Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 824)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 824 is to create Metropolitan Manila as an integrated unit of government under the Metropolitan Manila Commission for unified management, coordination, and development of the cities and municipalities within the area.
The Metropolitan Manila Commission has jurisdiction over the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasay, and Caloocan, and the municipalities of Makati, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Las Piñas, Malabon, Navotas, Pasig, Pateros, Parañaque, Marikina, Muntinlupa, and Taguig in Rizal province, and Valenzuela in Bulacan province.
The Commission is composed of a Chairman or Governor, a Vice-Chairman or Vice-Governor, and three Commissioners for Planning, Finance, and Operations. All Commissioners are appointed by the President of the Philippines and hold office at his pleasure.
The Commission acts as a central government, establishing common programs and services, levying taxes and fees, borrowing funds, appropriating money, reviewing and revising ordinances, and performing administrative, executive, and policy-making functions for Metropolitan Manila.
The Commission may fix penalties not exceeding a fine of P10,000.00 or imprisonment of six years, or both, for any single offense.
The General Manager executes policies approved by the Commission, prepares staffing and budgets, appoints and disciplines personnel, and submits annual reports and other necessary reports to the President of the Philippines.
The Commissioner for Planning formulates long-range integration plans, translates policy directives into programs, undertakes research, and submits reports and recommendations related to metropolitan planning.
The financial resources include an initial appropriation of P2,500,000 from the National Treasury, proceeds from franchise taxes, fixed or privilege taxes on occupation, corporate residence taxes accruing to the metropolitan local government units, and other funds authorized by the President.
No, the city and municipal governments continue to exist in their present form except where inconsistent with the Decree. They also form part of the Sangguniang Bayan, which serves as an advisory and coordinating council under the Commission.
The President of the Philippines directly supervises the Commission, the General Manager, and the Commissioners, and can revoke, amend, or modify any ordinance, resolution, or act of the Commission.