Zamboanga City Council

The Zamboanga City Council (Chavacano: Consejo de la Ciudad de Zamboanga) is Zamboanga City's Sangguniang Panlungsod or local legislature.

Zamboanga City Council

Consejo de la Ciudad de Zamboanga
Type
Type
Term limits
3 terms (9 years)
Leadership
Presiding Officer
Josephine Pareja, Liberal
Structure
Seats19 councilors (including 2 ex officio members and 1 reserved seat)
1 ex officio presiding officer
Political groups
Majority bloc (12):
  •   Liberal (6)
  •   UNA (3)
  •   Nonpartisan (3)

Minority bloc (7):

Length of term
3 years
AuthorityZamboanga City 1937 Charter
Local Government Code of the Philippines
Elections
Plurality-at-large voting (16 seats)
Indirect election (2 seats)
Acclamation (1 seat)
Last election
May 9, 2022
Next election
2025
Meeting place
Zamboanga Sangguniang Panglungsod Building
Website
Official website of the City Council of Zamboanga

Currently composed of 19 members, with 16 councilors elected from Zamboanga City's two legislative districts and three (3) ex-officio members composed of the: (1) President of the Liga ng mga Barangay ng Lungsod ng Zamboanga (English: League of Barangays of the City of Zamboanga); (2) the President of the Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan (English: Federation of Youth Councils); and (3) the Mandatory Representative of the indigenous peoples in Zamboanga City.

The presiding officer of the council is the Vice-Mayor, who is elected citywide.

The council is responsible for creating laws and ordinances under Zamboanga City's jurisdiction. The mayor can veto proposed bills, but the council can override it with a two-thirds supermajority.

Evolution

The first legislative body of Zamboanga was established in 1914 composed of councilors who represented the different districts of barrios of then-municipality of Zamboanga. When the City Charter of Zamboanga was signed on October 12, 1936, the municipal council was replaced by the City Council presided by the mayor and consisted of five councilors, the city treasurer and the city engineer. All members are appointed by the President of the Philippine Commonwealth.

With the passage of Republic Act No. 1210 on April 29, 1955, the position of mayor became elective and the post of vice-mayor was created. The Council also became elective and its membership was increased to eight presided by the vice-mayor.

During the Marcos regime, the city council was renamed to Sangguniang Panglungsod and its membership shuffled. The mayor became the presiding-officer while the vice-mayor became a regular member. Other representatives such as the agriculture, business and labor sectoral representatives; chairman of the Kabataan Barangay Federation and the president of the Association of Barangay Captains was added to the council. All members of the council except for the mayor and the vice-mayor are all appointed by the President.

After Marcos was deposed, a new Local Government Code was enacted in 1991 and the mayor was restored to the executive branch. The city council organization existed since.

The composition of the Council changed when the representation of the youth was left unfilled during the 2013 Sangguniang Kabataan elections by virtue of Republic Act No. 10362,[1] postponing the SK elections from 2013 to 2015 to pave way for reforms in the considered corrupt agency in the government. In 2013, the youth sector in the city has no representative to the Council effectively decreasing its membership from 18 to 17. The youth representation will be filled again in the upcoming 2016 elections.[2]

On 2014, the membership of the Council increased again by 1 as an assembly of the indigenous peoples in the city chose a representative to represent their interests in the Council.[3]

On 2018, the SK representation has been filled as the Philippines has conducted Barangay and SK elections since its second postponement in 2017.

Manner of election

Each of Zamboanga City's two legislative districts elects eight councilors to the council. In plurality-at-large voting, a voter may vote up to eight candidates, with the candidates having the eight highest number of votes being elected.

In addition, the Barangay chairmen and the SK chairmen throughout the city elect amongst themselves their representatives to the council. The representative of the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the city is elected by bonafide members of the IP Council of Elders who will serve with the same functions of a city councilor. Hence, there are 19 councilors.

City council elections are synchronized with other elections in the country. Elections are held every first Monday of May every third year since 1992.

Sangguniang Panglungsod Building, the seat of the legislative power of the Zamboanga City Government, located along Roseller T. Lim Boulevard.

Membership

As the presiding officer, the vice-mayor can only vote to break ties.

