Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8507

House Bill No.

Introduced by Hon. Geraldine B. Roman, Hon. Christopher V.P. de
Venecia, Hon. Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo, Hon. Francisco "Kiko" B. Benitez,
Hon. Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Hon. Strike B. Revilla, Hon. Loren
Legarda, Hon. Joy Myra S. Tambunting, Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto, Hon.
Lianda B. Bolilia, Hon. Juan Miguel Macapagal Arroyo, Hon. Xavier
Jesus D. Romualdo, Hon. Jesus "Bong" C. Suntay, Hon. Stella Luz A.
Quimbo, Hon. Lorenz R. Defensor, Hon. Deogracias Victor "DV" B.
Savellano, Hon. Ann K. Hofer, Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez, Hon. Angelica
Natasha Co, Hon. Evelina G. Escudero, Hon. Ronnie L. Ong, Hon. Cristal
L. Bagatsing, Hon. Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte, Hon. Marlyn "Len" B.
Alonte, Hon. Florida "Rida" P. Robes, Hon. Rosanna "Ria" V. Vergara,
Hon. Amihilda J. Sangcopan, Hon. Alfred C. Delos Santos, Hon. John
Reynald M. Tiangco, Hon. Kristine Singson-Meehan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Open and green spaces, especially those located within or near urban
areas, contribute greatly to public health, beautify our surroundings, and
offer potentials for sustainable economic growth to our communities.

These public open spaces are crucial in reducing stress and mental
disorders among residents of urban areas. Public parks also diminish health
inequalities and increase perception of life quality and self-reported general
health. They also provide arenas and opportunities for physical activity,
increased social interactions and different modes of recreation!. The
example of developed countries has also shown that cities and towns
become more attractive when they have numerous public parks as part of
their tourism plan.

For this reason, developed countries around the world have

incorporated public parks in the habitats of their citizens while the United
Nations has identified these spaces as integral to the attainment of

‘htps://vordurbanpasks.org/images/Newsletter/fpaBenefitsOfUrbanParks. pdf


Sustainable Development Goal # 11 which is the creation and maintenance
of Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The Philippines, however, lags behind these developed countries. First
and foremost, the concept of a park is not clearly defined and the allocation
of public spaces in urban areas for such purpose, unmandated on a
national level.

Bearing in mind that 54% of the 7.2 billion world population in 2014
reside in urban areas, with a higher concentration in less developed regions
of the world, developing public parks and green spaces is an urgent
matter. The situation is no different in the Philippines where the urban
population increased to more than 50 million in the past five decades. This
figure will balloon to 102 million by year 2050, or more than 65% of the
Philippines’ total population, according to the Philippines Urbanization
w by the World Bank Group?

In response to this urgent need, and as a component of the
government's “Build Build Build” drive, a “Green Green Green” Program has
been launched by the Department of Budget and Management in 2018. The
program is a unique assistance program that aims to make cities more
livable and sustainable through the development of public open spaces.

Aiming to support this program, this National and Local Public Parks
Bill is filed. This Bill seeks to establish the National and Local Public Parks
System in the Philippines by identifying the initial 2 National and Local
Public Parks to be under the system: the historical Rizal Park and the Paco
Park both located in the City of Manila. The Bill also mandates identification
and establishment of urban parks, open and green spaces, and recreational
areas that shall constitute the National and Local Public Parks System by
local government units nationwide.

Lastly, the establishment of the National and Local Public Parks
Institute under the supervision of the National Public Parks Board shall
also pave way for the training and education of future generations on park
development, urban planning, sustainable tourism and environmental
protection.

Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 8507

Introduced by Hon. Geraldine B. Roman, Hon. Christopher V.P. de
Venecia, Hon. Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo, Hon. Francisco "Kiko" B. Benitez,
Hon. Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Hon. Strike B. Revilla, Hon. Loren
Legarda, Hon. Joy Myra S. Tambunting, Hon. Vilma Santos-Recto, Hon.
Lianda B. Bolilia, Hon. Juan Miguel Macapagal Arroyo, Hon. Xavier
Jesus D. Romuaido, Hon. Jesus "Bong" C. Suntay, Hon. Stella Luz A.
Quimbo, Hon. Lorenz R. Defensor, Hon. Deogracias Victor "DV" B.
Savellano, Hon. Ann K. Hofer, Hon. Rufus B. Rodriguez, Hon. Angelica
Natasha Co, Hon. Evelina G. Escudero, Hon. Ronnie L. Ong, Hon. Cristal
L. Bagatsing, Hon. Jose Christopher Y. Belmonte, Hon. Marlyn "Len" B.
Alonte, Hon. Florida "Rida" P. Robes, Hon. Rosanna "Ria" V. Vergara,
Hon. Amihilda J. Sangcopan, Hon. Alfred C. Delos Santos, Hon. John

Reynald M. Tiangco, Hon. Kristine Singson-Meehan

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL PUBLIC PARKS SYSTEM,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled.

Chapter 1 - Introductory Sections

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "National Parks
Act of 2020”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and
maintain the health and well-being of the Filipino people, through the
establishment and preservation of parks and open spaces. To this end, the
State recognizes parks and open spaces as valuable assets, and as such:

a) shall establish the Philippine National Public Parks System aimed to
conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and to provide for


their enjoyment in such manner and by such means as will leave
them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

b) shall recognize that parks and open spaces contribute to human
health and wellbeing, social cohesion / identity, tourism, biodiversity,
air quality and carbon sequestration, water management, and cooling
the environment.

Sec. 3. Definition of Terms.— As used in this Act, the following words
shall mean:

a} Administrator — refers to the Chief Executive Officer and Head of the
National and Local Public Parks Authority (NALPA) Secretariat as
defined in Sec. of this Act.

b) Board — refers to the NALPA Board as defined in Sec. 5 of this Act.

¢) National and Local Public Parks refer to any land laid out as a public
garden and/or used for the purpose of public recreation. This does
not refer to national shrines administered by the Philippine Veterans
Affairs Office.

4) National and Local Public Parks System or the System - refers to the
system of parks and open spaces as defined under Chapter 4 of this
Act.

e) NIPAS - refers to the National Integrated Protected Areas System as
defined in Republic Act No. 7586, as amended, or the NIPAS Act.

f) NPDC - refers to the National Parks Development Committee created
by Executive Order 30 series of 1963.

g) NPF or NPFI - refers to the Nayong Pilipino Foundation Inc., a
government owned and controlled corporation registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 1969, as a non-
stock, non-profit corporation. Presidential Decree No. 37 established
the Nayong Pilipino Foundation on November 6, 1972.

h) Protected Areas — refers to the Protected Areas as defined under the

NIPAS Act.

Secretariat — refers to the NALPA Secretariat as defined under Sec. 7 of

this Act.

Chapter 2 - Establishment of the National and Local Public Parks
Authority

Sec. 4. Composition of the Authority. — The Authority shall be composed
of the Board and the Secretariat.

Sec. 5. Composition of the Board. — The NALPA Board shall be composed
of the representatives of the following:

Secretary of Tourism
Chairperson

Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources
Co-Chairperson

{who shall be officially represented by the


Director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau]

Secretary of Public Works and Highways : Member

Secretary of the Agriculture : Member

Secretary of Interior and Local Government :
Member

Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education : | Member

Director-General of the TESDA Secretariat : Member

In addition, the President of the Philippines shall appoint the following
members from the private sector:

Two representatives, from a recognized professional architectural
organization; and

‘Two representatives, from the academe, preferably in urban planning
and development.

As soon as all the members of the private sector are appointed, they
shall so organize themselves that the term of office of one-third (1/3) of their
number shall expire every year. The member from the private sector
appointed thereafter to fill vacancies caused by expiration of terms shall
hold office for three (3) years.

The President of the Philippines may, however, revise the membership
of the NALPA Board, whenever the President deems it necessary for the
effective performance of the Board’s functions through an administrative
order.

The NALPA Board shall meet at least twice a year, or as frequently as
may be deemed necessary by its Chairperson. In the absence of the
Chairperson, a Co-Chairperson shall preside. The internal rules of the
NALPA Board shall be promulgated during its first organizational meeting.

