Republic Act No. 8223

This Act shall be known as the Charter of the City of Marikina.

The Municipality of Marikina is hereby converted into a highly urbanized city to be known as the City of Marikina, hereinafter referred to as the City, which shall comprise the present territory of the Municipality of Marikina in the Metropolitan Manila Area.

The City constitutes a political body corporate and as such is endowed with the attribute of perpetual succession and possessed of the powers which pertain to a municipal corporation, to be exercised in conformity with the provisions of this Charter. The City shall have the following corporate powers:

1. To have a continuous succession in its corporate name; 2. To sue and be sued; 3. To have and use a corporate seal; 4. To acquire and convey real or personal property; 5. To enter into contracts; and 6. To exercise such other powers as are granted to corporations, subject to the limitations provided in this Act and other laws.

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

The City and its officials shall not be exempt from liability for death or injury to person or damage to property.

The jurisdiction of the City of Marikina, for police purposes only, shall be coextensive with its territorial jurisdiction, and for the purpose of protecting and ensuring the purity of the water supply of the City, such police jurisdiction shall also extend over all territory within the drainage area of such water supply, or within one hundred meters (100 m.) of any reservoir, conduit, canal, aqueduct or pumping station used in connection with the city water service. The city court of the City shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the city or municipal court of the adjoining cities or municipalities, to try crimes and misdemeanors committed within said drainage area, or within said spaces of one hundred meters (100 m.). The court first taking cognizance of such an offense shall have jurisdiction to try said cases to the exclusion of others. The police forces of the several cities and municipalities concerned shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the police force of the City for the maintenance of good order and the enforcement of ordinances throughout said zone, area and spaces. But any license that may be issued within said zone, area or spaces shall be granted by the proper authorities of the city or municipality concerned, and the fees arising there from shall accrue to the treasury of the said city or municipality concerned and not to the City.

a. There shall be in the City of Marikina, a city mayor, a vice mayor, sangguniang panlungsod members, a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod, a city prosecutor, a city treasurer and an assistant city treasurer, a city assessor and an assistant city assessor, a city accountant, a city budget officer, a city planning and development coordinator, a city engineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city trade and industry officer, a city schools division superintendent, a city veterinarian, a city social welfare and development officer, and a city general services officer. b. In addition thereto, the city mayor may appoint a city architect, a city information officer, a city population officer, a city environment and natural resources officer, and a city cooperatives officer. c. The City of Marikina may: 1. Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof; 2. Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the City; or 3. Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest of efficiency and economy; and d. Unless otherwise provided herein, all appointive city officials of the City shall be appointed by the city mayor with the concurrence of the majority of all the sangguniang panlungsod members subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. ARTICLE III THE CITY MAYOR AND VICE MAYOR

a. The city mayor shall be the chief executive of the City. He shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the City. No person shall be eligible for the position of the city mayor unless at the time of the election he is at least twenty-three (23) years of age, an actual resident of the City for at least one (1) year prior to his election and a qualified voter therein. He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade Thirty (30) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto. b. The city mayor, as the chief executive of the city government, shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided herein: 1. Exercise those powers expressly granted to him by law, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for the efficient and effective governance of the City, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare: (aa) Determine the guidelines of city policies and be responsible to the sangguniang panlungsod for the program of government; (bb) Direct the formulation of the city development plan, with the assistance of the city development council and upon approval thereof by the sangguniang panlungsod, implement the same; (cc) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod at the opening of the regular session of the sangguniang panlungsod every calendar year and as often as may be deemed necessary as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs of the city government may require; (dd) Initiate and propose legislative measures to the sangguniang panlungsod and as often as may be deemed necessary, provide such information and data needed or requested by said sanggunian in the performance of its legislative functions; (ee) Appoint all officials and employees whose salaries and wages are wholly or mainly paid out of city funds and whose appointments are not otherwise provided for in this Act, as well as those he may be authorized by law to appoint; (ff) Represent the City in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the sangguniang panlungsod or pursuant to law or ordinance; (gg) Carry out such emergency measures as may be necessary during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; (hh) Determine the time, manner and place of payment of salaries and wages of the officials and employees of the City, in accordance with law or ordinance;