The list below comprises the members of the council:[4]

Current Membership of the Council (2019–2022)
Councilor Party District Terms Bloc Barangay of Registration
Number Starts Ends
Perez, Jerry E. Nonpartisan LNB1 2 June 30, 2013 Majority Guiwan
Pioc, Cary John Nonpartisan SK2 1 May 25, 2018 Minority Mercedes
Hanapi, Tungkuh[5] Nonpartisan IP3 1 2016 Majority Kasanyangan
Alavar, Miguel III LDP 2nd 3 2011 June 30, 2022 Minority
Atilano, Elbert Sr. Liberal 1st 2 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2022 Majority
Dalipe, John Lakas-CMD 2nd 1 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2022 Majority Tetuan
dela Cruz, Crisanto PFP 1st 1 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2022 Majority
Edding, Al-Jihan UNA 2nd 2 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2022 Majority
Elago, Juan Climaco II UNA 2nd 3 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2022 Majority
Elago, Vincent Paul PDP-Laban 2nd 1 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2022 Minority
Guingona, Benjamin IV PDP-Laban 2nd 3 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2022 Minority Sta. Catalina
Jimenez, Cesar Sr. PAZ 1st 2 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2022 Majority Ayala
Macrohon, Joselito LDP 1st 1 March 18, 20184 June 30, 2022 Minority San Roque
Nuño, Lilibeth PDP-Laban 2nd 2 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2022 Minority Taluksangay
Olaso, Khymer Adan AZAP 1st 1 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2022 Minority
Omaga, King PAZ 1st 1 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2022 Majority
Pareja, Josephine Liberal 1st 3 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2022 Majority Talisayan
Valesco, Rogelio Jr. LDP 1st 1 February 21, 20195 June 30, 2022 Minority
Villaflores, Jimmy Liberal 2nd 2 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2022 Majority Sta. Catalina
Notes
1 The President of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Zamboanga City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
2 The President of the Pedersayon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan in Zamboanga City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
3 The Mandatory Representative of the Indigenous Peoples in Zamboanga City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
4 Former San Roque Barangay chairman Joselito Macrohon was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to fill in the vacancy of Councilor Mariano. Macrohon run for councilor last 2016 but lost.[6][7]
5 Former councilor Rogelio Valesco, Jr. was appointed by President Duterte to fill in the remaining months of Valderrosa-Abubakar's term.[8]
Summary by party
PartyTotal %
PDP–Laban315.7%
LDP315.7%
Liberal315.7%
UNA210.5%
PAZ210.5%
PFP15.3%
Lakas15.3%
AZAP15.3%
Nonpartisan315.7%
Total19100%
Summary
PO
District12345678
1st
2nd
Ex officio

Membership of the Council (2016–2019)
Councilor Party District Terms Bloc Barangay of Registration
Number Starts Ends
Perez, Jerry E. Nonpartisan LNB 1 ~ June 30, 2013 Majority Guiwan
Pioc, Cary John Nonpartisan SK 2 ~ May 25, 2018 Minority Mercedes
Hanapi, Tungkuh[5] Nonpartisan IP 3 ~ 2016 Majority Kasanyangan
Valderrosa-Abubakar, Myra Paz LDP 1st 3 June 30, 2010 July 30, 20186 Minority
Agan, Rommel UNA 2nd 3 June 30, 2010 June 30, 2019 Majority
Alavar, Miguel III LDP 2nd 2 2011 June 30, 2019 Minority
Arquiza, Teodyver Liberal 2nd 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Majority Talon-Talon
Atilano, Elbert Sr. Liberal 1st 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Majority
Bayot, Rodolfo Liberal 1st 3 June 30, 2010 June 30, 2019 Majority Tumaga
Cabato, Marxander Jaime LDP 1st 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Minority
Edding, Al-Jihan UNA 2nd 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Majority
Elago, Juan Climaco II UNA 2nd 2 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2019 Majority
Guingona, Benjamin IV LDP 2nd 2 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2019 Minority Sta. Catalina
Jimenez, Cesar Sr. Liberal 1st 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Majority Ayala
Lim, Rodolfo LDP 1st 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Minority
Macrohon, Joselito LDP 1st ~ March 18, 20185 June 30, 2019 Minority San Roque
Mariano, Charlie LDP 1st 2 June 30, 2013 November 29, 20174 Minority
Nuño, Lilibeth LDP 2nd 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Minority Taluksangay
Pareja, Josephine Liberal 1st 2 June 30, 2013 June 30, 2019 Majority Talisayan
Valesco, Rogelio Jr. LDP 1st ~ February 21, 20197 June 30, 2019 Minority
Villaflores, Jaime Liberal 2nd 1 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2019 Majority Sta. Catalina
Notes
1 The President of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Zamboanga City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
2 The President of the Pedersayon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan in Zamboanga City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
3 The Mandatory Representative of the Indigenous Peoples in Zamboanga City is an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod.
4 Councilor Mariano was disqualified by COMELEC as he was found guilty by the Supreme Court for violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 or the Bouncing Cheque Law prior to the 2016 elections making his seat vacant.[9][10]
5 Former San Roque Barangay chairman Joselito Macrohon was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to fill in the vacancy of Councilor Mariano. Macrohon run for councilor last 2016 but lost.[6][7]
6 Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to be regional director of Region IX Department of Tourism on July 30, 2018, vacating her seat.[11]
7 Former councilor Rogelio Valesco, Jr. was appointed by President Duterte to fill in the remaining months of Valderrosa-Abubakar's term.[8]
Summary
PartyTotal %
LDP736.8%
Liberal631.6%
UNA315.7%
Nonpartisan315.7%
Total19100%
Summary
PO
District12345678
1st
2nd
Ex officio

