PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No.

1616
As amended by Presidential Decree No. 1748, dated December 10, 1980

CREATING THE
INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION
FOR PURPOSES OF RESTORING AND ADMINISTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF
INTRAMUROS

Whereas, major cultural landmarks should be preserved, developed and administered for the perpetuation of
Filipino heritage and the enhancement of our national identity;

Whereas, for four hundred years Intramuros has been a priceless heritage of the past for the City of Manila and a
major historical landmark of the Philippines;

Whereas, to preserve and enhance the historical value of Intramuros, the national historical consciousness
program demands its restoration, development and maintenance, and for this purpose it is imperative that a
special organization be created, charged with such a vital role and responsibility;

Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the
Constitution, do hereby decree:

SECTION 1
CREATION OF THE INTRAMUROS ADMINISTRATION

There is hereby created an agency to be known as the Intramuros Administration, under the direct control and
supervision of the Ministry of Human Settlements. The Administration shall be responsible for the orderly
restoration and development of Intramuros as a monument to the Hispanic period of Philippine history. As such, it
shall ensure that the general appearance of Intramuros shall conform to Philippine-Spanish architecture of the
sixteenth to the nineteenth century.

SECTION 2
ORGANIZATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION

The Administration shall be directed by a Board of Administrators, consisting of the Minister of Human
Settlements, as Chairman, and as Members, the Mayor of the City of Manila, the Executive Director of the National
Historical Institute, the Administrator, and such persons as the President may designate. Its Executive Officer shall
be an Administrator, who shall have the same qualifications, privileges and rank of a Deputy Minister. The
Administration shall be organized and staffed in accordance with applicable budget and compensation laws:
Provided, That is shall be authorized to engage the services of architectural, historical, tourism and other
consultants necessary for its work: Provided, Further, That the President may designate heads of ministries of the
national Government to serve on the Board in an ex-officio capacity. Provided, Finally, That the members of the
Board shall receive per diems for each board meeting actually attended by them, at rates and subject to such
maximum monthly amount as may be approved under P.D. 985.

The Board of Administrators shall be responsible for the policies and activities of the Administration. The
Administrator shall report to the Board and shall be delegated such authority as the Board may decide.

There shall be an Architectural Committee and such other committees as may be created by the Board of
Administrators, to advise the Administration of the architectural or other policy.

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 1
 SECTION 3
FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

The Administration shall have the following functions and powers:

a. Formulate, coordinate and/or execute policies on the implementation of all the programs, projects and
activities of the Government affecting or relating to Intramuros;

b. Enter into contracts with any private person or entity or any Government agency, either domestic or
foreign, whenever necessary for the effective discharge of its functions and responsibilities under such
terms and conditions as it may deem proper and reasonable;

c. Acquire through sale, expropriation or other means, and hold real and personal property as it deems
necessary or convenient in the successful prosecution of its work, and lease, mortgage, sell, alienate or
otherwise dispose of such personal and real property;

d. Receive, take and hold by bequest, device, donation, gift, purchase or lease, from foreign and domestic
sources, either absolutely or in trust for any of its purpose, any asset, grant or property, real or personal,
subject to such limitations as are provided in existing laws and regulations; to convey such assets, grant or
property; invest and re-invest the same and deal with and expand its assets and income in such manner as
will best promote its objectives;

e. Initiate, plan, undertake and supervise the restoration, upkeep and maintenance of the Intramuros Walls,
including the ravelins, moat, Sunken Garden and public places or areas, plazas, streets and other
Government-owned or managed properties situated within Intramuros.

f. Prepare, adopt, revise and enforce such rules and regulations, implementing guidelines and standards as
are necessary for the effective regulations of the land use and development activities in Intramuros of both
the Government and private entities and for the implementation of the Intramuros Plan, including but not
limited to development rules and regulations pertaining to the following:

