A municipality (Tagalog: bayan / munisipalidad / munisipyo / puweblo; Hiligaynon: banwa; Cebuano: lungsod; Pangasinan: baley; Kapampangan: balen / balayan; Central Bikol: banwaan; Waray: bungto; Ilocano: ili) is a local government unit (LGU) in the Philippines.

[2][12] During the American administration, the municipal system put in place by the preceding Spanish authorities was preserved and at the same time reformed with greater inclusiveness among all Filipinos.

[13] Municipal districts, which were in essence unincorporated areas presided over by local tribal chiefs set up by American authorities, were created for the first time in 1914.

[14] More municipalities were created during this time, especially in Mindanao where there was a massive influx of settlers from the Luzon and the Visayas.

They have been granted corporate personality enabling them to enact local policies and laws, enforce them, and govern their jurisdictions.

In circumstances where the mayor permanently or temporarily vacates the position, he shall assume executive duties and functions.

First, a bill must be passed in Congress, then signed into law by the President and then the residents would vote in the resulting plebiscite to accept or reject cityhood.

11964, otherwise known as the “Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act”, was signed by the Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on October 26, 2023.