EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2157
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INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
AN ACT
CREATING THE METROPOLITAN DAVAO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In accordance with Section 13, Articie X of the 1987 Constitution, "iocal 
government units may group themselves, consolidate or coordinate their efforts, 
services, and resources for purposes commonly beneficial to them In accordance with 
law."
The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, adopts the policy of 
"national dispersion through regional agglomeration" to strengthen and equip cities to 
expand their physical areas for planning and service areas for urban service delivery. 
The objectives of the PDP 2017-2022 include identifying strengths and functional roles 
of different areas within Metro Davao, with the main goal of complementing and 
aligning policies, programs and projects; Identifying solutions to shared challenges; 
and aiding national agencies, LGUs, and the private sector in planning and 
implementing development plans within Metro Davao and influence areas.
Considering the fast urbanization of the City of Davao, and the increasing 
population and the interdependence of the cities of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island 
Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), in Davao del Norte; the City of Digos in Davao del


Sur; and the City of Mati In Davao Oriental, and the spatial, functional, and economic 
Interdependence of these cities with the municipalities of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, 
Carmen In Davao del Norte, Maco In Davao de Oro, and Malita in Davao Occidental, 
there is a demand for an efficient system of urban infrastructure of urban facilities and 
services to cope with the demands of increasing residential, commercial. Industrial, 
and institutional activities.
This bill seeks to create the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority to 
centralize and oversee the development efforts and initiatives that deal with the 
challenges faced by the City of Davao and other neighboring LGUs.
It shall also adopt a national dispersion through regional agglomeration 
strategy to revitalize large cities and eventually stir them to expand their physical 
areas for planning as well as their service areas for urban service delivery.
Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LA RENCE "BONG”’ T. GO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. B. No. 2157
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*21 HRY-4 P 4 -03
Rucavfo s\'...
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO
AN ACT
CREATING THE METROPOLITAN DAVAO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCHONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Metropolitan Davao 
Development Authority Act".
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy* - It Is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to adopt a national dispersion through regional agglomeration strategy to revitalize 
large cities and eventually stir them to expand their physical areas for planning as well 
as their service areas for urban service delivery. Considering the rapid urbanization of 
Davao City and Increasing population of the cities of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island 
Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), In Davao del Norte; the City of Digos In Davao del 
Sur; and the City of Mat! in Davao Oriental, and the spatial, functional, and economic 
Interdependence of these cities with the municipalities of Sta. Cruz In Davao del Sur, 
Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco in Davao de Oro, and Malita In Davao Occidental, it 
is likewise hereby declared the policy of the State to consider these local government 
units (LGUs) as a special development and administrative region, to be known as 
Metropolitan Davao.


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SEC. 3. Creation of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority. -
There is hereby created a special body to be known as the Metropolitan Davao 
Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as "MDDA", which shall be organized 
within thirty (30) days after the approval of this Act, to coordinate and promote socio­
economic growth and sustainable development of Metropolitan Davao. The MDDA 
shall execute the powers and functions herein vested which shall, however, in no way 
diminish the autonomy of the LGUs of Metropolitan Davao concerning purely local 
matters, within the framework and subject to the mandate and limitations of the 
Constitution and the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known 
as the "Local Government Code of 1991."
SEC. 4. Jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Davao Development 
Authority. - FOr the purposes of this Act, the MDDA shall have jurisdiction over Davao 
City; the cities of Panabo, Tagum, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), in 
Davao del Norte; the City of Digos in Davao del Sur; the City of Mati in Davao Oriental; 
and the municipalities of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur, Carmen in Davao del Norte, Maco 
in Davao de Oro, and Malita in Davao Occidental, and such other cities and 
municipalities as shall be created in the future within these LGUs as provided by law.
SEC. 5. Scope of MDDA Services. - The services of the MDDA are delivered 
across boundaries to multiple and often interdependent political entities whose 
activities impact each other significantly, and entail huge expenditures such that it 
would not be viable for said services to be provided by the individual LGUs. These 
services shall include:
(a) Development planning, which includes preparing medium- and long-term 
development plans; developing, evaluating and packaging of projects; 
Investments programming; and coordinating and monitoring plans, program 
and project implementations;
(b) Transport management, which Includes formulating, coordinating, and 
monitoring policies, standards, programs, and projects to rationalize the 
existing transport operations, infrastructure requirements, arid promotion of 
safe and convenient movement of persons and goods; providing a mass


