Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

5952

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

One of the operative principles on the autonomy of local
government units is for them to share with the national government the
responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance
within their territorial jurisdiction.

The historic identity and value of parks of national significance and
historic landmarks, such as, but not limited to, the Luneta National Park
and Intramuros in the City of Manila, and Quezon Memorial National
Park in Quezon City, should not be forgotten. On the contrary, these
national heritage should be properly maintained, preserved and protected
at all cost. Protecting, preserving and maintaining these parks of national
significance and historic landmarks, including their cleanliness and peace
and order therein, to ensure the full enjoyment thereof, is of utmost
importance. In fact, even the Lord recognized and made clear the value
and importance of ancient landmarks (Deu. 19:14; Prov. 22:28).

It is the humble view of the sponsor of this Bill that the
administration, management and control of these parks and historic
landmarks should be transferred to the local government units where they
are located in order to give them the actual, direct and immediate
responsibility of protecting, preserving and maintaining them. With a
feeling of responsibility accountability and identity, the maintenance,
preservation, proper use, cleanliness and enjoyment of these parks and
historic landmarks would be better ensured.


The passage of this Bill is, therefore, earnestly requested.

BIENVENIDO WABANTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon city

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS,
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5852

Introduced by: Congressman BIENVENIDO M. ABANTE, JR.

AN ACT

TRANSFERRING AND TURNING OVER TO LOCAL
GOVERNMENT UNITS THE ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT
AND CONTROL OF PARKS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE AND
HISTORIC LANDMARKS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in session assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - To protect our national
heritage, it is hereby declared the Policy of the State to give full meaning
to the autonomy of local government units even on the matter of the
administration, management and control of parks of national significance
and historic landmarks, and to secure for the Filipino people of present
and future generations the perpetual existence and use of such areas. The
State recognizes that local government units are in a better position to
protect, manage, maintain and preserve such areas within their respective
territorial jurisdiction.

SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. — Parks as used in this Act shall refer
to parks of national significance characterized by the harmonious
interaction of man and providing opportunities for public enjoyment

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through the recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and
economic activity of these areas, such as, but not limited to, the Luneta
National Park in the City of Manila and the Quezon National Memorial
Park and Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City.

Historic landmarks as used in this Act shall refer to areas, places
or structures of historic importance and significance to the life of the
Country and its people, such us, but not limited to, Intramuros in the City
of Manila.

SEC. 3. Administration, Management and Control. The
administration, management and control of all parks and historic
landmarks as defined in this Act that are components of the National
Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) and under the jurisdiction of
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under R.A. 7856,
otherwise known as "National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of
1992” and R.A. No. 11038, otherwise known as the “Expanded National
Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018", are hereby transferred
and turned over to the local government units where such parks and
historic landmarks are situated.

SEC. 4. Transfer of Jurisdiction and Documents. The local
government unit concerned shall coordinate with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources and the Protected Area Management
Board for the smooth transfer of the administration, management and
control of such parks and historic landmarks, including the transfer of
records, documents and other papers pertinent thereto, which transfer
shall be effected within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 5. Promulgation of Rules and Regulations. The local
government unit concerned shall promulgate such ordinances, rules and
regulations not contrary to law, public policy, morals and good customs
for the protection and preservation of such parks and historic landmarks,
and to ensure the proper, clean, and peaceful use and full enjoyment
thereof.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any part or section of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, such declaration shall not affect the other parts
or sections of this Act.


SEC. 7 Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with any provisions of
this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)

days after its complete publication in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,