The benefits, privileges and emoluments of the Board shall be
consistent with existing laws and rules.

Sec. 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. — The Authority shall
primarily be responsible for the National and Local Public Parks System
including the hment of policies, plans and programs taking into
consideration the following:

a) the State policy declared herein of giving due consideration to the
establishment and maintenance of national and urban parks, open
and green spaces, and recreational facilities;

b) the implementation of the above-mentioned policy requires the
coordination and cooperation of policies, plans, and programs of
different concerned sectors of Philippine society; and

) equal and active participation of the national government and its
appropriate agencies, the LGUs, the academe, and the private sector



shall be made the rule in order to ensure that the National and Local
Public Parks System shall be fully established and maintained.

The Board, shall have the following powers:

a) Establish minimum quotas for all LGUs for the designation of
municipal and city lands for public parks, where applicable.

b) manage the country’s National and Local Public Parks System, and in

doing so shall guide and assist other government agencies and

entities, and the LGUs in the planning, establishment, and
management of parks that will be included in the System;

promulgate, after due consultation with concerned groups and

entities, policies, plans, programs and guidelines as may be necessary

for the effective implementation of this Act and the establishment of
the National and Local Public Parks System;

4) establish and manage the National and Local Public Parks Institute
which shall serve as the national center for park administration,
management, and maintenance training, research and development;

e) in coordination with the Biodiversity Management Bureau, shall make
Protected Areas accessible to the public for recreational purposes;

f) organize and constitute standing committees, subsidiary groups, or
technical working groups for the efficient integration and coordination
of local open spaces and urban _parks;

g) exact reasonable fees and charges for such services provided and
trainings conducted and retain such earnings for its own use, subject
to guidelines promulgated by the Authority;

h) create, when deemed necessary, an Advisory Committee which shall
provide expert and technical advice to the Board to be chosen from the
academe and the private sector: Provided, That in case the Advisory
Committee is created, the Board is hereby authorized to set aside a
portion of its appropriation for its operation; and

i) carry out any and all other functions characteristic of public
institutions of similar mandate and national scope, in line with
prevailing international principles and best practices.

ce)

Sec. 7. The NALPA Secretariat. — ‘The NALPA Secretariat, an independent
agency of the executive department, shall have the primary mission of
providing pro-active leadership in the continuous development of systematic
approaches as well as measures to maintain and manage the National and
Local Public Parks System, and shall have the following functions and
responsibilities:

a) to establish and maintain a planning process and formulate a national
parks development plan in which all concerned groups and entities at
various levels participate;

b) to provide analytical inputs to policy decision-making of the Authority
on allocation of resources and institutional roles and responsibilities
as shall be embodied in the annual national parks plans;


¢) to recommend measures, and implement the same upon approval by
the Authority, for the effective and efficient implementation of the
national parks development plan;

4) to propose to the Authority the specific allocation of resources for the
programs and projects it shall undertake pursuant to approved
national parks development plan;

e) to submit to the Authority periodic reports on the progress and
accomplishment of work programs of implementation of plans and
policies; and

f) to perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the
Board.

Sec. 8. The Dissolution of NPDC and NFC and Transfer to NALPA
Secretariat. — The NPDC and NFC are hereby dissolved and all their
powers, functions, responsibilities, all applicable funds and appropriations,
records, are hereby transferred to the NALPA

Secretariat.

Sec. 9. The NALPA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer. — The
NALPA Secretariat shall be headed by an Administrator, who shall likewise
be a member of the Board. The Administrator shall be appointed by the
President of the Philippines and shall enjoy the benefits, privileges ad
emoluments equivalent to the rank of Undersecretary.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall
exercise general supervision and control over its technical and
administrative personnel. The Administrator shall have the power to
recommend to the Authority the structural organization and the personnel
complement of the Secretariat. Furthermore, Administrator shall appoint
such personnel necessary to carry out the objectives, policies and functions
of the Authority subject to Civil Service laws, rules and regulations.

‘The Administrator may call upon other instrumentalities or entities of
the government and nongovernment and civic organizations for assistance
in terms of the use of their facilities and resources for the management and
administration of any park in the System. This authority includes the power
to call on the Philippine National Police to maintain peace and order in any
park in the System.

