Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-second day of
July, two thousand and nineteen

House Bill No. 337

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JUAN FIDEL FELIPE F. NOGRALES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It has been almost forty years since the municipality of Montalban has
been renamed as the municipality of Rodriguez. Despite this, the place is still
commonly referred to as “Montalban.” Majority of the constituents of the
place proudly consider themselves as residents of Montalban. In fact, there
are a number of residents of the place who do not even recognize the official
name of “Rodriguez.” Commuters and drivers give directions and refer to
signs that read “Montalban,” since many do not recognize “Rodriguez” when
such name is used to refer to the place. It has even become standard
Practice in the area to mention “Montalban” when referring to “Rodriguez” as
a form of clarification.

Truly, the people have always identified themselves with the name
“Montalban.” Thus, not only is the use of “Montalban” practical, given its
widespread use and awareness, but more importantly, the use of
“Montalban” gives its people a sense of pride and connection with the rich
history of their land, their home, their people. The name “Montalban” has


embedded itself, over the course of a century, into the collective identity of
its people.

Meanwhile, imposing the name “Rodriguez” has created a disconnect
between the government and the people of Montalban. Even after almost
forty years, the people have not embraced “Rodriguez” and have expressed
their strong desire to revert to “Montalban.” This sentiment has always been
clear.

If only to give the people back their connection to their home, this bill
seeks to rename the municipality of “Rodriguez” to the municipality of
“Montalban.” For the reasons cited, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Hon. se oe NOGRALES

Representative, Second District of Rizal


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-second day of
July, two thousand and nineteen

House Bill No. 337

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JUAN FIDEL FELIPE F. NOGRALES

AN ACT RENAMING THE MUNICIPALITY OF RODRIGUEZ
TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF MONTALBAN

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

SECTION 1. Change of Name - The Municipality of Rodriguez is
hereby renamed the Municipality of Montalban.

SECTION 2. Conduct and Supervision of Plebiscite - The renaming of
Rodriguez as Montalban shall be subject to ratification by a majority of the


votes cast by the qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in the

present municipality of Rodriguez.

The Commission on Elections shall conduct and supervise the
plebiscite in compliance with Section 13(g) of Republic Act No. 7160, as
amended, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991."

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause - All other laws, decrees, executive
orders, and rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this Act are
hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the at least two (2) newspapers of general and local