WHEREAS, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City Government of San Juan, as the legislative body of the local government, is composed of the City Vice-Mayor as the Presiding Officer, the regular elected Sanggunian Members, the President of the City Chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay, and the President of the Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan who shall all hold office until their successors shall have been elected and/or appointed, as the case may be, and qualified in accordance with law;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 50 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan shall adopt or update its rules and procedures to govern its sessions not set forth therein;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AS IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan, in a session duly assembled, that in order to maximize the degree of efficiency and the quality of legislation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the best interest of the people of the City of San Juan, the following Rules and Procedures, aside from those embodied in said provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 and its implementing Rules and Regulations, be, and the same are hereby adopted.
INTERNAL RULES AND PROCEDURES OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF SAN JUAN
RULE I
MEMBERSHIPS
SECTION 1. The Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City Government of San Juan, shall be composed of the following:(Sec. 446, R.A. No. 7160)
1.) The City Vice-Mayor as the Presiding Officer;
2.) The regular elected Sanggunian Members;
3.) The President of the City Chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay;
4.) The President of the Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan; and
5.) The Sectoral Representatives as may be determined by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
SECTION 2. Every member shall participate in the exercise of the powers vested in the Sangguniang Panlungsod as a Body and shall represent the interest of the people of the entire city.
SECTION3. The term of office of the regular elected members shall be three (3) years unless otherwise provided by law.
SECTION 4. The members shall take their oath or affirmation, collectively or individually, before they enter into the discharge of their duties.
SECTION 5.The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be the legislative body of the city and as such, it shall enact Ordinances, Resolutions and issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out and discharge such responsibilities conferred upon it by law.
RULE II
OFFICERS, POWERS AND DUTIES
SECTION 1. OFFICERS:– The following shall be the officers of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City Government of San Juan:
A. CITY VICE-MAYOR – The City Vice-Mayor shall be the Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.(Sec. 446, R.A. No. 7160)
1.) POWERS AND DUTIES: The Presiding Officer shall have the following powers and duties:
a. He/She shall preside over all sessions and meetings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and sign all warrants drawn from the City Treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
b. He/She shall, 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 in R. A. No. 7160.
c. He/She shall assume the office of the City Mayor for the unexpired term of the latter in the event of permanent vacancy.(Sec. 44, R. A. 7160)
d. He/She shall exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the City Mayor in cases of temporary vacancy.(Sec. 46, R.A. 7160)
e. He/She shall enforce at all times, order and decorum.
f. He/She shall vote only to break a tie.
B. PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE – In the absence and/or incapacity of the City Vice-Mayor, the President Pro-Tempore shall act as the temporary Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
1.) POWERS AND DUTIES: The President Pro-Tempore shall enjoy all the powers and perform all duties of the Presiding Officer during sessions that he presides.
a. He/She shall have no other power and privilege except to preside in the absence and/or incapacity of the City Vice-Mayor.
b. He/She shall not be allowed to preside any session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod if the City Vice-Mayor, is present and available to preside the session.
c. The President Pro-Tempore shall be elected on the first session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. He shall stay in the office at the pleasure of the Majority Party or Coalition of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
C. FLOOR LEADERS – The Majority Party or Majority Coalition Group shall elect among themselves the Majority Floor Leader and the Assistant Majority Floor Leader, while the Minority Party or group may also elect among themselves the Minority Floor Leader and the Assistant Minority Floor Leader. Both elections, however, shall be confirmed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
1. The Majority Floor Leader shall, in addition to his/her being the leader of the Majority Group in the chamber, be responsible in the strict compliance of the Rules and Procedures of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
2. The Majority Floor Leader shall control the Agenda of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and direct the course of the proceedings of the sessions.
3.The Majority Floor Leader shall be the Chairperson of the Committee on Rules and Style.
4.The Minority Floor Leader shall be the leader of the Minority Group of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
D. SECRETARY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall have a Secretary who shall be appointed by the City Vice Mayor with the concurrence of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, in accordance with the Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations, who shall be a career official with the rank and salary equal to a head of department or office.(Sec. 469, R.A. 7160)
1.) POWERS AND DUTIES: The Secretary shall have the following powers and duties: (Sec. 469, R.A. 7160)
a. He/She shall attend all sessions and meeting of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and keep a journal of its proceedings.
b. He/She shall keep the seal of the local government unit and affix the same with his/her signature to all ordinances, resolutions and other official acts of the Sanggunian and present the same to the Presiding Officer for his/her signature.
c. He/She shall record in a book kept for the purpose, all ordinances, resolutions and motions with the dates of their enactment and publication thereof.
d. He/She shall forward to the City Mayor for appropriate action ordinances and resolutions enacted or adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, with the dates of their enactment and publication thereof.
e. He/She shall furnish, upon request of all interested party, certified copies of records of public character in his/her custody and keep his/her office and allnon-confidential records therein open to the public during the usual business hours.
f. He/She shall attest all executive orders, proclamations, ordinances and resolutions signed and approved by the City Mayor.
g. He/She shall prepare and certify the minutes of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
h. He/She shall read or cause to be read, by himself/herself or through a reader designated by him/her, all proposed ordinances, resolutions, motions, memorials, petitions and other documents which must be reported to the Sangguniang Panlungsod or when required by the Sangguniang Panlungsod or by the Presiding Officer.
i. He/She shall translate into the dialect used by the majority of the inhabitants, all ordinances and resolutions immediately after their approval and cause the publication of the same as provided in Sec. 59 of R.A. 7160.
j. He/She shall notify and/or transmit to the proper committees all matters referred to them by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and send notices to all parties concerned or called sessions, other meetings and public hearings.
k. He/She shall carry out or enforce faithfully all orders of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, when such duty devolves upon him/her.
l. He/She shall automatically remind the Chairperson of the committee to schedule a hearing for any measure that should be taken up to the floor.
E. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS – The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall have one Sergeant-at-Arms who shall be elected on the first session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
1.) POWERS AND DUTIES: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall attend all the sessions and meetings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or officially designate a representative and shall have the following powers and duties:
a. He/She shall be responsible in coordinating with all concerned agencies in the enforcement, at all times, of order and decorum in all sessions, both regular and special, public hearings called and other meetings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod with the assistance of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary and staff.
b. He/She shall see to it, in coordination with the Secretary, that all writs, warrants, orders and summons issued upon order of the Sangguniang Panlungsod are properly and effectively served.
c. He/She shall perform all other duties and responsibilities that the Sangguniang Panlungsod may, from time to time, assign to him officially.
SECTION 2. OTHER OFFICERS: The Sangguniang Panlungsod may for the interest of good public service, create positions which it may deem necessary.
RULE III
SESSIONS
SECTION 1. SESSION DEFINED. – A session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, although lasting only for a few hours, is one that is held in compliance with an ordinance, resolution or motion duly approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
a. REGULAR SESSIONS. – Unless the Sangguniang Panlungsod orders otherwise, the regular session shall be held every Monday, not exceeding four (4) sessions a month at 10:00 o’clock in the morning.
b. SPECIAL SESSIONS. – As often as may be necessary, when public interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the City Mayor or a majority of all the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Not more than one (1) session shall, however, be held in a single day.
1.) Special sessions may be called by serving personally or by leaving with a member, at his/her place of residence or office, a written notice stating the date, time and purpose of the Special Session, at least 24 hours before the Special Session is held, except when the forthcoming Special Session had been announced or agreed upon during a session. However, unless otherwise agreed upon by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present, there being a quorum, no other matter may be considered in a Special Session except those stated in the notice.
c. ELECTRONIC SESSIONS (E-SESSIONS). – In cases of emergency, state of calamity, whether natural or man-made, and pandemic due to emerging infectious disease, when the presence of the Members of the City Council at the Session Hall shall be physically impossible to obtain or their health and safety are compromised, regular or special sessions through video conferencing or any available application for electronic meetings, may be called upon by the City Mayor, Vice Mayor or by the Majority of the Members of the Sanggunian. Likewise, the notice or call for this type of session may be done through electronic mail or any other social media platform at least one day prior to the intended electronic session.
The Sanggunian Secretary is authorized to use available application to imprint or affix the signature of the consenting Member of the Sanggunian on the legislative measures adopted and enhanced during the electronic session.
d. All Sanggunian sessions shall be open to the public unless a closed-door session is ordered by the affirmative votes of a majority of the members present.
e. The Presiding Officer shall open the session by calling the Sangguniang Panlungsod to order, and motu propio, or when so directed, shall order for the roll call.
f. The session shall not be suspended or adjourned, except when so directed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, but the Presiding Officer may, in his/her discretion, declare a recess in short interval: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Presiding Officer may suspend or adjourn the session when the same becomes unruly or uncontrollable.
g. The exact time of opening and adjournment of each session shall be entered in the minutes of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
RULE IV
ROLL CALL AND QUORUM
SECTION 1. QUORUM DEFINED.– A quorum is a majority of all the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who have been elected and qualified present in a session or meeting in order that official business can legally be transacted or taken up.
SECTION 2. ROLL CALL DEFINED. – It is the act of calling the names, alphabetically, by the Secretary, of all the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.
SECTION 3. A member must be physically present during the roll call to be considered "present". One who is on official leave or who is attending an official function elsewhere for purposes of determining a quorum, will not be considered as "present".
SECTION 4. Where there is no quorum, the Presiding Officer may declare a recess until such time that a quorum is constituted or a majority of the members present may ask the Presiding Officer to adjourn the session; or may ask the Presiding Officer to compel the immediate attendance of any member absenting himself without good cause, by ordering the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest and present the subject member to the session hall.
RULE V
ORDER OF BUSINESS/ AGENDA
SECTION 1. ORDER OF BUSINESS.– The Order of Business of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be as follows:
a. Invocation/ Opening Prayer
b. National Anthem
c. Call to Order
d. Roll Call of the Members
e. Privilege Hour
f. Reading and Approval of the Minutes and Journal of the previous session
g. Business of the Day: (Agenda)
f-1.First Reading and Referral to the corresponding Committees of Proposed Ordinances, Resolutions, Messages, Communications, Petitions and Memorials.
f-2.Unfinished Business – Business not terminated during the preceding session.
f-3. Second Reading – Committee Reports
f-4. Third Reading – Final approval by the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of ordinances and resolutions approved during the second reading.
f-5. Other Matters/Businesses
h. Adjournment
SECTION 2. AGENDA. – Only matters in the Agenda may be taken up in the session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the nature and substance of which must be clearly described, except the following:
a. After the roll call, any member desiring to deliver a privilege speech may, after registration with the Majority Floor Leader and the permission of the Chair obtained, speak for not more than thirty (30) minutes; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that if more than one (1) member register to avail of the privilege hour, each speaker shall be limited to only twenty (20) minutes. PROVIDED, FURTHER, that the registration with the Majority Floor Leader shall be made before the session is declared formally opened by the Presiding Officer.
b. No motion shall be presented and/or entertained in connection with the subject touched upon in the privilege speech. However, any member may interpellate the speaker, who delivered a privilege speech. The period of interpellation, however, shall not exceed ten (10) minutes.
c. With the consent of a majority of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, there being a quorum, urgent matters not in the agenda may be submitted by the Majority Floor Leader for discussion.
SECTION 3. The Agenda shall be distributed to the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod not less than two (2) days immediately preceding the session.It shall include complete copies of all the minutes of the preceding session, complete copies of all draft ordinances, proposed resolutions and other documents to be discussed must also be included.