1. Land-use allocation, use of buildings, their height, dimensions, architectural style and designs and
other specifications of the building construction to be undertaken therein;
2. Traffic management, street usage and other related matters;
3. Size and character of display signs, advertising, billboards, and other external signs and
advertisements in buildings, in open spaces, lots or roads;
4. Supervision and control of all activities involving archaeological diggings, excavations and exploration
within Intramuros, including the use, disposition, registration and maintenance of archaeological
findings and discoveries;

g. Expropriate properties within Intramuros;

h. Sponsor, conduct or otherwise assist and support festivals and cultural activities in Intramuros, and
charge and collect admission fees to the restored Gates and other attractions operated by the
Administration;

i. Give grants, contributions and donations for the restoration, repair or maintenance of historic structures
in Intramuros, including San Agustin Church, and of structures outside of Intramuros which are of similar
nature and character as those which existed in Intramuros, for the conduct of historical, architectural,
archaeological and other research, and for other purposes in furtherance of its objectives;

j. Prescribe and collect reasonable amounts to be charged as filing fees, inspection fees, permit fees, and
other administrative or service fees necessary for the effective enforcement of its laws and regulatory
measures, to be used and disbursed by it in the manner determined by it to promote its objectives;

k. Exercise all powers necessary or incidental to the attainment of the objectives of this Decree. (As
amended by Sec.1, P.D. 1748.)

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 2
 SECTION 4
TRANSFER OF ADMINISTRATION AND PROPERTIES

The ownership of the properties of national Government agencies located within Intramuros shall, upon agreement
with the agencies concerned, be transferred to the Administration. The properties of Government corporations, on
the other hand, shall, subject to mutually acceptable terms and conditions, be sold to the Administration. In the
case of Government financial institutions, sale to the Administration of their properties shall also include acquired
assets located within Intramuros.

The administration of Fort Santiago, the Sunken Garden, the Municipal Golf Links, including concessions, within the
Sunken Garden and elsewhere on public land and other public properties in Intramuros, are hereby transferred to
the Administration, without prejudice to the operation of the Municipal Golf Links by the City of Manila or other
organization as may be approved.

All proposed transactions affecting private properties within Intramuros shall be registered with the
Administration. The Administration shall, in the case of sale, have the right of first refusal. (As amended by Sec. 2,
P.D. 1748)

SECTION 5
OPERATION OF FACILITIES

The Administration may operate museums, art galleries, theaters, and other cultural/educational facilities that are
incidental and suitable to the attainment of its objectives: Provided, That the Administration may operate such
facilities, either directly or through existing institutions such as the National Museum, the Cultural Center of the
Philippines, the National Library and other agencies of the Government.

SECTION 6
COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

The Administration may directly, or in association with public or private enterprises, construct, lease, sell and
otherwise operate shopping and commercial facilities in Intramuros. It may likewise operate guided tours and offer
related tourism services.

SECTION 7
LOCATIONAL CLEARANCE, CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER PERMITS

All locational clearances and construction permits for the development of lands, introduction of improvements,
and the use, change of use, construction, repair, alterations or reconstruction of buildings within Intramuros and
other forms of permits such as for excavations or archaeological diggings shall be issued by the Administration on
the basis of the approved Intramuros Development Plan, its architectural development standards and other
implementing rules and regulations. The Administration may seek the assistance of Manila and Metro Manila
offices insofar as the minimum standards of safety of buildings, electrical, plumbing and drainage requirements are
concerned.

No structure, including stone walls, fences, light or other fixtures, steps and paving shall be erected, altered,
restored, moved or demolished within Intramuros without the Administration’s Certificate of Appropriateness as to
external architectural features and its congruity with the historic district, including style, general design and
arrangement, types of windows, doors, light and other fixtures and signs, material and location of advertisements
and bill posters.

The provisions of P.D.1096, otherwise known as the National Building Code, and other related laws which are not
inconsistent with this Decree and the rules and regulations promulgated by the Administration shall have a

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 3
suppletory effect to this law and to the development-control regulations promulgated by the Administration.
(Added by Sec. 3, P.D. 1748).

