Mayor of Manila

Mayor of Manila
Post	Mayor
Body	Manila
Native name	Punong Lungsod ng Maynila
Incumbent	Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan
Incumbentsince	June 30, 2022
Department	Manila City Hall
Style	The Honorable
Seat	Manila City Hall
Appointer	Elected via popular vote
Termlength	3 years, renewable twice
Formation	1571
Inaugural	Miguel López de Legazpi
Website	manila.gov.ph

Mayor of Manila. The Mayor of Manila is the chief executive of the capital city of the Philippines, overseeing the administration of the highly urbanized and historic capital. The office is responsible for implementing city ordinances, managing the Manila City Hall, and supervising all city departments. The mayor is elected to a three-year term and can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms, wielding significant influence over the Metro Manila region.

History

The office traces its origins to the Spanish colonial era, with the first appointed city mayor being the conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi following the establishment of Intramuros in 1571. During the American colonial period, the position evolved under the Philippine Commission and the Jones Law, with figures like Arsenio Cruz Herrera becoming prominent. The city's governance was severely disrupted during the Battle of Manila (1945), which devastated much of the capital. In the postwar era, mayors like Arsenio Lacson and Ramon Bagatsing became nationally influential figures, with the latter serving during the Martial Law under Ferdinand Marcos. The restoration of democratic institutions after the People Power Revolution saw the election of Alfredo Lim and later Joseph Estrada, who later became President of the Philippines.

Election and term of office

The Mayor of Manila is elected by registered voters of the city in synchronized elections held every three years, as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991. Candidates typically run under major national parties like the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan or the Nationalist People's Coalition. The term limit is three consecutive terms, after which the official must take a break before seeking re-election, a provision established by the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines. Elections are administered by the Commission on Elections and are often highly competitive, drawing significant national media attention.

Powers and duties

The mayor's powers are derived from the Local Government Code of 1991, which includes the execution of laws and ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Maynila. Key duties involve fiscal management, including the proposal of the annual budget to the City Council of Manila, and the general supervision over all city departments such as the Manila Police District and the Manila Health Department. The mayor also represents the city in dealings with national agencies like the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and can declare a state of calamity in emergencies.

List of mayors

Notable individuals who have held the office include the first American military mayor, Charles A. R. Trowbridge, and the first elected postwar mayor, Valeriano Fugoso. The charismatic Arsenio Lacson was known for his tough anti-crime stance in the 1950s. Antonio Villegas served during a period of significant urban development, while Mel Lopez oversaw the city after the EDSA Revolution. In the modern era, Lito Atienza served three consecutive terms focusing on environmental programs, and Isko Moreno gained prominence for urban renewal projects prior to his national political campaigns. The current mayor is Maria Sheilah "Honey" Lacuna-Pangan, the first woman elected to the position.

Office and residence

The primary office of the mayor is located at the historic Manila City Hall, an iconic building in the Ermita district known for its art deco architecture and central clock tower. The office complex houses the executive department and is adjacent to other key institutions like the Philippine Post Office Building and the Manila Cathedral. There is no official mayoral residence; however, the mayor maintains a working office at the Manila City Hall and utilizes other city facilities for official functions, including the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park and the Plaza Miranda.

See also

* Vice Mayor of Manila * Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Maynila * Metro Manila * Cities of the Philippines * League of Cities of the Philippines

Category:Mayors of Manila Category:Government of Manila