AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALIWAG IN THE PROVINCE OF BULACAN INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF BALIWAG

Eighteenth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-sixth day of July, two thousand twenty one.

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11929, July 30, 2022 ]

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BALIWAG IN THE PROVINCE OF BULACAN INTO A COMPONENT CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF BALIWAG

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

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the City of Baliwag."

Section 2. The City of Baliwag. — The Municipality of Baliwag shall be converted into a component city to be known as the City of Baliwag, hereinafter referred to as the City, which shall comprise the present jurisdiction of the Municipality of Baliwag, Province of Bulacan.

The territorial jurisdiction of the City shall be within the present metes and bounds of the Municipality of Baliwag.

The foregoing provision shall be without prejudice to the resolution by the appropriate agency or forum of existing boundary disputes or cases involving questions of territorial jurisdiction between the City of Baliwag and the adjoining local government units (LGUs): Provided, That the territorial jurisdiction of the disputed area or areas shall remain with the LGU which has existing administrative supervision over said area or areas until the final resolution of the case.

Section 3. Official Seal of the City of Baliwag. — The City of Baliwag shall have an official seal. It shall be circular in form with the dominant colors of green and blue representing the City's vision to promote economic and social progress, sustainable development, and technological advancement.

The year 2022 at the center upper part of the official seal indicates the year that Baliwag became a component City. The building structure represents the facade of the town's seat of government. On top of this image is the year 1733, when Baliwag was founded by the Augustinians.

The official seal shall display rice stalks to indicate that the City of Baliwag maintains its commitment to national food security as one of the top rice yielders in the Province of Bulacan. The Baliwag buntal hat, a product woven in this City and is regarded as superior in quality to other types of buntal hats produced in the country, is likewise depicted in the official seal.

The City of Baliwag may alter its official seal: Provided, That any change of the seal shall be approved by Congress and registered with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Section 4. Corporate Powers of the City. — The City constitutes a political body corporate and as such is endowed with the attributes of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation to be exercised in conformity with the provision of this Charter. The City shall have the following corporate powers:

Section 5. General Powers. — The City shall exercise the powers to levy taxes, fees and charges; to close and open roads, streets, alleys, parks or squares; to take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and dispose of real and personal property for the general interests of the City; to expropriate or condemn private property for public use; to contract and be contracted with; to sue and be sued; to prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution suits wherein the City is involved or interested in; and to exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations or as hereinafter conferred.

Section 6. General Welfare Clause. — The City 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 its territorial jurisdiction, the City shall ensure and support the preservation and enrichment of its 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 7. Liability for Damages. — The City and its officials shall not be exempt from liability for death or injury to persons or damage to property.

Section 8. Jurisdiction of the City. — For police purposes, the jurisdiction of the City shall be coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction and for the purpose of protecting and ensuring the purity of the water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend over all the territory within the drainage area of such water supply, or within one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the City water service.

The city court of the City of Baliwag and the city or municipal courts of the adjoining cities and municipalities shall have concurrent jurisdiction to try crimes and misdemeanors committed within the said drainage area or areas within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the City water service delivery.

The court first taking jurisdiction of such offenses shall have jurisdiction to try cases to the exclusion of others. The police forces of the City of Baliwag and the municipalities and cities concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction over the maintenance of good order and the enforcement of ordinances throughout said zone, area, or space. Any license that may be issued within said zone, area, or space shall be granted by the proper authorities of the city or municipality concerned, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrue to the treasury of the said city or municipality concerned.

ARTICLE II
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

Section 9. The Officials of the City of Baliwag. — (a) There shall be in the City of Baliwag a City Mayor, a City 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 internal auditor, a city planning and sustainable development officer, a city environmental and natural resources officer, a city agriculturist, a city engineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city human resource and management officer, a city disaster risk reduction and management officer, a city tourism officer, a city information and community relations officer, a city information and communication technology officer, a city public order and safety officer, a city enterprise and economic affairs officer, a city social welfare and development officer, a city youth and development officer, a city persons with disability affairs officer, a city librarian, a city sports development officer, a city veterinarian, and a city general services officer.