a. There shall be a vice mayor who shall be elected in the same manner as the city mayor and shall, at the time of his election, possess the same qualifications as the city mayor. He shall hold office for three (3) years, unless sooner removed, and shall receive a monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-eight (28) as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6758 and the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto. b. The vice mayor shall: 1. Act as presiding officer of the sangguniang panlungsod and sign all warrants drawn on the city treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the sangguniang panlungsod; 2. Subject to civil service law, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and employees of the sangguniang panlungsod, except those whose manner of appointment is specifically provided for under existing laws; 3. Assume the office of the city mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in the event of permanent vacancy; 4. Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor in cases of temporary vacancy; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance. ARTICLE IV THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

The Sangguniang Panlungsod.

a. The sangguniang panlungsod, the legislative body of the City, shall be composed of the city vice mayor as presiding officer, the regular sanggunian members, the president of the city chapter of the liga ng mga barangay, the president of the panlungsod na pederasyon ng mga sangguniang kabataan, and the sectoral representatives, as members. b. In addition thereto, there shall be three (3) sectoral representatives: one (1) from the women; and as shall be determined by the sangguniang panlungsod within ninety (90) days prior to the holding of the local elections, one (1) from the agricultural or industrial workers; and one (1) from other sectors, including the urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, and disabled persons. c. The regular members of the sangguniang panlungsod and the sectoral representatives shall be elected in the manner as may be provided for by law. The elective members of the sangguniang panlungsod shall possess the same qualifications as those of the city mayor and vice mayor. d. They shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law. e. The sangguniang panlungsod shall: 1. Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective city government, and, in this connection, shall: (aa) Review all ordinances approved by the sangguniang barangay and executive orders issued by the punong barangay to determine whether these are within the scope of the prescribed powers of the sanggunian and of the punong barangay; (bb) Maintain peace and order by enacting measures to prevent and suppress lawlessness, disorder, riot, violence, rebellion or sedition and impose penalties for the violation of said ordinances; (cc) Approve ordinances imposing a fine not exceeding Five thousand pesos (P5,000) or an imprisonment for a period not exceeding one (1) year, or both at the discretion of the court, for the violation of city ordinances; (dd) Adopt measures to protect the inhabitants of the City from the harmful effects of man-made or natural disasters and calamities, and to provide relief services and assistance for victims during and in the aftermath of said disasters or calamities and in their return to productive livelihood following said events; (ee) Enact ordinances intended to prevent, suppress and impose appropriate penalties for habitual drunkenness in public places, vagrancy, mendicancy, prostitution, establishment and maintenance of houses of ill repute, gambling and other prohibited games of chance, fraudulent devices and ways to obtain money or property, drug addiction, maintenance of drug dens, drug pushing, juvenile delinquency, the printing, distribution or exhibition of obscene or pornographic materials or publications, and such other activities inimical to the welfare and morals of the inhabitants of the City; (ff) Protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment and such other activities which result in pollution acceleration or eutrophication of creeks and streams or of ecological imbalance; (gg) Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Code and pertinent laws, determine the powers and duties of officials and employees of the City; (hh) Determine the positions and the salaries, wages, allowances and other emoluments and benefits of officials and employees paid wholly or mainly from city funds and provide for expenditure necessary for the proper conduct of programs, projects, services, and activities of the city government;

a. On the first regular session following the election of its members and within ninety (90) days thereafter, the sangguniang panlungsod shall adopt or update its existing rules of procedure. b. The rules of procedure shall provide for the following: 1. The organization of the sanggunian and the election of its officers as well as the creation of standing committees which shall include, but not be limited to, the committees on appropriations, women and family, human rights, youth and sports development, environmental protection, and cooperatives; the general jurisdiction of each committees; and the election of the chairmen and members of each committee; 2. The order and calendar of business for each session; 3. The legislative process; 4. The parliamentary procedures which shall include the conduct of members during sessions; 5. The discipline of members for disorderly behavior and absences without justifiable cause for four (4) consecutive sessions for which they may be censured, reprimanded, or excluded from the session, or suspended for not more than sixty (60) days, or expelled: Provided, That the penalty of suspension or expulsion shall require the concurrence of at least two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the sanggunian members: Provided, further, That a member convicted by final judgment to imprisonment of at least one (1) year for any crime involving moral turpitude shall be automatically expelled from the sanggunian; and 6. Such other rules as the sanggunian may adopt.

