AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF MUNTINLUPA INTO A HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF MUNTINLUPA

Nineth Congress
Third Regular Session

[ REPUBLIC ACT No. 7926, March 01, 1995 ]

AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF MUNTINLUPA INTO A HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF MUNTINLUPA

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

ARTICLE I
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

Section 1. We believe that a public office is a public trust and that all government officials and employees must at all times be accountable to the people;

We believe in leadership by example and shall abide by the code of conduct and ethical standards for public servants;

We believe in the policy of transparency in the conduct of public transactions;

We believe that the active participation and support of the people are indispensable to attain success in all city programs and projects;

We believe that our prime resource is people and in order to attain our goals and vision for Muntinlupa, we must protect the welfare of the city officials and employees;

We believe in the strict enforcement of the laws without fear or favor;

We believe that the maintenance of a peaceful and orderly community as well as a clean and green environment are essential to our growth and progress;

We believe in the prudent management of public funds and resources;

We believe that as public servants we must at all times be ready and willing to provide assistance through efficient, honest, fast, highly professional, and innovative services;

We believe above all in the guidance and help of the Almighty God without which all these things will not be possible.

ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 2. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Charter of the City of Muntinlupa."

Section 3. The City of Muntinlupa. - The Municipality of Muntinlupa shall be converted into a highly urbanized city to be, known as the City of Muntinlupa, hereinafter referred to as the City, which shall comprise the present territory of the Municipality of Muntintupa in Metropolitan Manila Area, over which it has jurisdiction, bounded by the municipalities of Taguig, Paranaque, Las Pinas, all of Metro Manila and the Municipality of San Pedro, Laguna.

Section 4. Corporate Powers of the City of Muntinlupa. -The City constitute a political body corporate and as such is endowed with the attribute of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation, to be exercised in conformity with the provisions of this charter.

The City shall have the following corporate powers:

Section 5. General Powers of the City. - The City shall have an independent common seal and may alter the same at pleasure. It shall exercise the powers to levy taxes and close roads, streets, alleys, parks or squares. It may take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, convey, and dispose of real and personal property for the general interest of the City; condemn private property for the general interest of the City; condemn private property for public use; contract and be contracted with; sue and be sued; prosecute and defend to final judgment and execution suits wherein said city is a party; and exercise all the powers as are granted to corporations and/or hereinafter conferred.

Section 6. 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 7. Jurisdiction of the City. - The Jurisdiction of the City of Muntinlupa, for police purposes only, shall be coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction, and for the purpose of protecting and insuring the purity of the water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend over all 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 shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the city or municipal court of the adjoining municipalities or cities to try crimes and misdemeanors committed within said drainage system, or within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m). The court first taking cognizance of such an offense shall have jurisdiction to try said cases to the exclusion of others. The police force of the several municipalities and cities concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the police force of the City for the maintenance of good order and the enforcement of ordinances throughout said zone, area, and spaces. But any license that may be issued within said zone, area, or spaces 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 and not to the City.

ARTICLE III
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

Section 8. The Officials of the City of Muntinlupa. -(a) There shall be in the City of Muntinlupa a city mayor, a vice-mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod, a city treasurer and an assistant city treasurer, a city assessor and an assistant city assessor, a city accountant, a city budget officer, a city planning and development coordinator, a city engineer and building official, 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, a city general services officer, a city information officer, and a city prosecutor.

ARTICLE IV
THE CITY MAYOR AND THE VICE-MAYOR

Section 9. The City Mayor. - The city mayor shall be the chief executive of the City. He shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City. No person shall be eligible for the position of a city mayor unless at the time of the election he is at least twenty-three (23) years of age, an actual resident of the City for at least one (1) year prior to his election, and a qualified voter therein. He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to salary grade thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

The city mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided herein:

Section 10. The City Vice-Mayor. - There shall be a vice-mayor who shall be elected in the same manner as the city mayor and shall, at the time of his election, possess the same qualifications as the city mayor. He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to salary grade twenty-eight (28) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

The vice-mayor shall:

ARTICLE V
THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Section 11. The Sangguniang Panlungsod. - 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.

In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from the women; 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; and one (1) from the other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.