The performance of the functions of the Administrator under this Act
shall, in no case, result in the diminution of the powers of the LGUs to
establish their own parks or develop their own open or green spaces.

Sec. 10. Deputy Administrators. — The Administrator shall be assisted by
four (4) Deputy Administrators for: (i) Research and Development, (ii)
National and Local Public Parks Operations, (iii) Local Public Parks
Operations, and (iv) Park Architecture & Planning.


The Deputy Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and
emoluments equivalent to the rank of Assistant Secretary.

Sec. 11. Regional Administrators. — The Regional Administrators shall be
under the direct control of the Administrator and shall oversee the
operations of National and Local Public Parks at the regional level.

The Regional Administrators shall enjoy the benefits, privileges and
emoluments equivalent to the rank of a Regional Director, and shall provide
technical assistance particularly to local government units for effective
supervision, coordination, and monitoring of national and local parks within
their localities, and their integration to the National Public Park System.

Sec. 12. Organizational Divisions. — The Secretariat shall have the
following Divisions which shall be headed by Division Chiefs:

a} Administrative Division
b) Finance Division

¢) Programs and Public Affairs Division
d) Internal Audit Division
e) Security and Safety Division

f) Information and Communications Technology Division
g) Cultural & Heritage Preservation Division

The following Divisions shall be headed by the Deputies Administrators:

a) National Public Park Operations & Management
b) Local Public Park Operations & Management

c) Research & Development

d) Park Architecture & Planning

Sec. 13. Personnel Training, Development and Performance
Incentives. — The Authority shall undertake training and development
programs to upgrade the capabilities of its personnel in its various
functions. Personnel shall be allowed to train or study outside the Institute,
in the Philippines or abroad, on official time, subject to the needs of the
service, upon approval of the Administrator.

A system of monetary incentives shall be established to reward the
superior performance and milestones of professional development on the
part of management and administrative and technical personnel, subject to
approval of the Department of Budget and Management and, where
applicable, to the Civil Service Commission.

Sec. 14. Consultants and Technical Assistance, Publication and
Research. — In pursuing its objectives, the Authority is hereby authorized
to set aside a portion of its appropriation for the hiring of services of
qualified consultants, and private organizations for research work and
publication in the field of national and urban parks, and open and green


spaces. It shall avail itself of the services of other agencies of the
Government as may be required.

Sec. 15. Privileges of the Authority. — In line with the declared policy
and the avowed purposes of this Act, and to ensure its independence and
autonomy, the NALPA Secretariat shall be attached solely for budgetary
coordination and related purposes to the Office of the President. The
Secretariat shall:

a) be classified as a National Government Agency, primarily for
administrative purposes, including receiving its annual budget from
the general appropriations of the National Government to cover
appropriately the entirety of its mandated operations and activities;

b) be considered as higher in level than a Bureau or Bureau-level agency

but beneath that of a Department or Department-level agency,

primarily for administrative purposes as to staffing pattern and
compensation scales; and

enjoy such privileges and special rules characteristic of both a

Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporation and a State University

or College wherever possible and which, in any and all cases, promote

the objectives of this Act; and that special rules as may be necessary
to this effect be formulated and appropriately promulgated by the

NALPA, the Department of Budget and Management, the Commission

on Audit, and other concerned agencies.

ce]

Chapter 3 - The National Parks Institute

Sec. 16. The Creation of the National Parks Institute. — ‘There is hereby
created the National Parks Institute of the Philippines which shall be under
the supervision of the Board. The Institute shall serve as the training and
development arm of Authority. The Institute shall be headed by a Director.

in coordination with CHED and state universities and colleges, and
other private universities and institutions, the Institute shall establish a
unique training course aimed at supporting the purposes of this Act, and
shall:

a) formulate and implement training programs for all personnel of
NALPA, and of LGUs, and other agencies, and private entities and
institutions who wish to train with the Institute;

b) formulate and implement select mandatory and specialized courses,

and for that purpose shall be allowed to issue diplomas and technical

certificates under such rules as will be coordinated with CHED and

TESDA;

develop and implement research and development to support NALPA

and for educational training programs; and

d) perform such other related functions as may be prescribed by NALPA
and the Board.

