Section 13Sec./Art. 13

Officials of the Provincial Government. -

(a) In each of the provinces of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur, there shall be a provincial governor, a provincial vice governor, the regular members of the sangguniang panlalawigan a secretary to the sangguniang panlalawigan a provincial treasurer, a provincial assessor, a provincial accountant, a provincial budget officer, a provincial planning and development coordinator, a provincial engineer, a provincial health officer, a provincial administrator, a provincial legal officer, a provincial agriculturist, a provincial social welfare and development officer, a provincial veterinarian and a provincial general services officer.

(b) In addition thereto, the provincial governor may appoint a provincial architect, a provincial population officer, a provincial environment and natural resources officer, a provincial cooperatives officer and a provincial information officer.

(c) The sangguniang panlalawigan may:

(1) Maintain existing offices not mentioned in subsections (a) and (b) hereof;

(2) Create such other offices as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the provincial government; or

(3) Consolidate the functions of any office with those of another in the interest of efficiency and economy.

Unless otherwise provided herein or in the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, the heads of departments and offices shall be appointed by the provincial governor with the concurrence of a majority of all the sangguniang panlalawigan members, subject to civil service law, rules and regulations. The sangguniang panlalawigan shall act on the appointment within fifteen (15) days from the day of its submission; otherwise, the same shall be deemed confirmed.

Elective and appointive provincial officials shall receive such compensation, allowances and other emoluments as may be determined by law or ordinance subject to the budgetary limitations on personal services prescribed under Title V, Book II of this Code: Provided, That no increase in compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of all the elective officials approving such increase.