FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
Explanatory Note 
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 man- 
made 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. 
MAN 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
S.B.$80$ 
Introduced by Senator Villar 
AN ACT 
GREEN MODERNISATION PROGRAM 
PROVIDING FOR A TEN-YEAR LUNETA PARK 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress of the 
Philippines assembled: 
SECTION 1. The State honours two of the most relevant policies in the 
the peoples' right to health and the citizens' right to clean 
fundamental law, 
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 ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
For the purpose, this Act endeavours to rehabilitate and to revive by re-greening, 
modernising and promoting the total development of Luneta Park, making it achieve its 
status of a relevant citizen-friendly ecological, tourist and cultural site. 
SECTION 2. In order to ensure the proper implementation of this Act, a ten- 
year Luneta Park Green Modernisation Program is hereby created. A multi-agency 
organisation to be known as the Luneta Park Green Modernisation 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 representatives from the private sector with strong knowledge on urban planning, 
parks management, culturalheritage 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. 
SECTION 3. A comprehensive blueprint defining the rehabilitation, revival, re- 
greening, cultural rehabilitation, tourism management, ecological preservation and total 
develogment 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 
modernizatiodgreen program. 


SECTION 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. 
SECTION 5. 
Initially, the amount of one hundred million pesos (Php 
100,000,000.00) from the combined earnings of the Philippine 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 7. If any provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, the 
other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 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,