a. Every sangguniang panlungsod member shall, upon assumption to office, make a full disclosure of his business and financial interest. He shall also disclose his business, financial, or professional relationship or any relation by affinity or consanguinity within the fourth civil degree, which he may have with any person, firm or entity affected by any ordinance or resolution under consideration by the sanggunian of which he is a member, which relationship may result in conflict of interest. Such relationship shall include: 1. Ownership of stock or capital, or investment in the entity or firm to which an ordinance or resolution may apply; and 2. Contracts or agreements with any person or entity which an ordinance or resolution under consideration may affect. In the absence of a specific constitutional or statutory provision applicable to these situations, "conflict of interest" refers in general to one where it may be reasonably deduced that a member of a sanggunian may not act in the public interest due to some private, pecuniary, or other personal considerations that may tend to affect his judgment to the prejudice of the service or the public. b. The disclosure required under this Act shall be made in writing and submitted to the secretary of the sanggunian or the secretary of the committee of which he is a member. The disclosure shall, in all cases, form part of the record of the proceedings and shall be made in the following manner: 1. Disclosure shall be made before the member participates in the deliberations on the ordinance or resolution under consideration: Provided, That, if the member did not participate during the deliberations, the disclosure shall be made before voting on the ordinance or resolution on second and third readings; and 2. Disclosure shall be made when a member takes a position or makes a privilege speech on a matter that may affect the business interest, financial connection, or professional relationship described herein.

a. On the first day of the session immediately following the election of its members, the sangguniang panlungsod shall, by resolution, fix the day, time, and place of its regular sessions. The minimum number of regular sessions shall be once a week for the sangguniang panlungsod, and twice a month for the sangguniang barangay. b. When public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the city mayor or by a majority of the members of the sanggunian. c. All sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed-door session is ordered by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present, there being a quorum, in the public interest or for reasons of security, decency, or morality. No two (2) sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day. d. In the case of special sessions of the sanggunian, a written notice to the members shall be served personally at the member's place of residence at least twenty-four (24) hours before the special session is held. Unless otherwise concurred in by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the sanggunian members present, there being a quorum, no other matter may be considered at a special session except those stated in the notice. e. The sanggunian shall keep a journal and record of its proceedings which may be published upon resolution of the sangguniang panlungsod.

a. A majority of all the members of the sanggunian who have been elected and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business. Should a question of quorum be raised during a session, the presiding officer shall immediately proceed to call the roll of the members and thereafter announce the results. b. Where there is no quorum, the presiding officer may declare a recess until such time a quorum is constituted, or a majority of the members present may adjourn from day-to-day and may compel the immediate attendance of any member absent without justifiable cause by designating a member of the sanggunian, to be assisted by a member or members of the police force assigned in the territorial jurisdiction of the City, to arrest the absent member and present him at session. c. If there is still no quorum despite the enforcement of the immediately preceding subsection, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion duly approved by the members present, shall then declare the session adjourned for lack of quorum.

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

a. The city mayor may veto any ordinance of the sangguniang panlungsod on the ground that it is ultra vires or prejudicial to the public welfare, stating his reason therefore in writing. b. The city mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of an appropriations ordinance, an ordinance or resolution adopting a local development plan and public investment program, or an ordinance directing the payment of money or creating liability. In such a case, the veto shall not affect the item or items which are not objected to. The vetoed item or items shall not take effect unless the sangguniang panlungsod overrides the veto in the manner herein provided; otherwise, the item or items in the appropriations ordinance of the previous year corresponding to those vetoed, if any, shall be deemed reenacted. c. The city mayor may veto an ordinance or resolution only once. The sanggunian may override the veto of the city mayor by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the ordinance effective even without the approval of the city mayor.

a. Within ten (10) days after its enactment, the sangguniang barangay shall furnish copies of all barangay ordinances to the sangguniang panlungsod for review as to whether the ordinance is consistent with law and city ordinances. b. If the sangguniang panlungsod fails to take action on barangay ordinances within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, the same shall be deemed approved. c. If the sangguniang panlungsod finds the barangay ordinances inconsistent with law or city ordinances, the sangguniang panlungsod shall, within thirty (30) days from receipt thereof, return the same with its comments and recommendations to the sangguniang barangay concerned for adjustment, amendment, or modification; in which case, the effectivity of the barangay ordinance is suspended until such time the revision called for is effected.