SECTION 4. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: PROCEDURE – Before a proposed ordinance and/or resolution may be considered approved or enacted, the following procedures shall be strictly observed:
a. URGENT MATTERS. – Ordinances, Resolutions or Executive Orders that concerns public welfare deemed urgently needed for approval by the Executive Department shall have preferential attention for approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
b. FIRST READING. – The Secretary shall report all ordinances and resolutions filed with the Sangguniang Panlungsod for First Reading by reading the numbers, titles and names of the sponsors. No debate shall take place. After the reading of the said draft ordinance and/or proposed resolution, the Presiding Officer shall refer them to the corresponding committee or committees.
c. UNFINISHED BUSINESS. – an Ordinance or Resolution not acted upon by the Sangguniang Panlungsod due to lack of documents or petitions against its passage and/or unattended by the committee concerned prior to the submission for discussion or deliberation which maybe re-introduced to the Council for final discussion upon final completion of requirements and evaluation of the committee concerned.
d. SECOND READING. – If the Committee Report is favorable, it shall be calendared for Second Reading in the next session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. After the Sponsorship Speech, the proposed ordinance and/or resolution shall be subjected to debate, discussion and possible amendments. If approved, it shall be calendared again for the Third Reading for final approval in the next session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. However, if the committee finds the proposed ordinance or resolution unfavorable, the proposed ordinance and/or resolution shall be laid on the table or shelved indefinitely. Draft ordinances and resolutions which are sponsored by the appropriate committee need not go into first reading but directly into second reading.
e. A committee may endorse an Ordinance/Resolution for 2nd Reading, provided the report is at least signed by the Committee Chairperson or the Vice Chairperson and one (1) member of the committee. In case an Ordinance/Resolution was referred to two (2) committees, the same can only be endorsed on 2nd reading by the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or one (1) member of the lead committee. In case an Ordinance/Resolution was referred to three (3) or more committees, the same can only be endorsed for 2nd reading by the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or one (1) member of at least the two (2) primary committees to which it was assigned to.
f. All Ordinances and Resolutions referred to a committee by the Chairperson shall be provided with supporting documents and/or referral testimonies, documents, recommendations or publicized letters, news, plans, estimates, location maps, drawings or pictures representing presentation of facts supportive to the Ordinance and/or Resolution to be reviewed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod members so as to lessen discussion on the floor.
g. All ordinances/resolutions for 2nd and 3rd reading can be amended or recalled for correction but shall require a two thirds (2/3) votes.
h. THIRD READING.–Proposed ordinances and/or resolutions approved on 2nd reading shall be submitted for final vote by "ayes" and "nays" (or abstention) after printed copies thereof, in final form, have been distributed to the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, at least two (2) days prior to the passage. A proposed resolution shall be enacted in the same manner prescribed for an ordinance, except that it need not go through a third reading for its final consideration unless changes or corrections were made thereon on second reading.
i. The proposed ordinance and/or resolution, having been approved in the third reading with the signatures of the Presiding Officer and the Mayor affixed, shall be published as required by law.
j. If necessary, all members who approved the ordinance/resolution should bear his/her signature on said document.
k. The City Prosecutor and other related agencies shall be provided with copies of the approved ordinances and resolutions.
RULE VI
ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
SECTION 1.Legislative actions of general and permanent character shall be enacted in the form of an ORDINANCE, while those which are of temporary character shall be enacted/passed in the form of a RESOLUTION. Matters relating to proprietary functions and to private concerns shall also be acted upon or must be in the form of a resolution.
SECTION 2.Ordinances and proposed resolutions shall be in writing and signed by the sponsor/s thereof. They shall be filed before the Secretary who shall assign them numbers. Each draft ordinance or proposed resolution shall contain only the subject matter which shall be expressed in the title thereof. Every ordinance shall be accompanied by a brief explanatory note containing the justification for its approval.
SECTION 3. A consolidated ordinance or resolution by a committee shall have as sponsors all those of the original sponsors of the ordinance or resolution in the order in which their names appear in the letter and according to their dates of filing.
SECTION 4.No ordinance or resolution, passed or approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in a regular or special session duly called for the purpose, shall be valid unless approved by the majority of the members present, there being a quorum. Any ordinance or resolution authorizing or directing the payment of money or creating liability, shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all the members for its passage.
SECTION 5.Upon passage or approval of all ordinances and/or resolutions directing the payment of money or creating financial liability, and at the request of any member, the Secretary shall record the "ayes" and "nays".Each approved ordinance or resolution shall be stamped with the seal of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and recorded in a book kept for the purpose.
SECTION 6. All ordinances or resolutions passed or approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be, within two (2) days from passage or approval, forwarded to the Mayor for his/her signature and approval. The Mayor shall affix his/her initials on each and every page of the ordinance or resolution and the word "APPROVED" shall appear with his/her signature on the last page thereof and shall be implemented within fifteen (15) days after compliance to the requirements and/or effectivity as indicated in the Ordinance
SECTION 7. Any attempt to enforce, promulgate or execute any ordinance or resolution after its disapproval shall be sufficient grounds for the suspension or dismissal of the officer making such attempt.
SECTION 8. Unless otherwise stated in the ordinance or resolution, the same shall take effect after the lapse of ten (10) days from the date a copy thereof is posted in a bulletin board at the entrance of the City Hall, as the case may be, or on two (2) other conspicuous places in the area, such as the public market, church or chapel.
RULE VII
MINUTES
SECTION 1. MINUTES OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD. – The record of the proceedings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be referred to as the "Minutes". It shall be comprised of a clear and succinct account of the business undertaken and the action taken thereon.
A. The MINUTES shall contain the following:
1. Nature of session held, whether regular or special.
2. Name of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan.
3. Date of session.
4. Place of session, when the place is not always the same.
5. Statement whether minutes or previous meeting/sessions were approved, recordings dispensed with and the dates of said sessions/meetings.
6. Proper statement of the presence of the Presiding Officer and members.
7. All main motions, except when withdrawn.
8. Points of order and appeals, whether sustained or lost.
9. Time of session and adjournment.
B. The MINUTES shall be signed by the Secretary and authenticated by the Presiding Officer. It shall be entered in a journal and the corresponding dates of approval or disapproval placed therein.
C. The Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretariat must keep all the records of the journal and minutes of the meeting of the Sangguniang Panlungsod for quick reference of the public and shall retain such file for a period of ten (10) years before final retiring of said records.
RULE VIII
COMMITTEES OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD
SECTION 1.COMMITTEE DEFINED. – A Committee is a body created and composed of several memberships appointed, designated or elected by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and mandated with powers and authorities and duties to perform.
