WHEREAS, the government is committed to the promotion and
development of tourism in the country, particularly in the City of
Manila which is the hub of commercial and cultural activities in the
Manila Metropolitan Area;
WHEREAS, certain portions of the districts of Ermita and
Malate known as the Tourist Belt are still classified as Class "A"
Residential Zones and Class "B" Residential Zones where hotels and other
business establishments such as curio stores, souvenir shops,
handicraft display centers and the like are not allowed under the
existing zoning plan in the City of Manila;
WHEREAS, the presence of such establishments in the area
would not only serve as an attraction for tourists but are dollar
earning enterprises as well, which tourist areas all over the world
cannot do without;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me under the Constitution
as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines and
pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081, dated September 21, 1972, and General
Order No. 1, dated September 22, 1972, as amended, do hereby order and
decree the classification as a Commercial Zone of that portion of the
Ermita-Malate area bounded by Teodoro M. Kalaw, Sr. Street in the north;
Taft Avenue in the east; Vito Cruz Street in the south and Roxas
Boulevard in the west: Provided, however, That no permit shall be
granted for the establishment of any new warehouse or open storage
depot, dump or yard, motor repair shop, gasoline service station,
light industry with any machinery or funeral establishment in these
areas: And provided, further, That for purposes of realty tax
assessment on properties situated therein, lands and buildings used
exclusively for residential purposes by the owners themselves shall
remain assessed as residential properties.
All laws, ordinances, orders, rules and regulations which are
inconsistent with this Decree are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.
This Decree shall take effect immediately.
Done in the City of Manila, this 28th day of June in the year of
Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.
(Sgd.)
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.)
ALEJANDRO MELCHOR
Executive Secretary