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REPUBLICACT NO. 8526

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8526 - AN ACTCONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF VALENZUELA INTO A HIGHLY URBANIZED CITYTO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF VALENZUELA

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

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

Sec. 2. The City of Valenzuela. — The Municipalityof Valenzuela is hereby converted into a highly urbanized city to beknown as the City of Valenzuela, hereinafter referred to as the City,which shall comprise the present territory of the Municipality ofValenzuela in Metropolitan Manila.

Sec. 3.    Corporate Powers of the City. — The Cityconstitutes a political body corporate and as such is endowed with theattributes of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers whichpertain to a municipal corporation, to be exercised in conformity withthe provisions of this Charter. The City shall have the followingcorporate powers:

(a)    To have continuous succession in its corporatename;

(b)    To sue and be sued;

(c)    To have and use a corporate seal;

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

(e)    To enter into contracts; and

(f)    To exercise such other powers as are granted tocorporations, subject to the limitations provided in this Act and otherlaws.

Sec. 4. General Powers of the City. — The Cityshall have a common seal, and may alter the same at pleasure. It shallexercise the powers to levy taxes, close and open roads, streets,alleys, parks or squares subject to the provisions of the Constitutionand existing laws. It may take, purchase, receive, hold, lease, conveyand dispose of real and personal property for the general interest ofthe City, condemn private property for public use, contract and becontracted with, sue and be sued, prosecute and defend to finaljudgment and execution suits wherein said City is a party, and exerciseall the powers as are granted to corporations and/or hereinafterconferred.

Sec. 5. Liability for Damages. — The City and itsofficials shall not be exempt from liability for death or injury topersons or damage to property.

Sec. 6. Jurisdiction of the City. — Thejurisdiction of the City of Valenzuela, for police purposes only, shallbe coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction, and for the purposeof protecting and insuring the purity of the water supply of the City,such police jurisdiction shall also extend over all territory withinthe drainage area of such water supply, or within one hundred meters(100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping stationused in connection with the city water service. The city court of theCity shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the city or municipalcourts of the adjoining municipalities or cities, to try crimes andmisdemeanors committed within said drainage area, or within said spacesof one hundred meters (100 m.). The court first taking cognizance ofsuch an offense shall have jurisdiction to try said cases to theexclusion of others. Any license that may be issued within said zone,area or spaces shall be granted by the proper authorities of the cityor municipality concerned, and the fees arising therefrom shall accrueto the treasury of the said city or municipality concerned and not tothe City.

ARTICLE II
CITY OFFICIALS IN GENERAL

Sec. 7.    The Officials of the City of Valenzuela. —(a) There shall be in the City of Valenzuela a city mayor, a city vicemayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniangpanlungsod, a city treasurer and an assistant city treasurer, a cityassessor and an assistant city assessor, a city accountant, a citybudget officer, a city planning and development coordinator, a cityengineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a cityadministrator, a city legal officer, a city veterinarian, a city socialwelfare and development officer, and a city general services officer.

(b)    In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint acity architect, a city information officer, a city population officer,a city environment and natural resources officer, and city cooperativesofficer.

(c)    The City of Valenzuela may:

(1)    Maintain existing offices not mentioned insubsections (a) and (b) hereof;

(2)    Create such other offices as may be necessary tocarry out the purposes of the City; or

(3)    Consolidate the functions of any office withthose of another in the interest of efficiency and economy.

(d)    Unless otherwise provided herein, all appointivecity officials of the City shall be appointed by the city mayor withthe concurrence of the majority of all the sangguniang panlungsodmembers, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. Thesangguniang panlungsod shall act on the appointment within fifteen (15)days from the date of its submission, otherwise the same shall bedeemed confirmed.

ARTICLE III
THE CITY MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR

Sec. 8.    The City Mayor. — (a) The city mayor shallbe the chief executive of the City. He shall be elected at large by thequalified voters of the City. No person shall be eligible for theposition of the city mayor unless at the time of the election he is atleast twenty-three (23) years of age, an actual resident of the Cityfor at least one (1) year prior to his election, and a qualified votertherein. He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless soonerremoved, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation correspondingto salary grade thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto.

(b)    The city mayor, as the chief executive of thecity government., shall exercise such powers and perform such dutiesand functions as provided herein:

(1)    Exercise those powers expressly granted to him bylaw, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary,appropriate or incidental for the efficient and effective governance ofthe City, and those which are essential to the promotion of generalwelfare:

(aa)    Determine the guidelines of city policies and beresponsible to the sangguniang panlungsod for the program of government;

(bb)    Direct the formulation of the city developmentplan, with the assistance of the city development council and, uponapproval thereof by the sangguniang panlungsod, implement the same;

(cc)    Present the program of government and proposepolicies and projects for the consideration of the sangguniangpanlungsod at the opening of the regular session of the sangguniangpanlungsod every calendar year and as often as may be deemed necessaryas the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the citygovernment may require;

(dd)    Initiate and propose legislative measures to thesangguniang panlungsod and, as often as may be deemed necessary providesuch information and data needed or requested by said sanggunian in theperformance of its legislative functions;

(ee)    Appoint all officials and employees whosesalaries and wages are wholly or mainly paid out of city funds andwhose appointments are not otherwise provided for in this Act, as wellas those he may be authorized by law to appoint;

(ff)    Represent the City in all its businesstransactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts andobligations, and such other documents upon authority of the sangguniangpanlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance;

(gg)    Carry out such emergency measures as may benecessary during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disastersand calamities;

(hh)    Determine the time, manner and place of paymentof salaries or wages of the officials and employees of the City, inaccordance with law or ordinance;

(ii)    Allocate and assign office space to city andother officials and employees who by law or ordinance, are entitled tosuch space in the city hall and other buildings owned or leased by thecity government;

(jj)    Ensure that all executive officials andemployees of the City faithfully discharge their duties and functionsas provided by law and this Act, and cause to be institutedadministrative or judicial proceedings against any official or employeeof the City who may have committed an offense in the performance of hisofficial duties;

(kk)    Examine the books, records and other documentsof all offices, officials, agents or employees of the City and in aidof his executive powers and authority, require all national officialsand employees stationed in or assigned to the City to make available tohim such books, records and other documents in their custody, exceptthose classified by law as confidential;

(ll)    Furnish copies of executive orders issued by himto the respective council chairmen within seventy-two (72) hours aftertheir issuance;

(mm)    Visit component barangays of the City at leastonce every six (6) months to deepen his understanding of problems andconditions, listen and give appropriate counsel to local officials andinhabitants of general laws and ordinances which especially concernthem, and otherwise conduct visits and inspections to ensure that thegovernance of the City will improve the quality of life of theinhabitants;

(nn)    Act on leave applications of officials andemployees appointed by him and the commutation of the monetary value oftheir leave credits in accordance with law;

(oo)    Authorize official trips of city officials andemployees outside of the City for a period not exceeding thirty (30)days;

(pp)    Call upon any national official or employeestationed in or assigned to the City to advise him on matters affectingthe City and to make recommendations thereon; coordinate with saidofficial or employee in the formulation and implementation of plans,programs and projects; and, when appropriate, initiate anyadministrative or judicial action against a national governmentofficial or employee who may have committed an offense in theperformance of his official duties while stationed in or assigned tothe City;

(qq)    Authorize payment for medical care, necessarytransportation, subsistence, hospital or medical fees of city officialsand employees who are injured while in the performance of theirofficial duties and functions, subject to availability of funds;

(rr)    Solemnize marriages, any provision of law to thecontrary notwithstanding;

(ss)    Conduct an annual palarong panlungsod, whichshall feature traditional sports and disciplines included in nationaland international games, in coordination with the Department ofEducation, Culture and Sports; and

(tt)    Submit to the respective metropolitan authoritycouncil chairmen and to the Office of the President the followingreports: an annual report containing a summary of all matters pertinentto the management., administration and development of the City and allinformation and data relative to its political, social and economicconditions; and supplemental reports when unexpected events andsituations arise at any time during the year, particularly whenman-made or natural disasters or calamities affect the general welfareof the City.