SECTION 2. POWERS AND AUTHORITIES OF THE COMMITTEES:
a. The committee shall have the power to consider, investigate or take action on matters or subjects referred to them.
b. To create sub-committees and delegate to the latter such functions as may be necessary.
c. To conduct inquires in aid of legislation.
d. Such other powers as may be granted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
SECTION 3. COMPOSITION:A committee shall be composed of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and one (1) member. The Vice-Chairperson shall assume the duties and powers of the Chairperson when he/she is absent or incapacitated. In the event of the Chairperson's death or resignation, he/she shall likewise assume the duties and powers of the Chairperson until a new Chairperson is elected and qualified.
a. No member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall be named and/or designated Chairperson of more than three (3) committees, except the Majority Floor Leader. However, any members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod may be named as member of any number of committees.
b. The Vice-Mayor shall not be a member of any standing committee; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that he may be designated by the Sangguniang Panlungsod as Chairperson of a Special Committee created for a specific purpose.
SECTION 4. COMMITTEE PROCEDURE: The Committee shall function as follows:
a. The Chairperson shall, from time to time, convene the committee to a meeting to take important matters referred to them.
b. The public or any individual may appear before the committee and their present views on the discussion at such reasonable time the committee may schedule.
c. During the final deliberations of the committee, no person shall be present, except the committee members and such employees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod as are necessary for the hearing.
d. All questions before the committee shall be decided by votation, except those otherwise previously agreed upon by the members.
e. The Secretariat must inform the committee concerned of the public hearing necessary so that the Chairperson can act upon it and immediately call within fifteen (15) days for action by the committee and that the Secretary shall certify all indorsed committee reports that a committee hearing was held for that purpose before it can be scheduled for second reading by the Majority Floor Leader.
f. After final deliberations and voting, the committee shall prepare, for submission to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, a report to be signed by the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and one (1) member thereof. Any member dissenting from the report shall submit, in writing, his/her reasons thereof.
g. Electronic Meetings and/or Electronic Hearings (E-Meetings and/or E-Hearings)- In cases of emergency, state of calamity, whether natural or man-made, and pandemic due to emerging infectious diseases, when the presence of the members of the City Council at the Session Hall shall be physically impossible to obtain or their health and safety are compromised, committee meetings or public hearings may be held through video conferencing or any available application for e-meetings and/or e-hearings. Likewise, official communications related to the said e-meetings and/or e-hearings may be done through electronic mail or any other social media platform.
The Sanggunian Secretary is authorized to use available application to imprint or affix the signature of the consenting Member of the Sanggunian on the legislative measures adopted during the e-meeting and/or e-hearing.
SECTION 5. TYPES OF HEARINGS:
A. COMMITTEE HEARING.– is a meeting or hearing composed by the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and one (1) member with the sponsor of the Ordinance or Resolution filed within the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
B. PUBLIC HEARING. – is a hearing conducted by the committee concerned assigned by the Presiding Officer with the representatives of the public covering the concerned areas in the Ordinance and Resolution whoever will be invited by the concerned committee related to the issue that has to be discussed. In case two (2) or more committees are assigned to tackle or discuss an Ordinance/Resolution the lead committee duly assigned by the Presiding Officer shall take charge of scheduling all committee and public hearing involving all concerned.
SECTION 6. Notice of Hearings. – The Chairperson shall notify in electronic or written form the Vice- Chairperson, Member of the Committee and resource person/s of the agenda of the meeting at least three (3) days before the date of the hearing. Twenty-four (24) hours notice rule shall apply if the matter is certified urgent.
SECTION 7. STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD. – The following committees shall be the Standing Committees of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan, with its powers and prerogative herein stated:
A. COMMITTEE ON RULES AND STYLE:
All matters affecting the Rules of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the calendar as well as the parliamentary rules and the order and manner of transacting business and the creation of committees. It shall also relate to the order and decorum of the Sangguniang Panlungsod as outlined in these rules. It shall also have the power to prescribe the style of all draft ordinances, proposed resolutions and other documents to be filed with or adapted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
It shall be Chaired by the Majority Floor Leader, who shall have the following powers and duties:
Aa. He shall approve all matters for inclusion in the agenda of the sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that any proposed measure or matter already favorably reported out by the committee which was not included in the agenda, shall be calendared in the next session upon the written request of a majority of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Ab. He may move for the approval of any item in the agenda or reference of any item to the appropriate committee. His/her motion to this effect requires no second. However, if his/her motion is objected to, the same shall yield to the declaration of the majority.
Ac. All matters pertaining to parliamentary ethics and decorum of individual members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
B. COMMITTEE ON ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES:
All matters pertaining to appointments, reorganization and civil service, classification of the different positions in the plantilla of the city government, the qualifications called for by the position and their compensation, the organization and reorganization of offices, interrelation between offices, designations, promotions and dismissal of city employees.
C. COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE:
All matters relating to funds for the expenditures of the city government and for the payment of City’s indebtedness; claims against the city government; appropriation of funds; adjustment of funding needs, auditing of accounts and expenditures of the city government, intergovernmental revenue sharing, and in general, all matters relating to public expenditures.
The Chairperson shall be a member of the City’s Local Development Council and the Bids and Awards Committee as provided by law.
D. COMMITTEE ON BARANGAY AFFAIRS:
All matters related to the general activities of the Barangay Councils of San Juan, the promotions and development of its members, the operation of disaster and tanod brigades including their social and financial benefits.
All matters relating to the creation and improvement of barangays within the city and the uplift of the condition of the residents.
E. BARANGAY INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE:
This committee shall have the power to try, hear and investigate administrative complaints filed against erring elective barangay officials.
F. COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVES AND LIVELIHOOD:
All matters relating to the organization of cooperatives and its coordination with government and non-government organizations for the general benefit of its members, and thecreation of organized livelihood programs.
G. COMMITTEE ON COMMUNICATION& INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
All matters relating to communication services such as postal, telegraph, radio, broadcast, cable and satellite television, telephone, mobile cellular networks, convergence, computers and telecommunications technologies including but not limited to broadband access to wired and wireless connectivity to the internet such as voice over internet protocol (VOIP), video conferencing, and audio/video/data streaming; any and all other public and private electronic means of capturing, processing, storing and transmitting information for information technology; information systems inclusive of hardware, software and content applications; mobile short messaging system (SMS) applications affecting upstream and downstream business applications; and networks that enable access to online technology.