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transport system and instituting a system to regulate road users; administering 
and Implementing all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering 
services and traffic education programs, including instituting a single ticketing 
system;
(c) Solid waste disposal and management, which includes formulating and 
Implementing policies, standards, programs, and projects for proper and 
sanitary waste disposal. It shall likewise include establishing and operating a 
sanitary land fill and related facilities and Implementing other alternative 
programs intended to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste; Flood control and 
sewerage management, which include formulating and implementing policies, 
standards, programs, and projects for an integrated flood control, drainage, 
and sewerage system;
(d) Urban renewal, zoning, land use planning, and shelter services, which include 
formulating, adopting and implementing policies, standards, rules, and 
regulations, programs, and projects to rationalize and optimize urban land use 
and provide direction to urban, growth and expansion, rehabilitating and 
developing slums and blighted areas, developing shelter and housing facilities, 
and providing necessary social services thereof;
(e) Health and sanitation, urban protection, and pollution control, which include 
formulating and implementing policies, rules and regulations, standards, 
programs, and projects for promoting and safeguarding health and sanitation 
to enhance ecological balance and prevent, control, and abate environmental 
pollution; and
(0 Public safety, which includes formulating and implementing programs, policies 
and procedure to achieve public safety, especially preparedness for preventive 
or rescue operations during times of calamity and disaster such as 
conflagration, earthquakes, flood, and coordinating and mobilizing resources 
and implementing contingency plans for rehabilitation and relief operations in 
coordination with national agencies concerned.
SEC. 6. Functions of the Metropolitan Davao Development Authority.
■ The MDDA shall exercise the following functions:


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(a) Formulate plans aligned to the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) and 
Philippines Development Plan 2017-2022;
(b) Set policies concerning traffic, waste management, and public safety and 
security for Metropolitan Davao and coordinate, regulate, and enforce the 
implementation of these programs and projects with concerned national 
government agencies and LGUs;
(c) Prepare and Implement or manage metropolitan-wide programs and projects 
for the delivery of specific services under Its jurisdiction, subject to the approval 
to the Metropolitan Davao Development Council;
(d) Review and recommend to the Metropolitan Davao Development Council 
policies regarding development permits for residential, commercial, or Industrial 
purposes and other major land development that have metropolitan-wide 
Impact on transportation and traffic, proposed to be implemented by or In the 
LGUs within Metropolitan Davao;
(e) Monitor the Implementation of metropolitan-wide programs and projects and 
Identify Implementation Issues and appropriate solutions to address them;
(0 Install and administer a single ticketing system, fix, impose, and collect fines 
and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether 
moving or non-moving In nature, and confiscate and suspend or revoke driver's 
licenses In the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations;
(g) Prescribe and collect services and regulatory fees, and Impose and collect fines 
and penalties; and
(h) Perform other functions, subject to approval by the Metropolitan Davao 
Development Council.
SEC. 7. Metropolitan Davao Development Council. - The governing board 
and policy making body of the MDDA shall be the Metropolitan Davao Development 
Council, herein referred to as the Council, which shall be composed of the Chairperson 
of the Regional Development Council, Region XI; the governors of the provinces of 
Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental; 
the city mayors of Davao, Matl,Tagum, DIgos, IGACoS, and Panabo; and the municipal 
mayors of Carmen, Sta Cruz, Maco, and Malita, who shall all serve In an ex officio


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capacity. The Chairperson of the Councii shaii be eiected from among its members to 
serve for a term of three (3) years.
The heads of the foiiowing Davao regional offices of national government 
agencies shall attend all meetings of the Council as non-voting members: National 
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA); Department of Human Settlements and 
Urban Development (DHSUD); Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health (DOH); Department of 
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Energy (DoE), 
Department of Tourism (DoT)/ Department of Transportation (DoTr); Land 
Transaction Office (LTO)# and Philippine National Police (PNP).
The Chairperson and members of the Council, except ex officio members, are 
entitled to allowance and per diems In accordance with existing policies, rules, and 
regulations on the matter.
SEC. 8. Functions of the Metropolitan Davao Development Council. -
The Council, as the policy-making body of the MDDA, shall exercise the following 
functions:
(a) Approve plans, programs, and projects, and Issue rules and regulations deemed 
necessary by the MDDA to carry out the purposes of this Act;
(b) Subject to pertinent laws, policies, rules and regulations, increase the rate of 
allowances and per diems of the members of the Council to be effective during 
the term of the succeeding Council; fix the compensation of the officers and 
personnel of the MDDA In accordance with the Salary Standardization Law; and 
approve the annual budget of the MDDA for submission to the Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM);
(c) Recommend Investment programming for its plans and programs, as well as 
supervise the Implementation of plans and programs which Includes the 
formulation and coordination of Its related activities;


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(d) Promulgate rules and regulations and set policies and standards for application 
governing the delivery of basic services, prescribe and collect service and 
regulatory fees, and Impose and collect fines and penalties;
(e) Endorse the annual as well as the supplemental budgets of the MDDA; and 
(0 Perform such other acts and assume such other functions as may be necessary
to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 9. Effectivity of Ordinances and Resolutions. -
(a) An ordinance or resolution passed by the Council, in the exercise of Its rule- 
making power as provided In Section 8 hereof, shall be posted In a bulletin 
board at the entrance of the MDDA building and in at least two (2) other 
conspicuous places In the office of the MDDA within ten (10) days from its 
approval and shall take effect fifteen (15) after such posting.
(b) Ordinances with penal sanctions shall be published in a newspaper of general 
circulation within Metropolitan Davao and shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
thereafter.
SEC. 10. Functions of the Chairperson of the Councii. - The Chairperson 
of the Council, herein referred to as the Chairperson, shall exercise the following 
functions:
(a) Appoint, subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations, all subordinate 
officers and employees, who shall enjoy security of tenure and may be removed 
only for cause In accordance with law. The Chairperson Is authorized to engage 
the services of expert or consultants either on full time or part-time basis, as 
may be required in the performance of the Chairperson's functions and duties;
(b) Execute the policies and measures approved by the Council and be responsible 
for the efficient and effective day-to-day management of the operations of the 
MDDA;
(c) Prepare the annual budget for the operations of the MDDA for the submission 
to the Council;


