Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 349)
Presidential Proclamation No. 349 officially renames a room in Malacañang Palace as the 'Estrada Room' to honor President Joseph Ejercito Estrada and recognize the historic value of the room he used as his office from 1998 to 2001.
The room in the Premier Guest House, Malacañang Palace, used by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada as his office from 1998 to 2001 was renamed as the 'Estrada Room.'
The President has the vested authority by law to rename rooms or parts of Malacañang Palace, as demonstrated by Proclamation No. 349, issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo under her presidential powers.
Malacañang Palace was declared a National Historical Landmark under Presidential Decree No. 260 dated August 1, 1973, and Resolution No. 2 dated May 6, 1998, by the National Historical Institute.
Recognizing past presidents’ connection with Malacañang Palace reflects the historical periods of the nation and honors the significance of their administrations to the country's rich history.
The Proclamation was signed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and attested by Executive Secretary Alberto G. Romulo.
The renaming serves as a tangible reminder of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada's administration and commemorates the historic value of the room in which he worked.
The Proclamation was signed on March 31, 2003.
Such acts serve to officially commemorate and honor the legacy of past presidents, institutionalizing remembrance through designations recognized by state law or executive orders.
Yes, under the President’s powers, especially through Presidential Proclamations or Executive Orders, the President can rename or designate government premises or landmarks to honor historical significance.