assessor of a component city or municipality attend,

personally or through an authorized representative, all sessions of the local
board of assessment appeals whenever his assessment is the subject of the
appeal, and present or submit any information or record in his possession as
may be required by the board; and

(12) In the case of the provincial assessor, exercise technical supervision

and visitorial functions over all component city and municipal assessor,
coordinate with component city or municipal assessors in the conduct of tax
mapping operations and all other assessment activities, and provide all forms
of assistance therefor: Provided, however, That, upon full provision by the
component city or municipality concerned to its assessor's office of the
minimum personnel, equipment, and funding requirements as may be
prescribed by the Secretary of Finance, such functions shall be delegated to
the said city or municipal assessor; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 473. Assistant Assessor.

(a) No person shall be appointed assistant assessor unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering,
commerce, or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in
assessment or in any related field for at least three (3) years in the case of the city or
provincial assistant assessor, and one (1) year in the case of the city or provincial
assistant assessor.

The appointment of an assistant assessor shall be optional for provincial, city and
municipal governments.

(b) The assistant assessor shall assist the assessor and perform such other duties
as the latter may assign to him. He shall have the authority to administer oaths on all
declarations of real property for purposes of assessments.

ARTICLE IV
The Accountant

Section 474. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed accountant unless he is a citizen of the Philippines,

a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, and a a
certified public accountant. He must have acquired experience in the treasury or
accounting service for at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city
accountant, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal accountant.
The appointment of an accountant is mandatory for the provincial, city and municipal
governments.

(b) The accountant shall take charge of both the accounting and internal audit
services of the local government unit concerned and shall:

(1) Install and maintain an internal audit system in the local government unit
concerned;

(2) Prepare and submit financial statements to the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, and to the sanggunian concerned;

(3) Appraise the sanggunian and other local government officials on the
financial condition and operations of the local government unit concerned;

(4) Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment to which expenditures and

obligations may be properly charged;

(5) Review supporting documents before preparation of vouchers to

determine completeness of requirements;

(6) Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidation, salaries, allowances,

reimbursements and remittances pertaining to the local government unit;

(7) Prepare statements of journal vouchers and liquidation of the same and
other adjustments related thereto;

(8) Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledger and index cards;

(9) Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the local
government unit pertaining to payrolls and deductions;

(10) Record and post in index cards details of purchased furniture, fixtures,
and equipment, including disposal thereof, if any;

(11) Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and keep all
records and reports related thereto;

(12) Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain and keep
all records and reports related thereto; and

(13) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be provided by law or ordinance.

(c) The incumbent chief accountant in the office of the treasurer shall be given
preference in the appointment to the position of accountant.

ARTICLE V
The Budget Officer
Section 475. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed budget officer unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in accounting, economics, public
administration or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in
government budgeting or in any related field for at least five (5) years in the case of
the provincial or city budget officer, and at least three (3) years in the case of the
municipal budget officer.

The appointment of a budget officer shall be mandatory for the provincial, city, and
municipal governments.

(b) The budget officer shall take charge of the budget office and shall:

(1) Prepare forms, orders, and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary

and appropriation matters for the signature of the governor or mayor, as the
case may be;

(2) Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different departments

and offices of the local government unit;

(3) Assist the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in the preparation of
the budget and during budget hearings;

(4) Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and

submit comments and recommendations thereon;

(5) Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget and

Management;

(6) Coordinate with the treasurer, accountant, and the planning and
development coordinator for the purpose of budgeting;

(7) Assist the sanggunian concerned in reviewing the approved budgets of

component local government units;

(8) Coordinate with the planning and development coordinator in the

formulation of the local government unit development plan; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

(d) The appropriations for personal services of the budget officer provided under the
Department of Budget and Management shall, upon effectivity of this Code, be
transferred to the local government unit concerned. Thereafter, the appropriations for
personal services of the budget officer shall be provided for in full in the budget of the
local government unit.
 ARTICLE VI
The Planning and Development Coordinator

Section 476. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed planning and development coordinator unless he is

a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of
good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning,
development studies, economics, public administration, or any related course from a
recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its
equivalent. He must have acquired experience in development planning or in any
related field for at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city planning and
development coordinator, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal planning
and development coordinator.

The appointment of a planning and development coordinator shall be mandatory for

provincial, city and municipal governments.

(b) The planning and development coordinator shall take charge of the planning and
development office and shall:

(1) Formulate integrated economic, social, physical, and other development

plans and policies for consideration of the local government development
council;

(2) Conduct continuing studies, researches, and training programs necessary

to evolve plans and programs for implementation;

(3) Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the
different functional groups or agencies;

(4) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different development

programs, projects, and activities in the local government unit concerned in
accordance with the approved development plan;

(5) Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning

documents for the consideration of the local development council;

(6) Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and
recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance
committee of the local government unit concerned as provided under Title
Five, Book II of this Code;

(7) Promote people participation in development planning within the local

government unit concerned;

(8) Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of the local
development council; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions and duties
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
 ARTICLE VII
The Engineer

Section 477. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed engineer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a

resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, and a
licensed civil engineer. He must have acquired experience in the practice of his
profession for at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city engineer, and
three (3) years in the case of the municipal engineer.

The appointment of an engineer shall be mandatory for the provincial, city and
municipal governments. The city and municipal engineer shall also act as the local
building official.

(b) The engineer shall take charge of the engineering office and shall:

(1) Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans
and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in infrastructure
development and public works in general of the local government unit
concerned;

(2) Advise the governor or mayor, as the case may be, on infrastructure,
public works, and other engineering matters;

(3) Administer, coordinate, supervise, and control the construction,

maintenance, improvement, and repair of roads, bridges, and other
engineering and public works projects of the local government unit
concerned;

(4) Provide engineering services to the local government unit concerned,

including investigation and survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies,
and project management;

(5) In the case of the provincial engineer, exercise technical supervision over
all engineering offices of component cities and municipalities; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE VIII
The Health Officer

Section 478. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed health officer unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, and a licensed medical practitioner. He must have acquired experience in
the practice of his profession for at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or
city health officer, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal health officer.
The appointment of a health officer shall be mandatory for provincial, city and
municipal governments.