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(d) Submit for consideration of the Councii such other dudes and measures as the 
chairperson may deem necessary to carry out the purposes and provisions of 
this Act;
(e) Subject to the guideiines and poiicies set by the Councii, prepare the staffing 
pattern and fix the number of subordinate officiais and empioyees of the MDDA 
in accordance with Civil Service laws, rules and regulations, and evaluation and 
approval of the DBM and exercise the power to discipline subordinate officials 
and employees under the provisions of law;
(f) Prepare an annual report on the accomplishment of the MDDA at the close of 
each calendar year for submission to the Council and to the President of the 
Philippines; and
(g) Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President of the 
Philippines or by the Council.
The Chairperson, as head of the implementing arm of the MDDA, shall be 
assisted by a General Manager, an Assistant General Manager for Rnance and 
Administration, an Assistant General Manager for Planning, and an Assistant General 
Manager for Operations, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines upon the recommendation of majority of the Council, subject to civil service 
laws, rules and regulation. These officials shall enjoy security of tenure and may be 
removed only for cause in accordance with law.
The Assistant General Manager for Planning must have at least five (5) years n 
extensive experience in development and planning or must hold a Master's degree In 
urban planning or similar disciplines.
SEC. 11. Functions of the General Manager. - The General Manager shall 
exercise the following functions:
(a) Assist the Chairperson in the administration of the MDDA and supervision of 
subordinate personnel;
(b) Assist the Chairperson In the supervision of the operation of the various Is 
center and units of MDDA;


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(c) Assist the Chairperson in the review of pians and program for the MDDA and 
for the cities and municipaiities in the preparation of the annual report of 
activities and accomplishments of the MDDA; and
(d) Perform such other duties and functions as may be lawfully delegated or 
assigned by the Chairperson from time to time.
SEC. 12. Institution Linkages of the MDDA. - The MDDA shall, in carrying 
out its functions, consult, coordinate and work closely with the LGUs, the Regional 
Development Council of Region XI, and other national government agencies, people's 
organizations, non-government organizations, and the private sector operating in 
Metropolitan Davao. The MDDA shall adopt a master plan that shall serve as the 
framework for the local development plans of the component LGUs and aligned with 
the Davao Regional Development Plan (DRDP).
The MDDA shall submit the Council's approved development plans and 
Investment programs to the Regional Development Council Region XI for Integration 
into the plans, programs, and projects that shall be undertaken by the LGUs, 
concerned national government agencies, people's organizations, non-government 
organizations, private sector, and the MDDA itself where appropriate. For this purpose, 
the MDDA may enter into contracts or memoranda of agreement with these bodies 
for the delivery of the required services within Metropolitan Davao.
The MDDA shall. In coordination with the NEDA and the Department of Rnance 
(DoF), interface with foreign assistance agencies for the purpose of obtaining 
financing support, grants and donations in support of its programs and projects.
SEC. 13. Sources of Funds and Operating Budget of MDDA. - The
amount necessary for the operations of the MDDA shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
The operations of the MDDA shall likewise be supported through financial 
contributions and technical assistance from member LGUs, national government
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agencies and government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and the private 
sector, and other local and International organizations in the form of grants, donations, 
contributions, payments, penalties, fees and charges.
In case of grants. In cash or In kind, from foreign governments or their agencies 
and Instrumentalities, or multilateral institutions or organizations, acceptance thereof 
shall be subject to prior clearance and approval of the Council and the President of 
the Philippines or the authorized representative, based on the recommendation of the 
Secretary of Finance. In case of donations. In cash or In kind, from foreign 
governments, acceptance thereof shall require prior clearance and approval by the 
Council and the President of the Philippines, or the authorized representative based 
on the recommendation of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
The MDDA is likewise empowered to levy fines, and Impose fees and charges 
for various services rendered. The Council shall undertake continuing negotiations 
among the member LGUs and GOCCs to commit annual financial contributions for the 
operations of the MDDA.
SEC. 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days 
from the approval of this Act, the Council shall promulgate the necessary rules and 
regulations for the Implementation of this Act.
SEC. 15. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act Is held 
unconstitutional or Invalid, the other parts or provisions not affected shall remain In 
full force and effect.
SEC. 16. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, parts or provisions thereof that are contrary to or Inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 17. Effectivlty. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its 
publication In the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation.


Approved,
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