QuestionsQuestions (PROCLAMATION NO. 502)
It renames the “Council of State Room, Kalayaan Hall, Malacañang Palace” as the “Elpidio Quirino Room,” making the new name an official designation through a presidential proclamation.
It cites Resolution No. 2 dated May 6, 1998 by the National Historical Institute, and Presidential Decree No. 260 dated August 1, 1973 declaring Malacañang Palace a National Historical Landmark.
Because it considered Malacañang as a national historic landmark and reasoned it is fitting that the residence and office of the President recognize historical connections of past presidents to Malacañang.
The proclamation states that President Elpidio Quirino took his first oath of office on April 17, 1948 in that room.
It is the particular room located within Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace, known as the Council of State Room prior to the renaming.
It indicates the proclamation is meant as a commemorative act grounded on historical significance, rather than a regulatory or administrative reorganization.
Signed/done on November 16, 2003 (with “DONE in the City of Manila, this 16th day of November... Two Thousand and Three”).
It treats the room as a tangible reminder of President Elpidio Quirino’s service to the nation.
The proclamation is “By the President” with the Executive Secretary (Alberto G. Romulo) signing/affixing the attestation required for presidential issuances.
It indicates the official gazette publication reference and date of publication, useful for locating the text in the Official Gazette.
They provide the factual and legal premises (historical landmark status, historical rationale, and event) supporting the renaming action.
They establish the broader legal-historical context (Malacañang as a national historical landmark), supporting the legitimacy and rationale for commemoration and naming changes in related areas.
It creates an official name that may be used in official documents, tours, references, and historical labeling within the Malacañang complex.
This proclamation is primarily commemorative/ceremonial and nominative (renaming for historical recognition), not one that expressly creates regulatory rights or duties.