Providing For The Preservation Of The Walls Of Intramuros And The Restoration Of Its Original Moat And Esplanade

MALACAÑANG
M a n i l a

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1277

PROVIDING FOR THE PRESERVATION OF THE WALLS OF INTRAMUROS AND THE RESTORATION OF ITS ORIGINAL MOAT AND ESPLANADE

WHEREAS, the ancient Walls of Intramuros stand as a monument to the artistry, craftsmanship and industry of the Filipino artisans and laborers who were responsible for its buildings;

WHEREAS, these walls represent an integral part of our national history, and has been declared a national historical monument under Section 2 of the Republic Act No. 597; and

WHEREAS, the recapturing of the ambience of a past era within these walls presents a special tourist attraction;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree:

Section 1. The walls of Intramuros which are precious historical relics of the artistry, craftsmanship and industry of the Filipino craftsman and laborers should be restored, preserved and maintained in accordance with this Decree and the rules and regulations that may be promulgated...

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Preservation of the Walls of Intramuros and Restoration of its Original Moat and Esplanade

- Rationale:
• The Walls of Intramuros represent Filipino artistry, craftsmanship, and industry, and are an integral part of national history. (Preamble)
• Recapturing the ambience of a past era within the walls presents a special tourist attraction. (Preamble)

- Restoration and Preservation:
• The walls shall be restored, preserved, and maintained in accordance with the decree and its implementing rules and regulations. (Section 1)
• Parts with minor damage shall be maintained and cleaned as is. (Section 2)
• Parts almost totally destroyed shall not be reconstructed but left as is. (Section 2)
• Parts with partial destruction shall be restored. (Section 2)

- Moat and Esplanade:
• An access road of at least 6 meters from the inner face of the walls shall be provided. (Section 3)
• A clear space of 55 meters from the outer face of the walls, bastions, and ravelins shall be provided, being the site of the moat and esplanade to be restored. (Section 3)
• The road and space shall be open to the public and not obstructed or used for parking. (Section 4)

- Encroachments:
• Owners of encroaching buildings, structures, or constructions shall have 3 months from the decree's publication to clear the area. (Section 5)
• If not cleared, the Military Corps of Engineers shall demolish the structures, and the cost shall be charged to the owners. (Section 5)

- Penalties:
• Adding to, taking from, or defacing the walls without authority shall be fined not less than ₱100 and not more than ₱1,000 for the first offense. (Section 6)
• Subsequent offenses shall be fined not less than ₱1,500 and not more than ₱5,000, and/or imprisonment of not less than 1 month and not more than 6 months. (Section 6)

- Implementation:
• Funds shall be included in the National Historical Institute's appropriations, and disbursements shall follow auditing rules. (Section 7)
• The National Historical Institute shall exercise supervision and control, issue rules and regulations, and approve construction or remodeling in the areas. (Section 8)
• Inconsistent laws, orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly. (Section 9)
• The decree shall take effect 30 days after publication in the Official Gazette. (Section 10)