(2)    Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to thegovernance of the City and in the exercise of its appropriate corporatepowers, as well as implement all approved policies, programs, projects,services and activities of the City:

(aa)    Ensure that the acts of the City's componentbarangays and of its officials and employees are within the scope oftheir prescribed powers, duties and functions;

(bb)    Call conventions, conferences, seminars ormeetings of elective and appointive officials of the City, includingnational officials and employees stationed in or assigned to the City,at such time and place and on such subject as he may deem important forthe promotion of the general welfare of the local government unit andits inhabitants;

(cc)    Issue such executive orders for the faithful andappropriate enforcement and execution of laws and ordinances;

(dd)    Be entitled to carry the necessary firearmwithin his territorial jurisdiction;

(ee)    Act as the deputized representative of theNational Police Commission, formulate the peace and order plan of theCity and upon its approval, implement the same; and as such, exercisegeneral and operational control and supervision over the local policeforces in the City, in accordance with Republic Act No. 6975; and

(ff)    Call upon the appropriate law enforcementagencies to suppress disorder, riot, lawless violence, rebellion orsedition, or to apprehend violators of the law when public interest sorequires and the city police forces are inadequate to cope with thesituation or the violators.

(3)    Initiate and maximize the generation of resourcesand revenues, and apply the same to the implementation of developmentplans, program objectives, priorities, particularly those resources andrevenues programmed for agro-industrial development and countrysidegrowth and progress:

(aa)    Require each head of an office or department toprepare and submit an estimate of appropriations for the ensuingcalendar year, in accordance with the budget preparation process and inaccordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code;

(bb)    Prepare and submit to the sanggunian forapproval the executive and
supplemental budgets of the City for the ensuing calendar year in themanner provided for under the Local Government Code;

(cc)    Ensure that all taxes and other revenues of theCity are collected, and that city funds are applied to the payment ofexpenses and settlement of obligations of the City, in accordance withlaw or ordinance;

(dd)    Issue licenses and permits and suspend or revokethe same for any violation or the conditions upon which said licensesor permits had been issued, pursuant to law or ordinance;

(ee)    Issue permits, without need of approval thereforfrom any national agency, for the holding of activities for anycharitable or welfare purpose, excluding prohibited games of chance orshows contrary to law, public policy and public morals;

(ff)    Require owners of illegally constructed houses,buildings or other structures to obtain the necessary permit, subjectto such fines and penalties as may be imposed by law or ordinance, orto make necessary changes in the construction of the same when saidconstruction violates any law or ordinance, or to order the demolitionor removal of said house, building or structure within the periodprescribed by law or ordinance;

(gg)    Adopt adequate measures to safeguard andconserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources of the City;

(hh)    Provide efficient and effective property andsupply management in the City and protect the funds, credits, rightsand other properties of the City; and

(ii)    Institute or cause to be institutedadministrative or judicial proceedings for violation of ordinances inthe collection of taxes, fees or charges, and for the recovery of fundsand property; and cause the City to be defended against all suits toensure that its interests, resources and rights shall be adequatelyprotected.

(4)    Ensure the delivery of basic services and theprovision of adequate facilities and, in addition thereto:

(aa)    Ensure that the construction and repair of roadsand highways funded by the national government shall be, as far aspracticable, carried out in a spatially contiguous manner and incoordination with the construction and repair of the roads and bridgesof the City; and

(bb)    Coordinate the implementation of technicalservices, including public works and infrastructure programs, renderedby national offices.

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers, as provided for under Republic Act No.7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and thosethat are prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 9.    The City Vice Mayor. — (a) There shall bea city vice mayor who shall be elected in the same manner as the citymayor and shall, at the time of his election, possess the samequalifications as the city mayor. He shall hold office for three (3)years, unless sooner removed and shall receive a monthly compensationcorresponding to salary grade twenty-eight (28) as prescribed underRepublic Act No. 6758, and the implementing guidelines issued pursuantthereto.

(b)    The city vice mayor shall:

(1)    Act as presiding officer of the sangguniangpanlungsod and sign all warrants drawn on the city treasury for allexpenditures appropriated for the operation of the sangguniangpanlungsod;

(2)    Subject to civil service law, rules andregulations, appoint all officials and employees of the sangguniangpanlungsod, under existing laws;

(3)    Assume the office of the city mayor for theunexpired term of the latter in the event of permanent vacancy;

(4)    Exercise the powers and perform the duties andfunctions of the city mayor in cases of temporary vacancy; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE IV

THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

Section 10.    The Sangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) Thesangguniang panlungsod, the legislative body of the City, shall becomposed of the city vice mayor as presiding officer, the regularsanggunian members, the president of the city chapter of the liga ngmga barangay, the president of the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mgasangguniang kabataan, and the sectoral representatives, asmembers.

(b)    In addition thereto, there shall be three (3)sectoral representatives: one (1) from the women; and as shall bedetermined by the sangguniang panlungsod within ninety (90) days priorto the holding of the local elections, one (1) from the agricultural orindustrial workers; and one (1) from the other sectors, including theurban poor, indigenous cultural communities, or disabled persons.

(c)    The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsodand the sectoral representatives shall be elected in the manner as maybe provided for by law. The elective members of the sangguniangpanlungsod shall possess the same qualifications as that of the citymayor and vice mayor except that candidates for said position must beat least eighteen (18) years of age on election day.

(d)    They shall receive such compensation, emolumentsand allowances as may be determined law.

(e)    The sangguniang panlungsod shall:

(1)    Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessaryfor an efficient and effective city government and, in this connection,shall:

(aa)    Review all ordinances approved by thesangguniang barangay and executive orders issued by the punong barangayto determine whether those are within the scope of the prescribedpowers of the sanggunian and of the punong barangay;

(bb)    Maintain peace and order by enacting measures toprevent and suppress lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellionor sedition and impose penalties for the violation of said ordinances:

(cc)    Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceedingFive thousand pesos (P5,000.00) or an imprisonment for a period notexceeding one (1) year, or both in the discretion of the court, for theviolation of a city ordinance;

(dd)    Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of theCity from the harmful effects of man-made or natural disasters andcalamities and to provide relief services and assistance for victimsduring and in the aftermath of said disasters or calamities and intheir return to productive livelihood following said events;

(ee)    Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppressand impose appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in publicplaces, vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, establishment andmaintenance of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibitedgames of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money orproperty, drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing,juvenile delinquency, the printing, distribution or exhibition ofobscene or pornographic materials or publications, and such otheractivities inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of theCity;