The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod and the sectoral representatives shall be elected in the same manner as may be provided for by law. The elective members of the sangguniang panlungsod shall possess the same qualifications as that of the city mayor and vice-mayor.

They shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law.

The sangguniang panlungsod shall:

ARTICLE VI
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

Section 12. Internal Rules of Procedure. - 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.

The rules of procedure shall provide for the following:

Section 13. Full Disclosure of Financial and Business Interest of Sangguniang Panlungsod Members. - Every sangguniang panlungsod member shall, upon assumption to office, make a full disclosure of his business and financial interest. He shall also disclose any business, financial, 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:

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 of the public.

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 14. Sessions. - 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 regular sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week for the sangguniang panlungsod, and twice a month for the sangguniang barangay.

When public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the city mayor or by a majority of the members of the sanggunian.

All sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a dosed-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.

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 matter may be considered at a special session except those stated in the notice.

The sanggunian shall keep a journal and record of its proceedings which may be published upon resolution of the sangguniang panlungsod.

Section 15. Quorum. - 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.

When 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 City of Muntinlupa, to arrest the absent member and present him at the session.

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 16. Approval of Ordinances. - Every ordinance enacted by the sangguniang panlungsod shall be presented to the city mayor. If the city mayor 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 may override the veto of the city mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents and purposes.

The veto shall be communicated by the city mayor to the sanggunian within ten (10) days; otherwise, the ordinance shall be deemed approved as if he had signed it.

Section 17. Veto Power of the City Mayor. - 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 his reasons therefor in writing.

The city mayor 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 sangguniang panlungsod 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.

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

Section 18. Review of Barangay Ordinances by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. - Within ten (10) days after its enactment, the sangguniang barangay shall furnish copies of all barangay ordinances to the sangguniang panlungsod for review as to whether the ordinance is consistent with law and city ordinances.

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

If the sangguniang panlungsod finds the barangay ordinances inconsistent with law or city ordinances, the sangguniang panlungsod 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 19. 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 20. Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions. - 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 Muntinlupa, and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City of Muntinlupa.

The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall cause the posting of an ordinance or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the city hall of Muntinlupa and in at least two (2) conspicuous places in the City of Muntinlupa 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 or dialect understood by the majority of the people in the City, and the secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod shall record such fact in a book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of approval and posting.

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: Provided, further, That the gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall also be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

ARTICLE VII
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Section 21. Disqualifications of Elective Public City Officials. -The following persons are disqualified from running for any elective position in the City:

Section 22. Permanent Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor and City Vice-Mayor. - If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city mayor, the city vice-mayor concerned shall become the city mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the vice-mayor, the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member or, in case of his permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, shall become the city mayor or the city vice-mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically by the other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein.

A tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod members shall be resolved by the drawing of lots.

The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their predecessors.

For purposes of this Act, 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 this Act, 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 the City in the immediately preceding local election.

Section 23. Permanent Vacancies in the Sanggunian. -Permanent vacancies in the sangguniang panlungsod where automatic succession as provided above does not apply shall be filled by appointment in the following manner:

Section 24. Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the City Mayor. - (a) When the city mayor 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 city vice-mayor, or the highest ranking sanggunian 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 VIII
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY; THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES

Section 25. The Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. -There shall be a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod with the rank and salary of a head of department or office.

No person shall be appointed secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall take charge of the office of the sangguniang panlungsod and shall:

Section 26. The City Treasurer. - The city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

The city treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the city mayor, to whom he shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City.

No person shall be appointed treasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 treasurer.

The city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city treasurer shall take charge of the treasury office and shall:

Section 27. The Assistant City Treasurer. - The assistant city treasurer may be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees' of the city mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

No person shall be appointed assistant city treasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 treasury or accounting.

The assistant city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The assistant city treasurer shall assist the city treasurer and perform such other duties as the latter may assign him. He shall have authority to administer concerning notices and notifications to those delinquent in the payment of the real property tax and concerning official matter relating to the accounts of the city treasurer or otherwise arising from the offices of the city treasurer and the city assessor.

Section 28. The City Assessor. - The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceeding the day of his appointment.

The city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city assessor shall take charge of the city assessor's office, and shall:

Section 29. The Assistant City Assessor. - The assistant city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceeding the day of his appointment.