(b) The health officer shall take charge of the office on health and shall:

(1) Take charge of the office on health services, supervise the personnel and
staff of said office, formulate program implementation guidelines and rules
and regulations for the operation of the said office for the approval of the
governor or mayor, as the case may be, in order to assist him in the efficient,
effective and economical implementation of a health services program
geared to implementation of health-related projects and activities;

(2) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provisions of adequate facilities relative to health services provided under
Section 17 of this Code;

(3) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with health programs and projects which the governor or mayor, is
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to
provide for under this Code;

(4) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the health officer shall:

(i) Formulate and implement policies, plans, programs and projects to

promote the health of the people in the local government unit
concerned;

(ii) Advise the governor or mayor, as the case may be, and the
sanggunian on matters pertaining to health;

(iii) Execute and enforce laws, ordinances and regulations relating to

public health;

(iv) Recommend to the sanggunian, through the local health board,

the passage of such ordinances as he may deem necessary for the
preservation of public health;

(v) Recommend the prosecution of any violation of sanitary laws,

ordinances or regulations;

(vi) Direct the sanitary inspection of all business establishments

selling food items or providing accommodations such as hotels,
motels, lodging houses, pension houses, and the like, in accordance
with the Sanitation Code;

(vii) Conduct health information campaigns and render health

intelligence services;
 (viii) Coordinate with other government agencies and non-
governmental organizations involved in the promotion and delivery of
health services; and

(ix) In the case of the provincial health officer, exercise general

supervision over health officers of component cities and
municipalities; and

(5) Be in the frontline of health services, delivery, particularly during and in

the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE IX
The Civil Registrar

Section 479. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed civil registrar unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree from a recognized college or university, and a
first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in
civil registry work for at least five (5) years in the case of the city civil registrar and
three (3) years in the case of the municipal civil registrar.

The appointment of a civil registrar shall be mandatory for city and municipal
governments.

(b) The civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the local
government unit concerned, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code, and
other pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to implement them.

(c) The Civil Registrar shall take charge of the office of the civil registry and shall:

(1) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with civil registry programs and projects which the mayor is
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to
provide for under this Code;

(2) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the civil registrar shall:

(i) Accept all registrable documents and judicial decrees affecting the
civil status of persons;

(ii) File, keep and preserve in a secure place the books required by
law;
 (iii) Transcribe and enter immediately upon receipt all registrable
documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in
the appropriate civil registry books;

(iv) Transmit to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General, within the

prescribed period, duplicate copies of registered documents required
by law;

(v) Issue certified transcripts or copies of any certificate or registered

documents upon payment of the prescribed fees to the treasurer;

(vi) Receive applications for the issuance of a marriage license and,

after determining that the requirement and supporting certificates and
publication thereof for the prescribed period have been complied with,
issue the license upon payment of the authorized fee to the treasurer;

(vii) Coordinate with the National Statistics Office in conducting

educational campaigns for vital registration and assist in the
preparation of demographic and other statistics for the local
government unit concerned; and

(3) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE X
The Administrator

Section 480. Qualifications, Terms, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed administrator unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in public administration, law, or any
other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in management
and administration work for at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city
administrator, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal administrator.

The term of administrator is coterminous with that of his appointing authority.

The appointment of an administrator shall be mandatory for the provincial and city
governments, and optional for the municipal government.

(b) The administrator shall take charge of the office of the administrator and shall:

(1) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same particularly those which
have to do with the management and administration-related programs and
projects which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which
the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;

(2) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the administrator shall:
 (i) Assist in the coordination of the work of all the officials of the local
government unit, under the supervision, direction, and control of the
governor or mayor, and for this purpose, he may convene the chiefs
of offices and other officials of the local government unit;

(ii) Establish and maintain a sound personnel program for the local
government unit designed to promote career development and
uphold the merit principle in the local government service;

(iii) Conduct a continuing organizational development of the local

government unit with the end in view of the instituting effective
administrative reforms;

(3) Be in the frontline of the delivery of administrative support services,

particularly those related to the situations during and in the aftermath of man-
made and natural disasters and calamities;

(4) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor and mayor, as
the case may be, on all other matters relative to the management and
administration of the local government unit; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or by ordinance.

ARTICLE XI
The Legal Officer

Section 481. Qualifications, Terms, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed legal officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the local government concerned, of good moral character, and a
member of the Philippine Bar. He must have practiced his profession for at least five
(5) years in the case of the provincial and city legal officer, and three (3) years in the
case of the municipal legal officer.

The term of the legal officer shall be coterminous with that of his appointing authority.

The appointment of legal officer shall be mandatory for the provincial and city
governments and optional for the municipal government.

(b) The legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the local government unit, shall take
charge of the office of legal services and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
legal assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may be,
in carrying out the delivery of basic services and provisions of adequate
facilities as provided for under Section 17 of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with programs and projects related to legal services which the
governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is
empowered to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the legal officer shall:

(i) Represent the local government unit in all civil actions and special
proceedings wherein the local government unit or any official thereof,
in his official capacity, is a party: Provided, That, in actions or
proceedings where a component city or municipality is a party
adverse to the provincial government or to another component city or
municipality, a special legal officer may be employed to represent the
adverse party;

(ii) When required by the governor, mayor or sanggunian, draft

ordinances, contracts, bonds, leases and other instruments, involving
any interest of the local government unit and provide comments and
recommendations on any instrument already drawn;

(iii) Render his opinion in writing on any question of law when

requested to do so by the governor, mayor or sanggunian;

(iv) Investigate or cause to be investigated any local official or

employee for administrative neglect or misconduct in office, and
recommend appropriate action to the governor, mayor or sanggunian,
as the case may be;

(v) Investigate or cause to be investigated any person, firm or

corporation holding any franchise or exercising any public privilege
for failure to comply with any term or condition in the grant of such
franchise or privilege, and recommending appropriate action to the
governor, mayor or sanggunian, as the case may be;

(vi) When directed by the governor, mayor, or sanggunian, initiate

and prosecute in the interest of the local government unit concerned
any civil action on any bond, lease or other contract upon any breach
or violation thereof; and

(vii) Review and submit recommendations on ordinances approved

and execute orders issued by component units;

(3) Recommend measures to the sanggunian and advise the governor or

mayor as the case may be on all other matters related to upholding the rule
of law;

(4) Be in the frontline of protecting human rights and prosecuting any

violations thereof, particularly those which occur during and in the aftermath
of man-made or natural disasters or calamities; and

(5) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions
as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.
 ARTICLE XII
The Agriculturist

Section 482. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed agriculturist unless he is a citizen of the Philippines,

a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a holder
of a college degree in agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or
university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have
practiced his profession in agriculture or acquired experience in a related field for at
least five (5) years in the case of the provincial and city agriculturist, and three (3)
years in the case of the municipal agriculturist.

The position of the agriculturist shall be mandatory for the provincial government and
optional for the city and municipal governments.

