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

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9398 (Charter of the City of Tayabas)

General Provisions
- Converts the Municipality of Tayabas in Quezon Province into the City of Tayabas. (Section 2)
- Defines the corporate powers of the City, including perpetual succession, suing and being sued, using a corporate seal, acquiring property, entering contracts, and exercising powers granted by the charter. (Section 3)
- Outlines the general powers of the City, such as levying taxes, managing roads and public places, providing basic services, and exercising powers granted to corporations. (Section 4)
- Establishes the territorial jurisdiction of the City for police purposes and water supply protection. (Section 6)

City Officials
- Lists the elective and appointive officials of the City, including the City Mayor, Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod members, and department heads. (Section 7)
- Outlines the qualifications, powers, duties, and compensation of the City Mayor. (Section 8)
- Outlines the qualifications, powers, duties, and compensation of the City Vice Mayor. (Section 9)
- Describes the composition and powers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council). (Sections 10-11)
- Establishes rules for the legislative process, including internal rules, disclosure of interests, sessions, quorum, approval of ordinances, veto power, and review of ordinances. (Sections 12-21)
- Outlines the succession process for permanent and temporary vacancies in the offices of the City Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Sangguniang Panlungsod members. (Sections 22-24)
- Defines the qualifications, duties, and compensation of various appointive officials, such as the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Treasurer, Assessor, Accountant, Budget Officer, Planning and Development Officer, Engineer, Health Officer, Civil Registrar, Administrator, Legal Officer, Social Welfare and Development Officer, Veterinarian, General Services Officer, Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Architect, Information Officer, Cooperatives Officer, Population Officer, and Agriculturist. (Sections 25-46)

City Services
- Mandates the establishment of a City Fire Station Service, City Jail Service, City Schools Division, and City Prosecution Service. (Sections 47-50)

Transitory and Final Provisions
- Allows existing municipal ordinances to remain in force until amended by the City. (Section 51)
- Requires a plebiscite to ratify the creation of the City, with expenses borne by the Municipality of Tayabas. (Section 52)
- Provides for the continuation of current elective and appointive officials until new elections and appointments are made. (Section 53)
- Establishes the succession of assets, properties, liabilities, and obligations from the Municipality to the City. (Section 54)
- Allows qualified voters of the City to vote and run for provincial elective positions in Quezon Province. (Section 55)
- Maintains the jurisdiction of Quezon Province over the City, unless otherwise provided by law. (Section 56)
- Suspends any increase in local tax rates for five years after the City's creation. (Section 57)
- Maintains the City's inclusion in the First Congressional District of Quezon Province until changed by law. (Section 58)
- Prohibits the licensing or operation of new gambling establishments in the City for three years. (Section 59)
- Allows for the determination of boundary disputes with adjoining local government units. (Section 60)
- Applies the Local Government Code of 1991 and other applicable laws to the City, unless inconsistent with the charter. (Section 61)
- Exempts the City from the income requirement prescribed under Republic Act No. 9009. (Section 62)
- Includes a separability clause in case any part of the charter is deemed unconstitutional or invalid. (Section 63)
- Specifies the effectivity date of the charter. (Section 64)