¢|


Chapter 4 - The National Parks System

Sec. 17. Study and Planning of National Parks, Urban Parks, Open
Spaces, and Recreational-Area Facilities. — Within 3 years from the
effectivity of this Act, the Authority shall make a comprehensive study of the
National Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational-Area Facilities
programs of the national government and the LGUs and of areas of land
throughout the Philippines that are or may be chiefly valuable as National
Parks, Urban Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational-Area Facilities.

The report shall be submitted to the Board who shall be empowered to
declare specifically identified areas as either National Parks, Urban Parks,
Open Spaces, or Recreational-Area Facilities.

Sec. 18, Identification of National Parks. — Notwithstanding any law or
proclamation to the contrary, the following parks are hereby considered
National Parks and shall be under the authority of the Authority: (1) the
Rizal Park, and the (2) the Paco Park.

The Administrator, and its Provincial Administrators, are strictly
mandated to investigate, study, and continually monitor areas whose over-
all circumstances exhibit qualities of national significance and that may
have potential to become a NALPA Park.

Sec. 19. Acquisition of Land. - In the exercise of its power under this Act,
the Authority through the Administrator shall have the power to acquire
land and interests in land within the boundary of any NALPA Park. In the
same manner and for the establishment of an identified National Park, the
power of eminent domain shall be exercised through the Administrator, or
by any of its Deputies or Provincial Administrators.

Sec. 20. Creation of Urban Parks and Open Spaces in LGUs. - Within
the period provided by the Authority, LGUs shall be obliged to identify
Urban Parks and Open Spaces within their jurisdictions.

Identified areas may either become NALPA Administered Parks or
maintain their nature as Local Parks at the discretion of the LGU.

The Authority is hereby mandated to enter into cooperative
agreements with colleges and universities, in partnership with LGUs and
other agencies, to establish cooperative study units to conduct multi-
disciplinary research and develop integrated information products on the
resources in the NALPA Parks, or the LGU of which the NALPA Park is
located for possible commercial production or utilization.

Sec. 21. Delineation of Authority and Coverage. - Subject to the IRR and
dependent on the categorization of the land or an area, a nature reserve or a
declared protected area under the NIPAS shall continue to be under the


jurisdiction of the DENR. All other parks established or may be established
may be covered under this Act.

Sec. 22. Administration, Management, and Funding of NALPA Parks. -
Subject to reasonable restrictions under the IRR, the general public are
hereby to be granted free admission to ali NALPA Parks, However, the
Authority may levy appropriate fees to special activities or programs.

Sec. 23. Retention of Income. - The Authority is hereby authorized to
retain the entirety of its income from all sources of its operations
nationwide, and to spend the same for any purpose.

Sec. 24, The NALPA Fund. - The NALPA Fund is hereby established, to be
managed/administered by the Authority, the income from which shall be
utilized exclusively in awarding of grants and providing assistance to park
development programs , local government units for upgrading their
capabilities, and to develop and implement training and training-related
activities for park development. The contribution to the fund shall be the
following:

a) a one-time Jump sum appropriation from the National Government in
the amount of P100,000,000.0;

b) donations, grants, endowments, and other bequests or gifts of which
the Authority is hereby authorized to accept, and

¢) any other income generated by the Authority.

‘The Authority shall be the administrator of the fund, and as such,
shall formulate the necessary implementing guidelines for the management
of the fund, subject to the following: a) unless otherwise stipulated by the
private donor, only earnings of private contributions shall be used; and b)
no part of the seed capital of the fund, including earnings, thereof, shall be
used to underwrite expenses for administration.

The Board shall appoint a reputable government-accredited
investment institution as fund manager, subject to guidelines promulgated
by the Board.

Sec. 25. Incentives Schemes. — The Authority shall develop and
administer appropriate incentives schemes to encourage the LGUs and
private industries and institutions to participate in the development of the
National Parks System.