(b) The agriculturist shall take charge of the office for agricultural services, and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out said measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provisions of adequate facilities relative to agricultural services as provided
for under Section 17 of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with agricultural programs and projects which the governor or
mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered
to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the agriculturist shall:

(i) Ensure that maximum assistance and access to resources in the

production, processing and marketing of agricultural and aqua-
cultural and marine products are extended to farmers, fishermen and
local entrepreneurs;

(ii) Conduct or cause to be conducted location-specific agricultural

researches and assist in making available the appropriate technology
arising out of and disseminating information on basic research on
crops, preventive and control of plant diseases and pests, and other
agricultural matters which will maximize productivity;

(iii) Assist the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in the
establishment and extension services of demonstration forms or
aqua-culture and marine products;

(iv) Enforce rules and regulations relating to agriculture and aqua-

culture;
 (v) Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental
organizations which promote agricultural productivity through
appropriate technology compatible with environmental integrity;

(4) Be in the frontline of delivery of basic agricultural services, particularly

those needed for the survival of the inhabitants during and in the aftermath of
man-made and natural disasters;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all other matters related to agriculture and aqua-culture
which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance;

ARTICLE XIII
The Social Welfare and Development Officer

Section 483. Qualifications, Powers and Duties

(a) No person shall be appointed social welfare and development officer unless he is
a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the local government concerned, of good
moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree
preferably in sociology or any other related course from a recognized college or
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have
acquired experience in the practice of social work for at least five (5) years in the
case of the provincial or city social welfare and development officer, and three (3)
years in the case of the municipal social welfare and development officer.

The appointment of a social welfare and development officer is mandatory for

provincial and city governments, and optional for municipal government.

(b) The social welfare and development officer shall take charge of the office on
social welfare and development services and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the approval of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to endure the delivery of basic services and
provisions of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and development
services as provided for under Section 17 of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same particularly those which
have to do with social welfare programs and projects which the governor or
mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered
to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties, the social welfare and development
officer shall:
 (i) Identify the basic needs of the needy, the disadvantaged and the
impoverished and develop and implement appropriate measures to
alleviate their problems and improve their living conditions;

(ii) Provide relief and appropriate crisis intervention for victims of

abuse and exploitation and recommend appropriate measures to
deter further abuse and exploitation;

(iii) Assist the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in

implementing the barangay level program for the total development
and protection of children up to six (6) years of age;

(iv) Facilitate the implementation of welfare programs for the

disabled, elderly, and victims of drug addiction, the rehabilitation of
prisoners and parolees, the prevention of juvenile delinquency and
such other activities which would eliminate or minimize the ill-effects
of poverty;

(v) Initiate and support youth welfare programs that will enhance the
role of the youth in nation-building;

(vi) Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental

organizations which have for their purpose the promotion and the
protection of all needy, disadvantaged, underprivileged or
impoverished groups or individuals, particularly those identified to be
vulnerable and high-risk to exploitation, abuse and neglect;

(4) Be in the frontline or service delivery, particularly those which have to do

with immediate relief during and assistance in the aftermath of man-made
and natural disaster and natural calamities;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all other matters related to social welfare and development
services which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the
inhabitants; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance;

ARTICLE XIV
The Environment and Natural Resources Officer

Section 484. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed environment and natural resources officer unless
he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned,
of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment,
forestry, agriculture or any related course from a recognized college or university,
and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired
experience in environmental and natural resources management, conservation, and
utilization, of at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city environment
and natural resources officer, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal
environment and natural resources officer.

The appointment of the environment and natural resources officer is optional for
provincial, city, and municipal governments.

(b) The environment and natural resources management officer shall take charge of
the office on environment and natural resources and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provision of adequate facilities relative to environment and natural resources
services as provided for under Section 17 of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof, by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with environment and natural resources programs and projects
which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the environment and
natural resources officer shall:

(i) Establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests,

watersheds, tree parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest
projects and commercial forest, like industrial tree farms and agro-
forestry projects;

(ii) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development

projects and technical, financial and infrastructure assistance;

(iii) Manage and maintain seed banks and produce seedlings for
forest and tree parks;

(iv) Provide extension services to beneficiaries of forest development

projects and render assistance for natural resources-related
conservation and utilization activities consistent with ecological
balance;

(v) Promote the small-scale mining and utilization of mineral

resources, particularly mining of gold;

(vi) Coordinate with government agencies and non-governmental

organizations in the implementation of measures to prevent and
control land, air and water pollution with the assistance of the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources;

(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services concerning the environment

and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the
 environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural calamities
and disasters;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all matters relative to the protection, conservation maximum
utilization, application of appropriate technology and other matters related to
the environment and natural resources; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE XV
The Architect

Section 485. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed architect unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a

resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a duly
licensed architect. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years in
the case of the provincial or city architect, and three (3) years in the case of the
municipal architect.

The appointment of the architect is optional for provincial, city and municipal
governments.

(b) The Architect shall take charge of the office on architectural planning and design
and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provision of adequate facilities relative to architectural planning and design
as provided for under Section 17 of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with architectural planning and design programs and projects
which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to foregoing duties and functions, the architect shall:

(i) Prepare and recommend for consideration of the sanggunian the

architectural plan and design for the local government unit or a part
thereof, including the renewal of slums and blighted areas, land
reclamation activities, the greening of land, and appropriate planning
of marine and foreshore areas;

(ii) Review and recommend for appropriate action of the sanggunian,

governor or mayor, as the case may be, the architectural plans and
design submitted by governmental and non-governmental entities or
 individuals, particularly those for undeveloped, underdeveloped, and
poorly-designed areas; and

(iii) Coordinate with government and non-government entities and

individuals involved in the aesthetics and the maximum utilization of
the land and water within the jurisdiction of the local government unit,
compatible with environmental integrity and ecology balance;

(4) Be in the frontline of the delivery of services involving architectural

planning and design, particularly those related to the redesigning of spatial
distribution of basic facilities and physical structures during and in the
aftermath of man-made and natural calamities and disasters;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all matters relative to the architectural planning and design
as it relates to the total socio-economic development of the local government
units; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE XVI
The Information Officer

Section 486. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed information officer unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication
or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil
service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in writing articles and
research papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast media of at least three
(3) years in the case of the provincial or city information officer, and at least one (1)
year in the case of municipal information officer.

The appointment of the information officer is optional for the provincial, city and
municipal governments.

The term of the information officer is coterminous with that of his appointing authority.

(b) The information officer shall take charge of the office on public information and
shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in providing the information and research data required for the delivery of
basic services and provision of adequate facilities so that the public becomes
aware of said services and may fully avail of the same;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
 have to do with public information and research data to support programs
and projects which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and
which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the information officer
shall:

(i) Provide relevant, adequate, and timely information to the local

government unit and its residents;

(ii) Furnish information and data on local government units to

government agencies or offices as may be required by law or
ordinance; and non-governmental organizations to be furnished to
said agencies and organizations;

(iii) Maintain effective liaison with the various sectors of the

community on matters and issues that affect the livelihood and the
quality of life of the inhabitants and encourage support for programs
of the local and national government;

(4) Be in the frontline in providing information during and in the aftermath of

man-made and natural calamities and disasters, with special attention to the
victims thereof, to help minimize injuries and casualties during and after the
emergency, and to accelerate relief and rehabilitation;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all matters relative to public information and research data
as it relates to the total socio-economic development of the local government
unit; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE XVII
The Cooperatives Officer

Section 487. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed cooperative officer unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration with
special training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized college or
university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have
experience in cooperatives organizations and management of at least five (5) years
in the case of provincial or city cooperatives officer, and three (3) years in the case of
municipal cooperatives officer.