(ff)    Protect the environment and impose appropriatepenalties for acts which endanger the environment such as illegallogging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources productsand of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash-and-burn farming,and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration ofeutrophication of rivers and lakes or of ecological imbalance;

(gg)    Subject to the provisions of the LocalGovernment Code and pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties ofofficials and employees of the City;

(hh)    Determine the positions and the salaries, wages,allowances and other emoluments and benefits of officials and employeespaid wholly or mainly from city funds and provide for expenditurenecessary for the proper conduct of programs, projects, services andactivities of the city government;

(ii)    Authorize the payment of compensation to aqualified person not in the government service who fills up a temporaryvacancy or grant honorarium to any qualified official or employeedesignated to fill a temporary vacancy in a concurrent capacity at therate authorized by law;

(jj)    Provide a mechanism and the appropriate fundstherefor, to ensure the safety and protection of all city governmentproperty, public documents or records such as those relating toproperty inventory, land ownership, records of births, marriages,deaths, assessments, taxation, accounts, business permits and suchother records and documents of public interest in the offices anddepartments of the city government;

(kk)    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 othernational government officials stationed in or assigned to the City;

(ll)    Provide legal assistance to barangay officialswho, in the performance of their official duties or on the occasionthereof, have to initiate judicial proceedings or defend themselvesagainst legal action; and

(mm)    Provide for group insurance or additionalinsurance coverage for all barangay officials, including members ofbarangay tanod brigades and other service units, with public or privateinsurance companies, when the finances of the city government allowsaid coverage.

(2)    Generate and maximize the use of resources andrevenues for the development plans, program objectives and prioritiesof the City, with particular attention to agro-industrial developmentand city-wide growth and progress:

(aa)    Approve the annual and supplemental budgets ofthe city government and appropriate funds for specific programs,projects, services and activities of the City, or for other purposesnot contrary to law, in order to promote the general welfare of theCity and its inhabitants;

(bb)    Subject to the provisions of Book II of theLocal Government Code and applicable laws and upon the majority vote ofall the members of the sangguniang panlungsod, enact ordinances levyingtaxes, fees and charges prescribing the rates thereof for general andspecific purposes, and granting tax exemptions, incentives or reliefs;

(cc)    Subject to the provisions of Book II of theLocal Government Code and upon the majority vote of all the members ofthe sangguniang panlungsod, authorize the city mayor to negotiate andcontract loans and other forms of indebtedness;

(dd)    Subject to the provisions of Book II of theLocal Government Code and applicable laws and upon the majority vote ofall the members of the sangguniang panlungsod enact ordinancesauthorizing the floating of bonds or other instruments of indebtedness,for the purpose of raising funds to finance development projects;

(ee)    Appropriate funds for the construction andmaintenance or the rental of buildings for the use of the City; and,upon the majority vote of all the members of the sangguniang panlungsodauthorize the city mayor to lease to private parties such publicbuildings held in a proprietary capacity, subject to existing laws,rules and regulations;

(ff)    Prescribe reasonable limits and restraints onthe use of property within the jurisdiction of the City;

(gg)    Adopt a comprehensive land use plan for the City;

(hh)    Reclassify land within the jurisdiction of theCity, subject to the pertinent provisions of the Local Government Code;

(ii)    Enact integrated zoning ordinances in consonancewith the approved comprehensive land use plan, subject to existinglaws, rules and regulations; establish fire limits or zones,particularly in populous centers; and regulate the construction, repairor modification of buildings within said fire limits or zones inaccordance with the provisions of the Fire Code;

(jj)    Subject to national law, process and approvesubdivision plans for residential, commercial or industrial purposesand other development purposes, and to collect processing fees andother charges, the proceeds of which shall accrue entirely to the City:provided, however, that where approval of a national agency or officeis required, said approval shall not be withheld for more than thirty(30) days from receipt of the application. Failure to act on theapplication within the period stated above shall be deemed as approvalthereof;

(kk)    With the concurrence of at least two-thirds(2/3) of all the members of the sangguniang panlungsod, grant taxexemptions, incentives or relief to entities engaged in communitygrowth-inducing industries, subject to the provisions of the LocalGovernment Code;

(ll)    Grant loans or provide grants to other localgovernment units or to national, provincial and city charitable,benevolent or educational institutions: provided, that the saidinstitutions are operated and maintained within the City;

(mm)    Regulate the numbering of residential,commercial and other buildings; and

(nn)    Regulate the inspection, weighing and measuringof articles of commerce.

(3)    Subject to the provisions of the Local GovernmentCode of 1991, enact ordinances granting franchises and authorizing theissuance of permits or licenses, upon such conditions and for suchpurposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants ofthe City and pursuant to this legislative authority, shall:

(aa)    Fix and impose reasonable fees and charges forall services rendered by the city government to private persons orentities;

(bb)    Regulate or fix license fees for any business orpractice of profession within the City and the conditions under whichthe license for said business or practice of profession may be revokedand enact ordinances levying taxes thereon;

(cc)    Provide for and settle terms and conditionsunder which public utilities owned by the City shall be operated by thecity government, and prescribe the conditions under which the same maybe leased to private persons or entities, preferably cooperatives;

(dd)    Regulate the display of and fix the license feesfor signs, signboards or billboards at the place or places where theprofession or business advertised thereby is, in whole or in part,conducted;

(ee)    Any law to the contrary notwithstandingauthorize and license the establishment, operation and maintenance ofcockpits and regulate cockfighting and commercial breeding ofgamecocks: provided, that existing rights shall not be impaired;

(ff)    Subject to the guidelines prescribed by theDepartment of Transportation and Communications, regulate the operationof tricycles and grant franchises for the operation thereof within theterritorial jurisdiction of the City; and

(gg)    Upon approval by a majority vote of all themembers 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 orslaughterhouses; or undertake such other activities within the City asmay be allowed by existing laws: provided, that cooperatives shall begiven preference in the grant of such franchise.

(4)    Regulate activities relative to the use of land,buildings and structures within the City in order to promote thegeneral welfare and for said purpose, shall:

(aa)    Declare, prevent or abate any nuisance;

(bb)    Require that buildings and the premises thereofand any land within the City be kept and maintained in a sanitarycondition; impose penalties for any violation thereof; or, upon failureto comply with said requirement, have the work done at the expense ofthe owner, administrator or tenant concerned; or require the filling upof any land or premises to a grade necessary for proper sanitation;

(cc)    Regulate the disposal of clinical and otherwastes from hospitals, clinics and other similar establishments;

(dd)    Regulate the establishment, operation andmaintenance of cafes, restaurants, beerhouses, hotels, motels, inns,pension houses, lodging houses and other similar establishments,including tourist guides and transports;

(ee)    Regulate the sale, giving away or dispensing ofany intoxicating malt, vino, mixed or fermented liquors at any retailoutlet;

(ff)    Regulate the establishment and provide for theinspection of steam boilers or any heating device in buildings and thestorage of inflammable and highly combustible materials within the City;

(gg)    Regulate the establishment, operation andmaintenance of any entertainment or amusement facilities, includingtheatrical performances, circuses, billiard pools, public dancingschools, public dance halls, sauna baths, massage parlors, and otherplaces for entertainment. or amusement; regulate such other events oractivities for amusement or entertainment, particularly those whichtend to disturb the community or annoy the inhabitants, or require thesuspension or suppression of the same; or prohibit certain forms ofamusement or entertainment in order to protect the social and moralwelfare of the community;

