Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 499)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 499 is to declare certain portions of the Ermita-Malate area in Manila as commercial zones with specific restrictions to promote tourism and commercial activities.
The areas affected are portions of Ermita-Malate bounded by Teodoro M. Kalaw, Sr. Street in the north; Taft Avenue in the east; Vito Cruz Street in the south; and Roxas Boulevard in the west.
They were classified as Class "A" Residential Zones and Class "B" Residential Zones where hotels and certain business establishments were not allowed.
No permits shall be granted for new warehouses or open storage depots, dumps or yards, motor repair shops, gasoline service stations, light industries with machinery, or funeral establishments.
Allowing commercial classification serves to attract tourists with establishments like hotels, souvenir shops, and handicraft centers, which are dollar-earning enterprises critical to tourist areas worldwide.
No, lands and buildings used exclusively for residential purposes by the owners themselves shall remain assessed as residential properties for realty tax purposes.
The decree was issued under the authority of the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief, Proclamation No. 1081, and General Order No. 1, all related to the exercise of presidential powers.
The decree took effect immediately upon its signing on June 28, 1974.
All laws, ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with the decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Businesses such as hotels, curio stores, souvenir shops, handicraft display centers, and similar establishments that attract tourists and earn foreign currency are encouraged.