The appointment of the cooperatives officer is optional for the provincial and city
governments.
 (b) The cooperatives officer shall take charge of the office for the development of
cooperatives and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian, and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provision of facilities through the development of cooperatives, and in
providing access to such services and facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with the integration of cooperatives principles and methods in
programs and projects which the governor or mayor is empowered to
implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this
Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the cooperatives officer
shall:

(i) Assist in the organization of cooperatives;

(ii) Provide technical and other forms of assistance to existing

cooperatives to enhance their viability as an economic enterprise and
social organization;

(iii) Assist cooperatives in establishing linkages with government

agencies and non-government organizations involved in the
promotion and integration of the concept of cooperatives in the
livelihood of the people and other community activities;

(4) Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization, rehabilitation or viability-

enhancement, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and
natural calamities and disasters, to aid in their survival and, if necessary
subsequent rehabilitation;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian, and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all matters relative to cooperatives development and
viability- enhancement which will improve the livelihood and quality of life of
the inhabitants; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE XVIII
The Population Officer

Section 488. Qualification, Powers and Duties. -

(a) No person shall be appointed population officer unless he is a citizen of the

Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree with specialized training in population
 development from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service
eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in the implementation of programs
on population development or responsible parenthood for at least five (5) years in the
case of the provincial or city population officer, and three (3) years in the case of the
municipal population officer.

The appointment of a population officer shall be optional in the local government unit:
Provided, however, That provinces and cities which have existing population offices
shall continue to maintain such offices for a period of five (5) years from the date of
effectivity of this Code, after which said offices shall become optional.

(b) The population officer shall take charge of the office on population development
and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provision of adequate facilities relative to the integration of the population
development principles and in providing access to said services and facilities;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with the integration of population development principles and
methods in programs and projects which the governor or mayor is
empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to
provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the population officer
shall:

(i) Assist the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in the
implementation of the Constitutional provisions relative to population
development and the promotion of responsible parenthood;

(ii) Establish and maintain an updated data bank for program

operations, development planning and an educational program to
ensure the people's participation in and understanding of population
development;

(iii) Implement appropriate training programs responsive to the

cultural heritage of the inhabitants; and

(c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE XIX
The Veterinarian

Section 489. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed veterinarian unless he is a citizen of the Philippines,
a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a
licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. He must have practiced his profession for at
least three (3) years in the case of provincial or city veterinarian and at least one (1)
year in the case of the municipal veterinarian.

The appointment of a veterinarian officer is mandatory for the provincial and city
governments.

(b) The veterinarian shall take charge of the office for veterinary services and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian, and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provision of adequate facilities pursuant to Section 17 of this Code;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with the veterinary-related activities which the governor or mayor
is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to
provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the veterinarian shall:

(i) Advise the governor or the mayor, as the case may be, on all
matters pertaining to the slaughter of animals for human consumption
and the regulation of slaughterhouses;

(ii) Regulate the keeping of domestic animals;

(iii) Regulate and inspect poultry, milk and dairy products for public
consumption;

(iv) Enforce all laws and regulations for the prevention of cruelty to
animals; and

(v) Take the necessary measures to eradicate, prevent or cure all

forms of animal diseases;

(4) Be in the frontline of veterinary related activities, such as in the outbreak

of highly-contagious and deadly diseases, and in situations resulting in the
depletion of animals for work and human consumption, particularly those
arising from and in the aftermath of man-made and natural calamities and
disasters;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all other matters relative to veterinary services which will
increase the number and improve the quality of livestock, poultry and other
domestic animals used for work or human consumption; and
 (c) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE XX
The General Services Officer

Section 490. Qualifications, Powers and Duties.

(a) No person shall be appointed general services officer unless he is a citizen of the
Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral
character, a holder of a college degree on public administration, business
administration and management from a recognized college or university, and a first
grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in
general services, including management of supply, property, solid waste disposal,
and general sanitation, of at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city
general services officer, and at least three (3) years in the case of the municipal
general services officer.

The appointment of a general services officer is mandatory for the provincial and city
governments,

(b) The general services officer shall take charge of the office on general services
and shall:

(1) Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide
technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may
be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and
provision of adequate facilities pursuant to Section 17 of this Code and which
require general services expertise and technical support services;

(2) Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor
or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which
have to do with the general services supportive of the welfare of the
inhabitants which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and
which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;

(3) In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the general services
officer shall:

(i) Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or

personal, owned by the local government unit and those granted to it
in the form of donation, reparation, assistance and counterpart of joint
projects;

(ii) With the approval of the governor or mayor, as the case may be,
assign building or land space to local officials or other public officials,
who by law, are entitled to such space;

(iii) Recommend to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, the
reasonable rental rates for local government properties, whether real
 or personal, which will be leased to public or private entities by the
local government;

(iv) Recommend to the governor or mayor, as the case may be,

reasonable rental rates of private properties which may be leased for
the official use of the local government unit;

(v) Maintain and supervise janitorial, security, government public

buildings and other real property, whether owned or leased by the
local government unit;

(vi) Collate and disseminate information regarding prices, shipping

and other costs of supplies and other items commonly used by the
local government unit;

(vii) Perform archival and record management with respect to records

of offices and departments of the local government unit; and

(viii) Perform all other functions pertaining to supply and property

management heretofore performed by the local government
treasurer; and enforce policies on records creation, maintenance, and
disposal;

(4) Be in the frontline of general services related activities, such as the

possible or imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties,
and structures and the orderly and sanitary clearing up of waste materials or
debris, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural
calamities and disasters;

(5) Recommend to the sanggunian and advise the governor or mayor, as the
case may be, on all matters relative to general services; and

(c)Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be prescribed by law or ordinance.

TITLE VI
LEAGUES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND ELECTIVE OFFICIALS

CHAPTER I
Leagues of Local Government Units

ARTICLE I
Liga ng Mga Barangay

Section 491. Purpose of Organization. - There shall be an organization of all barangays to

be known as the liga ng mga barangay for the primary purpose of determining the
representation of the Liga in the sanggunians, and for ventilating, articulating and
crystallizing issues affecting barangay government administration and securing, through
proper and legal means, solutions thereto.
Section 492. Representation, Chapters, National Liga. - Every barangay shall be
represented in said liga by the punong barangay, or in his absence or incapacity, by a
sanggunian member duly elected for the purpose among its members, who shall attend all
meetings or deliberations called by the different chapters of the liga.