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

a. Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance or the resolution approving the local development plan and public investment program, the same shall take effect after ten (10) days from the date a copy thereof is posted in a bulletin board at the entrance of the City Hall, and in at least two (2) other conspicuous places in the City. b. The secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod shall cause the posting of an ordinance or resolution in the bulletin board at the entrance of the city hall of Marikina and in at least two (2) conspicuous places in the City of Marikina not later than five (5) days after approval thereof. The text of the ordinance or resolution shall be disseminated and posted in Filipino or English and in the language or dialect understood by the majority of the people in the City, and the secretary of the sangguniang panlungsod shall record such fact in the book kept for the purpose, stating the dates of approval and posting. c. The main features of the ordinance or resolution duly enacted or adopted shall, in addition to being posted, be published once in a local newspaper of general circulation within the City: Provided, That, in the absence thereof, the ordinance or resolution shall be published in any newspaper of general circulation: Provided, further, That the gist of all ordinances with penal sanctions shall also be published in a newspaper of general circulation. ARTICLE VI DISQUALIFICATIONS AND SUCCESSION OF ELECTIVE CITY OFFICIALS

The following persons are disqualified from running for any elective position in the City:

a. Those sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or for an offense punishable by one (1) year or more of imprisonment, within two (2) years after serving sentence; b. Those removed from office as a result of an administrative case; c. Those convicted by final judgment for violating the oath of allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines; d. Those with dual citizenship; e. Fugitives from justice in criminal or nonpolitical cases here and abroad; f. Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the right to reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right after the effectivity of the Local Government Code; and g. The insane or feeble-minded

a. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the city mayor, the city vice mayor shall become the city mayor. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the vice mayor, the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member or, in case of his permanent incapacity, the second highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, shall become the city mayor or city vice mayor, as the case may be. Subsequent vacancies in the said offices shall be filled automatically by the other sanggunian members according to their ranking as defined herein. b. A tie between or among the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod members shall be resolved by the drawing of lots. c. The successors as defined herein shall serve only the unexpired terms of their predecessors. For purposes of this Act, a permanent vacancy arises when an elective local official fills a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify, dies, is removed from office, voluntarily resigns or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the functions of his office. For purposes of succession as provided in this Act, ranking in the sanggunian shall be determined on the basis of the proportion of votes obtained by each winning candidate to the total number of registered voters in the City in the immediately preceding local election.

Permanent vacancies in the sangguniang panlungsod where automatic succession as provided above does not apply shall be filled by appointment in the following manner:

a. The President, through the Executive Secretary, shall make the aforesaid appointment; b. Only the nominee of the political party under which the sanggunian member concerned had been elected shall be appointed in the manner herein provided. The appointee shall come from the same political party as that of the sanggunian member who caused the vacancy and shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office. In the appointment herein mentioned, a nomination and a certificate of membership of the appointee from the highest official of the political party concerned are conditions sine qua non, and any appointment without such nomination and certification shall be null and void ab initio and shall be a ground for administrative action against the official responsible therefore; c. In case the permanent vacancy is caused by a sanggunian member who does not belong to any political party, the city mayor shall, upon recommendation of the sangguniang panlungsod, appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy; and d. In case of vacancy in the representation of the youth and the barangay in the sangguniang panlungsod, said vacancy shall be filled automatically by the official next-in-rank of the organization concerned.