(hh)    Provide for the impounding of stray animals;regulate the keeping of animals in homes or as part of a business, andthe slaughter, sale or disposition of the same; and adopt measures toprevent and penalize cruelty to animals; and

(ii)    Regulate the establishment, operation andmaintenance of funeral parlors and the burial or cremation of the dead,subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

(5)    Approve ordinances which shall ensure theefficient and effective delivery of the basic services and facilitiesas provided for under the Local Government Code, and in addition tosaid services and facilities, shall:

(aa)    Provide for the establishment, maintenance,protection and conservation of tree parks, green belts and othersimilar development projects;

(bb)    Establish markets, slaughterhouses or animalcorrals and authorize the operation thereof by the city government; andregulate the construction and operation of private markets, talipapasor other similar buildings and structures;

(cc)    Regulate the preparation and sale of meat,poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, fresh dairy products and otherfoodstuffs for public consumption;

(dd)    Regulate the use of streets, avenues, alleys,sidewalks, bridges, parks and other public places and approve theconstruction, improvement, repair and maintenance of the same;establish bus and vehicle stops and terminals or regulate the use ofthe same by privately-owned vehicles which serve the public; regulategarages and the operation of conveyances for hire; designate stands tobe occupied by public vehicles when not in use; regulate the putting upof signs, signposts, awnings and awning posts on the streets; andprovide for the lighting, cleaning and sprinkling of streets and publicplaces;

(ee)    Regulate traffic on all streets and bridges;prohibit encroachments or obstacles thereon and, when necessary in theinterest of public welfare, authorize the removal of encroachments andillegal constructions in public places;

(ff)    Subject to existing laws, establish and providefor the maintenance, repair and operation of an efficient waterworkssystem to supply water for the inhabitants and to purify the source ofthe water supply; regulate the construction, maintenance, repair anduse of hydrants, pumps, cisterns and reservoirs; protect the purity andquantity of the water supply of the City, and for this purpose, extendthe coverage of appropriate ordinances over all the territory withinthe drainage area of said water supply and within one hundred meters(100 m.) of the reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct, pumping station orwatershed used in connection with the water service; and regulate theconsumption, use or wastage of water and fix and collect chargestherefore;

(gg)    Regulate the drilling and excavation of theground for the laying of water, gas, sewer and other pipes and theconstruction, repair and maintenance of public drains, sewers,cesspools, tunnels and similar structures; regulate the placing ofpoles and the use of crosswalks, curbs and gutters; adopt measures toensure public safety against open canals, manholes, live wires andother similar hazards to life and property; and regulate theconstruction and use of private water closets, privies and othersimilar structures in buildings and homes;

(hh)    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 samewhen found to be dangerous, defective or otherwise hazardous to thewelfare of the inhabitants;

(ii)    Subject to the availability of funds and toexisting laws, rules and regulations, establish and provide for theoperation of a city college, vocational and technical schools andsimilar post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of theDepartment of Education, Culture and Sports and subject to existing lawon tuition fees, fix and collect reasonable tuition fees and otherschool charges in educational institutions supported by the citygovernment;

(jj)    Establish a scholarship fund for poor butdeserving students in schools located within its jurisdiction or forstudents residing within the City;

(kk)    Approve measures and adopt quarantineregulations to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases;

(ll)    Provide for an efficient and effective system ofsolid waste and garbage collection and prohibit littering and theplacing or throwing of garbage, refuse and other filth and wastes;

(mm)    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 youth beloweighteen (18) years of age; and, subject to availability of funds,establish and provide for the operation of centers and facilities forsaid needy and disadvantaged persons;

(nn)    Establish and provide for the maintenance andimprovement of jails and detention centers, institute a sound jailmanagement program, and appropriate funds for the subsistence ofdetainees and convicted prisoners in the City;

(oo)    Establish a city council whose purpose is thepromotion of culture and the arts, coordinate with government agenciesand nongovernmental organizations and, subject to the availability offunds, appropriate funds for the support and development of the same;and

(pp)    Establish a city council for the elderly whichshall formulate policies and adopt measures mutually beneficial to theelderly and to the community; provide incentives for nongovernmentalagencies and entities and, subject to the availability of funds,appropriate funds to support programs and projects for the benefit ofthe elderly.

(6)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE V
PROCESS OF LEGISLATION

Section 11.    Internal Rules of Procedure. — (a) On thefirst regular session following the election of its members and withinninety (90) days thereafter, the sangguniang panlungsod shall adopt orupdate its existing rules of procedure.

(b)    The rules of procedure shall provide for thefollowing:

(1)    The organization of the sanggunian and theelection of its officers as well as the creation of standing committeeswhich shall include, but shall not be limited to, the committees onappropriations, women and family, human rights, youth and sportsdevelopment, environmental protection, and cooperatives; the generaljurisdiction of each committee; and the election of the chairman andmembers of each committee;

(2)    The order and calendar of business for eachsession;

(3)    The legislative process;

(4)    The parliamentary procedures which include theconduct of members during sessions;

(5)    The discipline of members for disorderly behaviorand absences without justifiable cause for four (4) consecutivesessions, for which they may be censured, reprimanded or excluded fromthe session, suspended for not more than sixty (60) days or expelled:provided, that the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall require theconcurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the sanggunianmembers: provided, further, that a member convicted by final judgmentto imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving moralturpitude shall be automatically expelled from the sanggunian; and

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

Section 12.    Full Disclosure of Financial and BusinessInterest of Sangguniang Panlungsod Members. — (a) Every sangguniangpanlungsod member shall, upon assumption to office, make a fulldisclosure of his business and financial interest. He shall alsodisclose any business, financial or professional relationship or anyrelation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree,which he may have with any person, firm or entity affected by anyordinance or resolution under consideration by the sanggunian of whichhe is a member, which relationship may result in conflict of interest.Such relationship shall include:

(1)    Ownership of stock or capital, or investment, inthe entity or firm to which the ordinance or resolution may apply; and

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

In the absence of a specific constitutional or statutory provisionapplicable to this situation, "conflict of interest" refers in generalto one where it may be reasonably deduced that a member of a sanggunianmay not act in the public interest due to some private, pecuniary orother personal considerations that may tend to affect his judgment tothe prejudice of the service or the public.

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

(1)    Disclosure shall be made before the memberparticipates in the deliberations on the ordinance or resolution underconsideration: provided, that, if the member did not participate duringthe deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before voting on theordinance or resolution on second and third readings; and

(2)    Disclosure shall be made when a member takes aposition or makes a privilege speech on a matter that may affect thebusiness interest, financial connection or professional relationshipdescribed herein.

Section 13.    Sessions. — (a) On the first day of thesession immediately following the election of its members, thesangguniang panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the day, time andplace of its regular sessions. The minimum number of regular sessionsshall be once a week for the sangguniang panlungsod, and twice a monthfor the sangguniang barangay.

(b)    When public interest so demands, special sessionsmay be called by the city mayor or by a majority of the members of thesanggunian.

(c)    All sanggunian sessions shall be open to thepublic unless a closed-door session is ordered by an affirmative voteof a majority of the members present, there being a quorum, in thepublic interest or for reasons of security, decency, or morality. Notwo (2) sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day.