The liga shall have chapters at the municipal, city, provincial and metropolitan political
subdivision levels.

The municipal and city chapters of the liga shall be composed of the barangay
representatives of municipal and city barangays respectively. The duly elected presidents of
component municipal and city chapters shall constitute the provincial chapter or the
metropolitan political subdivision chapter. The duly elected presidents of highly-urbanized
cities, provincial chapters, the Metropolitan Manila chapter and metropolitan political
subdivision chapters shall constitute the National Liga ng mga Barangay.

Section 493. Organization. - The liga at the municipal, city, provincial, metropolitan political
subdivision, and national levels directly elect a president, a vice-president, and five (5)
members of the board of directors. The board shall appoint its secretary and treasurer and
create such other positions as it may deem necessary for the management of the chapter. A
secretary-general shall be elected from among the members of the national liga and shall be
charged with the overall operation of the liga on national level. The board shall coordinate
the activities of the chapters of the liga.

Section 494. Ex-Officio Membership in Sanggunians. - The duly elected presidents of the
liga at the municipal, city and provincial levels, including the component cities and
municipalities of Metropolitan Manila, shall serve as ex-officio members of the sangguniang
bayan, sangguniang panlungsod, sangguniang panlalawigan, respectively. They shall serve
as such only during their term of office as presidents of the liga chapters, which in no case
shall be beyond the term of office of the sanggunian concerned.

Section 495. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Liga. - The liga shall:

(a) Give priority to programs designed for the total development of the barangays
and in consonance with the policies, programs and projects of the national
government;

(b) Assist in the education of barangay residents for people's participation in local
government administration in order to promote united and concerted action to
achieve country-wide development goals;

(c) Supplement the efforts of government in creating gainful employment within the
barangay;

(d) Adopt measures to promote the welfare of barangay officials;

(e) Serve as a forum of the barangays in order to forge linkages with government and
non-governmental organizations and thereby promote the social, economic and
political well-being of the barangays; and
 (f) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions which
will bring about stronger ties between barangays and promote the welfare of the
barangay inhabitants.

ARTICLE II
League of Municipalities

Section 496. Purpose of Organization. - There shall be an organization of all municipalities

to be known as league of municipalities for the primary purpose of ventilating, articulating
and crystallizing issues affecting municipal government administration, and securing, through
proper and legal means, solutions thereto.

The league shall form provincial chapters composed of the league presidents for all
component municipalities of the province.

Section 497. Representation. - Every municipality shall be represented in the league by the
municipal mayor of in his absence, by the vice-mayor or a sanggunian member duly elected
for the purpose by the members, who shall attend all meetings and participate in the
deliberations of the league.

Section 498. Powers, Functions and Duties of the League of Municipalities. - The league of
municipalities shall:

(a) Assist the national government in the formulation and implementation of the
policies, programs and projects affecting municipalities as a whole;

(b) Promote local autonomy at the municipal level;

(c) Adopt measures for the promotion of the welfare of all municipalities and its
officials and employees;

(d) Encourage people's participation in local government administration in order to

promote united and concerted action for the attainment of country-wide development
goals;

(e) Supplement the efforts of the national government in creating opportunities for
gainful employment within the municipalities;

(f) Give priority to programs designed for the total development of the municipalities
in consonance with the policies, programs and projects of the national government;

(g) Serve as a forum for crystallizing and expressing ideas, seeking the necessary
assistance of the national government, and providing the private sector avenues for
cooperation in the promotion of the welfare of the municipalities; and

(h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the
league may prescribe for the welfare of the municipalities.

ARTICLE III
League of Cities
Section 499. Purpose of Organization. - There shall be an organization of all cities to be
known as the League of Cities for the primary purpose of ventilating, articulating and
crystallizing issues affecting city government administration, and securing, through proper
and legal means, solutions thereto.

The league may form chapters at the provincial level for the component cities of a province.
Highly-urbanized cities may also form a chapter of the League. The National League shall be
composed of the presidents of the league of highly-urbanized cities and the presidents of the
provincial chapters of the league of component cities.

Section 500. Representation. - Every city shall be represented in the league by the city
mayor or in his absence, by the city vice-mayor or a sanggunian member duly elected for the
purpose by the members, who shall attend all meetings and participate in the deliberations of
the league.

Section 501. Powers, Functions and Duties of the League of City. - The league of cities
shall:

(a) Assist the national government in the formulation and implementation of the
policies, programs and projects affecting cities as a whole;

(b) Promote local autonomy at the city level;

(c) Adopt measures for the promotion of the welfare of all cities and its officials and
employees;

(d) Encourage people's participation in local government administration in order to

promote united and concerted action for the attainment of country-wide development
goals;

(e) Supplement the efforts of the national government in creating opportunities for
gainful employment the cities;

(f) Give priority to programs designed for the total development of cities in
consonance with the policies, programs and projects of the national government;

(g) Serve as a forum for crystallizing and expressing ideas, seeking the necessary
assistance of the national government and providing the private sector avenues for
cooperation in the promotion of the welfare of the cities; and

(h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the
league may prescribe for the welfare of the cities.

ARTICLE IV
League of Provinces

Section 502. Purpose of Organization. - There shall be an organization of all provinces to be

known as the League of Provinces for the primary purpose of ventilating, articulating and
crystallizing issues affecting provincial and metropolitan political subdivision government
administration, and securing, through proper and legal means, solutions thereto. For this
purpose, the Metropolitan Manila Area and any metropolitan political subdivision shall be
considered as separate provincial units of the league.

Section 503. Representation. - Every province shall be represented in the league by the
provincial governor or in his absence, by the provincial vice-governor or a sanggunian
member duly elected for the purpose by the members, who shall attend all meetings and
participate in the deliberations of the league.

Section 504. Powers, Functions and Duties of the League of Provinces. - The league of
provinces shall:

(a) Assist the national government in the formulation and implementation of the
policies, programs and projects affecting provinces as a whole;

(b) Promote local autonomy at the provincial level;

(c) Adopt measures for the promotion of the welfare of all provinces and its officials
and employees;

(d) Encourage people's participation in local government administration in order to

promote united and concerted action for the attainment of countrywide employment
within the province;

(e) Supplement the efforts of the national government in creating opportunities for
gainful employment within the province;

(f) Give priority to programs designed for the total development of the provinces in
consonance with the policies, programs and projects of the national government;

(g) Serve as a forum for crystallizing and expressing ideas, seeking the necessary
assistance of the national government and providing the private sector avenues for
cooperation in the promotion of the welfare of the provinces; and

(h) Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as the
league may prescribe for the welfare of the provinces and metropolitan political
subdivisions.

ARTICLE V
Provisions Common to All Leagues

Section 505. Funding.