ARTICLE III
THE CITY MAYOR AND THE CITY VICE MAYOR

Section 10. City Mayor. — The City Mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided under Section 455 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other laws and ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod

The City Mayor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (SG-30) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989," as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

Section 11. City Vice Mayor. — The City Vice Mayor shall be the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and shall exercise the duties and functions as provided under Section 456 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other laws and ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The City Vice Mayor shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Twenty-Six (SG-26) as prescribed under the "Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989," as amended, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

ARTICLE IV
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Section 12. Composition and Compensation. — (a) The Sangguniang Panlungsod is the legislative body of the City, and shall be composed of the City Vice Mayor as the presiding officer, ten (10) regular Sangguniang Panlungsod 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 three (3) sectoral representatives from the following sectors, as members: one (1) from the women sector; and, as shall be determined by the Sangguniang Panlungsod within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the local elections: one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers sector and one (1) from other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Section 13. Powers, Duties, and Functions. — The Sangguniang Panlungsod, as the legislative body of the City, shall exercise the powers, duties and functions as provided under Section 458 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and other laws and ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It shall enact ordinances, approve resolutions, and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the City and its inhabitants pursuant to Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and Section 5 of this Charter; and in the proper exercise of corporate and general powers of the City as provided for under Sections 3 and 4 of this Charter.

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

Section 14. Internal Rules of Procedure. — (a) On the first regular session following the election of its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall adopt or update its existing rules of procedure.

Section 15. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interests of Sangguniang Panlungsod Members. — (a) Every Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall, upon assumption to office, make a full disclosure of their business and financial interests. Such disclosure shall also include a professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth (4th) civil degree, which a Sangguniang Panlungsod member may have with any person, firm, or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and which relationship may result in conflict of interests. Such relationship shall include:

Section 16. Sessions. — (a) On the first day of the session immediately following the election of its members, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the day, time, and place of its sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week for the Sangguniang Panlungsod and twice a month for the Sangguniang Barangay.

Section 17. Quorum. — (a) A majority of all the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod 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.

Section 18. Approval of Ordinances. — (a) Every ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be presented to the City Mayor. If the City Mayor approves the same, the signature shall be affixed on each and every page thereof; otherwise, the ordinance shall be vetoed and returned with a statement on the objections to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, which may proceed to reconsider the same.

Section 19. Veto Power of the City Mayor. — (a) The City Mayor may veto any ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or prejudicial to the public welfare, stating the reasons for the veto in writing.

Section 20. Review of City Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. — (a) Within three (3) days after approval, the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod 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.

Section 21. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) The Sangguniang Barangay shall furnish copies of all barangay ordinances within ten (10) days after their enactment to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for review as to whether the ordinance is consistent with law or city ordinances.

Section 22. 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 a sufficient ground for the suspension or dismissal of the official or employee concerned.

Section 23. 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 City Hall of Baliwag and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of Baliwag not later than five (5) days after approval thereof.

ARTICLE VI
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Section 24. Disqualifications for Elective City Officials. — The following persons are disqualified from running for any elective position in the City:

Section 25. Permanent Vacancy in the Offices of the City Mayor and City Vice Mayor. — (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Mayor, the City Vice Mayor shall become the City Mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the City Vice Mayor, the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member or, in case of the latter's permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall become the City Mayor or City Vice Mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically by the other Sangguniang Panlungsod members according to their ranking as defined under the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended.

Section 26. Permanent Vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. — Permanent vacancies in the Sangguniang Panlungsod where automatic succession as provided above does not apply shall be filled by appointments in the following manner:

Section 27. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the Mayor. — (a) When the City Mayor is temporarily incapacitated to perform the duties for physical or legal reasons such as when the City Mayor is on official leave from duties, on travel abroad, or is suspended from office, the City Vice Mayor or the highest ranking Sangguniang Panlungsod member shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the City Mayor, 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.

ARTICLE VII
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY; THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES

Section 28. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) There shall be a Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who shall be a career official with the rank and salary equal to a head of a department or office.

Section 29. City Treasurer. — (a) The City Treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF) from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the City Mayor, subject to the civil service law, rules and regulations.

Section 30. City Assessor. — (a) The City Assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, 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, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in real property assessment work or in any related field immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 31. City Accountant. — (a) The City Accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a certified public accountant and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the treasury or accounting services immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 32. City Budget Officer. — (a) The City Budget Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, 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, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in government budgeting or in any related field immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 33. City Internal Auditor. — (a) The City Internal Auditor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of master's degree and must have acquired at least four (4) years of experience involving management and supervision.

Section 34. City Planning and Sustainable Development Officer. — (a) The City Planning and Sustainable Development Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning, development studies, economics, public administration, or in any related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in development planning or in any related field immediately preceding the date of appointment.

