PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill that converts the Municipality of Carmona into a component city of Cavite province.

Marcos signed on Thursday, February 23, Republic Act (RA) 11938, otherwise known as 'An Act Converting the Municipality of Carmona in the Province of Cavite into a component city to be known as the City of Carmona.'

Under the new law, the Municipality of Carmona must hold a plebiscite within 60 days from the law's approval.

RA 11938 also noted that the present elective Carmona officials 'shall continue to exercise their powers and functions until such time that a new election is held.'

The duly-elected officials 'shall have already qualified and assumed their offices,' according to the new law.

'Appointive officials and employees of the Municipality of Carmona shall, likewise, continue exercising their functions and duties and they shall automatically be absorbed by the City Government of the City of Carmona,' it added.

Meanwhile, RA 11938 pointed out that there would be no increase in the rates of local taxes within five years of Carmona's cityhood.

'Until otherwise provided by law, the City of Carmona shall continue to be part of the Fifth Legislative District of the Province of Cavite,' the law read.

RA 11938 was passed by the 19th Congress on July 25, 2022 during its first regular session.

Among the signatories of the law were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

RA 11938, which was released to the public on Friday, February 24, shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general publication.