a. When the city mayor is temporarily incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but not limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad, and suspension from office, the city vice mayor, or the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the city mayor, except the power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees which can only be exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days. b. Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the sangguniang panlungsod of a written declaration by the city mayor that he has reported back to office. In cases where the temporary incapacity is due to legal causes, the city mayor shall also submit necessary documents showing that said legal causes no longer exist. c. When the city mayor is traveling within the country but outside his territorial jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three (3) consecutive days, he may designate in writing the officer-in-charge of his office. Such authority shall specify the powers and functions that the local official concerned shall exercise in the absence of the city mayor except the power to appoint, suspend, or dismiss employees. d. In the event, however, that the city mayor fails or refuses to issue such authorization, the city vice mayor, or the highest ranking sangguniang panlungsod member, as the case may be, shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the said office on the fourth day of absence of the city mayor, subject to the limitations provided in subsection (c) hereof. e. Except as provided above, the city mayor shall in no case authorize any local official to assume the powers, duties and functions of the office, other than the city vice mayor, or the highest ranking member of the sangguniang panlungsod, as the case may be. ARTICLE VII THE APPOINTIVE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY; THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES

a. There shall be a secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod with the rank and salary equal to a head of department or office. b. No person shall be appointed secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in law, commerce or public administration from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. c. The secretary to the sangguniang panlungsod shall take charge of the office of the sangguniang panlungsod and shall: 1. Attend meetings of the sangguniang panlungsod and keep a journal of its proceedings; 2. Keep the seal of the City and affix the same with his signature to all ordinances, resolutions, and other official acts of the sangguniang panlungsod and present the same to the presiding officer for his signature; 3. Forward to the city mayor, for approval, copies of ordinances enacted by the sangguniang panlungsod duly certified by the presiding officer; 4. Furnish, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of records of public character in his custody, upon payment to the city treasurer of such fees as may be prescribed by ordinance; 5. Record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances and resolutions enacted or adopted by the sangguniang panlungsod, with the dates of passage and publication thereof; 6. Keep his office and all non-confidential records therein open to the public during the usual business hours; 7. Translate into the dialect used by the majority of inhabitants all ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval, and cause the publication of the same together with the original version in the manner provided under the Local Government Code; 8. Take custody of the local archives and, where applicable, the local library and annually account for the same; and 9. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. b. The city treasurer shall be under the administrative supervision of the city mayor, to whom he shall report regularly on the tax collection efforts of the City. c. No person shall be appointed treasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in commerce, public administration or law from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years. d. The city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments and allowances as may be determined by law. e. The city treasurer shall take charge of the treasury office and shall: 1. Advise the city mayor, the sangguniang panlungsod, and other local government and national officials concerned regarding disposition of local government funds and on such other matter relative to public finance; 2. Take custody and exercise proper management of the funds of the City; 3. Take charge of the disbursement of all funds of the City and such other funds the custody of which may be entrusted to him by law or competent authority; 4. Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the jurisdiction of the City in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Code; 5. Maintain and update the tax information system of the City; and 6. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The assistant city treasurer shall be appointed by the Secretary of Finance from a list of at least three (3) ranking eligible recommendees of the city mayor, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. b. No person shall be appointed assistant city treasurer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in commerce, public administration or law from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired at least five (5) years of experience in treasury or accounting. c. The assistant city treasurer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. d. The assistant city treasurer shall assist the city treasurer and perform such other duties as the latter may assign him. He shall have authority to administer oaths concerning notices and notifications to those delinquent in the payment of the real property tax and concerning official matters relating to the accounts of the city treasurer or otherwise arising from the offices of the city treasurer and the city assessor.

a. The city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in real property assessment work or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the day of his appointment. b. The city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city assessor shall take charge of the City Assessor's Office, and shall: 1. Ensure that all laws and policies governing the appraisal and assessment of real properties for taxation purposes are properly executed; 2. Initiate, review, and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and programs, techniques, procedures and practices in the valuation and assessment of real properties for taxation purpose; 3. Establish a systematic method of real property assessment; 4. Install and maintain a real property identification and accounting system; 5. Prepare, install and maintain a system of tax mapping, showing graphically all properties subject to assessment and gather all data concerning the same; 6. Conduct frequent physical surveys to verify and determine whether all real properties within the City are properly listed in the assessment rolls; 7. Exercise the functions of appraisal and assessment primarily for taxation purposes of all real properties in the City; 8. Prepare a schedule of the fair market values of the different classes of real properties in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code; 9. Issue, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of assessment records of real property and all other records relative to its assessment, upon payment of a service charge or fee to the city treasurer; 10. Submit every semester a report of all assessments, as well as cancellations and modifications of assessments, to the city mayor and the sangguniang panlungsod; and 11. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The assistant city assessor must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in civil or mechanical engineering, commerce, or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in assessment or in any related field for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the day of his appointment. b. The assistant city assessor shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The assistant city assessor shall assist the city assessor and perform such other duties as the latter may assign to him. He shall have the authority to administer oaths on all declarations of real property for the purpose of assessment.