SECTION 8
BUILDING MODIFICATIONS

The Administration shall, after a transitory period fixed by it and approved by the President (Prime Minister),
require in its rules and regulations the owners of existing buildings and structures within Intramuros to modify their
architectural structure and design in order to conform to the design and architectural standards adopted by the
Administration: Provided, That subject to the availability of funds, the Administration may utilize its funds to
undertake the modification of existing buildings, whether publicly or privately owned, with or without the
requirement of reimbursement by the owner, depending on mutually acceptable terms and conditions so as to
modify their external appearance to comply with approved structure and designs; and Provided, Further, That no
changes in the façade or external appearance of any existing buildings and structure in Intramuros, including ruins,
shall be made without the approval of the Administration.

Owners, lessees or other persons with any interest in the property who voluntarily undertake at their own expense
the modification of buildings and structures in Intramuros so conform to the architectural design standards of the
Administration shall qualify to apply for the incentives, financial assistance and grants to be provided for in a
program of incentives of the Administration. (As amended by Sec. 4, P.D. 1748).

SECTION 9
MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND OTHER UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The budgetary allocations for the maintenance of national and local roads and the provision and maintenance of
other public utilities and services such as water and electricity within Intramuros shall be released to the
Administration which shall undertake such services directly or by arrangement with the appropriate Ministry, the
City of Manila, or with private parties capable of undertaking the work, subject to applicable Government rules and
regulations. (As amended by Sec. 5, P.D. 1748).

SECTION 10
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

The Administration shall control the nature, volume and schedule of traffic, parking and the access of private and
public vehicles into Intramuros. For this purpose, the Administration shall prepare the appropriate traffic plan and
the implementing rules and regulations thereto. Furthermore, review and approval of public transportation routes
going through Intramuros shall be subject to the concurrence of the Administration. (As amended by Sec. 6, P.D.
1748).

SECTION 11
CONSTRUCTION WORK

Construction and other civil works may be undertaken directly by the Administration or with the assistance of the
Ministry of Public Works, Transportation and Communications, the City of Manila, or by private contractors, subject
to applicable Government rules and regulations.

SECTION 12
REAL-PROPERTY TAX DISCOUNT

The Administration, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, may extend discounts on real-property
assessments situated within Intramuros so as to encourage the private sector to engage in the construction of duly
approved facilities: Provided, That such incentives shall apply only to new construction and to improvements of

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 4
existing buildings that conform to the Administration’s architectural specifications.

SECTION 13
INVESTMENT INCENTIVES

The Administration, in consultation with the Minister of Industry or the Minister of Tourism as the case may be,
and subject to the approval of the President (Prime Minister), may extend investment incentives and other forms
of incentives for industries and enterprises established in Intramuros in accordance with the Intramuros
Development Plan: Provided, That the industries to be allowed to operate in Intramuros shall be limited to those
that are consistent and compatible with the historical character of Intramuros and shall furthermore not be the
source of air, noise, water or other types of pollution. (As amended by Sec. 7, P.D.).

SECTION 14
APPROPRIATIONS

The appropriations pertaining to Intramuros which are in the budget of the National Historical Institute and the
National Parks Development Committee are hereby transferred to the Administration. The Minister of Human
Settlements may fund additional operating and capital expenditures out of the appropriations provided for the
Ministry of Human Settlements in Batas Pambansa Blg. 1.

SECTION 15
REVOLVING FUND

The Administration is authorized to establish a Revolving Fund into which shall accrue revenues from operating and
commercial transactions undertaken by the Administration. Such revenues shall be automatically appropriated to
cover expenses incurred in such commercial operations, subject to pertinent budget, compensation, accounting,
and audit laws and regulations.

SECTION 16
DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN LOANS

The Administration is authorized to borrow funds from domestic or foreign sources, subject to applicable laws and
regulations and the approval of the Minister of Finance.