(d)    In the case of special sessions of thesanggunian, a written notice to the members shall be served personallyat 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 thesanggunian members present, there being a quorum, no other matters maybe considered at a special session except those stated in the notice.

(e)    The sanggunian shall keep a journal and record ofits proceedings which may be published upon resolution of thesangguniang panlungsod.

Section 14.    Quorum. — (a) A majority of all themembers of the sanggunian who have been elected and qualified shallconstitute a quorum to transact official business. Should a question ofquorum be raised during a session, the presiding officer shallimmediately proceed to call the roll of the members and thereafterannounce the results.

(b)    Where there is no quorum, the presiding officermay declare a recess until such time as a quorum is constituted, or amajority of the members present may adjourn from day to day and maycompel the immediate attendance of any member absent withoutjustifiable cause by designating a member of the sanggunian, to beassisted by a member or members of the police force assigned in theterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Valenzuela, to arrest theabsent member and present him at the session.

(c)    If there is still no quorum despite theenforcement of the immediately preceding subsection, no business shallbe transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion duly approvedby the members present, shall then declare the session adjourned forlack of quorum.

Section 15. Approval of Ordinances. — (a) Everyordinance enacted by the sangguniang panlungsod shall be presented tothe city mayor. If the city mayor approves the same, he shall affix hissignature on each and every page thereof; otherwise, he shall veto itand return the same with his objections to the sanggunian, which mayproceed to reconsider the same. The sanggunian may override the veto ofthe city mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, therebymaking the ordinance or resolution effective for all legal intents andpurposes.

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

Section 16.    Veto Power of the City Mayor. — (a) Thecity mayor may veto an ordinance of the sangguniang panlungsod on theground that it is ultra vires or prejudicial to the public welfare,stating his reasons therefor in writing.

(b)    The city mayor shall have the power to veto anyparticular item or items of an appropriations ordinance, an ordinanceor resolution adopting a local development plan and public investmentprogram, or an ordinance directing the payment of money or creatingliability. In such a case, the veto shall not affect the item or itemswhich are not objected to. The vetoed item or items shall not takeeffect unless the sangguniang panlungsod overrides the veto in themanner herein provided; otherwise, the item or items in theappropriations ordinance of the previous year corresponding to thosevetoed, if any, shall be deemed reenacted.

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

Section 17.    Review of Barangay Ordinances by theSangguniang Panlungsod. — (a) Within ten (10) days after enactment, thesangguniang barangay shall furnish copies of all barangay ordinances tothe sangguniang panlungsod for review as to whether the ordinance isconsistent with law and city ordinances.

(b)    If the sangguniang panlungsod fails to takeaction on barangay ordinances within thirty (30) days from receiptthereof the same shall be deemed approved.

(c)    If the sangguniang panlungsod finds the barangayordinance inconsistent with law or city ordinances, the sangguniangpanlungsod shall, within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, returnthe same with its comments and recommendations to the sangguniangbarangay concerned for adjustment, amendment or modification; in whichcase, the effectivity of the barangay ordinance is suspended until suchtime as the revision called for is effected.

Section 18. Enforcement of Disapproved Ordinances orResolutions. — Any attempt to enforce any ordinance or any resolutionapproving the local development plan and public investment program,after the disapproval thereof, shall be sufficient ground for thesuspension or dismissal of the official or employee concerned.

Section 19.    Effectivity of Ordinances or Resolutions.— (a) Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance or the resolutionapproving the local development plan and public investment program, thesame shall take effect after ten (10) days from the date a copy thereofis posted in a bulletin board at the entrance of the City Hall ofValenzuela, and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in theCity of Valenzuela.

(b)    The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shallcause the posting of an ordinance or resolution in the bulletin boardat the entrance of the City Hall of Valenzuela and in at least two (2)conspicuous places in the City of Valenzuela not later than five (5)days after approval thereof.

The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated andposted in Filipino or English and in the language or dialect understoodby the majority of the people in the City, and the secretary of thesangguniang panlungsod shall record such fact in a book kept for thepurpose, stating the dates of approval and posting.

(c)    The main features of the ordinance or resolutionduly enacted or adopted shall, in addition to being posted, bepublished once in a local newspaper of general circulation within theCity: provided, that in the absence thereof, the ordinance orresolution shall be published in any newspaper of general circulation:provided, further, that the gist of all ordinances with penal sanctionsshall also be published in a newspaper of general circulation.

ARTICLE VI
DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

Sec. 20.    Disqualification of Elective PublicOfficials. — The following persons are disqualified from running forany elective position in the City:

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

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

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

(d)    Those with dual citizenship;

(e)    Fugitives from justice in criminal ornonpolitical cases here and abroad;

(f)    Permanent residents in a foreign country or thosewho have acquired the right to reside abroad and continue to avail ofthe same right after the effectivity of the Local Government Code; and

(g)    The insane or feeble-minded.

Sec. 21.    Permanent Vacancy in the Office of theCity Mayor and Vice Mayor. — (a) If a permanent vacancy occurs in theoffice of the city mayor, the city vice mayor concerned shall becomethe city mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the vicemayor, the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member or, in case ofhis permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking sangguniangpanlungsod member, shall become the city mayor or city vice mayor, asthe case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall befilled automatically by the other sanggunian members according to theirranking as defined herein.

(b)    A tie between or among the highest rankingsangguniang panlungsod members shall be resolved by the drawing of lots.

(c)    The successors as defined herein shall serve onlythe unexpired terms of their predecessors.

For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an electivelocal official fills a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office,fails to qualify, dies, is removed from office, voluntarily resigns oris otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the functions ofhis office.

For purposes of succession as provided in this Act, ranking in thesanggunian shall be determined on the basis of the proportion of votesobtained by each winning candidate to the total number of registeredvoters in the City in the immediately preceding local election.

Sec. 22.    Permanent Vacancies in the Sanggunian. —Permanent vacancies in the sangguniang panlungsod where automaticsuccession as provided above does not apply shall be filled byappointment. in the following manner:

(a)    The President, through the Executive Secretary,shall make the aforesaid
appointment;

(b)    Only the nominee of the political party underwhich the sanggunian member concerned had been elected shall beappointed in the manner herein provided. The appointee shall come fromthe same political party as that of the sanggunian member who causedthe vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office.

In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate ofmembership of the appointee from the highest official of the politicalparty concerned are conditions sine qua non, and any appointmentwithout such nomination and certification shall be null and void abinitio and shall be a ground for administrative action against theofficial responsible therefore:

(c)    In case the permanent vacancy is caused by asanggunian member who does not belong to any political party, the citymayor shall, upon recommendation of the sangguniang panlungsod, appointa qualified person to fill the vacancy; and

(d)    In case of vacancy in the representation of theyouth and the barangay in the sangguniang panlungsod, said vacancyshall be filled automatically by the official next-in-rank of theorganization concerned.

Sec. 23.    Temporary Vacancy in the Office of theCity Mayor. — (a) When the city mayor is temporarily incapacitated toperform his duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but notlimited to, leave of absence, travel abroad, and suspension fromoffice, the city vice mayor, or the highest ranking sangguniangpanlungsod member shall automatically exercise the powers and performthe duties and functions of the city mayor, except the power toappoint, suspend or dismiss employees which can only be exercised ifthe period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) workingdays.

