QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 9516)
RA 333 establishes Quezon City as the capital of the Philippines and the permanent seat of the national government, creates a Capital City Planning Commission, appropriates funds for planning/initial work, authorizes acquisition of private estates within the city boundary, and authorizes issuance of national government bonds for land acquisition and capital improvements.
Section 1 of RA 333 amends Section 2 of Commonwealth Act No. 502, defining Quezon City’s powers (e.g., perpetual succession, common seal, sue and be sued, ability to take/purchase/lease/convey/dispose of property, and to contract).
It is declared to be the capital and permanent seat of the national government and has corporate powers such as perpetual succession, use of a common seal, suing and being sued, and owning/disposing of property for the benefit of the city.
Section 2 of RA 333 amends Section 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 502 and defines boundaries by reference to specific starting and turning points with directions/distances, stating the total area is 15,660 hectares more or less.
RA 333 creates a seven-member commission; three must not be government officials. Members are appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of Congress.
Members’ terms expire upon termination of their work (i.e., project-based). The President may remove any member for cause.
Except the chairman, members receive a per diem of twenty-five pesos for each day of meeting actually attended, not more than two times a week, plus necessary travel and incidental expenses not exceeding one hundred pesos while working.
The President designates one member as chairman; the chairman acts as general manager with an annual compensation of ten thousand pesos. During temporary absence, the Commission elects a temporary chairman who exercises the duties and enjoys the privileges/emoluments of the chairman during that time.
It must make/adopt a general physical development plan; establish zoning/districts and determine building heights/areas and other density-related rules; adopt rules on acquisition and subdivision of private lands for residential/industrial/commercial purposes; appoint required technical employees and consultants (subject to Presidential approval for appointment of technical staff); and generally exercise powers necessary to accomplish its tasks.
They must guide and achieve coordinated, harmonious construction and future development promoting health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, general welfare, efficiency, economy; adequate light and air; healthful distribution of population; good civic design; wise/equitable public spending; and adequate public utilities.
Within thirty days upon approval of the Act, it must survey the area and prepare a plan indicating names of owners, area, assessed value, improvements if any; this plan must be turned over to the Commission within one hundred twenty days thereafter.
Within one year after its organization, the Commission must submit the master plan for the President’s approval.
The Commission is authorized to acquire through (1) direct purchase at a price not exceeding the assessed value as of January 1, 1946, or (2) expropriation proceedings.
The price charged to the public is at cost plus 6% on a cash basis. For installment sales, 4% per annum interest is added to the original cost plus the 6%. Expenses for subdivision planning and construction of streets/bridges and municipal improvements are included in actual cost. Lease rates in commercial/industrial zones are set by the Commission with Presidential approval, with lease/sale ideally awarded to the highest bidder as far as practicable.
The President may issue bonds in the name and behalf of the Republic for up to twenty million pesos. Proceeds are used as a revolving fund for acquisition of private estates, subdivision, and construction of streets, bridges, waterworks, sewerage, and other municipal improvements in the capital city.
A sinking fund is created to pay the bonds so that the amount at each annual due date equals a specified annuity computed per P100,000 outstanding at 3.5% per annum. The fund is under the Central Bank’s custody, invested as approved by the Monetary Board consistent with Act No. 3014, with investment expenses charged to the sinking fund and investment income credited to it.
All income from sale or rental of lots is credited to the revolving fund from bond proceeds. It may be used only for executing, improving, or extending the master plan and for the maintenance and operation of public services in the capital city.