A Reconnaissance of Philippine Cities (Part IV: The Evolution of the Laws on Cities)
Baguio City. Because of its special functions as the summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio was declared in 1979 as a highly urbanized city regardless of its income. Photo credits: dawnlyndelle.wordpress.com Complicated. That was the word I uttered to myself when I read the classifications of cities for the first time. It was so confusing that one will not grasp the provisions unless the background is known. This article shall unravel the mysteries behind the puzzling legal framework and hopes to clear up ambiguities concerning the three types of cities. The provisions pertaining to these types of cities on the Local Government Code read: Section 451. Cities, Classified. - A city may either be component or highly urbanized : Provided, however, That the criteria established in this Code shall not affect the classification and corporate status of existing cities. Independent component cities are those component cities whose charters prohibit their voters