H. COMMITTEE ON CULTURE, ARTS, HISTORY AND TOURISM:
All matters relating to the promotion, development and preservation of arts, culture, tradition, history and tourism; national language, museums and the preservation enrichment and dynamic evolution of Filipino national arts and culture, including the establishment, promotion and development of different city tourist spots.
I. COMMITTEE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
All matters relating to natural and man-made emergencies and disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation including the adoption of risk reduction management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated and pro-active in lessening the socio economic and environmental impacts of disaster including climate change adaptation.
All matters pertaining to the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, including but limited to government and non-government, private and civil society organizations in order to build a disaster-resilient city.
J. COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION:
All matters relating to education, curriculum of schools, school officials, teachers, parents and students/pupils, non-formal and community adult education programs, scientific and technical development and advancement, moral and religious formation in the community.
All matters relating to free public elementary and secondary education and the propagation of the national language.
The Chairman shall be a member of the City's Local School Board.
K. COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES:
All matters relating to the conservation and protection of the environment, the regulation of the impact of human activities on the same, the promotion of environmental awareness of our citizens, the renewal of resources in damaged eco-systems and other environment-related issues; and all matters relating to the administration, management, development, protection, exploration, storage, renewal, regulation and licensing, and wise utilization of the city’s local reserves including, but not limited to, forest, mineral, public land, offshore areas and the development of industries based on these resources.
All matters relating to the environment, its preservation, beautification and development.
L. COMMITTEE ON FAMILY RELATIONS AND GENDER EQUALITY
All matters pertaining to the strengthening and development of family life, planning and programming.
All matters also pertaining to family relations and equality before the law of all women and men.
All matters also pertaining to population growth and family planning, population census and statistics.
M. COMMITTEE ON GAMES AND AMUSEMENTS:
All matters relating to city theaters, nightclubs, bars, and all other forms and places of recreation, entertainment, games and amusements.
All matters relating to the powers, duties and affairs of the barangay within the objective of bringing government closer to the people.
N. COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND DEMOGRAPHY
All matters relating to public health in general, medical, hospital and quarantine services; population issues, concerns, policies and programs affecting individuals and their families, their effects on national, social and economic conditions.
All matters relating to hospitals, health centers, puericulture centers, sanitation, hygiene, dental and medicine.
The Chairman shall be a member of the City's Local Health Board.
O. COMMITTEE ON LAWS, ETHICS AND JUSTICE:
All matters relating to the implementation of national and local laws, Sangguniang Panlungsod rules and ethics, social justice, human rights, granting of legal aids and codification of Sangguniang Panlungsod ordinances and resolutions.
All matters relating to penal ordinances and the legality of any contracts entered into by the city government.
All matters relating to the enhancement and protection of human rights of residents of the city, including the giving of assistance to victims of human rights violations or their families.
Free legal aid to indigent but deserving litigants.
P. COMMITTEE ON MARKET AND SLAUGHTERHOUSE:
All matters pertaining to market operation, organization, establishment, administration and maintenance of such establishment within the City of San Juan including shopping malls and supermarkets and small-time markets.
Q. COMMITTEE ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS WELFARE
All matters also pertaining to persons with disabilities and senior citizens welfare and provision for better and systematic way of serving the said sectors.
R. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC INFORMATION:
All matters relating to public information and all means of mass communications and the rights, privileges and responsibilities of those engaged therein, utilizing print media, radio and media coverage as so required.
S. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER, SAFETY AND ILLEGAL DRUGS:
All matters relating to the maintenance of public order and security, civil defense and liaison with the Philippine National Police and home defense forces, the implementation of national and local laws and ordinances, revision and enforcement of human rights, accident and crime prevention.
All matters relating to the local fire and police force, the traffic rules and regulations, jail, probation, juvenile problems and the general peace and order and public safety.
All matters pertaining the use, sale, acquisition, possession, cultivation, manufacture and distribution of prohibited and regulated drugs and other similar substances as provided for under pertinent laws, and the prosecution of offenders, rehabilitation of drug users and dependents, including the formulation of drug-related policies.
T. COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION
All matters relating to planning, construction, maintenance and improvement of public buildings or infrastructures, including streets, bridges, parks, monuments, playgrounds, shrines and other public edifices of historical interest; drainage, flood control, water utilities, building permits and other infrastructures or public improvements.
All matters relating to land transportation, motorized or otherwise, within the city, the regulation of operation of vehicles mentioned and parking zones, fees and penalties.
U. COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL SERVICES, WOMEN AND CHILDREN:
All matters pertaining to the strengthening and development of social welfare and amelioration services, recreation, labor employment and development and socio-economic planning and programming.
All matters involving assistance to impoverished citizens, the clearing of city streets of mendicants and street urchins to determine housing and feeding programs.
All matters pertaining to social services.
All matters relating to the general welfare of women especially on matters of sexual harassment of working girls, discrimination and abuses inflicted on the women of San Juan.
V. COMMITTEE ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT:
All matters relating to the enhancement and promotion of all sports and the development of sportsmanship in the community.
W. COMMITTEE ON TRADE, COMMERCE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, CONSUMER PROTECTION AND LABOR RELATIONS:
All matters pertaining to the conduct of private business, attracting new business and providing incentive thereof, trade practices, price regulations and all such matters concerning consumer rights.
All matters relating to domestic and foreign trade and private corporations; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES); social enterprises; the promotion of entrepreneurship and the regulation of entrepreneurial practice; patents, copyrights, trade names and trademarks; standards, weights, measures and designs; quality control, control and stabilization of prices of commodities; consumer protection; handicrafts and cottage industries and marketing of commodities.
All matters directly and principally relating to labor, the advancement and protection of the rights and welfare of workers, employment and manpower development inclusive of the promotion of industrial peace and employer-employee cooperation, labor education, labor standards and statistics, and the organization and development of the labor market including the recruitment, training and placement of manpower.