SECTION 17
GRANTS, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS

a. The Administration is authorized to accept and receive grants, contributions and donations from
domestic and foreign sources, Government or private. These may be obligated and disbursed or used in
such manner as the Administration may, in the exercise of disbursed or used in such manner as the
Administration may, in the exercise of sound discretion, deem best to promote and accelerate the
restoration program or enhance the maintenance of historical structures and facilities in Intramuros, or
contribute to their development and preservation, or otherwise attain the objectives of the Administration.

b. All grants and donations to the Administration shall be exempt from donors and all other taxes that are
or may be imposed by the Government in case of donations and shall be fully deductible for income-tax
purposes. All monetary contributions and the equivalent monetary value of works of art, antiques,
manuscripts, books or other articles of cultural, historical or scientific significance donated to the
Administration shall be tax-exempt and deductible from the taxable income of the donor.

c. Donations mortis causa of art objects, antiques, treasures and relics, historical houses or parts thereof or
similar properties made to the Administration shall be excluded in the determination of the net estate of

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 5
 the donor. Furthermore, the full value of the donation shall be credited for purposes of paying estate taxes
due from the estate of the decedent. Provided that the value of donation shall be subject to the joint
approval of the Administration and the Bureau of Internal Revenue. (As amended by Sec. 8, P.D. 1748).

SECTION 18
EMINENT DOMAIN

The Administration shall be exempt from the payment of documentary stamp tax, registration fee and other taxes,
dues and fees incidental to the issuance of title to it of property acquired by it through sale or expropriation.
Should expropriation proceedings be resorted to, the Administration shall likewise be exempt from all court fees.
Said expropriation proceedings may be maintained by and in the name of the Administration and it may proceed in
the manner provided by law. (Added by Sec. 9 P.D. 1748).

SECTION 19
EFFECTIVITY OF DECISIONS OF THE ADMINISTRATION

Any decision, order or ruling by the Administration in any application, complaint or issue filed or brought before it
shall become final and executory after the lapse of fifteen (15) days from its receipt by the affected party. It is
appealable only to the President of the Philippines, whose decision shall be final. (Added by Sec. 9 P.D. 1748)

SECTION 20
RULE MAKING FUNCTIONS

The Administration shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this Decree and
to enforce the policies, orders and resolutions of the Administration. These rules and regulations shall be signed
and promulgated by the Board and shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its promulgation once in at least two
newspapers of general circulation. (Added by Sec. 9, P.D. 1748).

SECTION 21
VISITORIAL POWERS

The Administration, through its authorized officer or representative, shall have the power to conduct an ocular
inspection of any ongoing construction or existing building or structure to determine whether the development or
activity conforms to the use, standards and specifications prescribed by the Government. Any violation of such
specifications provided for in its rules and regulations shall be dealt with in the section dealing with penalties.
(Added by Sec. 9 P.D.1748).

SECTION 22
AUTHORITY TO ORGANIZE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEES

The Administration or its designated representative is hereby authorized to organize and convene an inter-agency
committee or committees with representatives coming from the appropriate Government agencies and private
entities to serve as consultative or recommendatory bodies on such matters as the Administration may deem
necessary to be referred to it.

SECTION 23
DEPUTIZATION OF OFFICIALS

The Administration may deputize any official or agency of the Government to perform any of its specific functions
or activities. (Added by Sec. 9, P.D. 1748).

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 6
 SECTION 24
PENALTIES

a. Any person or establishment who violates any provision of this Decree, or any policy, order, decision,
ruling or regulation of the Administration shall be subject to a penalty to be imposed by the appropriate
court ranging from a fine of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) to fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) or
imprisonment of not exceeding six years or both at the discretion of the court. This shall be without
prejudice to any administrative fines and penalties that the Administration may prescribe in its rules and
regulations, including the revocation or cancellation of locational or construction permit and the suspension
of construction and/or the demolition of the illegal construction.

b. The Administration is hereby authorized to impose a fine not exceeding thirty thousand pesos
(P30,000.00) for violation of this Decree or any of the policies, orders, rules and regulations promulgated by
it or any of the terms and conditions provided for in the permit or license granted by it. It may, furthermore,
after due notice has been given, consider any violation as a continuing one and subject to a daily penalty for
as long as the illegal act or condition exists.

c The Administration may, furthermore, in the enforcement of its decisions and in the exercise of its
regulatory functions secure the assistance of or deputize the appropriate enforcing officials, such as the
building official of the City of Manila and other local police officers. It may, when the need arises, establish
its own enforcement arm or demolition team to strengthen its enforcement powers. (Added by Sec. 9, P.D.
1748).

