Title
Supreme Court
Establishing Quezon City as Capital
Law
Republic Act No. 333
Decision Date
Jul 17, 1948
Republic Act No. 333 establishes Quezon City as the capital of the Philippines and empowers the Capital City Planning Commission to acquire private estates, create districts, and establish rules for land acquisition and subdivision, with funds allocated for the development and implementation of a master plan.

Law Summary

Defined Boundaries of Quezon City

  • The city covers approximately 15,660 hectares.
  • Specific boundary coordinates and geographic markers are detailed, including rivers and reservations.
  • Boundaries adhere to those fixed in prior Commonwealth Acts.

Creation and Composition of the Capital City Planning Commission

  • The Commission consists of seven members; three are non-government officials.
  • Members are appointed by the President with consent from Congress's Commission on Appointments.
  • Members receive per diems and travel expenses; the chairman receives a fixed annual salary.
  • An executive secretary is appointed based on qualifications.

Powers and Duties of the Capital City Planning Commission

  • Develop and adopt a comprehensive physical development plan for Quezon City.
  • Establish zoning districts and regulate building heights, population density, and signage.
  • Formulate regulations for acquisition and subdivision of private lands for various zones.
  • Appoint technical staff and consultants with salaries fixed by the Commission.
  • Ensure the city's development promotes health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity, efficiency, and economy.

Appropriations and Funding

  • Php 150,000 appropriated for Commission salaries, per diems, and operational expenses.

Survey and Planning Instructions

  • Director of Lands must survey the defined area within thirty days; deliver a detailed plan within 120 days.
  • Plan includes ownership, area, assessed values, and boundary indications.

Submission and Execution of the Master Plan

  • The Commission must submit the master plan to the President for approval within one year.
  • The Commission executes the master plan after presidential approval.
  • Lot sales or leases require the President's approval.

Acquisition and Pricing of Private Estates

  • The Commission may acquire private estates within city boundaries through purchase or expropriation.
  • Price capped at assessed value as of January 1, 1946.
  • Public sale price includes cost plus 6%; installment sales carry an additional 4% annual interest.
  • Costs include subdivision planning and municipal improvements.
  • Lease rates in commercial/industrial zones set by the Commission with presidential approval.
  • Priority given to highest bidders where practicable.

Bond Issuance Authorization

  • President may issue bonds up to Php 20 million for estate acquisition, subdivision, and infrastructure development.
  • Terms, interest rates, and maturities determined by the President.
  • Bonds payable in Philippine or equivalent US currency.
  • Bonds are tax-exempt.

Creation and Management of a Sinking Fund

  • Sinking fund established to cover bond payments, calculated as an annuity plus accrued interest.
  • Managed by the Central Bank with investments subject to Monetary Board approval.
  • Investment expenses charged to the sinking fund; all income credited back.

Appropriations for Sinking Fund and Bond Expenses

  • Annual standing appropriation for sinking fund and bond interest from the National Treasury.
  • Additional appropriation for bond issuance and sale costs.

Supervision of Improvements and Use of Income

  • The Commission supervises all projects funded from bond proceeds.
  • Projects begin upon fund availability certification by the Treasurer.
  • Income from lot sales and rentals returned to the revolving fund.
  • Fund used solely for master plan execution, improvements, and public service maintenance.

Repeal of Conflicting Laws

  • All inconsistent acts, executive orders, or regulations are repealed.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.

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