Membership of the Council (2013–2016)

Powers, duties and functions

The Sangguniang Panlungsod, as the legislative body of the city, is mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 to[1]:

  • Enact ordinances;
  • Approve resolutions;
  • Appropriate funds for the general welfare of the city and its inhabitants; and
  • Ensure the proper exercise of the corporate powers of the city as provided for under Section 22 of the Local Government Code.

Furthermore, the following duties and functions are relegated to the Sangguniang Panlungsod:

  • Approve ordinances and pass resolutions necessary for an efficient and effective city government;
  • Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the development plans, program objectives and priorities of the city as provided for under section 18 of the Local Government Code of 1991, with particular attention to agro-industrial development and citywide growth and progress;
  • Enact ordinances granting franchises and authorizing the issuance of permits or licenses, upon such conditions and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the city but subject to the provisions of Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991;
  • Regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings, and structures within the city in order to promote the general welfare of its inhabitants;
  • Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the basic services and facilities as provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code; and
  • Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

Standing committees

2016–2019

There are 32 standing committees in the city council each headed by a city councilor.[13]

Committee Chairperson Vice-Chairperson
Agriculture and Agrarian Relations Al-Jihan Edding Juan Climaco Elago II
Anti-Drugs Jerry E. Perez Teodyver A. Arquiza
Appointments Elbert Atilano Jaime Villaflores
Appropriations Rommel Agan Jaime Villaflores
Awards Teodyver Arquiza Al-Jihan Edding
Cooperatives Al-Jihan Edding Juan Climaco Elago II
Disaster and Relief Services Teodyver Arquiza Marxander Jaime Cabato
Education Rodolfo Bayot Elbert Atilano
Elderly and Disadvantaged Groups Cesar Jimenez, Sr. Lilibeth M. Nuño
Energy and Public Utilities Elbert Atilano
Ethics, Rules and Privilege Jaime Villaflores Rommel Agan
Franchise Rommel Agan Jaime Villaflores
Games and Amusement Marxander Jaime Cabato Jaime Villaflores
Good Government Cesar Jimenez, Sr. Rommel Agan
Health and Sanitation Lilibeth M. Nuño Jaime Villaflores
Human Rights Rommel Agan Jaime Villaflores
Labor and Industrial Relations Josephine Pareja Rommel Agan
Markets and Slaugtherhouse Rodolfo Bayot Al-Jihan Edding
Muslim and Cultural Affairs Tungkuh Hanapi Lilibeth M. Nuño
Natural Resources and Environment Protection Cesar Jimenez, Sr. Josephine Pareja
Ordinances and Resolutions Cesar Jimenez, Sr. Juan Climaco Elago II
Peace and Order Josephine Pareja Cesar Jimenez, Sr.
Public Works Jaime Villaflores Rommel Agan
Rural Affairs (Barangay Affairs) Jerry E. Perez Jaime Villaflores
Science and Technology Juan Climaco Elago II Rodolfo Bayot
Social Works and Welfare Tungkuh Hanapi Jaime Villaflores
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Foreign Relations Benjamin Guingona IV Elbert Atilano
Trade, Investment and Industry Rommel Agan Juan Climaco Elago II
Urban Poor and People's Organization and NGO Josephine Pareja Cesar Jimenez, Sr.
Ways and Means Rommel Agan Al-Jihan Edding
Women, Children and Family Welfare Myra Paz Abubakar Al-Jihan Edding
Youth and Sports Development Elbert Atilano Benjamin Guingona IV