SECTION 25
EFFECTS OF LAW, DECREES AND ORDINANCES

All existing laws, decrees, Acts, Letters of Instruction, Executive Orders, city and metropolitan Ordinances and/or
portions thereof which are inconsistent or in conflict with this Act and the approved Development Plan of
Intramuros, including its implementing rules and regulations, shall be considered modified accordingly. In the case
of future laws, they must expressly provide for the repeal or amendment of the charter or of specified provisions of
the charter of the Administration or its rules and regulations. (As amended by Sec. 10, P.D. 1748).

SECTION 26
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE

If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Decree is declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, other
sections or provision thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 27
EFFECTIVITY

This Decree shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila this 10th day of April in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-nine.

FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 7
 IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
of Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended

These rules and regulations are hereby adopted and promulgated pursuant to the provisions of
Presidential Decree 1616, as amended.

RULE I. TITLE AND INTERPRETATION

Section 1. Title of the Rules. These Rules shall be known as the Rules and Regulations of the Intramuros
Administration, hereinafter referred to as “Rules”.

Section 2. Interpretation. The Rules are intended to carry out the policies and objectives of P.D. 1616, as
amended, and to enable the Intramuros Administration to oversee the orderly restoration and
development of Intramuros.

Section 3. Suppletory Application of Relevant Laws. In the absence of any applicable provision in these
Rules, and in order to effectuate the objectives of P.D.1616, as amended, the pertinent provisions of
P.D.1096, otherwise known as the National Building Code, and other relevant laws may, whenever
practicable and convenient, be applied by analogy or in a suppletory manner.

RULE II. DEFINITIONS

Section 1. Definitions. Unless otherwise provided, the following words and phrases shall have the
meanings below.

1. Administration. Refers to the Intramuros Administration.

2. Architectural or Historical Precedent. Any structure, condition or event which has been
established as a historical fact by photographs or documentary evidence.

3. Board. The Board of Administrators, which directs the official business of the Intramuros
Administration, created under Section 2 of P.D. 1616.

4. Conservation. Protection or preservation of a natural or man-made resource from loss,

waste, deterioration or destruction.

5. Intramuros District. Located at longitude east 102˚-58’-24” west and latitude north 14˚-
35”-31.02” south. It is bounded on the north by the following surveys and titled properties:
Plan. FF. 180 amd. 1 covered by Block 198 Case 34 consisting of:
Lot 1, containing an area of 18,669.7 sq.m.
Lot 2, containing an area of 295.8 sq.m.
Lot 3, containing an area of 2,500 sq.m.
Lot 5, containing an area of 5,229.4 sq.m.

Plan FF. 180 amd. 1:

Lot 3, containing an area of 537.00 sq.m. OCT 4938.
Lot 9, containing an area of 81.60 sq.m. OCT 4938.
Lot 10, containing an area of 1,398.2 sq.m. OCT 4938
Lot 7 B-1, containing an area of 4,288 sq.m.
Block 198, Case 34, TCT 38690.
Lot 7 B-2, containing an area of 9,013.1 sq.m.
Block 198, Case 34, TCT 3861.
Lot 14, containing an area of 1,944.4 sq.m.
Block 198, Case 34, TCT 45446.
Lot 15, containing an area of 13,301.10 sq.m.
Block 198, Case 34, TCT.45446.

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 8
 Lot 17, containing an area of 1,821.10 sq.m.
Block 198, Case 34, OCT 7292.
Lot 16, containing an area of 55.60 sq.m.
Block 198, Case 34, TCT 45446. Traversed by Magallanes Drive connecting Taft Avenue
toward the east side and bounded on the north by the Pasig River.

