FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
s.B.2456 
Introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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Luneta Park, with all of its 53 hectares, is a symbol not just of Manila but of the 
country's heritage. It is a living insignia of our people. 
Luneta Park is home to the Rizal Monument, which more than a mausoleum of 
our national hero, Jose Rizal, is known as the "kilometer zero" - a point of origin from 
which all distances in the Philippines are measured. Aside from the splendidly bronze 
and granite-sculpted statue of Rizal made by world renowned Richard Kissling, Luneta 
Park boasts of an Orchidaerium, the Japanese Park, the public hall featuring the 
Concerts at the Park, Planetarium and a replica of Philippine archipelago in the middle 
of a manmade lake. The scenic Manila Bay and the architectural greatness of the 
Department of Tourism, the old Department of Finance, the Manila Hotel and National 
Museum complements the once captivating historical vista of the famous landmark. 
But Luneta Park has deteriorated. It is no longer the garden of greens and trees 
as envisioned. It no longer affords the respite needed by citizens. In recent years, there 
are reports that it has become as the free refuge for vagrants, a haven for cheap flesh 
trade. 
Luneta must be revived again as a modern green park with lush and healthy 
environment. It is the objective of this bill to bring back the glory of Luneta Park. It is the 
aim of this legislation to rehabilitate and bring it back to its former grandeur, making 
Luneta Park comparable to Central Park in New York, Hyde Park in London or Jardin de 
Tuileries in Paris, 
The Filipinos must claim it back. Luneta must be saved. 
Early recognition of this legislation is earnestly sought. 
MANNY Vi LLAR 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
s.B.2456 
..... ' 
Introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
AN ACT 
GREEN MODERNIZATION PROGRAM 
PROVIDING FOR A TEN-YEAR LUNETA PARK 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The State honors two of the most relevant policies in the 
fundamental law, the peoples: right to health and the citizens' right to clean 
environment. 
The State declares that it shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
The State declares likewise that it shall protect and advance the right of the 
people to a balanced and healthful ~cology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of 
nature. 
For the purpose, this Act endeavors to rehabilitate and to revive by re-greening, 
modernizing and promoting the total development of Luneta Park, making it achieve its 
status of a relevant citizen-friendly ecological, tourist and cultural site. 
SEC. 2. In order to ensure the proper implementation of this Act, a ten-year 
Luneta Park Green Modernization Program is hereby created. A multi-agency 
organization to be known as the Luneta Park Green Modernization Council is hereby 
formed and shall be composed of the respective chairs or duly appointed 
representatives of the National Park Development Committee, National Historical 
Institute, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health and 
the City of Manila and four (4) representatives from the private sector with strong 
knowledge on urban planning, parks management, cultural/heritage preservation and 
tourism. 
An Executive Director shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines who 
shall have the direct operation and management of a lean Secretariat. 
SEC. 3. A comprehensive blueprint defining the rehabilitation, revival, re-
greening, cultural rehabilitation, tourism management, ecological preservation and total 
development of the Luneta Park shall be adopted within six (6) months after the 
adoption of this Act. 
Consultations and coordination with various stakeholders shall be effected. 
The Council shall adopt a policy of full transparency in implementing the 
modernization/green program. 


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SEC. 4. The Council shall submit an initial report with a comprehensive 
development blueprint within one hundred eighty days after the approval of this Act and 
every two (2) years thereafter detailing the evaluation of progress, individual projects 
and other concerns for evaluation and consideration. 
SEC. 5. Initially, the amount of One Hundred Million Pesos (Php 100,000,000.00) 
from the combined earnings of the Rhilippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and 
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is appropriated. 
Thereafter, the amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be 
included in the General Appropriations Act of the subsequent years. 
SEC. 6. Any law, decree, issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, rule and 
regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, 
modified or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 7. If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the other 
provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication 
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever 
comes earlier. 
Approved, 
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