Freezing The Rates Of Rental, Above Three Hundred Pesos A Month, Of Residential And Commercial Buildings, Houses, Apartments And Dwelling Units In Metropolitan Manila At Current Levels

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1642

Freezing of Rental Rates in Metropolitan Manila
- The rates of rental for residential and commercial buildings, houses, apartments, and dwelling units in Metropolitan Manila, exceeding three hundred pesos (P300) a month, are frozen at current levels until further orders. (Section 1)
- This is in accordance with the constitutional mandate to promote social justice and regulate the acquisition, ownership, use, enjoyment, and disposition of private property. (Whereas clauses)
- It is an implementing measure to prevent the unreasonable rise in rentals and alleviate the plight of people without their own dwelling units or land. (Whereas clauses)

Penalties for Violation
- Any person violating the provisions of this Decree shall be punished by:
    - Imprisonment of not less than three (3) months nor more than two (2) years, and
    - A fine of not less than one thousand pesos (P1,000) nor more than two thousand pesos (P2,000). (Section 2)
- If the offender is a corporation or juridical entity, the President or General Manager shall suffer the penalty, without prejudice to the imposition of the fine on the corporation or entity. (Section 2)

Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- All laws, decrees, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 3)
- This Decree shall take effect immediately. (Section 4)