(b)    Said temporary incapacity shall terminate uponsubmission to the sangguniang panlungsod of a written declaration bythe city mayor that he has reported back to office. In cases where thetemporary incapacity is due to legal causes, the city mayor shall alsosubmit necessary documents showing that said legal causes no longerexist.

(c)    When the city mayor is traveling within thecountry but outside his territorial jurisdiction for a period notexceeding three (3) consecutive days, he may designate in writing theofficer-in-charge of his office. Such authorization shall specify thepowers and functions that the local official concerned shall exercisein the absence of the city mayor except the power to appoint, suspendor dismiss employees.

(d)    In the event, however, that the city mayor failsor refuses to issue such authorization, the city vice mayor, or thehighest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, as the case may be,shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of thesaid office on the fourth day of absence of the city mayor, subject tothe limitations provided in subsection (c) hereof.

(e)    Except as provided above, the city mayor shall inno case authorize any local official to assume the powers, duties andfunctions of the office, other than the city vice mayor, or the highestranking member of the sangguniang panlungsod, as the case may be.

ARTICLE VII
THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY : THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS ANDDUTIES

Sec. 24.    The Secretary to the SangguniangPanlungsod. — (a) There shall be a secretary to the sangguniangpanlungsod who shall be a career official with the rank and salaryequal to a head of a department or office who shall be appointed by thecity vice mayor.

(b)    No person shall be appointed secretary to thesangguniang panlungsod unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, aresident of the City of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holderof a college degree preferably in law, commerce or publicadministration from a recognized college or university, and a firstgrade civil service eligible or its equivalent.

(c)    The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shalltake charge of the office of the sangguniang panlungsod, and shall:

(1)    Attend meetings of the sangguniang panlungsod andkeep a journal of its proceeding;

(2)    Keep the seal of the City and affix the same withhis signature to all ordinances, resolutions and other official acts ofthe sangguniang panlungsod and present the same to the presidingofficer for his signature;

(3)    Forward to the city mayor, for approval, copiesof ordinances enacted by the sangguniang panlungsod and duly certifiedby the presiding officer;

(4)    Furnish, upon request of any interested party,certified copies of records of public character in his custody, uponpayment to the city treasurer of such fees as may be prescribed byordinance;

(5)    Record in a book kept for the purpose, allordinances and resolutions enacted or adopted by the sangguniangpanlungsod, with the dates of passage and publication thereof;

(6)    Keep his office and all nonconfidential recordstherein open to the public during the usual business hours;

(7)    Translate into the dialect used by the majorityof inhabitants all ordinances and resolutions immediately after theirapproval, and cause the publication of the same together with theoriginal version in the manner provided under the Local Government Code;

(8)    Take custody of the local archives and whereapplicable, the local library and annually account for the same; and

(9)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 25.    The City Treasurer. — (a) The citytreasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list ofat least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor,subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

(b)    The city treasurer shall be under theadministrative supervision of the city mayor, to whom he shall reportregularly on the tax collection efforts of the City.

(c)    No person shall be appointed treasurer unless heis a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Valenzuela,of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably incommerce, public administration or law from a recognized college oruniversity, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent.He must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service forat least five (5) years.

(d)    The city treasurer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(e)    The city treasurer shall take charge of thetreasury office, and shall:

(1)    Advise the city mayor, the sangguniang panlungsodand other local government and national officials concerned regardingdisposition of local government funds and on such other mattersrelative to public finance;

(2)    Take custody and exercise proper management ofthe funds of the City;

(3)    Take charge of the disbursement of all funds ofthe City and such other funds the custody of which may be entrusted tohim by law or other competent authority;

(4)    Inspect private commercial and industrialestablishments within the jurisdiction of the City in relation to theimplementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the provisions of theLocal Government Code;

(5)    Maintain and update the tax information system ofthe City; and

(6)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 26.    The Assistant City Treasurer. — (a) Theassistant city treasurer may be appointed by the Secretary of Financefrom a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of thecity mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations.

(b)    No person shall be appointed assistant citytreasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holder of a collegedegree preferably in commerce, public administration or law from arecognized college or university, and a first grade civil serviceeligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired at least five (5)years experience in treasury or accounting.

(c)    The assistant city treasurer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(d)    The assistant city treasurer shall assist thecity treasurer and perform such other duties as the latter may assignto him. He shall have authority to administer oaths concerning noticesand notifications to those delinquent in the payment of the realproperty tax and concerning official matters relating to the accountsof the city treasurer or otherwise arising from the offices of the citytreasurer and the city assessor.

Sec. 27.    The City Assessor. — (a) The cityassessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the Cityof Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holder of a college degreepreferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce or any otherrelated course from a recognized college or university, and a firstgrade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquiredexperience in real property assessment work or in any related field forat least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of hisappointment.

(b)    The city assessor shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city assessor shall take charge of the cityassessor's office, and shall:

(1)    Ensure that all laws and policies governing theappraisal and assessment of real properties for taxation purposes areproperly executed;

(2)    Initiate, review and recommend changes inpolicies and objectives, plans and programs, techniques, procedures andpractices in the valuation and assessment of real properties fortaxation purposes;

(3)    Establish a systematic method of real propertyassessment;

(4)    Install and maintain a real propertyidentification and accounting system;

(5)    Prepare, install and maintain a system of taxmapping, showing graphically all properties subject to assessment andgather all data concerning the same;

(6)    Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify anddetermine whether all real properties within the City are properlylisted in the assessment rolls;

(7)    Exercise the functions of appraisal andassessment primarily for taxation purposes of all real properties inthe City;

(8)    Prepare a schedule of the fair market values ofthe different classes of real properties in accordance with theprovisions of the Local Government Code;

(9)    Issue, upon request of any interested party,certified copies of assessment records of real property and all otherrecords relative to its assessment, upon payment of a service charge orfee to the city treasurer;

(10)    Submit every semester a report of allassessments, as well as cancellations and modifications of assessments,to the city mayor and sangguniang panlungsod; and

(11)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 28.    The Assistant City Assessor. — (a) Theassistant city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, aresident of the City of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holderof 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 musthave acquired experience in assessment or in any related field for atleast three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The assistant city assessor shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The assistant city assessor shall assist the cityassessor and perform such other duties as the latter may assign to him.He shall have the authority to administer oaths on all declarations ofreal property for purposes of assessment.

Sec. 29.    The City Accountant. — (a) The cityaccountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the Cityof Valenzuela, of good moral character, and a certified publicaccountant. He must have acquired experience in the treasury oraccounting service for at least five (5) years immediately precedingthe date of his appointment.

