Purpose and Scope
- The regulation aims to enhance rat control measures to prevent the spread of bubonic plague within the Manila Port District.
- It mandates rat-proof construction and prohibits certain activities that may attract rodents.
Rat-Proof Building Construction Requirements
- Only buildings made of durable and hard materials such as reinforced concrete, bricks, iron, steel, or other similarly permanent materials are allowed within the zone.
- Wood may only be used for doors with metal plates on the base, door and window frames, roof trusses, and similar parts.
- Mamposteria (adobe), asbestos boards, and equivalent materials are expressly disallowed.
Prohibition of Animal Keeping and Domicile Maintenance
- No stables, pigs, chickens, other fowls, or domestic animals shall be kept within the zone if their food could serve as food for rodents.
- No domiciles shall be maintained within the zone.
Regulation on Food Preparation, Cooking, and Selling
- Food-related activities are only permitted in designated buildings as determined by a committee.
- The committee is chaired by the Chairman of the Port Commission and includes the Commissioner of Customs, the Director of Health, the Director of Quarantine, and the City Health Office of Manila.
- Existing food establishments may be allowed if their buildings comply with rat-proof specifications and their kitchens are protected against insect infestation.
- The City Health Office of Manila supervises and regulates authorized food shops or restaurants, with rules subject to approval by the Secretary of Health.
Lease and Construction Approval Conditions
- All land leases in the zone are subject to conditions that ensure rat exclusion, as determined by the Director of Health.
- Proposed constructions must comply with all existing city ordinances not conflicting with this Order.
- Construction plans require approval from both the Director of Public Works and the Director of Health.
- No building may be occupied or used until certified rat-preventive by these authorities.
Supersession Clause
- This Executive Order supersedes Executive Order No. 512 dated July 1, 1952.
Authority and Effectivity
- The Order is issued by the President of the Philippines, exercising legal powers vested by law.
- It formally took effect on December 15, 1954, to better safeguard public health in the Manila Port District.