a. The city accountant must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, and a certified public accountant. He must have acquired experience in the treasury or accounting service for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the day of his appointment. b. The city accountant shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city accountant shall take charge of both the Office on Accounting and Internal Audit Services, and shall: 1. Install and maintain an internal audit system in the City; 2. Prepare and submit financial statements to the city mayor and to the sangguniang panlungsod; 3. Apprise the sangguniang panlungsod and other officials on the financial condition and operations of the City; 4. Certify to the availability of budgetary allotment to which expenditures and obligations may be properly charged; 5. Review supporting documents before preparation of vouchers to determine completeness of requirements; 6. Prepare statements of cash advances, liquidation, salaries, allowances, reimbursements, and remittances pertaining to the City; 7. Prepare statements of journal vouchers and liquidation of the same, and other adjustments related thereto; 8. Post individual disbursements to the subsidiary ledger and index cards; 9. Maintain individual ledgers for officials and employees of the City pertaining to payrolls and deductions; 10. Record and post in index cards details of purchased furniture, fixtures, and equipment, including disposal thereof, if any; 11. Account for all issued requests for obligations and maintain and keep all records and reports related thereto; 12. Prepare journals and the analysis of obligations and maintain and keep all records and reports related thereto; and 13. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city budget officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in accounting, economics, public administration, or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in government budgeting or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city budget officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city budget officer shall take charge of the City Budget Office, and shall: 1. Prepare forms, orders, and circulars embodying instruction on budgetary and appropriation matters for the signature of the city mayor; 2. Review and consolidate the budget proposals of different departments and offices of the City; 3. Assist the city mayor in the preparation of the budget and during budget hearings; 4. Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and submit comments and recommendations thereon; 5. Submit periodic budgetary reports to the Department of Budget and Management; 6. Coordinate with the city treasurer, the city accountant, and the city planning and development coordinator for the purpose of budgeting; 7. Assist the sangguniang panlungsod in reviewing the approved budgets of component barangays of the City; 8. Coordinate with the city planning and development coordinator in the formulation of the development plan of the City; and 9. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city planning and development coordinator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in urban planning, development studies, economics, public administration, or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in development planning or in any related field for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city planning and development coordinator shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city planning and development coordinator shall take charge of the City Planning and Development Office, and shall: 1. Formulate integrated economic, social, physical, and other development plans and policies for consideration of the city development council; 2. Conduct continuing studies, researches, and training programs necessary to evolve plans and programs for implementation; 3. Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the different functional groups or agencies; 4. Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the different development programs, projects, and activities in the City in accordance with the approved development plan; 5. Prepare comprehensive plans and other development planning documents for the consideration of the city development council; 6. Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, and formulate and recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration of the finance committee of the sangguniang panlungsod; 7. Promote people participation in development planning within the City; and 8. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city engineer be citizen Philippines, a resident of the city, of good moral character, and a licensed engineer. He must have acquired experience in practice profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city engineer shall take charge of the City Engineering Office, and shall: 1. Initiate, review and recommend changes in policies and objectives, plans and programs, techniques, procedures and practices of the City in infrastructure development and public works in general; 2. Advise the city mayor on infrastructure, public works, and other engineering matters; 3. Administer, coordinate, supervise, and control the construction, maintenance, improvement, and repair of roads, bridges, and other engineering and public works projects of the City; 4. Provide engineering services to the City, including investigation and survey, engineering designs, feasibility studies, and project management; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city health officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, and a licensed medical practitioner. He must have acquired experience in the practice of his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city health officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city health officer shall take charge of the Office of the City Health Services, and shall: 1. Supervise the personnel and staff of said office, formulate program implementation guidelines and rules and regulations for the operation of the said office for the approval of the city mayor, in order to assist him in the efficient, effective and economical implementation of a health services program geared to implementation of health-related projects and activities; 2. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor, in carrying out activities to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to health services; 3. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning health programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 4. Be in the frontline of the delivery of health services, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city civil registrar must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City of Marikina, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in civil registry work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city civil registrar shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city civil registrar shall be responsible for the civil registration program of the City, pursuant to the Civil Registry Law, the Civil Code, and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations issued to implement them. d. The city civil registrar shall take charge of the Office of the City Civil Registry, and shall: 1. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning civil registry programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; and 2. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city administrator must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in public administration, law, or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in management and administration work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city administrator shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city administrator shall take charge of the Office of the City Administrator, and shall: 1. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the management and administration-related programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 2. Be in the frontline of the delivery of administrative support services, particularly those related to the situations during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; 3. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters relative to the management and administration of the City; and 4. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city legal officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, and a member of the Philippine Bar. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city legal officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city legal officer, being the chief legal counsel of the City, shall take charge of the Office for Legal Services, and shall: d. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide legal assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities; e. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning programs and projects related to legal services which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; f. Recommend measures to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters related to upholding the rule of law; g. Be in the frontline of protecting human rights and prosecuting any violation thereof, particularly those which occur during and in the aftermath of man-made or natural disasters and calamities; and h. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city trade and industry officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in economics or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in the work of economics or any related field for at least five (5) years from a reputed private or government institution. b. The city trade and industry officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law; c. The city trade and industry officer shall take charge of the City Trade and Industry Office, and shall: 1. Develop a comprehensive system of investor assistance as one way of attracting investments in the City; 2. Establish a data base of local manpower and other resources needed in trade and industry in the City; 3. Undertake publicity programs for the locally manufactured products; 4. Set up and administer a research, training and productivity center for product development and for the acquisition and improvement of technology and skills of local manpower; 5. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters relative to the protection of consumers in the City; 6. Set up and supervise livelihood projects in the City; and 7. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers that may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