(a) All leagues shall derive its funds from contributions of member local government
units and from fund-raising projects and activities without the necessity of securing
permits therefor: Provided, That the proceeds from said fund-raising projects and
activities shall be used primarily to fund the projects for which the said proceeds
have been raised, subject to the pertinent provision of this Code and the pertinent
provisions of the Omnibus Election Code.

(b) All funds of leagues shall be deposited as trust funds with its treasurer and shall
be disbursed in accordance with the board of director's resolutions, subject to
 pertinent accounting and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, That the treasurer
shall be bonded in an amount to be determined by the board of directors. The funds
of a chapter shall be deposited as chapter funds and funds of the national league
shall be deposited as national funds.

Section 506. Organizational Structure. - To ensure the effective and efficient administration,
the leagues for municipalities, cities and provinces shall elect chapter-level and national-level
boards of directors and a set of officers headed by the president. A secretary-general shall
be chosen from among the national league members to manage the day to day operation
and activities of the national league. The board of directors on the chapter or national level
may create such other positions as may be deemed necessary for the management of the
chapters and of the national league. The national board of directors of the leagues for
municipalities, cities or provinces shall coordinate programs, projects and activities of
chapter and the national-level league.

Section 507. Constitution and By-laws of the Liga and the Leagues. - All other matters not
herein otherwise provided for affecting the internal organization of the leagues of local
government units shall be governed by their respective constitution and by-laws which are
hereby made suppletory to the provision of this Chapter: Provided, That said Constitution
and By-laws shall always conform to the provisions of the Constitution and existing laws.

CHAPTER II
Leagues and Federation of Local Elective Officials

Section 508. Organization.

(a) Vice-governors, vice-mayors, sanggunian members of barangays, municipalities,

component cities, highly-urbanized cities and provinces, and other elective local
officials of local government units, including those of the Metropolitan Manila Area
and any metropolitan political subdivisions, may form their respective leagues or
federation, subject to applicable provisions of this Title and pertinent provisions of
this Code;

(b) Sanggunian members of component cities and municipalities shall form a

provincial federation and elect a board of directors and a set of officers headed by
the president. The duly elected president of the provincial federation of sanggunian
members of component cities and municipalities shall be an ex-officio member of the
sangguniang panlalawigan concerned and shall serve as such only during his term of
office as president of the provincial federation of sanggunian members of component
cities and municipalities, which in no case shall be beyond the term of office of the
sanggunian panlalawigan concerned.

Section 509. Constitution and By-laws. - The leagues or federations shall adopt a
Constitution and by-laws which shall govern their internal organization and operation:
Provided, That said Constitution and by-laws shall always conform to the provision of the
Constitution and existing laws.

Section 510. Funding. - The leagues and federations may derive funds from contributions of
individual league or federation members or from fund-raising projects or activities. The local
government unit concerned may appropriate funds to support the leagues or federation
organized pursuant to this Section, subject to the availability of funds.
 BOOK IV
MISCELLANEOUS AND FINAL PROVISIONS

TITLE I
PENAL PROVISIONS

Section 511. Posting and Publication of Ordinances with Penal Sanctions.

(a) Ordinances with penal sanctions shall be posted at prominent places in the
provincial capitol, city, municipal or barangay hall, as the case may be, for a
minimum period of three (3) consecutive weeks. Such ordinances shall also be
published in a newspaper of general circulation, where available, within the territorial
jurisdiction of the local government unit concerned, except in the case of barangay
ordinances. Unless otherwise provided therein, said ordinances shall take effect on
the day following its publication, or at the end of the period of posting, whichever
occurs later.

(b) Any public officer or employee who violates an ordinance may be meted
administrative disciplinary action, without prejudice to the filing of the appropriate civil
or criminal action.

(c) The secretary to the sanggunian concerned shall transmit official copies of such
ordinances to the chief executive officer of the Office Gazette within seven (7) days
following the approval of the said ordinance for publication purposes. The Official
Gazette may publish ordinances with penal sanctions for archival and reference
purposes.

Section 512. Withholding of Benefits Accorded to Barangay Officials. - Willful and malicious
withholding of any of the benefits accorded to barangay officials under Section 393 hereof
shall be punished with suspension or dismissal from office of the official or employee
responsible therefor.

Section 513. Failure to Post and Publish the Itemized Monthly Collections and
Disbursements. - Failure by the local treasurer of the local chief accountant to post the
itemized monthly collections and disbursements of the local government unit concerned
within ten (10) days following the end of every month and for at least two (2) consecutive
weeks at prominent places in the main office building of the local government unit
concerned, its plaza and main street, and to publish said itemization in a newspaper of
general circulation, where available, in the territorial jurisdiction of such unit, shall be
punished by a fine not exceeding Five hundred pesos (P500.00) or by imprisonment not
exceeding one (1) month, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

Section 514. Engaging in Prohibited Business Transactions or Possessing Illegal Pecuniary

Interest. - Any local official and any person or persons dealing with him who violate the
prohibitions provided in Section 89 of Book I hereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for
six months and one day to six years, or a fine of not less than Three thousand pesos
(P3,000.00) nor more than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00), or both such imprisonment
and fine at the discretion of the court.
Section 515. Refusal or Failure of Any Party or Witness to Appear before the Lupon or
Pangkat. - Refusal or willful failure of any party or witness to appear before the lupon or
pangkat in compliance with a summons issued pursuant to the provisions on the
Katarungang Pambarangay under Chapter 7, Title III of this Code may be punished by the
city or municipal court as for indirect contempt of court upon application filed therewith by the
lupon chairman, the pangkat chairman, or by any of the contending parties. Such refusal or
willful failure to appear shall be reflected in the records of the lupon secretary or in the
minutes of the pangkat secretary and shall bar the complainant who fails to appear, from
seeking judicial recourse for the same cause of action, and the respondent who refuses to
appear, from filing any counterclaim arising out of, or necessarily connected with the
complaint.

A pangkat member who serves as such shall be entitled to an honorarium, the amount of
which is to be determined by the sanggunian concerned subject to the provisions in this
Code cited above.

Section 516. Penalties for Violation of Tax Ordinances. - The sanggunian of a local
government unit is authorized to prescribe fines or other penalties for violation of tax
ordinances but in no case shall such fines be less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) nor
more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), nor shall imprisonment be less than one (1)
month nor more than six (6) months. Such fine or other penalty, or both, shall be imposed at
the discretion of the court. The sangguniang barangay may prescribe a fine of not less than
One hundred pesos (P100.00) nor more than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00).

Section 517. Omission of Property from Assessment or Tax Rolls by Officers and Other
Acts. - Any officer charged with the duty of assessing real property who willfully fails to
assess, or who intentionally omits from the assessment or tax roll any real property which he
knows to be taxable, or who willfully or negligently under assesses any real property, or who
intentionally violates or fails to perform any duty imposed upon him by law relating to the
assessment of taxable real property shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less
than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) nor more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), or
by imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, or both such
fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

The same penalty shall be imposed upon any officer charged with the duty of collecting the
tax due on real property who willfully or negligently fails to collect the tax and institute the
necessary proceedings for the collection of the same.