X. COMMITTEE ON URBAN PLANNING, LAND, HOUSING AND RESETTLEMENT
All matters relating to urban planning and development, land and housing resettlement, including landed estates, its policies and objectives.
All matters relating to zoning, housing, subdivisions and real estate distributions, urban community development, city-owned properties and buildings, acquisitions and expropriations of
landed estates within the territorial jurisdiction of the city, determination and definition of extent and boundaries of landed estates included in the territorial limits, and all matters relating to the assessment of the value of real and personal properties.
All matters relating to the preparation and development of all integrated and comprehensive master plan for the physical, economic and socio-development, religious and other aspects of present and future development of the city.
Zoning, construction of buildings and other structures, and all other matters pertaining to the proper implementation and observance of the National Building Code.
Y. COMMITTEE ON URBAN POOR:
All matters relating to the upliftment of the living condition and improvement of the urban poor within the territorial jurisdiction of the city.
Z. COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS:
All matters relating to revenue, generally; taxes and fees, tariffs, loans and other sources and forms of securing of funds or revenues for the City to support special events or activities.
All matters relating to assessments and revenue; taxes and fees; loans; study and revision of tax measures and other sources or forms of revenues.
A.A. COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS:
All matters relating to the youth in promoting their moral, physical, intellectual and social well-being and the organization of youth councils.
SECTION 8. A committee must address, take-up and deliberate any measure referred to it within 20 days after such referral and shall be dispensed within another twenty (20) days.If the committee fails to act without valid course, then the principal sponsor may move to another committee.
SECTION 9. REORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES:
The Sangguniang Panlungsod by majority vote of all its members, may reorganize the committee s' memberships during any session by a motion duly seconded.
In case of reorganization of the committees, the assignment of memberships, one (1) for the Majority Party or coalition and one (1) for the Minority Party or group, if any, shall be observed.
SECTION 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS: The different standing committees shall submit their findings to the Sangguniang Panlungsod ordinances, proposed resolutions and other documents referred to them for study and comment. The reasonable time referred to shall be twenty (20) days from the time of its referral of the Resolution and/or Ordinance provided that all the necessary documents that maybe required by the committee are submitted and in which case an additional five (5) days is extended to the committee concerned. In cases of Resolution or Ordinance certifying or accepting the validity of barangay Ordinances or Resolutions, the committee shall act on it before thirty (30) days, otherwise it is deemed consistent with law and approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
When an ordinance or resolution is referred to two or more standing committees, the corresponding committees shall submit a joint report and/or finding thereon.
SECTION 11. REPORTS RECONSIDERED AND/OR TRANSMITTED: When a committee report is recommitted to the committee or is transmitted to another committee, the measure concerned shall remain in its original status.
SECTION 12. Unexplained absences in three (3) successive committee meetings and hearings may operate to relinquish membership therein.
RULE IX
GENERAL RULES ON ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS AND
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
SECTION 1. PROPOSED ORDINANCES, RESOLUTIONS, MOTIONS AND OTHER MATTERS.–These shall be signed by their sponsors and shall be filed with the Secretary, who shall, after numbering and recording them, transmit the same to the Majority Floor Leader for inclusion in the Agenda. All communications and other matters endorsed by the Mayor to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, as well as petitions received from residents, shall be transmitted by the Secretary to the Majority Floor Leader for the same purpose. However, a cut-off period of three (3) days before the scheduled session, for the submission of documents, shall be strictly observed. This is intended to give ample time to prepare the agenda.
SECTION 2. SPONSORSHIP, DEBATE AND AMENDMENTS. –The member, normally the main sponsor or in his/her absence the Chairperson of the committee that recommended the approval of the measure, shall deliver the sponsorship or the approval of the measure, shall deliver the sponsorship or main speech, which speech shall not exceed more than ten (10) minutes for each speaker. The original sponsor shall be deemed a member of the Committee without the right to vote in the committee's level. Rebuttal speeches shall be limited to ten (10) minutes each also. After three (3) members have spoken in favor of and three (3) against the measure, or if there are no speakers in favor or against, any member may move for the determination of the period of debate.
a. If the motion to close the general debate is approved, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall then proceed to consider amendments under a FIVE MINUTE RULE, only one (1) member being allowed to deliver a speech in favor and another against an amendment shall also be allowed five (5) minutes, after which discussion shall be terminated. The Sangguniang Panlungsod may, by a vote of the majority, close the debate at any time during the debate on all other amendments, the motion for which shall not be debatable. This does not, however, preclude further amendments to be decided upon without debate.
b. Second Reading – If the Committee Report is favorable, it shall be calendared for Second Reading in the next session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The main author or proponent shall then deliver his/her sponsorship speech for a maximum of ten (10) minutes after which, the proposed Ordinance or Resolution shall be subjected to debate, discussion and possible amendments. However, all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who have queries and clarifications shall be entertained by the main sponsor only one at a time or on a first-come-first-served basis. No multiple questions coming from two or three members of the Sanggunian shall be interposed at the same time or one after the other. Each member who wants to interpolate the sponsoring Sangguniang Panlungsod member must first make reservations or register with the Majority Floor Leader so the latter can arrange the order or succession of interpolations. Any member may then interpolate the main sponsor of the Ordinance or Resolution for a maximum of five (5) minutes per turn. After the five-minute interpolation has expired, another member will be given the chance to interpolate and so on and so forth until all those who registered and made reservations have been able to take their turn. Those members who may still have additional queries will be given another chance in the second round of interpolation following the same order of succession. New registrants will be given priority to interpolate ahead of the previous registrants come the second round.
c. After the general debate is closed and the amendments disposed of, the main measure shall be voted upon for final approval.
d. No member shall be allowed to deliver more than one (1) main speech and one (1) rebuttal speech.
RULE X
VETO POWER OF THE MAYOR
SECTION 1. The Mayor may veto any ordinance or resolution on the ground that it would be prejudicial to the public welfare, particularly stating his/her reasons therefore in writing.
