Title
Manila Hotel Redevelopment by GSIS
Law
Presidential Decree No. 645
Decision Date
Jan 28, 1975
Presidential Decree No. 645 grants the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the authority to assist in the construction, development, and operation of a new Manila Hotel, including the dissolution of the existing Manila Hotel Company and the cession of land to the GSIS, while repealing or modifying any inconsistent laws or regulations.
A

Dissolution and Liquidation of the Manila Hotel Company (Section 1)

  • Manila Hotel Company is dissolved, liquidated, and abolished.
  • Net asset value of company shares determined by generally accepted accounting and appraisal standards.
  • Land appraised at fair market value; this valuation forms basis for compensation of minority shareholders.
  • Private accounting/appraisal firms may be engaged for certification of asset valuation.
  • If Manila Hotel Company’s liquid assets are insufficient, GSIS is authorized to pay minority shareholders from its own funds.
  • All company records, assets, and rights vest in GSIS as return of its investment.
  • GSIS exempt from capital gains tax or other taxes arising from liquidation.
  • Company personnel entitled to gratuity: one month’s pay per year of service, capped at one year’s pay if not retiring.
  • Gratuities may be paid by Manila Hotel Company or GSIS; if GSIS pays, it books this as part of its investment.

Authority Granted to GSIS for the Hotel Project (Section 2)

  • GSIS authorized to initiate, pursue plans for development, construction, and operation of new Manila Hotel.
  • GSIS may undertake the project alone or in partnership with other government or private entities.
  • GSIS may form wholly or partially owned subsidiary corporations necessary for project implementation.

Demolition and Construction Powers (Section 3)

  • GSIS or its subsidiaries authorized to partially or fully demolish existing Manila Hotel building.
  • GSIS may renovate any retained portions or build a completely new hotel.
  • New construction to meet international standards regarding facilities and amenities.

Contracting and Procurement Powers (Section 4)

  • GSIS or subsidiaries empowered to negotiate contracts for demolition, construction, or renovation.
  • Authority includes contracting for removal/disposal of existing structures.
  • Authority to procure materials, supplies, equipment, and machinery for hotel construction or improvement.
  • Power to engage architects, engineers, firms, or individuals to achieve project objectives.

Transfer and Inclusion of Government-Owned Land (Section 5)

  • Two specific parcels of land in Ermita, City of Manila (TCT No. 67398) are transferred to GSIS by the National Government.
  • Parcels total approximately 11,663.4 square meters and form an integral part of the Manila Hotel project site.
  • Transfer intended to augment the Retirement Insurance Fund's actuarial solvency under GSIS administration.
  • Register of Deeds is directed to immediately transfer the titles to GSIS.

Repeal and Modification of Inconsistent Laws (Section 6)

  • Any law, executive order, rule, or regulation inconsistent with this decree is repealed or modified accordingly.

Implementation Directive (Section 7)

  • All concerned government agencies and entities instructed to implement the decree as prescribed.

Important Legal Concepts Covered

  • Government ownership consolidation through GSIS.
  • Protection and fair compensation of minority shareholders during dissolution.
  • Transfer of government land to support public welfare projects.
  • Authorization of GSIS to operate as a commercial entity through subsidiaries.
  • Eminent domain-type government acquisition and transfer to a government financial institution.
  • Provision of employee benefits as part of company liquidation.
  • Tax exemptions for the financial transactions involved in the project.
  • Government facilitation of infrastructure to enhance tourism and international prestige.

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