Sec. 26. Parks and Green Spaces Awards. — To promote parks
development in the country and with the view of participating in
international park development competitions, the Authority, with the active
participation of private industries, shall organize and conduct annual Parks
and Green Spaces Awards. The Authority, through the Secretariat, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and guidelines for the and efficient
conduct of Annual National Parks and Green Spaces Competition among the



LGUs and for the country’s participation in international park development
competitions.

Sec. 27. Exemption from Taxes, Duties, Fees and Charges. - The
Authority shall be exempt from the payment of taxes, fees and charges
imposed by the National Government and its political subdivisions, agencies
and instrumentalities regardless of the nature of its activity.

All donations in any form shall be exempt from the donor’s tax and
the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the gross income
in the computation of the income tax of the donor, in accordance with the
provisions of Republic Act No. 8424, otherwise known as the National
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

Furthermore, importation of supplies and materials for the use of the
Authority shall be exempt from customs duties.

Sec. 28. Commercial Operations of and inside of NALPA Parks. - The
Authority shall be authorized to undertake commercial operations, the
proceeds of which shall be credited to the NALPA Fund:

a) The rental of dedicated areas for external events, functions and
similar activities;

b) The lease of dedicated areas for the erection and operation of
commercial establishments inside NALPA Parks, which NALPA shall
be allowed to award, through public bidding, and giving preference to
nonprofit organizations of a nature related to or supportive of its
mandate, for a term of up to five (5) years per contract;

¢) The production and /or licensing of official merchandise;

d) The award of concession contracts when the Authority shall utilize
concession contracts to authorize a person, corporation, or other
entity to provide accommodations, facilitics, and scrviccs to visitors or
users of NALPA Parks.

Sec. 29. Contracted Services. - Then Authority is authorized to contract
out services for Park Management and Safety and Security Services.

Chapter 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions

Sec. 30. NALPA Budget. - The amount necessary to finance the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the existing
appropriations of the NPDC and the NPF, and shall be supported by funds
coming from the Office of the President. Thereafter, such funds as may be
necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 31. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within 180 days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Board the


implementing rules and regulations of this Act upon prior consultation with
all concerned groups and entities.

Sec. 32. Transitory Provisions. -

a) Within two (2) months after the approval of this Act, the President
shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Tourism appoint the
private sector representatives of the Board.

b) Within three (3) months after the appointment of the private sector
representatives, the President shall, upon the recommendation of the
Board, appoint the Administrator.

¢) Within four (4) months after the appointment of the Administrator, the
Board shall convene to determine the organizational structure and
staffing pattern of the Authority.

4) Within one (1) year after the organization of the Authority, the Board

shall commission an expert group on funding schemes for the NALPA

Fund, as provided in Section 24, the results of which shall be used as

the basis for appropriate action by the Board.

Upon the effectivity of this Act, and prior to the appointment of the

Board and the Administrator, the heads and personnel of both NPDC

and the NPF shall continue to exercise their functions and duties, in

holdover capacity, and shall ensure the smooth transition to the

Board and the Administrator.

f) All personnel of the NPDC and NPF are hereby deemed retired from
service. Retirement and separation benefits shall be paid under
existing rules and regulations.

g) The Authority may on its discretion retain any personnel of NPDC and
NPF it deems necessary to carry out its purpose and function.

h) The ownership and title to the properties now actually occupied by the
NPF and NPDC are hereby transferred in fee simple to the Authority,
subject to the following conditions:

1) The titles to the land conveyed by this Act shall not be transferred
by the Authority to another person or entity without previous
authorization by the President of the Philippines.

2) The Authority is hereby authorized to mortgage any properties
referred to above for the purpose of carrying out its objectives and
purposcs only; and

3) In case the Authority is dissolved or ceases, for any reason, to
undertake its objectives, or ceases to need any of the lands for any
reason, said land shall ipso facto revert to the National Government
without compensation.

Sec. 33, Automatic Review. — Every five (5) years, after the effectivity of
this Act, an independent review panel composed of three (3) persons
appointed by the President shall review the performance of the Authority
and shall make recommendations, based on its findings to the President and
to both Houses of Congress.


Sec. 34. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees or issuances,
executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or
regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 35. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 36. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.