Title
Establishing Manila as Philippine Capital
Law
Presidential Decree No. 940
Decision Date
May 29, 1976
Manila is officially declared as the capital and permanent seat of the national government, recognizing its historical significance, modern infrastructure, and international prominence, with the decree taking effect on June 24, 1976.

Questions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 940)

It designates Manila as the capital of the Philippines.

The area prescribed as Metro Manila under Presidential Decree No. 824.

It fixes (designates) Metro Manila—under the boundaries defined by PD 824—as the permanent seat of the national government.

It identifies it as the Metro Manila area prescribed under PD 824, which becomes the permanent seat.

It repeals, amends, or modifies any laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, charters, rules, or regulations (or parts thereof) that are contrary to or inconsistent with PD 940.

On June 24, 1976.

It was issued on May 29, 1976 and done in the City of Manila.

They provide context and legislative intent—e.g., Manila’s historical role as seat of government and its modern facilities—helping interpret the decree’s purpose.

It states it was issued by the President by virtue of powers vested by the Constitution.

By Section 2, such inconsistent provisions are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

PD 940 refers to PD 824 to define the specific area of Metro Manila that becomes the permanent seat of the national government.

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and the Metro Manila area (as defined in PD 824) is the permanent seat of the national government.

Students may discuss whether the decree conflicts with constitutional provisions, how “capital” and “seat of government” are distinguished, and whether later laws or decrees could modify the designation (subject to constitutional limits and consistency).


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