(b) The City Planning and Sustainable Development Officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c) The City Planning and Sustainable Development Officer shall take charge of the City Planning and Sustainable Development Coordinating Office, and shall:

Section 35. City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. — (a) The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment and/or natural resources management, forestry, urban, and environment planning, or any other related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in the environment and natural resources management, conservation, and utilization work.

Section 36. City Agriculturist. — (a) The City Agriculturist must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in agriculture obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have practiced the profession in agriculture or acquired at least five (5) years experience in a related field.

Section 37. City Engineer. — (a) The City Engineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a licensed civil engineer, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the practice of profession.

Section 38. City Health Officer. — (a) The City Health Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a licensed medical practitioner, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in the practice of profession.

Section 39. City Civil Registrar. — (a) The City Civil Registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of college degree from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in civil registry work.

Section 40. City Administrator. — (a) The City Administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, 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, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in management and administrative work.

Section 41. City Legal Officer. — (a) The City Legal Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a member of the Philippine Bar, and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years.

Section 42. City Human Resource and Management Officer. — The City Human Resource and Management Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in human resource, psychology, and other related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in organization design and strategic workforce planning, recruitment and staffing, performance management, compensation and benefits, and training and development for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

The City Human Resource and Management Officer shall receive compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law, and shall:

Section 43. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer. — (a) The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in public administration and management, engineering, or any other related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in disaster preparedness, risk reduction and management, emergency response, and incident command system for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 44. City Tourism Officer. — (a) The City Tourism Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in tourism or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. The City Tourism Officer must have experience in the implementation of programs for development and promotion of tourism, local history, arts, and culture for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 45. City Information and Community Relations Officer. — (a) The City Information and Community Relations Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communications, or any related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have at least three (3) years of experience in writing articles and research papers, or writing for print, television, or broadcast media.

Section 46. City Information and Communication Technology Officer. — (a) The City Information and Communication Technology Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in information technology, computer science, engineering, or other related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in software and hardware development for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 47. City Public Order and Safety Officer. — (a) The City Public Order and Safety Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in engineering, public administration or other related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired experience in traffic management and road safety for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 48. City Enterprise and Economic Affairs Officer. — (a) The City Enterprise and Economic Affairs Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in economics, business administration, or any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.

Section 49. City Social Welfare and Development Officer. — (a) The City Social Welfare and Development Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably in social work, sociology, or any other related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in the practice of social work immediately preceding the date of appointment.

Section 50. City Youth and Development Officer. — (a) The City Youth and Development Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in community development, public administration, and other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.

Section 51. City Persons with Disability Affairs Officer. — (a) The City Persons with Disability Affairs Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of bachelor's degree and must have acquired at least three (3) years of relevant experience on disability affairs.

Section 52. City Librarian. — (a) The City Librarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a licensed librarian, and must have acquired at least four (4) years of experience involving management and supervision.

Section 53. City Sports Development Officer. — (a) The City Sports Development Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor's degree and must have acquired at least four (4) years of experience involving management and supervision.

Section 54. City Veterinarian. — (a) The City Veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years.

Section 55. City General Services Officer. — (a) The City General Services Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in public administration, business administration or management from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in general services, including management of office supplies, outsourced services, equipment and other properties, solid waste disposal and general sanitation.

Section 56. City Architect. — (a) The City Architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a duly licensed architect, and must have practiced the profession for at least five (5) years.

Section 57. City Cooperatives Officer. — (a) The City Cooperatives Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration with special training on cooperatives or any related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have at least five (5) years of experience on cooperatives development, organization, and management.

Section 58. City Population Officer. — (a) The City Population Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent and must have at least five (5) years of experience in the implementation of programs on population development or responsible parenthood.

Section 59. City Business Permit and Licensing Officer. — (a) The City Business Permit and Licensing Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration or in any other related course from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in management.

Section 60. City Nutrition Officer. — (a) The City Nutrition Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, and a registered nutritionist-dietitian (RND) pursuant to Republic Act No. 10862, otherwise known as the "Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016," and must have acquired experience for at least three (3) years in the implementation of programs on nutrition and dietetics development preceding the date of appointment.

Section 61. City Public Employment Service Officer. — (a) The City Public Employment Service Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in psychology, business administration and other related course obtained from a recognized college or university, a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent, and must have acquired experience for at least three (3) years in the implementation of programs on employment generation and development preceding the date of appointment.

Section 62. City Security Officer. — (a) The City Security Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a bachelor's degree and must have acquired at least four (4) years of experience involving management and supervision.

