Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 570)
The primary purpose of Presidential Decree No. 570 is to create the Tondo Foreshore Development Authority to undertake and implement comprehensive urban renewal and integrated socio-economic programs for the development of the Tondo Foreshore area and its resettlement sites, thereby resolving slum and squatter problems and ensuring healthy living communities.
The Authority is granted succession for fifty (50) years from and after the date of the approval of the Decree.
The Authority has jurisdiction and control over all persons, corporations, firms, or utilities existing, proposed, or to be established within the Tondo Foreshore area and its resettlement sites.
The objectives include undertaking activities and development projects for creating a harmonious, comprehensive, integrated, and healthy living community; promoting physical and socio-economic amelioration of Tondo Foreshore residents and the nation in general; and encouraging other organizations to adopt similar approaches to slum, squatter, and resettlement problems.
Some powers include developing and implementing urban renewal programs, prescribing guidelines for land reservation, constructing and maintaining facilities, regulating housing and commercial establishments, acquiring and disposing of property, receiving donations, investing funds, raising funds through borrowing, and entering into contracts necessary for its objectives.
The Board of Directors is composed of seven ex-officio members: the Executive Secretary, the Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority, the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, the Secretary of Industry, the General Manager of the Government Service Insurance System, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Development Bank of the Philippines, and the Administrator of the Social Security System. The President of the Philippines appoints the chairman from among these directors.
The Board formulates and adopts policies, ordains and promulgates rules and regulations, establishes necessary committees, submits annual reports to the President, and exercises overall governance powers over the Authority.
The Authority can raise funds by issuing bonds or incurring indebtedness upon a Board resolution approved by at least five members and the President of the Philippines. It may also borrow from local and international sources, and receive grants, donations, and financial assistance.
Yes, the Authority has the power of eminent domain to acquire properties by purchase, negotiation, or condemnation proceedings for proper planning and implementation of land use and development projects within the Tondo Foreshore area and its resettlement sites.
No, the officers and employees of the Authority are exempt from the Civil Service Law, including rules and regulations, as well as from the rules and regulations of the Wage and Position Classification Office.
The Authority is exempt from all forms of taxation and duties imposed by the Government or its political subdivisions. Donations, contributions, bequests, or financial aids made to the Authority are also exempt from taxes and are deductible from the income of donors for income tax purposes.
The Chairman of the Commission on Audit appoints a representative who serves as the auditor of the Authority along with necessary personnel. The Commission on Audit fixes their salaries with advice from the Board, and these salaries are paid by the Authority.
The Authority is under the direct supervision of the Office of the President for policy direction and coordination purposes.
All properties, rights, obligations, and liabilities of the Tondo Foreshore Urban Renewal Project are transferred to the Tondo Foreshore Development Authority.
Yes, the provisions are separable. If any provision is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Decree remains unaffected.