The assistant city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law. The assistant city assessor shall assist the city 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 assessment.

Section 30. The City Accountant. - The city accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, and a certified public accountant. He must have acquired experience in the treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the day of his appointment.

The city accountant shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city accountant shall take charge of both the office on accounting and internal audit services and shall:

Section 31. The City Budget Officer. - The city budget officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city budget officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city budget officer shall take charge of the city budget office and shall:

Section 32. The City Planning and Development Coordinator. -The city planning and development coordinator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city planning and development coordinator shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city planning and development coordinator shall take charge of the city planning and development office and shall:

Section 33. The City Engineer and Building Official. - The city engineer and building official must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, and a licensed engineer. He must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city engineer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city engineer shall take charge of the city engineering office and shall:

Section 34. The City Health Officer. - The city health officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city health officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city health officer shall take charge of the office of the city health services and shall:

Section 35. The City Civil Registrar. - The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city civil registrar shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program in the City of Muntinlupa, pursuant to the civil registry law, the civil code, and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to implement them.

The city civil registrar shall take charge of the office of the city civil registry and shall:

Section 36. The City Administrator. - The city administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, holding a college degree preferably in public administration, law, 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 management and administration work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city administrator shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city administrator shall take charge of the office of the city administrator and shall:

Section 37. The City Legal Officer. - The city legal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, and a member of the Philippine Bar. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city legal officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city legal officer, the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the office for legal services and shall:

Section 38. The City Social Services Development Officer. -The city social services development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city social services development officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city social services development officer shall take charge of the office on social services development and shall:

Section 39. The City Environment and Natural Resources Officer. - The city environment and natural resources officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment, forestry, agriculture 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 environmental and natural resources management, conservation, and utilization work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city environment and natural resources officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the office on environment and natural resources and shall:

Section 40. The City Architect. - The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, and a duly licensed architect. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city architect shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city architect shall take charge of the office on architectural planning and design and shall:

Section 41. The City Information Officer. - The city information officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communications or any other 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 for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city information officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city information officer shall take charge of the office on public information and shall:

Section 42. The City Cooperatives Officer. - The city cooperatives officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration with special training in cooperatives or any course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in cooperatives organization and management for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city cooperatives officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city cooperatives officer shall take charge of the office for the development of cooperatives and shall:

Section 43. The City Population Officer. - The city population officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a bolder 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 three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city population officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city population officer shall take charge of the office on population development and shall:

Section 44. The City Veternarian. - The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, and licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. He must have practiced his profession for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city veterinarian shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city veterinarian shall take charge of the office of veterinary services and shall:

Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

Section 45. The City General Services Officer. - The city general services officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, 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 the management of supply, property, solid waste disposal, and general sanitation for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city general services officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city general services officer shall take charge of the office on general services and shall:

Section 46. The City International Relations Officer. - The city international relations officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree on foreign service, public administration, law, business administration and management 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 for at least three (3) years in international relations, including a working knowledge on management of international conventions, effective liaisoning and communications with foreign local government counterparts and other international organizations, establishment of sisterhood agreements and other forms of partnerships.

The city international relations officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city international relations officer shall take charge of the office of international relations and shall:

Section 47. Other City Officials. - In addition to the officials enumerated above, the City of Muntinlupa shall also have the following officials with the corresponding qualifications, duties, functions, and compensations:

ARTICLE IX
THE CITY FIRE STATION SERVICE AND THE CITY JAIL SERVICE

Section 48. The City Fire Station Service. - There shall be established in the City at least one (1) fire station with adequate personnel, firefighting facilities and equipment, subject to the standards, rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government The City shall provide the necessary land or site of the station.

The city fire station service shall be headed by a city fire marshal whose qualifications shall be as those provided for under Republic Act No. 6975, otherwise known as the Philippine National Police law.

The city fire station shall be responsible for the fire protection and various emergency services such as the rescue and evacuation of injured people at fire-related incidents and, in general, all fire prevention and suppression measures to secure the safety of life and property of the citizenry.