Section 63. City Solid and Liquid Waste Management Officer. — (a) The City Solid and Liquid Waste Management Officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Baliwag, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment, ecology, engineering, solid and liquid wastes management, or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a holder of a first grade civil service eligibility or its equivalent, and must have acquired at least five (5) years experience in environmental and natural resources management, conservation, and utilization or environmental engineering.

ARTICLE VIII
THE CITY FIRE STATION SERVICE, THE CITY JAIL SERVICE, THE CITY SCHOOLS DIVISION, AND THE CITY PROSECUTION SERVICE

Section 64. City Fire Station Service. — (a) There shall be established in the City of Baliwag at least one (1) fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities, and equipment, subject to standards, rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Section 65. City Jail Service. — (a) At least five (5) months from the commencement of the corporate existence of the City, the DILG shall establish and maintain a secured, clean, adequately equipped, and sanitary jail facility for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any fugitive from justice, or person detained awaiting investigation or trial or transfer to the national penitentiary, or a violent mentally ill person who may endanger oneself or the safety of others as duly certified by the proper medical health officer, prior to the transfer of such person to a mental institution.

Section 66. City Schools Division. — The Department of Education (DepEd) shall establish and maintain a City Schools Division of the City of Baliwag whose area of jurisdiction will cover all the school districts within the City.

The City Schools Division shall be headed by a City Schools Division Superintendent who must possess the necessary qualifications required by the DepEd.

Section 67. City Prosecution Service. — (a) The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall, within two (2) months from the commencement of the corporate existence of the City, establish and maintain a prosecution service in the City of Baliwag. It shall be headed by a City Prosecutor, who shall be assisted by such number of assistant prosecutors as may be necessary and whose qualifications, manner of appointment, rank, salary, and benefits shall be governed by existing laws covering prosecutors in the DOJ. The City Prosecution Service shall be organizationally part of the DOJ and under the supervision and control of the Secretary of DOJ.

(b) The City Prosecutor shall handle the criminal prosecution in the municipal trial courts in the City as well as in the regional trial courts for criminal cases originating in the territory of the City, and shall render to or for the City such services as are required by law, ordinance, or regulation of the DOJ.

The Secretary of Justice shall always ensure the adequacy and quality of prosecution service in the City and for its purpose shall, in the absence or lack or insufficiency in number of assistant city prosecutors as provided herein above, designate from among the assistant provincial prosecutors a sufficient number to perform and discharge the functions of the City Prosecution Service as provided hereinabove. IDSEAH

ARTICLE IX
TRANSTORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 68. Municipal Ordinance Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. — All municipal ordinances of the Municipality of Baliwag existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall continue to be in force within the City of Baliwag until the new Sangguniang Panlungsod shall provide otherwise.

Section 69. Plebiscite. — The City of Baliwag shall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in the present Municipality of Baliwag within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Baliwag.

Section 70. Officials of the City of Baliwag. — The present elective officials of the Municipality of Baliwag shall continue to exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new election is held and the duly elected officials shall have already qualified and assumed their offices. Appointive officials and employees of the Municipality of Baliwag shall likewise continue exercising their functions and duties and shall automatically be absorbed by the city government of the City of Baliwag.

Section 71. Succession Clause. — The City of Baliwag shall succeed to all the assets, properties, liabilities, and obligations of the Municipality of Baliwag.

Section 72. Election of Provincial Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members of the Province of Bulacan. — The qualified voters of the City of Baliwag shall be qualified to vote and run for any elective position in the elections for provincial governor, provincial vice governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, and other elective offices for the Province of Bulacan.

Section 73. Jurisdiction of the Province of Bulacan. — The City of Baliwag shall, unless otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of Bulacan.

Section 74. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. — No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within the period of five (5) years from its acquisition of corporate existence.

Section 75. Legislative District. — Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Baliwag shall continue to be a part of the Second Legislative District of the Province of Bulacan.

Section 76. Applicability of Laws. — The provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, and such other laws as are applicable to component cities shall govern the City of Baliwag insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Section 77. Separability Clause. — If, for any reasons, any part or provision of this Charter shall be held unconstitutional, invalid, or inconsistent with the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 78. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on November 22, 2021, amended by the Senate of the Philippines on May 23, 2022, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on June 1, 2022.

Approved: Lapsed into law on JUL 30 2022 without the signature of the President, in accordance with Article VI Section 27 (1) of the Constitution.

RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE
President of the Philippines