(b)    The city accountant shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city accountant shall take charge of both theoffice on accounting and internal audit services, and shall:

(1)    Install and maintain an internal audit system inthe City;

(2)    Prepare and submit financial statements to thecity mayor and to the sangguniang panlungsod;

(3)    Apprise the sangguniang panlungsod and otherofficials on the financial condition and operations of the City;

(4)    Certify to the availability of budgetaryallotment to which expenditures and obligations may be properly charged;

(5)    Review supporting documents before preparation ofvouchers to determine completeness of requirements;

(6)    Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidation,salaries, allowances, reimbursements and remittances pertaining to theCity;

(7)    Prepare statements of journal vouchers andliquidation of the same, and other adjustments related thereto;

(8)    Post individual disbursements to the subsidiaryledger and index cards;

(9)    Maintain individual ledgers for officials andemployees of the City pertaining to payrolls and deductions;

(10)    Record and post in index cards details ofpurchased furniture, fixtures and equipment, including disposalthereof, if any;

(11)    Account for all issued requests for obligationsand maintain and keep all records and reports related thereto;

(12)    Prepare journals and the analysis of obligationsand maintain and keep all records and reports related thereto; and

(13)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 30.    The City Budget Officer. — (a) The citybudget officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holder of a collegedegree preferably in accounting, economics, public administration orany related course from a recognized college or university, and a firstgrade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquiredexperience in government budgeting or in any related field for at leastfive (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city budget officer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city budget officer shall take charge of thecity budget office, and shall:

(1)    Prepare forms, orders and circulars embodyinginstructions on budgetary and appropriation matters for the signatureof the city mayor;

(2)    Review and consolidate the budget proposals ofdifferent departments and offices of the City;

(3)    Assist the city mayor in the preparation of thebudget and during budget hearings;

(4)    Study and evaluate budgetary implications ofproposed legislation and submit comments and recommendations thereon;

(5)    Submit periodic budgetary reports to theDepartment of Budget and Management;

(6)    Coordinate with the city treasurer, the cityaccountant, and the city planning and development coordinator for thepurpose of budgeting;

(7)    Assist the sangguniang panlungsod in reviewingthe approved budgets of component barangays of the City;

(8)    Coordinate with the city planning and developmentcoordinator in the formulation of the development plan of the City; and

(9)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 31.    The City Planning and DevelopmentCoordinator. — (a) The city planning and development coordinator mustbe a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Valenzuela,of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably inurban planning, development studies, economics, public administrationor any related course from a recognized college or university, and afirst grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must haveacquired experience in development planning or in any related field forat least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of hisappointment.

(b)    The city planning and development coordinatorshall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may bedetermined by law.

(c)    The city planning and development coordinatorshall take charge of the city planning and development office, andshall:

(1)    Formulate integrated economic, social, physicaland other development plans and policies for consideration of the City;

(2)    Conduct continuing studies, researches andtraining programs necessary to evolve plans and programs forimplementation;

(3)    Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans andstudies undertaken by the different functional groups or agencies;

(4)    Monitor and evaluate the implementation of thedifferent development programs, projects and activities in the City inaccordance with the approved development plan;

(5)    Prepare comprehensive plans and other developmentplanning documents for the consideration of the local developmentcouncil;

(6)    Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, andformulate and recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration ofthe finance committee of the sangguniang panlungsod;

(7)    Promote people participation in developmentplanning within the City; and

(8)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 32.    The City Engineer. — (a) The cityengineer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the Cityof Valenzuela, of good moral character, and a licensed engineer. Hemust have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for atleast five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city engineer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city engineer shall take charge of the cityengineering office, and shall:

(1)    Initiate, review and recommend changes inpolicies and objectives, plans and programs, techniques, procedures andpractices in infrastructure development and public works in general ofthe City;

(2)    Advise the city mayor on infrastructure, publicworks and other engineering matters;

(3)    Administer, coordinate, supervise, and controlthe construction, maintenance, improvement and the repair of roads,bridges and other engineering and public works projects of the City;

(4)    Provide engineering services to the City,including investigation and survey, engineering designs, feasibilitystudies and project management; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 33.    The City Health Officer. — (a) The cityhealth officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, and a licensed medicalpractitioner. He must have acquired experience in the practice of hisprofession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the dateof his appointment.

(b)    The city health officer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city health officer shall take charge of theoffice of the city health services, and shall:

(1)    Supervise the personnel and staff of said office,formulate program implementation guidelines and rules and regulationsfor the operation of the said office for the approval of the citymayor, in order to assist him in the efficient, effective andeconomical implementation of a health services program geared toimplementation of health-related projects and activities;

(2)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out activities to ensure the delivery ofbasic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to healthservices;

(3)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning health programs and projects which the city mayor isempowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod isempowered to provide;

(4)    Be in the frontline of the delivery of healthservices, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made andnatural disasters and calamities; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 34.    The City Civil Registrar. — (a) The citycivil registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holder of a collegedegree from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civilservice eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience incivil registry work for at least five (5) years immediately precedingthe date of his appointment.

(b)    The city civil registrar shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city civil registrar shall be responsible forthe civil registration program in the City of Valenzuela, pursuant tothe Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code, and other pertinent laws, rulesand regulations issued to implement them.

(d)    The city civil registrar shall take charge of theoffice of the city civil registry, and shall:

(1)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning civil registry programs and projects which the city mayor isempowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod isempowered to provide; and

(2)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 35.    The City Administrator. — (a) The cityadministrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, holding a college degreepreferably in public administration, law or any related course from arecognized college or university, and a first grade civil serviceeligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience inmanagement and administration work for at least five (5) yearsimmediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city administrator shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city administrator shall take charge of theoffice of the city administrator, and shall:

(1)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those whichhave to do with the management and administration-related programs andprojects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which thesangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(2)    Be in the frontline of the delivery ofadministrative support services, particularly these related to thesituations during and in the aftermath of man-made and naturaldisasters and calamities;

(3)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all matters relative to the management andadministration of the City; and

(4)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 36.    The City Legal Officer. — (a) The citylegal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, and a member of thePhilippine Bar. He must have practiced his profession for at least five(5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city legal officer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city legal officer, the chief legal counselof the City, shall take charge of the office for legal services, andshall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide legal assistance and support to thecity mayor in carrying out the delivery of basic services and provisionof adequate facilities;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning programs and projects related to legal services which thecity mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniangpanlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3)    Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlungsodand advise the city mayor on all matters related to upholding the ruleof law;

(4)    Be in the frontline of protecting human rightsand prosecuting any violation thereof, particularly those which occurduring and in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters andcalamities; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 37.    The City Social Welfare and DevelopmentOfficer. — (a) The city social welfare and development officer must bea citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Valenzuela, ofgood moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of acollege degree preferably in sociology or any other related course froma recognized college or university, and a first grade civil serviceeligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in thepractice of social work for at least five (5) years immediatelypreceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city social welfare and development officershall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may bedetermined by law.

(c)    The city social welfare and development officershall take charge of the office on social welfare and development, andshall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of adequate facilities relative to socialwelfare and development services;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning social welfare programs and projects which the city mayor isempowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod isempowered to provide;

(3)    Be in the frontline of service delivery,particularly those concerning immediate relief and assistance duringand in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

(4)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all other matters related to social welfareand development services which will improve the livelihood and livingconditions of the inhabitants; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 38.    The City Environment and NaturalResources Officer. — (a) The city environment and natural resourcesofficer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City ofValenzuela, of good moral character, a holder of a college degreepreferably in environment, forestry, agriculture or any other relatedcourse from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civilservice eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience inthe environmental and natural resources management, conservation andutilization work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding thedate of his appointment.

(b)    The city environment and natural resourcesofficer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances asmay be determined by law.