Section 49. The City Jail Service. - There shall be established and maintained in the City a secured, clean, adequately equipped, and sanitary jail for the custody and safekeeping of prisoners, any fugitive from justice, or person detained, awaiting investigation or trial and/or transfer to the national penitentiary, and/or violent mentally-ill person who endangers himself or the safety of others, duly certified as such by the proper medical health officer, pending the transfer to a mental institution.

The city jail service shall be headed by a city jail warden who must be a graduate of a four-year course in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, nursing, social work or criminology who shall assist in the immediate rehabilitation of individuals or detention of prisoners. Great care must be exercised so that the human rights of these prisoners are respected and protected, and their spiritual and physical well-being are promptly attended to.

ARTICLE X
THE CITY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

Section 50. The City Prosecutor's Office. - There shall be established in the City a city prosecutor's office, subject to the standards, rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Department of Justice and shall discharge its duties under the general supervision of the Secretary of the Department of Justice.

Section 51. The City Prosecutor. - The city prosecutor shall be the head of the city prosecutor's office. He must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a member of the integrated bar and must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city prosecutor shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city prosecutor shall take charge of the office of the city prosecutor and shall:

ARTICLE XI
THE CITY REGISTRY OF DEEDS OFFICE

Section 52. The City Registry of Deeds Office. - There shall be established in the City a registry of deeds office, subject to the standards, rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Department of Justice and shall discharge its duties under the general supervision of the administrator of the Land Registration Authority and the Secretary of the Department of Justice.

Section 53. The City Register of Deeds. - The city register of deeds shall be the head of the city registry of deeds office. He must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a member of the integrated bar and must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

The city register of deeds shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city register of deeds shall take charge of the registry of deeds office and shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided by law.

ARTICLE XII
THE CITY LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE

Section 54. The City Land Transportation Office. - There shall be established in the City a city land transportation office, subject to the standards, rules and regulations as may be promulgated by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and shall discharge its duties under the general supervision of the Secretary of the DOTC.

Section 55. The City Land Transportation Officer. - The city land transportation officer shall be the head of the city land transportation office. He must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Muntinlupa, of good moral character, a college graduate, a first grade civil service eligible and must have an experience of at least five (5) years in the field of land transportation or other related work.

The city land transportation officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

The city land transportation officer shall take charge of the land transportation office and shall perform such duties and functions and exercise such other powers as may be provided by law.

ARTICLE XIII
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 56. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Time of the Approval of this Act. - All municipal ordinances of the Municipality of Muntinlupa existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall continue to be in force within the City of Muntinlupa until the sangguniang panlungsod shall, by ordinance, provide otherwise.

Section 57. Plebiscite. - The City of Muntinlupa shall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be held simultaneously with the May 8, 1995 election in the present Municipality of Muntinlupa. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Muntinlupa. The Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.

Section 58. Officials of the City of Muntinlupa. - The present elective officials of the City 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. The appointive officials and employees of the City shall likewise continue exercising their functions and duties and shall automatically be absorbed by the city government of the City of Muntinlupa.

Section 59. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Manila. - The City of Muntinlupa shall, unless otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Manila.

Section 60. Within five (5) years from the approval of this Act. no new racetrack, jai-alai fronton, gambling casino or cockpit shall be licensed or allowed to operate in the City.

Section 61. Suspension of Increase in Rates of Local Taxes. -No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within a period of five (5) years from its acquisition of corporate existence.

Section 62. Legislative Districts. - The creation for separate districts for Muntinlupa and Las Pinas and the first election for the two (2) legislative districts shall be made effective in 1998.

With the creation of the City of Muntinlupa, the congressional district for purposes of the 1995 elections shall remain the same.

Section 63. Applicability of Laws. - The provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Presidential Decree No. 824, and other laws pertaining to Metropolitan Manila and such laws as are applicable to highly-urbanized cities shall govern the City of Muntinlupa in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Section 64. The City of Muntinlupa shall succeed to all the properties, real or personal, assets, equipment and records, and shall assume the obligations and liabilities of the Municipality of Muntinlupa.

Section 65. Separability Clause. - If any part or section of this Act is declared unconstitutional for any reason whatsoever, such declaration shall not in any way affect the other parts or sections of this Act.

Section 66. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on January 30, 1995 and February 15, 1995, respectively.

Approved: March 1, 1995

(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President of the Philippines