SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
6-55 
S.No. __ 
.. 
'13 
''', 
;,'f , 
Introduced by Sen. Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
.i~b 
t~{fI;t llf Hle ~n:",brru ,. 
JUl -8 P5 :21 
The relocation of a nation's capital and government center is a monumental task. National capitals occupy 
a commanding position in the stature and development of nations. They are the visible symbols of 
national pride and a defining vehicle for national progress. A well-planrted capital and government center 
is one which combines functionality and aesthetics. It promotes a more efficient government operation, 
encourages economic buoyancy in a seemingly underdeveloped region, and stands as a testament to the 
unique heritage of a nation. 
The city of Canberra has been an example used by many emerging nations in the post- World War II 
period. The Australian Capital Territory was declared on 1 January 1911 and an international competition 
was held to design the new capital city of Australia.' Another premier example of capital relocation is 
Brasilia which experienced rapid growth after its establishment as Brazil's capital in 1961. The newer 
national capitals, on the other hand, are coming to be examples in urban development - vehicles for 
experiment from which other municipalities in each nation can learn.' 
Since 1976, the city of Manila and the National Capital Region have been the seat of national 
government. Unfortunately, decades henceforth, lack of urban planning as manifested by antiquated 
drainage system, degraded air quality, faulty traffic management, and proliferation of illegal settlers make 
Metro Manila a place with only little space for development. According to the National Economic 
Development IAuthority, the country, particularly Metro Manila, is losing Php2.4 billion per day in 
potential income as a result of traffic congestiorrproblems alone, leading to lost productivity. Lamentably, 
Metro Manilal is a capital which could hardly stand proud in the ranks of national capitals throughout the 
world. 
It is therefore imperative for Congress to create a National Capital Commission to comprehensively study 
the potential of relocating and transferring of the national capital and permanent seat of the national 
government of the country from the City of Manila and the National Capital Region (NCR). 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this Act is earnestly sought. 
1 Canberra 
w Australia's capital city. Information retrieved from http;//anstraliagpyau/ahout.australia/allstralian-stOly:!canberra. 
austraUas-capitpl.dty on 7/6/2013. 
2 Ibid. 
1 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
"13 
JUL -8 P 5 :21 
J 
CONSTITI1TING 
RELOCATION 
SENATE 
REf' 
S.No. 
655 
Introduced by Sen. Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
A 
NATIONAL 
AN ACT 
CAPITAL 
COMMISSION 
FOR 
CAPITAL 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Organization.- The National Capital Commission, hereinafter referred to 
2 
as the "Commission" is hereby constituted in order to study possibility and feasibility of capital 
3 
relocation and transfer of the permanent seat of the govermnent of the Philippines. 
4 
5 
SEC. 2. Composition.- The Commission shall be composed of three (3) Commissioners 
6 
appointed by the President of the Republic. 
7 
8 
SEC. 3. Mandate. It shall be the mandate of the Commission to study and recommend 
9 
thenceforth the transfer or non-transfer of the capital and permanent seat of the govermnent of 
10 
the Philippines. 
11 
12 
SEC. 4. Secretariat and Technical Committee.- The Commission shall organize its 
13 
Secretariat which shall provide administrative and technical support to the Commission. The 
14 
Commission and its Secretariat shall hold office in such venue as the Commission may deem 
15 
appropriate. 
1 


1 
The Commission is hereby authorized to create technical committees and designate 
2 
members thereof, and may engage the assistance of experts and professional advisors, subject to 
3 
govermnent rules lII!d regulations. 
4 
5 
SEC. 5, Term ofOffice.- The Commission shall complete its work not later than two (2) 
6 
years from the date of approval of this Act, and shall submit to the President of the Philippines a 
7 
report of the work undertaken by it together with its corresponding recommendations. 
8 
9 
In case of a recommendation not to transfer the capital and seat of govermnent of the 
10 
Republic, the Commissison shall also submit its recormnendations on how to improve the 
11 
existing state of affairs in the City of Manila and the National Capital Region (NCR), with the 
12 
end in view of promoting more effective and efficient govermnent service and enable the City of 
13 
Manila and the NCR to meet the challenge of serving as national capital and seat of govermnent 
14 
in the decades to come. 
15 
16 
SEC. 6. Termination. - Upon completion of its work and the submission of its report not 
17 
later than two (2) years from the date of the approval of this Act, the Commission shall cease to 
18 
exist and the services of the Commissioners and members of the Secretariat and Technical 
19 
Committee shall tenninate. 
I 
20 
21 
SEC. 7. Appropriation.- The Commission shall be funded with an initial allocation of 
22 
One Hundred Million Pesos (PIOO,OOO,OOO.OO) from the General Appropriations Act. 
23 
24 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. All previous issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this 
25 
order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
26 
27 
SEC. 9. Effectivity. This order shall take effect upon its publication in the Official 
28 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
2