2013–2016

There are 32 standing committees in the city council each headed by a city councilor.[13]

Committee Chairperson Vice-Chairperson
Agriculture and Agrarian Relations Miguel Alavar III Luis Biel III
Anti-Drugs Jerry E. Perez Roel Natividad
Appointments Juan Climaco Elago II Roel Natividad
Appropriations Rogelio Valesco, Jr. Benjamin Guingona IV
Awards Miguel Alavar III Luis Biel III
Cooperatives Myra Paz Abubakar Percival Ramos
Disaster and Relief Services Cesar Jimenez, Jr. Benjamin Guingona IV
Education Rogelio Valesco, Jr. Rodolfo Bayot
Elderly and Disadvantaged Groups Luis Biel III
Energy and Public Utilities Charlie Mariano Roel Natividad
Ethics, Rules and Privilege Luis Biel III Charlie Mariano
Franchise Luis Biel III Roel Natividad
Games and Amusement Josephine Pareja Vincent Paul Elago
Good Government Melchor Sadain Charlie Mariano
Health and Sanitation Vincent Paul Elago Myra Paz Abubakar
Human Rights Rommel Agan Roel Natividad
Labor and Industrial Relations Miguel Alavar III Benjamin Guingona IV
Markets and Slaugtherhouse Eduardo Saavedra, Jr. Percival Ramos
Muslim and Cultural Affairs Myra Paz Abubakar
Natural Resources and Environment Protection Charlie Mariano
Ordinances and Resolutions Charlie Mariano Miguel Alavar III
Peace and Order Jerry E. Perez
Public Works Eduardo Saavedra, Jr. Jerry E. Perez
Rural Affairs Jerry E. Perez Percival Ramos
Science and Technology Vincent Paul Elago Myra Paz Abubakar
Tourism, Arts, Culture and Foreign Relations Vincent Paul Elago Rogelio Valesco, Jr.
Trade, Investment and Industry Benjamin Guingona IV Miguel Alavar III
Urban Planning and Land Use Percival Ramos Jerry E. Perez
Urban Poor and People's Organization and NGO Percival Ramos Rodolfo Bayot
Ways and Means Benjamin Guingona IV Charlie Mariano
Women, Children and Family Welfare Myra Paz Abubakar Rogelio Valesco, Jr.
Youth and Sports Development Roel Natividad

References
  1. "Republic Act No. 10632". Supreme Court E-Library.
  2. Robillos, Alyosha J. (March 26, 2015). "Sangguniang Kabataan Polls Moved to 2016". CNN Philippines. Archived from the original on August 13, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  3. "Zambo IPs Elect Rep to City Council". MindaNews. June 7, 2014. Archived from the original on November 8, 2015. Retrieved October 19, 2015.
  4. "The City Council". Zamboanga City Council. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  5. "New Tribesman to Sit in Zamboanga City Council". Mindanao Examiner. August 6, 2016. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
  6. Simbajon, Bhong (March 18, 2018). "Consejal Macrohon Ya Jura Ya Na Fuesto". Radio Mindanao Network (in Chavacano). Archived from the original on August 26, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  7. "Lobregat congratulates Macrohon". Zamboanga Today.
  8. Go, R. G. Antonet (February 25, 2019). "PRRD Fills Zambo City Council Vacancy". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on February 28, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  9. "Comelec Unseats Zamboanga Councilor". Manila Times. Philippine News Agency. November 29, 2017. Archived from the original on July 9, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  10. Go, R. G. Antonet (November 29, 2017). "Comelec Unseats Zamboanga City Councilor". Philippine News Agency. Archived from the original on November 7, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  11. Garcia, Bong (August 3, 2018). "Zamboanga Lawmaker Named New Regional DOT Chief". SunStar Zamboanga. Archived from the original on April 25, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
  12. Left vacant due to the postponement of SK elections to 2016.
  13. "2016 Sangguniang Panlungsod Standing Committees". Zamboanga City Council. Archived from the original on August 31, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2021.
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