Calaca, Batangas now a component city

Calaca, Batangas is now a city after a majority of the residents of the area voted in favor of the measure that converted the municipality into a city, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported over the weekend.

According to Comelec Acting Spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco, 29,424 residents voted in favor of the conversion measure during the plebiscite conducted on Saturday, September 3, 2022.

The Comelec recorded a plebiscite turnout of 56.39% or 33,205 out of the 58,881 total registered voters from 123 clustered precincts in 37 voting centers, covering 40 barangays.

The results effectively ratify Republic Act 11544, which was passed by the House of Representatives in June 2020, amended by the Senate of the Philippines in February 2021, and which amendments were concurred with by the lower chamber in March 2021.

“We hereby proclaim that the conversion of the Municipality of Calaca in the Province of Batangas into a component city,” the Plebiscite Board of Canvassers said in its proclamation.

Under the law, the city will constitute a political body that will be allowed to have a continuous succession in its corporate name; to sue and be sued; to have and use a corporate seal; to acquire, hold, and convey real or personal property; and to enter into any contract and/or agreement.

The city will also be mandated to ensure and support the preservation and enrichment of its culture; promote health and safety; enhance the right of residents to a balanced ecology; and encourage support and development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities.

It will also improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of the inhabitants.

Calaca will be governed by a city mayor, a city vice mayor, and a sangguniang panglungsod which includes members such as a secretary, a city treasurer, and an assistant city treasurer.

It will also have a city assessor and an assistant city assessor, a city accountant, a city budget officer, a city planning and development officer, a city engineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city administrator, a city legal officer, a city social welfare and development officer, a city veterinarian, and a city general services officer. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News