There shall be in the City of Marikina a city schools division superintendent. The city schools division superintendent must be a citizen of the Philippines, preferably a resident of the City of Marikina, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in education or any other related course from a recognized college or university and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. The city schools division superintendent shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law.

a. The city schools division superintendent shall take charge of all the public schools existing at the time of the approval of this Act and such other public schools that shall be created thereafter and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to education; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with education; 3. Liaison with teachers and principals assigned in the City as well as sit as vice-chairman of the local school board of the City; 4. Study, evaluate and recommend the allocation of the Special Education Fund (SEF); and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city social welfare and development officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a duly licensed social worker or a holder of a college degree preferably in sociology or any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in the practice of social work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city social welfare and development officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city social welfare and development officer shall take charge of the Office on Social Welfare and Development, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the approval of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of the basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to social welfare and development services; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning social welfare programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 3. Be in the frontline of service delivery, particularly those concerning immediate relief and assistance during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and natural calamities; 4. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters related to social welfare and development services which will improve the livelihood and living conditions of the inhabitants; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city environment and natural resources officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in environment, forestry, agriculture or any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in environmental and natural resources management, conservation, and utilization work for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city environment and natural resources officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city environment and natural resources officer shall take charge of the Office on Environment and Natural Resources, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to environment and natural resources services; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning environment and natural resources programs and projects which 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 services concerning the environment and natural resources, particularly in the renewal and rehabilitation of the environment during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; 4. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters relative to the protection, conservation, maximum utilization, application of appropriate technology, and other matters related to the environment and natural resources; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city architect must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, and a duly licensed architect. He must have practiced his profession for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city architect shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city architect shall take charge of the Office on Architectural Planning Design, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to architectural planning and design; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning architectural planning and design of programs and projects which 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 services involving architectural planning and design, particularly those related to the design and redesign of spatial distribution of basic facilities and physical structures during and in the aftermath of manmade and natural disasters and calamities; 4. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all matters relative to this architectural planning and design as it relates to the total geophysical and socioeconomic development of the City; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city information officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in journalism, mass communication or any other related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in writing articles and research papers, or in writing for print, television or broadcast media for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city information officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city information officer shall take charge of the Office on Public Information, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in providing the information and research data required for the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities so that the public is made aware of said services and may fully avail of the same; 2. Develop plans and strategies and, upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same particularly those concerning public information and research data to support programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 3. Be in the frontline in providing information during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities, with special attention to the victims thereof to help minimize injuries and casualties during and after the emergency, and to accelerate relief and rehabilitation; 4. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters relative to public information and research data as it relates to the total socioeconomic development of the City; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city cooperatives officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree preferably in business administration with special training in cooperatives or any related course from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in cooperatives organization and management for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city cooperatives officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city cooperatives officer shall take charge of the Office for the Development of Cooperatives, and shall: d. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and to provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of facilities through the development of cooperatives, and in providing access to such services and facilities; e. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning the integration of cooperative principles and methods in programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; f. Be in the frontline of cooperatives organization, rehabilitation or variability-enhancement, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural calamities and disasters, to aid in their survival and subsequent rehabilitation; g. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters relative to cooperatives development and variability-enhancement which will improve the livelihood and quality of life of the inhabitants; and h. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city population officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in the implementation of programs on population development and responsible parenthood for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city population officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city population officer shall take charge of the Office on Population Development, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to the integration of population development principles and in providing access to said services and facilities; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning the integration of population development principles and methods in programs and projects which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 3. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city veterinarian must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, and a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. He must have practiced his profession for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city veterinarian shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city veterinarian shall take charge of the Office of Veterinary Services, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same particularly those concerning veterinary-related activities which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 3. Be in the frontline of veterinary-related activities, such as the outbreak of highly-contagious and deadly diseases and in situations resulting in the depletion of animals for work and human consumption, particularly those arising from and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; 4. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters relative to veterinary services which will increase the number and improve the quality of livestock, poultry, and other domestic animals used for work or human consumption; and 5. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance.