SECTION 2. Within ten (10) days after receipt of the ordinance or resolution, the Mayor shall return the said ordinance or resolution to the Sangguniang Panlungsod with either his/her approval or veto. If he does not return it within that time, the ordinance or resolution shall be deemed approved.
SECTION 3. The Mayor shall have the power to veto any particular item or items of an appropriation ordinance, or any ordinance or resolution directing the payment of money or creating liability. In such case, the veto shall not affect the item/s which is or not objected to. The vetoed item/s shall not take effect unless the Sangguniang Panlungsod overrides the veto, otherwise, the item/s in the appropriation ordinance of the previous year corresponding to those vetoed item/s shall be deemed reenacted.
SECTION 4. The Sangguniang Panlungsod may override the veto of the Mayor by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all its members, thereby making the ordinance or resolution effective.
SECTION 5. The Mayor may veto an ordinance or resolution only once.
RULE XI
RECONSIDERATION
When a draft ordinance or proposed resolution, report or motion is lost, any member who voted with the minority may move for its reconsideration, verbally, on the same day, or in writing thereafter.The motion shall take precedence over all other questions, except a motion to adjourn, a question of privilege and a point of order.
RULE XII
MOTIONS AND THEIR PRECEDENCE
SECTION 1. Unless withdrawn by the author on the day of submission, every motion filed shall be included in the agenda.
SECTION 2. When a verbal motion is presented, the Presiding Officer shall state the same to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. If in writing, he shall cause it to be read by the Secretary before being debated upon. The motion shall then be considered as having been brought to the attention of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It may be withdrawn at any time before a decision is made thereon or any amendment to it is presented thereto.
SECTION 3. If there are questions under debate, no other main motions, except to adjourn, to declare a recess or to lay on the table, shall be entertained. These latter motions shall be decided without debate.
SECTION 4. Motion to postpone to a certain day, to defer or to postpone indefinitely, shall have precedence in the foregoing order.
SECTION 5. No motion to postpone to a certain day, to defer or to postpone indefinitely, which, having failed passage, shall again be allowed on the same day and at the same stage of question.
SECTION 6. When a general debate on the motion or proposition is closed, a motion to amend an amendment is in order. It shall also be in order to offer a further amendment by "substitution": PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the latter shall not be voted upon until after the original motion or proposition is disposed of. Any amendment may be withdrawn before a decision is had thereon.
SECTION 7. No motion or proposition on a subject different from that under consideration shall be admitted under color or amendment.
SECTION 8. Before a question could be the subject of discussion, such question, on motion duly seconded, shall be divided if it includes propositions so distinct in substance that when one is taken away, another substantive proposition remains.
SECTION 9. A motion to strike out and insert is indivisible, but the motion to strike out being lost, shall neither preclude amendment nor motion to strike out and insert.
SECTION 10. A motion to read any part of the Rules is equivalent to a call to order and shall take precedence over any action except to adjourn.
SECTION 11. When voting on a motion that is not debatable, no other remarks will be entertained by the Chair when a member casts his/her vote.
SECTION 12. No motion shall cover more than one subject matter.
SECTION 13. An amendment to the title of an ordinance or proposed resolution shall be in order only after the text thereof has been perfected. Amendments to the title shall be without debate.
SECTION 14. QUESTIONS OF PRIVILEGE: PROCEDURE – Questions relating to the rights and privileges of the precedence over all motions except motions relating to adjournment and recess.
A. Questions of privileges: What Constitute –
1.Questions of such urgency and requiring immediate action may interrupt a member's speech as, for example, when any motion or report that is being read cannot be heard in one part of the session hall.
2.Questions of personal privilege must relate to one question as a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or else relate to charges against his/her character which, if true, would disqualify him from becoming a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Privileges of the Sangguniang Panlungsod:
1. Those relating to the organization of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
2. Those relating to the comfort of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
3. Those relating to the freedom from noise and conduct of officers or employees.
4. Those relating to punishment or a member for disorderly conduct or other offenses.
5. Those relating to the accuracy or published reports or proceedings.
B. Privilege Questions: What are Included – Privilege questions shall include, besides questions of privilege, a call for the order of the day and privilege motions relating to the adjournment and recess.
1. A call for the order of the day shall be a demand that the Sangguniang Panlungsod conform to its order of business, a motion to the effect requiring no second.
2. Any member shall have the right to demand that the order of business be conformed to.
3. Any member who shall call for the order of the day when there is no deviation from the order of business, shall be declared out of order.
RULE XIII
DEBATES, DECORUM AND PROCEDURES
SECTION 1. For purpose of decorum, the following rules shall be observed:
a. During debates, a member shall confine himself to the question before the Sangguniang Panlungsod and shall avoid personalities. He shall observe proper decorum during the entire proceedings.
b. In referring to another member, the latter shall always be referred to by his /her official title or as "the member who spoke last".
c. Before any matter shall be debated upon, a motion should first be made, duly seconded, and stated by the Chairperson.
It shall only be the Chairperson who can rule any verbal motion out of order; otherwise, the Chairperson shall state the question before the Sangguniang Panlungsod for reconsideration and approval.
d. Any member may modify a motion through suggestions. The movant, with the consent of the "seconder", shall have the right to make such modifications as he pleases or withdraws, in its entirety, a motion before the Presiding Officer states the question.
e. For purposes of obtaining the floor, a member shall rise and address the Presiding Officer, "Mr./ Ms. Chair". The member can do so only after a former member has yielded the floor.
f. The Presiding Officer shall be the only authority to recognize any member by announcing the latter's name as a sign of recognition to the floor.
g. When two or more members rise at the same time, the member whose name is first called by the Chairperson shall be entitled to the floor.
h. Any member sponsoring any measure under consideration may open and close the debate where general debate has been ordered thereon.
i. Words desired to be excepted by any member shall be stated aloud by the Presiding Officer: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the member who uttered the same shall not be held to answer nor be subject to censure by the Sangguniang Panlungsod if further debate or another business intervenes.
j. When the Sangguniang Panlungsod is in session, no member shall pass between another who has the floor and the Chairperson.
k. No member shall walk out of or across the session hall at all times.
l. Smoking and eating shall be strictly prohibited inside the session hall during sessions.
