Legal Effect of Reservation
- The parcel is withdrawn from any sale or settlement, ensuring State ownership and protection.
- The park's administration is vested in the Commission of Parks and Wildlife.
- Private rights existing on the land, if any, are recognized but subordinated to its use as a National Park.
- Portions of the land that form part of roadways remain under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Public Highways.
Description and Boundaries of the Reserved Area
- The reserved parcel lies in the District of Ermita, City of Manila.
- Boundaries include:
- North: Portion of P. Burgos Drive, property of Metropolitan Water District, unnamed street.
- East: Remaining portions of unnamed streets.
- South: Remaining portions of Calle San Luis and other unnamed streets.
- West: Property of the City Government of Manila.
- The area is approximately 162,383 square meters.
- Boundaries are defined by a detailed metes and bounds description starting at a point marked on an attached sketch plan and following multiple cardinal directions and distances.
- Data on the land area and boundaries are approximate and subject to future surveys.
Authority and Formalization
- The Proclamation was issued and signed by then-President Ramon Magsaysay.
- The seal of the Republic of the Philippines is affixed to formalize the document.
- The date of signing is December 19, 1955.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Commission of Parks and Wildlife:
- Charged with administration and management of the reserved National Park land.
- Commissioner of Public Highways:
- Retains administration over road portions within the reserved area.
Important Legal Concepts
- The law reflects the exercise of the State's police power to reserve government land for public use.
- It balances private rights with public interest, recognizing existing private rights but subjecting them to park purposes.
- The designation as National Park helps ensure environmental protection, public enjoyment, and preservation of the land within an urbanized, historical area.
Limitations and Scope
- The Proclamation specifically withdraws the described parcel from sale or settlement.
- It does not affect or impair private rights in place.
- It allows exceptions for road administration, recognizing the practical needs of urban infrastructure within the reserved land.
Geographic and Technical Details
- The parcel is geographically situated in a highly urbanized district (Ermita), near key landmarks and public infrastructure.
- The technical description uses metes and bounds methodology common in land surveying, with precise compass directions and distance measurements.
- Approximate measurements acknowledge the possibility of future official land surveys to confirm exact boundaries and area.