Intramuros is bounded on the northeast by the following surveyed properties:

Lot 3, Block 196, containing an area of 18,327.30 sq.m. Case 34.
Lot 1, Block 195, Case 34 containing an area of 74,100.30 sq.m.

On the east it is bounded by the following surveyed properties:

Portion of Lot 1, Block 195, Case 34 and linked by Victoria Extension connecting Taft
Avenue and P. Burgos Drive.
Lot 1-A, Block 193, Case 35 containing an area of 44,072.98 sq.m. T.D. 0/82.
Lot 1-B, Block 193, Case 35 containing an area of 7,789.24 sq.m. T.D. 0/83
Lot 1, Block 192, containing an area of 3,290.20 sq.m.

On the south it is bounded by:

Portion of Lot 4, Block 191, Case 32 containing an area of 77,438.9 sq.m. T.D.0/84. Far
beyond this lot, is the intersection of P.Burgos Drive and A. Bonifacio Drive.

On the southwest it is bounded by:

Still a portion of Lot 4, Block 191, Case 32 is found, also the Legaspi Monument.
Bounded by A. Bonifacio Drive, South Harbor District and Manila Bay.
Lot 5, Block 22, Case 14 containing an area of 19,676.4 sq.m. T.D. 0117,
OCT 4950 linked to Sta. Lucia Gate leading A. Bonifacio Drive.
Anda Circle with the Anda Monument is located here.
Lot 3, Block 18, Case 14 containing an area of 5,160.19 sq.m T.D 0114, OCT 4950.
Lot 4, Block 8, Case 14 containing an area of 34,258.60 sq.m T.D. 0061.
Lot 3, Block 8, Case 14 containing an area of 394.6 sq.m OCT. 4938. Beyond is A. Bonifacio
Drive, linked by Aduana Street toward South Harbor District and Manila Bay.

6. Dwelling. A building designed or use primarily or exclusively for residential occupancy.

7. Original structure or building. The architectural or structural elements as they existed or

which belonged to the buildings of the 1890s.

8. Restoration. Rebuilding, reconstruction or reinstatement of any object, structure or

building to its original state, form or condition.

9. Sign. An identification, description, illustration or device which is affixed to a building,

structure or land and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution
or business.

10. Structure. Any constructed or erected material or combination of materials which

requires location on the ground, including but not limited to buildings, radio towers, sheds,
storage bins, fences and signs.

11. Walls. The extant parts of the original fortifications of the Walled City, now known as
Intramuros, including all gates, revellins, bulwarks, and esplanades.

RULE III. POLICIES AND POLICY GUIDELINES

Section 1. General Policies. The Administration hereby adopts the following policies to govern the
exercise of its planning, restoration and regulatory functions in Intramuros.

1 Planning and development efforts of the Government and the private sectors shall be
synchronized with the promotion of archaeological and restoration objectives, and they shall
conform to the approved Development Plan for Intramuros and these Rules.

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 9
 2 All efforts at planning and restoration shall be directed toward ensuring that the general
appearance and architecture of buildings and structures within Intramuros shall conform to
the Philippine colonial architecture of the 1890’s. For this purpose, development shall be
undertaken in accordance with the provisions of these Rules affecting, among others, the
height, bulk and architecture design of buildings.

3 Development of properties by private individuals and entities and Government agencies

shall be undertaken only after a development clearance has been issued by the
Administration.

4 In implementing the Intramuros Plan and in enforcing these Rules, the Administration
shall respect personal and property rights. Thus, it shall resort to expropriation only for
specifically approved projects. For this purpose, it shall exert all efforts toward arriving at
negotiated purchases and encouraging donation by the private sector of their properties
which would be needed for Government-approved projects in Intramuros.

5 The Administration shall give full encouragement and support to the development of
private properties by extending technical and other forms of assistance, including incentives
and financial grants.

RULE IV. LAND USE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

Section 1. General Land Use Policies.

A. The Administration hereby adopts the concept of mixed land uses which is the major feature of
the Development Plan of Intramuros. Under this concept, the following uses shall be allowed in any
zone or area in Intramuros subject only to the general and specific terms and conditions that the
Administration may impose;

1. Mixed residential and commercial uses where, generally, the upper floors of buildings are
used as residences and the ground floors as shops, offices, restaurants, sidewalk cafes,
craftsmen’s workshops and retail outlets.