Any other officer required by this Code to perform acts relating to the administration of the
real property tax or to assist the assessor or treasurer in such administration, who willfully
fails to discharge such duties shall, upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than
Five hundred pesos (P500.00) nor more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) or
imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, or both such fine
and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.

Section 518. Government Agents Delaying Assessment of Real Property and Assessment
Appeals. - Any government official who intentionally and deliberately delays the assessment
of real property or the filing of any appeal against its assessment shall, upon conviction, be
punished by a fine of not less than Five hundred pesos (P500.00) nor more than Five
thousand pesos (P5,000.00), or by imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more
than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
Section 519. Failure to Dispose of Delinquent Real Property at Public Auction. - The local
treasurer concerned who fails to dispose of delinquent real property at public auction in
compliance with the pertinent provisions of this Code, and any other local government official
whose acts hinder the prompt disposition of delinquent real property at public auction shall,
upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) nor
more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month
nor more than six (6) months, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the
court.

Section 520. Prohibited Acts Related to the Award of Contracts Under the Provisions on
Credit Financing. - It shall be unlawful for any public official or employee in the provincial,
city, or municipal government, or their relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity
or affinity, to enter into or have any pecuniary interest in any contract for the construction,
acquisition, operation or maintenance of any project awarded pursuant to the provisions of
Title Four in Book II hereof, or for the procurement of any supplies, materials, or equipment
of any kind to be used in the said project. Any person convicted for violation of the provisions
of said Title shall be removed from office and shall be punishable by imprisonment of not
less than one (1) month, nor more than two (2) years, at the discretion of the court, without
prejudice to prosecution under other laws.

TITLE II
PROVISIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION

Section 521. Mandatory Review Every Five Years. - Congress shall undertake a mandatory
review of this Code at least once every five (5) years and as often as it may deem
necessary, with the primary objective of providing a more responsive and accountable local
government structure.

Section 522. Insurance Coverage. - The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
shall establish and administer an appropriate system under which the punong barangay, the
members of the sangguniang barangay, the barangay secretary, the barangay treasurer, and
the members of the barangay tanod shall enjoy insurance coverage as provided in this Code
and other pertinent laws. For this purpose, the GSIS is hereby directed to undertake an
actuarial study, issue rules and regulations, determine the premiums payable, and
recommend to Congress the amount of appropriations needed to support the system. The
amount needed for the implementation of the said insurance shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act.

Section 523. Personnel Retirement and/or Benefits. - An official or employee of the national
government or local government unit separated from the service as a result of reorganization
effected under this Code shall, if entitled under the laws then in force, receive the retirement
and other benefits accruing thereunder: Provided, however, That such benefits shall be given
funding priority by the Department of Budget and Management in the case of national
officials and employees, and the local government unit concerned in the case of local
officials and employees.

Where the employee concerned is not eligible for retirement, he shall be entitled to a gratuity
from the national government or the local government unit concerned, as the case may be,
equivalent to an amount not lower than one (1) month salary for every year of service over
and above the monetary value of the leave credits said employee is entitled to receive
pursuant to existing laws.
Section 524. Inventory of Infrastructure and Other Community Facilities.

(a) Each local government unit shall conduct a periodic inventory of infrastructure
and other community facilities and undertake the maintenance, repair, improvement,
or reconstruction of these facilities through a closer cooperation among the various
agencies of the national government operating within the province, city, or
municipality concerned.

(b) No infrastructure or community project within the territorial jurisdiction of any local
government unit shall be undertaken without informing the local chief executive and
the sanggunian concerned.

Section 525. Records and Properties. - All records, equipment, buildings, facilities, and other
properties of any office or body of a local government unit abolished or reorganized under
this Code shall be transferred to the office or body to which its powers, functions, and
responsibilities are substantially devolved.

TITLE III
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 526. Application of this Code to Local Government Units in the Autonomous
Regions. - This Code shall apply to all provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays in the
autonomous regions until such time as the regional government concerned shall have
enacted its own local government code.

Section 527. Prior Approval or Clearance on Regular and Recurring Transactions. - Six (6)
months after effectivity of this Code, prior approval of or clearance from national agencies or
offices shall no longer be required for regular and recurring transactions and activities of
local government units.

Section 528. Deconcentration of Requisite Authority and Power. - The national government
shall, six (6) months after the effectivity of this Code, effect the deconcentration of requisite
authority and power to the appropriate regional offices or field offices of national agencies or
offices whose major functions are not devolved to local government units.

Section 529. Tax Ordinances or Revenue Measures. - All existing tax ordinances or revenue
measures of local government units shall continue to be in force and effect after the
effectivity of this Code unless amended by the sanggunian concerned, or inconsistent with,
or in violation of, the provisions of this Code.

Section 530. Local Water Districts. - All powers, functions, and attributes granted by
Presidential Decree Numbered One hundred ninety-eight (P.D. No. 198), otherwise known
as "The Provincial Water Utility Act of 1973," to the Local Water Utilities Administration
(LWUA) may be devolved in toto to the existing local water districts should they opt or
choose to exercise, in writing, such powers, functions and attributes: Provided, That all
obligations of the local government unit concerned to the LWUA shall first be settled prior to
said devolution.

Section 531. Debt Relief for Local Government Units. -

(a) Unremitted national collections and statutory contributions. - All debts owed by
local government units to the national government in unremitted contributions to the
Integrated National Police Fund, the Special Education Fund, and other statutory
contributions as well as in unremitted national government shares of taxes, charges,
and fees collected by the local government units, are hereby written off in full.

(b) Program loans. -

(1) Program loans secured by local government units which were relent to
private persons, natural or juridical, shall likewise be written off from the
books of the local government units concerned: Provided, however, That the
national government agency tasked with the implementation of these
programs shall continue to collect from the debtors belonging to the private
sector concerned.

(2) Program loans granted to local government units by national government

agencies and which were utilized by the local units for community
development, livelihood, and other small-scale projects are hereby written off
in full.

(c) Settlement of debts due to government financing institutions (GFIs), government-

owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and private utilities. The national
government shall assume all debts incurred or contracted by local government units
from GFIs, GOCCs, and private utilities that are outstanding as of December 31,
1988, in accordance with the following schemes:

(1) Debts due GFIs. - The national government may buy outstanding
obligations incurred by local government units from government financing
institutions at a discounted rate.

(2) Debts due GOCCs. - The national government may settle such
obligations at discounted rate through offsetting, only to the extent of the
obligations of local governments against the outstanding advances made by
the National Treasury in behalf of the government-owned and controlled
corporations concerned.

