JULY 22, 2016

NR # 4269

Solon seeks creation of a National Capital Commission to study transfer

or retention of RP national capital and permanent seat of govt
A lawmaker is seeking the creation of a three-man National Capital Commission
that will study and recommend the transfer or non-transfer of the countrys national capital
and permanent seat of the government.
Rep. Gary Alejano (Party-list, Magdalo) said since 1976, the City of Manila has
been the national capital of the country and is also considered as the seat of the national
government of the country.
However, Alejano said many government agencies still sit outside Manila City.
Unfortunately, decades henceforth, population congestion along with the faulty drainage
system still make Manila City a place with only little space left for development, said
Alejano.
The former Marine officer said it is high time to review whether Manila City should
be retained as the capital and the seat of the countrys national government to better
administer government transactions and spur development in other areas of the country.
Hence, it is imperative for Congress to create a National Capital Commission that
will comprehensively study the potential of relocating and transferring of the national
capital and permanent seat of the national government from Manila City, said Alejano.
Alejano said capital relocation has been a notable act among countries to encourage
development in a seemingly underdeveloped region.
A premier example of this is Brasilia, which experienced rapid growth after its
establishment as Brazils capital according to him.
Brazils capital change from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1961 was considered
very successful, and many countries have been inspired by Brazils capital relocation
achievement, said Alejano.
In House Bill 110, Alejano sought the creation of a National Capital Commission to
be composed of three commissioners appointed by the President of the Republic.
It shall be the mandate of the Commission to study and recommend the transfer or
non-transfer of the national capital and permanent seat of the Philippine government.
The Commission shall organize its Secretariat that will provide administrative and
technical support for the agency. The Commission and its Secretariat shall hold office in

such venue as the agency may deem appropriate.

It shall be authorized to create technical committees and designate members thereof,
and may engage the assistance of experts and professional advisers subject to government
rules and regulations.
The Commission shall complete its work not later than two years from the date of
approval of the proposed Act. It shall submit to the President a report of the work it
undertook, together with its corresponding recommendations.
In case of a recommendation not to transfer the national capital and seat of
government of the Republic, the Commission shall then submit its recommendation on
how to improve the existing state of affairs in Manila City to promote more effective and
efficient government service and enable Manila City to meet the challenges of serving as
national capital and seat of government in the decades to come.
Upon completion of its work and the submission of its report not later than two
years from enactment of the law, the Commission shall cease to exist and the services of
the Commissioners and members of the Secretariat and Technical Committees shall
terminate.
Lastly, the Commission shall be funded with an initial allocation of P100 million
from the General Appropriations Act (GAA). (30) rbb