QuestionsQuestions (GENERAL ORDER NO. 13)
General Order No. 13 is issued under the powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (September 21, 1972), declaring Martial Law nationwide.
Every citizen and resident; all universities, colleges, and schools (private and public); all commercial and industrial establishments; hotels and restaurants; hospitals; cinemahouses; public markets; transportation companies; and all establishments of any kind.
It requires undertaking the cleaning of their own surroundings, yards and gardens, as well as the canals, roads or streets in their immediate premises.
It prohibits anyone from throwing garbage in public places such as roads, canals, esteros, or parks.
The Government will undertake the cleaning of the premises at the person’s expense; the person is held responsible for his own surroundings.
Owners are expected to keep idle lots clean; if they fail or cannot comply, the Government will clean the lot at the owner’s expense and may further utilize the land for a food production program.
The Secretary is ordered to supervise the implementation of the cleanliness campaign.
The order includes cleaning not only within the establishment’s own grounds (surroundings, yards, gardens) but also the canals, roads, or streets located in their immediate premises.
The text provides for government cleaning at the non-compliant party’s expense, but it does not expressly enumerate criminal penalties within the quoted provisions.
It implicates principles on police power and government regulatory/compulsory measures for public welfare, including imposition of costs for necessary maintenance or abatement, subject to due process constraints.
The order singles out idle lots in the Greater Manila Area for heightened compliance requirements, allowing government cleaning at the owner’s expense and possible land utilization for food production.
It states Martial Law aims at social, economic, and political reforms to bring about a “New Society” infused with discipline and order; it also emphasizes civic duty to keep surroundings clean and wholesome.
These phrases show a compulsory framework: cooperation is demanded, responsibility is assigned to individuals/owners, and enforcement is carried out through government action with cost recovery.
It is dated September 30, 1972, and signed/done in the City of Manila.