(3) Debts Due Private Utilities. - The national government may settle these
obligations at a discounted rate by offsetting against the outstanding
obligations of such private utilities to government-owned corporation. GOCCs
may in turn offset these obligations against the outstanding advances made
by the National Treasury in their behalf.

In the case of obligation owed by local government units to private utilities

which are not indebted to any GOCC or national government agency, the
national government may instead buy the obligations of the local government
units from the private utilities at a discounted rate, upon concurrence by the
private utilities concerned.

(d) Limitations. - Obligations to the Home Development and Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig),
Medicare, and those pertaining to premium contributions and amortization payments
of salary and policy loans to the Government Service Insurance System are excluded
from the coverage of this Section.
 (e) Recovery schemes for the national government. - Local government units shall
pay back the national government whatever amounts were advanced or offset by the
national government to settle their obligations to GFIs, GOCCs, and private utilities.
The national government shall not charge interest or penalties on the outstanding
balance owed by the local government units.

These outstanding obligations shall be restructured and an amortization schedule

prepared, based on the capability of the local government unit to pay, taking into
consideration the amount owed to the national government.

The national government is hereby authorized to deduct from the quarterly share of
each local government unit in the internal revenue collections an amount to be
determined on the basis of the amortization schedule of the local unit concerned:
Provided, That such amount shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the monthly
internal revenue allotment of the local government unit concerned.

As incentive to debtor-local government units to increase the efficiency of their fiscal

administration, the national government shall write off the debt of the local
government unit concerned at the rate of five percent (5%) for every one percent
(1%) increase in revenues generated by such local government unit over that of the
preceding year. For this purpose, the annual increase in local revenue collection
shall be computed starting from the year 1988.

(f) Appropriations. - Such amount as may be necessary to implement the provisions

of this Section shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 532. Elections for the Sangguniang Kabataan. -

(a) The first elections for the sangguniang kabataan to be conducted under this Code
shall be held thirty (30) days after the next local elections: Provided, That, the regular
elections for the sangguniang kabataan shall be held one hundred twenty (120) days
after the barangay elections thereafter.

(b) The amount pertaining to the ten percent (10%) allocation for the kabataang
barangay as provided for in Section 103 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 337 is hereby
reappropriated for the purpose of funding the first elections mentioned above. The
balance of said funds, if there by any after the said elections, shall be administered
by the Presidential Council for Youth Affairs for the purpose of training the newly
elected sangguniang kabataan officials in the discharge of their functions.

(c) For the regular elections of the sangguniang kabataan, funds shall be taken from
the ten percent (10%) of the barangay funds reserved for the sangguniang kabataan,
as provided for in Section 328 of this Code.

(d) All seats reserved for the pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan in the
different sanggunians shall be deemed vacant until such time that the sangguniang
kabataan chairmen shall have been elected and the respective pederasyon
presidents have been selected: Provided, That, elections for the kabataang barangay
conducted under Batas Pambansa Blg. 337 at any time between January 1, 1988
and January 1, 1992 shall be considered as the first elections provided for in this
Code. The term of office of the kabataang barangay officials elected within the said
 period shall be extended correspondingly to coincide with the term of office of those
elected under this Code.

Section 533. Formulation of Implementing Rules and Regulations. -

(a) Within one (1) month after the approval of this Code, the President shall convene
the Oversight shall formulate and issue the appropriate rules and regulations
necessary for the efficient and effective implementation of any and all provisions of
this Code, thereby ensuring compliance with the principles of local autonomy as
defined under the Constitution.

(b) The Committee shall be composed of the following:

(1) The Executive Secretary, who shall be the Chairman;

(2) Three (3) members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the
Senate, to include the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government;

(3) Three (3) members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by

the Speaker, to include the Chairman of the Committee on Local
Government;

(4) The Cabinet, represented by the following:

(i) Secretary of the Interior and Local Government;

(ii) Secretary of Finance;

(iii) Secretary of Budget and Management; and

(5) One (1) representative from each of the following:

(i) The League of Provinces;

(ii) The League of Cities;

(iii) The League of Municipalities; and

(iv) The Liga ng mga Barangay.

(c) The Committee shall submit its report and recommendation to the President
within two (2) months after its organization. If the President fails to act within thirty
(30) days from receipt thereof, the recommendation of the Oversight Committee shall
be deemed approved. Thereafter, the Committee shall supervise the transfer of such
powers and functions mandated under this Code to the local government units,
together with the corresponding personnel, properties, assets and liabilities of the
offices or agencies concerned, with the least possible disruptions to existing
programs and projects. The Committee shall likewise recommend the corresponding
appropriations necessary to effect the said transfer.
 For this purpose, the services of a technical staff shall be enlisted from among the
qualified employees of Congress, the government offices, and the leagues
constituting the Committee.

(d) The funding requirements and the secretariat of the Committee shall be provided
by the Office of the Executive Secretary.

(e) The sum of Five million pesos (P5,000,000), which shall be charged against the
Contingent Fund, is hereby allotted to the Committee to fund the undertaking of an
information campaign on this Code. The Committee shall formulate the guidelines
governing the conduct of said campaign, and shall determine the national agencies
or offices to be involved for this purpose.

TITLE IV
FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 534. Repealing Clause. -

(a) Batas Pambansa Blg. 337, otherwise known as the Local Government Code,
Executive Order No. 112 (1987), and Executive Order No. 319 (1988) are hereby
repealed.

(b) Presidential Decree Nos. 684, 1191, 1508 and such other decrees, orders,
instructions, memoranda and issuances related to or concerning the barangay are
hereby repealed.

(c) The provisions of Sections 2, 3, and 4 of Republic Act No. 1939 regarding
hospital fund; Section 3, a (3) and b (2) of Republic Act No. 5447 regarding the
Special Education Fund; Presidential Decree No. 144 as amended by Presidential
Decree Nos. 559 and 1741; Presidential Decree No. 231 as amended; Presidential
Decree No. 436 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 558; and Presidential
Decree Nos. 381, 436, 464, 477, 526, 632, 752, and 1136 are hereby repealed and
rendered of no force and effect.

(d) Presidential Decree No. 1594 is hereby repealed insofar as it governs locally-
funded projects.

(e) The following provisions are hereby repealed or amended insofar as they are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Code: Sections 2, 16 and 29 of Presidential
Decree No. 704; Section 12 of Presidential Decree No. 87, as amended; Section 52,
53, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, and 74 of Presidential Decree No. 463, as
amended; and Section 16 of Presidential Decree No. 972, as amended, and

(f) All general and special laws, acts, city charters, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations and administrative regulations, or part or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Code are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

Section 535. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this
Code shall be held to be unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which
are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Section 536. Effectivity Clause. - This Code shall take effect on January first, nineteen
hundred ninety-two, unless otherwise provided herein, after its complete publication in at
least one (1) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved: October 10, 1991