2. Current uses of buildings existing as of the date of the enactment of P.D 1616 except
warehouses, lots used for parking of trucks and container vans or for the storage of crates
and the like, subject to the provisions of Rule IX on nonconforming uses.

3. Other uses and activities that will contribute to the growth of a self-contained community
while preserving the essential character of the old Walled City, as determined by the
Administration.

B. All the allowable uses above shall comply with the architectural and design standards and the
prescribed height and bulk limitations provided for in these Rules.

C. Harmful and annoying activities which adversely affect the health, morals, and peace and order
of the community such as pollutive and hazardous industries, factories, laboratories, container
vans and warehouses shall not be permitted.

Section 2. Specific Land Uses. Unless otherwise provided in other sections of these Rules, the following
shall be the permitted uses within the walled perimeters of Intramuros.

A Residential Uses. These shall include one-family, two-family and multi-family dwellings such as
boarding houses, residential condominiums, apartment houses, apartment hotels, hometels,
tenement housing, inns and pension houses. In this connection, the following uses shall also be
allowed:

1 Accessory uses customarily incidental to the use of one- or two-family dwellings and
located in the same lot such as the following :
a. Servant’s quarters;
b. home laundry;

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 10
 c. noncommercial garages;
d. houses for pets such as dogs, birds, rabbits and the like of not more than four
square meters in floor area; and
e. pump houses.

2. Auxiliary uses customarily conducted in dwellings and homes, such as offices of

physicians, surgeons, dentists, architects, engineers, lawyers and other professionals
subject to compliance with the following conditions:
a. In no case shall more than 40 percent of the total floor area of the building be
used for said professional practice; and
b. Not more than one person per five square meters of the floor area allowed in item
(a) above shall be occupied for the activity.

3. Customary incidental home occupations such as Beauty parlors, barber shops, spas,
spas, tailoring and dress shops, neighborhood convenience stores, retail drugstores, small
cottage and home industries such as embroidery, sewing, handicrafts and the like
conducted within a dwelling, subject to compliance with the following conditions:
a. No heavy mechanical equipment which is environmentally offensive to the
immediate neighborhood is used.
b Not more than 40 percent of the total floor area is devoted to such as home
occupations; and
c. Such home occupations do not require internal or external alterations or involve
construction features or use of equipment not customary in dwellings.

4. Plant nurseries and truck gardens, provided no manure and other harmful substances
shall be stored, nor foul odor and dust emitted.

5. Uses for passive recreation such as parks, playgrounds, pocket parks, parkways,
promenades and play lots.

B Commercial establishments such as the following:

1. Neighborhood convenience stores selling miscellaneous items.

2. Karinderiyas, food stores, take-out kiosks, bake shops and bakeries, ice cream parlors,
soda fountains, restaurants, canteens, delicatessens, confectionary shops, automats,
groceries, fruit stands, meat, fish and poultry stores, dairy products, candies and other
related goods stores, liquor and wine stores.

3. General retail establishments such as curio or antique shops, pet shops, aquarium stores,
bookshops, bookstores, art supplies and novelties, jewelry shops, and flower shops.

4. Shoe-shine/repair shops, retail drugstores, pawnshops, watch sales and services,

locksmith and other related services, laundries and laundromats.

5. Photographic and portrait studios, sign and billboard shops, engraving and photographic-
development shops.

6. Radio, TV and other electrical appliance-repair shops.

7. Glassware and metalware shops, household equipment and appliance shops.

8. Building materials stores, such as electrical and electronic stores, plumbing supply
stores, ceramics, clay, cement and other similar products.

9. Sporting goods and supply stores, dry-goods stores, hardware and auto supply shops,
auto sales, auto-repair, car retail shops, accessories and spare parts shops.

10. Tailoring and dress shops, haberdasheries, ready-made and knitted wear stores,
apparel, repair, and other related repair services and footwear shops.