(c)    The city environment and natural resourcesofficer shall take charge of the office on environment and naturalresources, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of adequate facilities relative to environmentand natural resources services;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning environment and natural resources programs and projectswhich the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the
sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3)    Be in the frontline of the delivery of servicesconcerning the environment and natural resources, particularly in therenewal and rehabilitation of the environment during and in theaftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

(4)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all matters relative to the protection,conservation, maximum utilization, application of appropriatetechnology and other matters related to the environment and naturalresources; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 39.    The City Architect. — (a) The cityarchitect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the Cityof Valenzuela, of good moral character, and a duly licensed architect.He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) yearsimmediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city architect shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city architect shall take charge of theoffice on architectural planning and design, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of adequate facilities relative to architecturalplanning and design;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning architectural planning and design of programs and projectswhich the city mayor is empowered to implement and which thesangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3)    Be in the frontline of the delivery of serviceinvolving architectural planning and design, particularly those relatedto the redesigning of spatial distribution of basic facilities andphysical structures during and in the aftermath of man-made and naturaldisasters and calamities;

(4)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all other matters relative to architecturalplanning and design as it relates to the total socioeconomicdevelopment of the City; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 40.    The City Information Officer. — (a) Thecity information officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, aresident of the City of Valenzuela, of good moral character a holder ofa college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication or anyother related course from a recognized college or university, and afirst grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must haveexperience in writing articles and research papers, or in writing forprint, television or broadcast media for at least five (5) yearsimmediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city information officer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may determined by law.

(c)    The city information officer shall take charge ofthe office on public information, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in providing the information and research data requiredfor the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilitiesso that the public becomes aware of said services and may fully availof the same;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning public information and research data to support programs andprojects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which thesangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3)    Be in the frontline in providing informationduring and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters andcalamities, with special attention to the victims thereof, to helpminimize injuries and casualties during and after the emergency, and toaccelerate relief and rehabilitation;

(4)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all other matters relative to publicinformation and research data as it relates to the total socioeconomicdevelopment of the City; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 41.    The City Cooperatives Officer. — (a) Thecity cooperatives officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, aresident of the City of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holderof a college degree preferably in business administration with specialtraining in cooperatives or any related course from a recognizedcollege or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or itsequivalent. He must have experience in cooperatives organization andmanagement for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the dateof his appointment.

(b)    The city cooperatives officer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city cooperatives officer shall take chargeof the office for the development of cooperatives, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of facilities through the development ofcooperatives, and in providing access to such services and facilities;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning the integration of cooperative principles and methods inprograms and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implementand which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3)    Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization,rehabilitation or viability-enhancement, particularly during and in theaftermath of man-made and natural calamities and disasters, to aid intheir survival and, if necessary, subsequent rehabilitation;

(4)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all other matters relative to cooperativesdevelopment and viability-enhancement which will improve the livelihoodand quality of life of the inhabitants; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 42.    The City Population Officer. — (a) Thecity population officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, aresident of the City of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holderof a college degree with specialized training in population developmentfrom a recognized college or university, and a first grade civilservice eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in theimplementation of programs on population development or responsibleparenthood for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the dateof his appointment.

(b)    The city population officer shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city population officer shall take charge ofthe office on population
development, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of adequate facilities relative to theintegration of population development principles and in providingaccess to said services and facilities;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning the integration of population development principles andmethods in programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered toimplement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;and

(3)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 43.    The City Veterinarian. — (a) The cityveterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of theCity of Valenzuela, of good moral character, and a licensed doctor ofveterinary medicine. He must have practiced his profession for at leastthree (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city veterinarian shall receive suchcompensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law.

(c)    The city veterinarian shall take charge of theoffice of veterinary services, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of adequate facilities;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning veterinary related activities which the city mayor isempowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod isempowered to provide;

(3)    Be in the frontline of veterinary-relatedactivities, such as the outbreak of highly contagious and deadlydiseases and in situations resulting in the depletion of animals forwork and human consumption, particularly those arising from and in theaftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities;

(4)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all other matters relative to veterinaryservices which will increase the number and improve the quality oflivestock, poultry and other domestic animals used for work or humanconsumption; and

(5)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

Sec. 44.    The City General Services Officer. — (a)The city general services officer must be a citizen of the Philippines,a resident of the City of Valenzuela, of good moral character, a holderof a college degree in public administration, business administrationor management from a recognized college or university, and a firstgrade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquiredexperience in general services, including management of supply,property, solid waste disposal and general sanitation for at least five(5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment.

(b)    The city general services officer shall receivesuch compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined bylaw.

(c)    The city general services officer shall takecharge of the office on general services, and shall:

(1)    Formulate measures for the consideration of thesangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support tothe city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basicservices and provision of adequate facilities which require generalservices expertise and technical support services;

(2)    Develop plans and strategies and, upon approvalthereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly thoseconcerning general services supportive of the welfare of theinhabitants of the City which the city mayor is empowered to implementand which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide;

(3)    Take custody of and be accountable for allproperties, real or personal, owned by the City, and those granted toit in the form of donation, reparation, assistance and counterpart ofjoint projects;

(4)    Be in the frontline of general services-relatedactivities, such as the possible or imminent destruction or damage torecords, supplies, properties and structure materials or debris,particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and naturaldisasters and calamities;

(5)    Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod andadvise the city mayor on all other matters relative to generalservices; and

(6)    Perform such other duties and functions andexercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160,otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those thatare prescribed by law or ordinance.

ARTICLE VIII
TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 45. Municipal Ordinances Existing at the Timeof Approval of this Act. — All municipal ordinances of the Municipalityof Valenzuela existing at the time of the approval of this Act shallcontinue to be in force within the City of Valenzuela until thesangguniang panlungsod shall, by ordinance, provide otherwise.

Sec. 46. Plebiscite. — The City of Valenzuelashall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification of its creationby a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebisciteto be conducted in the present Municipality of Valenzuela within sixty(60) days from the approval of this Act. The expenses for suchplebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Valenzuela. TheCommission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.

Sec. 47. Officials of the City of Valenzuela. —The present elective officials of the municipality shall continue toexercise their powers and functions until such time that a new electionis held and the duly elected officials shall have already qualified andassumed their offices. The appointive officials and employees of themunicipality shall likewise continue exercising their functions andduties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the city governmentof the City of Valenzuela.

Sec. 48. Succession Clause. — The City ofValenzuela shall succeed to all the assets, properties, liabilities andobligations of the Municipality of Valenzuela.

Sec. 49. Jurisdiction of Metropolitan Manila. —The City of Valenzuela shall, unless otherwise provided by law,continue to be under the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Manila.

Sec. 50. Suspension of Increase in Rates of LocalTaxes. — No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed bythe City within a period of five (5) years from its acquisition ofcorporate existence.

Sec. 51. Legislative District. — Upon itsconversion into a highly-urbanized city, Valenzuela shall thereafterhave at least two (2) legislative districts that shall initiallycorrespond to the two (2) existing districts created under Sec. 3(a)of Republic Act No. 7166 as implemented by the Commission on Electionsto commence at the next national elections to be held after theeffectivity of this Act.

Sec. 52. Applicability of Laws. — The provisionsof Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Codeof 1991, Presidential Decree No. 824, and other laws pertaining toMetropolitan Manila and such laws as are applicable to highly-urbanizedcities shall govern the City of Valenzuela insofar as they are notinconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 53. Separability Clause. — If any part ofthis Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other parts orprovisions thereof shall remain valid and effective.

Sec. 54. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees,rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisionsof this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 55. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effectupon its approval.

Approved: February 14, 1998

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