RULE XIV
DECLARATION OF OUT OF ORDER, REFUSAL TO ABIDE
SECTION 1. Any member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod who shall fail to observe the rules prescribed herein shall be declared out of order and if he has the floor, he may be compelled to take his//her seat. In case of refusal to abide by the rulings of the Chair, seconded, may officially reprimand the earring member, which reprimand shall appear in the minutes of the session. The same punishment may be imposed for dereliction of duty, as when a member refuses to attend the session after a quorum is questioned. This does not preclude the Sangguniang Panlungsod or the Chairperson from imposing whatever additional penalty it may deem proper to impose.
RULE XV
REVIEW OF BARANGAY ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
SECTION 1. The Sangguniang Barangay shall furnish the Sangguniang Panlungsod, through its Secretary, copies of all the Barangay ordinances and resolutions, together with the documents that led to the passage of the said measures within ten (10) days after their enactment. The Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary shall, within three (3) days from receipt, submit/refer the same to the proper committees (Sec. 57, 58 and 59 of R.A. 7160).
SECTION 2. After study and deliberation, the committee/s concerned shall sponsor, in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the ordinance/resolution if it finds the same to be consistent with law, therefore, valid; otherwise it shall return the same to the Sangguniang Barangay concerned with the recommendations for adjustments or modifications, in which case the effectivity of the measure is suspended (Sec. 57, 58 and 59 of R.A. 7160).
SECTION 3. Failure on the part of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to take action on the Barangay ordinance/resolution within thirty (30) days from the receipt thereof, said ordinance/resolution shall be presumed to be consistent with law and therefore valid more particularly on the budget submitted (Sec. 57, 58 and 59 of R.A. 7160).
RULE XVI
RULINGS AS PRECEDENTS
SECTION1.All rulings on questions raised by members shall form part of the parliamentary practices of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
RULE XVII
VENUE OF SESSIONS, MEETINGS AND HEARINGS
SECTION 1. The Session Hall or Bulwagang Pinaglabanan shall be the official venue of the sessions, caucuses, committee meetings and public hearings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, except when otherwise directed.
SECTION 2. The space set aside in the Bulwagang Pinaglabanan for members and the personnel needed therein, while the Sangguniang Panlungsod is in session, shall be reserved exclusively for them. The Sergeant-at-arms shall not allow any person or persons to stay in said space during sessions of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
RULE XVIII
SUSPENSION OF THE RULES
SECTION 1. No rules shall be suspended except by the following:
1.Certification of the Mayor, in writing, of the urgency of the proposed ordinance and/or resolution;
2.Two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod present constituting a quorum.
SECTION 2. When a motion to suspend the rules is pending, no motion to adjourn may be entertained until the vote is taken up on the motion to suspend.
SECTION 3. Urgent matters are such matters which involve public interest, the delay in the consideration of which shall prejudice essential activities of the government.
RULE XIX
VOTING
If the question is undebatable, or debate has been closed by order of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Chair, immediately after stating the question, shall put the same to a vote, allowing only such time for members to rise if they wish to state a motion of higher rank.
SECTION 1. The Presiding Officer shall rise to put a question into a vote and shall do it in this form: "As many are in favor say 'AYE' and/or raise their right hands"; and after an affirmative vote is expressed or taken, the Chair again will say, "As many are opposed, say 'NAY' and/or raise their right hands". If he doubts or a division of the house is called for, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall divide. Those in the affirmative side shall first rise from their seats, and then those in the negative side.
SECTION 2. When the Presiding Officer asks if there is any objection to a motion of the Majority Floor Leader for the approval of any ordinance or resolution directing the payments of money or creating a liability, and no one registers his/her objection thereto, the Secretary shall enter it in the record as voting affirmatively. The name of all the members present at that particular time, this having the effect of a nominal voting.
SECTION 3. No member can vote on a question in which he has direct or pecuniary interest. This does not, however, include any member from voting for himself for any position within the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
SECTION 4. A member can change his/her vote only before the Chair announces the result of the voting. After the announcement, a member can change his vote only by unanimous consent.
SECTION 5. Any member may explain his/her vote not to exceed three (3) minutes.
SECTION 6. No member could be compelled to vote; he/she may, however, abstain.
SECTION 7. A vote of "AYES" and "NAYS" to be entered into the minutes shall be taken even after a vote by division has been had at the request of any member.
SECTION 8. No motion or question, except the presence of a quorum, shall be entertained during the voting.
SECTION 9. Simple motions, such as a motion to adjourn and a motion to amend, shall require only the preponderance of affirmative votes over the negative votes, excluding the abstentions.
SECTION10. The session shall not be adjourned when the Sangguniang Panlungsod is in the process of voting for the approval of any draft resolution or ordinance.
SECTION 11. A 2/3 votes of the members present is required in approving an appropriation Ordinance.
RULE XX
SUPPLETORY PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. The following shall be supplemental to these rules:
a. The parliamentary practices of the Philippine Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Philippines and the Batasang Pambansa.
b. The parliamentary practices of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States of America
RULE XXI
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Any amendment to these rules shall be presented in writing and shall be approved by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;
RULE XXII
ASSIGNMENT OF SEATS
SECTION 1. Except those assigned to the President Pro-Tempore, Majority Floor Leader and the Minority Floor Leader, seats in the Bulwagang Pinaglabanan shall be assigned by drawing of lots among the members.
SECTION 2. Table arrangements shall be made by the Secretary in accordance with the President Pro-Tempore, the Majority Floor Leader and the Minority Floor Leader. Their arrangements shall be final.
RULE XXIII
OFFICE ASSIGNMENTS
The Sangguniang Panlungsod shall provide a decent and presentable office for each member where they can do all their official duties and functions; to be manned by competent staff and to be appointed by the Vice-Mayor or any officer allowed in accordance with the Civil Service Law, Rules and Regulations and whose compensation, allowances and other emoluments shall be determined by law and ordinance.
RULE XXIV
EFFECTIVITY
SECTION 1. These Rules and Procedures shall take effect immediately upon approval.