a. The city general services officer must be a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the City, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree in public administration, business administration or management from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have acquired experience in general services, including management of supply, property, solid waste disposal, and general sanitation for at least five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his appointment. b. The city general services officer shall receive such compensation, emoluments, and allowances as may be determined by law. c. The city general services officer shall take charge of the Office on General Services, and shall: 1. Formulate measures for the considerations of the sangguniang panlungsod and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services expertise and technical support services; 2. Develop plans and strategies, and upon approval thereof by the city mayor, implement the same, particularly those concerning general services supportive of the welfare of the inhabitants of the City which the city mayor is empowered to implement and which the sangguniang panlungsod is empowered to provide; 3. Take custody of and be accountable for all properties, real or personal, owned by the City, and those granted to it in the form of donation, reparation, assistance, and counterpart of joint projects; 4. Be in the frontline of general services-related activities, such as the possible or imminent destruction or damage to records, supplies, properties, and structure materials or debris, particularly during and in the aftermath of man-made and natural disasters and calamities; 5. Recommend to the sangguniang panlungsod and advise the city mayor on all other matters relative to general services; and 6. Perform such other duties and functions and exercise such other powers as provided for under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, and those that are prescribed by law or ordinance. ARTICLE VIII TRANSITORY AND FINAL PROVISIONS

All municipal ordinances of the Municipality of Marikina existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall continue to be in force within the City of Marikina until the sangguniang panlungsod shall, by ordinance, provide otherwise.

No increase in the rates of local taxes shall be imposed by the City within a period of five (5) years from its acquisition of corporate existence.

The City of Marikina shall acquire corporate existence upon the ratification of its creation by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in the present Municipality of Marikina within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the Municipality of Marikina. The Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite.

The present elective officials of the municipality shall continue to exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new election is held and the duly-elected city officials shall have qualified and assumed their offices. The appointive officials and employees of the municipality shall likewise continue to exercise their functions and duties and they shall be automatically absorbed by the government of the City of Marikina.

The City of Marikina shall, unless otherwise provided by law, continue to be under the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Manila.

Being highly-urbanized, the City of Marikina shall have its own legislative district with the first representative to be elected in the next national elections after the passage of this Act. Until such time, the City of Marikina shall continue to be represented by the incumbent representative in the House of Representatives of the Congress of the Philippines.

The provisions of Republic Act Numbered 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Presidential Decree Numbered Eight hundred and twenty-four, and other laws pertaining to Metropolitan Manila and such laws as are applicable to highly-urbanized cities shall govern the City of Marikina insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act.

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.