The council is responsible for creating laws and ordinances under Valenzuela's jurisdiction.[1] The city mayor can veto proposed bills, but the council can override it with a two-thirds supermajority.
Powers, duties and functions
The Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), which establishes the Sangguniang Panlungsod as the city's legislative body, contains the following requirements:[2]
Pass legislation;
Consent to resolutions;
Adequate funding for the city's and its residents' general wellbeing; and
Make sure the city is exercising its corporate rights in accordance with Section 22 of the Local Government Code.
Additionally, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is given responsibility for the following tasks and activities:[2]
approve the resolutions and ordinances required for an effective and efficient city government;
Generate and maximize the utilization of funds and resources for the city's development plans, program goals, and top priorities as specified in Section 18 of the Local Government Code of 1991, paying special attention to expansion and improvement in the entire metropolis and agro-industrial development;
Pass laws awarding franchises and permitting the issuance of permits or licenses, subject to the guidelines in Book II of the Local Government Code of 1991, but with conditions and goals intended to advance the welfare of the city's residents;
Control activities pertaining to the use of land, buildings, and structures inside the city to advance the welfare of its populace as a whole;
Approve ordinances that would guarantee the effective and efficient provision of the fundamental facilities and services as specified in Section 17 of the Local Government Code; and
Use any additional powers and carry out any additional tasks or obligations outlined in a law or ordinance.
Membership
Each of Valenzuela's two councilor districts elects six councilors to the council. In plurality-at-large voting, a voter may vote up to six candidates, with the candidates having the six 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. Hence, there are 14 councilors.
City council elections are synchronized with other elections in the country. Elections are held every first Monday of May every third year since 2001 for 12 seats, while the ex officio seats are elected irregularly, but always proceeding a barangay election.
