Section 24September 7, 2007, Sec./Art. 24

Temporary Vacancy in the Office of the Provincial Governor. - (a) When the provincial governor is temporarily incapacitated to perform his duties for physical or legal reasons such as, but not limited to, leave of absence, travel abroad and suspension from office, the provincial vice governor shall automatically exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions of the provincial governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees which can only be exercised if the period of temporary incapacity exceeds thirty (30) working days.

(b) Said temporary incapacity shall terminate upon submission to the sangguniang panlalawigan of a written declaration by the provincial governor that he has reported back to office. In case where the temporary incapacity is due to legal cause, the provincial governor shall also submit necessary documents showing that the said legal cause no longer exists.

(c) When the provincial governor is traveling within the country but outside territorial jurisdiction for a period not exceeding three consecutive days, he may designate in writing the officer-in-charge of his office. Such authorization shall specify the powers and functions that the local official concerned shall exercise in the absence of the provincial governor, except the power to appoint, suspend or dismiss employees.

(d) In the event, However, that the provincial governor fails or refuses to issue such authorization, the provincial vice governor shall have the right to assume the powers, duties and functions of the said office on the fourth day of absence of the provincial governor, subject to the limitations provided for in subsection (c) hereof.

(e) Except as provided above, the provincial governor shall, in no case, authorize any local official to assume the powers, duties and functions of the office, other than the provincial vice governor.

ARTICLE VII

APPOINTIVE PROVINCIAL OFFICIALS THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, POWERS AND DUTIES