Preservation and Restoration of Intramuros Walls

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PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1277: Preservation and Restoration of Intramuros Walls

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Title Supreme Court: Preservation and Restoration of Intramuros Walls

Law: Presidential Decree No. 1277

Decision Date: Jan 4, 1978

Presidential Decree No. 1277 focuses on the restoration and preservation of the historical Walls of Intramuros in the Philippines, aiming to recapture the ambience of a past era and make them a special tourist attraction, while imposing penalties for unauthorized alterations or defacement of the walls.

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Restoration Criteria Based on Damage

Sections of the walls with minor damage shall be maintained and cleaned without alteration.
Sections almost totally destroyed shall remain as is and not be reconstructed.
Sections with partial destruction are to be restored.

Access Road, Moat, and Esplanade Restoration

An access road at least six meters wide along the inner face of the walls is mandated.
A clear space of 55 meters along the outer face of the walls, bastions, and ravelins must be maintained.
This clear space is designated for the restoration of the original moat and esplanade.

Public Access and Regulation of the Road and Space

The road and clear space must be open to the public at all times.
Usage of these areas for obstruction or parking is prohibited.

Removal of Encroaching Structures

Owners or persons in charge of structures encroaching upon the easements have three months from the publication date to clear these.
Failure to comply will result in demolition by the Military Corps of Engineers, with demolition costs charged to the owner.

Penalties for Unauthorized Alterations

Unauthorized additions, removals, defacement, or alterations of the walls without approval from the National Historical Institute (NHI) incur fines:
- First offense: Fine between One Hundred and One Thousand Pesos.
- Subsequent offenses: Fine between One Thousand Five Hundred and Five Thousand Pesos and/or imprisonment from one to six months.

Funding for Implementation

Necessary funds shall come from the appropriations allocated to the National Historical Institute.
Disbursement of funds will follow general auditing rules and regulations.

Supervision and Control by the National Historical Institute

The NHI oversees the reconstruction and preservation efforts concerning the walls, moat, and esplanade.
The NHI will issue implementing rules and regulations.
No building construction or remodeling within the designated areas is allowed without prior NHI approval.

Repeal and Modification of Conflicting Laws

All laws, orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed or modified accordingly to the extent of inconsistency.

Effectivity

The Decree takes effect thirty days after its publication in the Official Gazette.

END