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 11
 11. Employment services, news-syndicate services, branch offices, offices equipment and
repair shops.

12. Supper clubs, nightclubs and discotheques.

C Institutional uses such as the following:

1. Educational institutions, such as day-care centers, nursery and kindergarten, elementary

and high schools, and colleges.

2. Chapels, churches or similar places of worship, dwellings for the religious and seminaries,
philanthropic or charitable institutions.

3. Barangay centers, local and other public civic centers, neighborhood and community
centers, auditoriums, halls and exhibition areas, museums and art galleries.

4. Sanitariums, clinics, rest homes, or convalescent homes.

5. Clubhouses, lodges and other social centers, tennis courts, swimming pools and similar
uses operated by the Government or private individuals as organization facilities for the
benefit of their families and members and not primarily for gain.

6. Small power plants and machineries customarily used in churches, schools, museum,
parks, playgrounds, community centers, dwellings and their accessory buildings, provided
that such power plants and other machineries are so located as to cause the least
inconvenience or disturbance to adjoining residences and that they do not cause injury or
nuisance to occupants through fumes or gases, dust, smoke or noise vibrations or other
similar nuisances.

Section 3. Prohibited Uses in Intramuros. The following uses shall not, under any circumstances, be
allowed within the walled perimeters of Intramuros.

1. Residential uses: lean-to, barongbarong, or similar indigenous dwellings made of light and
hazardous materials unless temporary and incidental to construction activities; motels,
camping grounds.

2. Services: gasoline stations and filling stations, bus terminals, warehousing, trucking and
brokerage, crematoriums and mortuaries.

3. Services Agricultural uses: farms, fishponds, salt beds, rice and cornmills, lumber yards.

4. Commercial uses: automobile wrecking yards, junkyards, private or commercial stables.

5. Any factory or heavy industry.

6. Recreational facilities: cockpits, jai-alai or off-track fronton, race tracks, massage and
sauna parlors, betting stations, burlesque theaters and bullfight rings.

7. Such other uses and activities similar to the above which the Administration shall
determine as incompatible with the essential character of Intramuros or offensive,
hazardous or pollutive in character.

Section 4. Designated Special Zones. The following areas and buildings are hereby declared as belonging
to Special Zones:

1. Walls and fortifications, including Fort Santiago and all Gates;

2. San Agustin Church and the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral and all adjoining blocks;

3. The Ayuntamiento, Intendencia and the Commission on Election Building;

4. The immediate vicinity of the Gates;

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 12
 5. All designated archaeological sites mentioned in Section 2 of Rule VII; and

6. Such other areas that the Administration may declare as of such historical or
archaeological significance as to deserve being declared Special Zones.

Section 5. Rules Applicable to Special Zones. The following rules shall apply to the areas declared as
Special Zones:

1. An authentic ambiance of Intramuros of the 1890s shall be re-created. Façade of

buildings shall be faithful reproductions of the architecture of the era and shall conform
strictly to the use of wood and adobe, brick and capiz and of decorative and architectural
motifs relevant to the period, including grilles and lamps.

2. The specific land uses of any block within the zone shall, whenever possible, conform to
the original uses of land or structure previously located on it. Where this is not possible, at
least the appearance of the original building shall be replicated or the name of the original
establishment shall be used or adopted.

3. The furnishings and decorations of the rooms immediately visible from the street shall, to
the extent possible, conform to the period style.

Section 6. Allowable Uses in Special Zones. Only the following establishments dealing in the various
trades and activities listed below shall be allowed in the Special Zones:

1. Specialty shops dealing in leather craft, other types of handicrafts and souvenir shops;
jewelry shops; shops dealing in religious articles like rosaries, candles and veils; antique
stores and flower stalls.

2. Art galleries, artists’ studios, photographic shops dealing in period portraits, music
shops excluding those dealing in electronic guitars and other musical instruments of this
nature.

3. Pastry shops specializing in Spanish delicacies; coffee shops and restaurants.

4. Post offices, business offices, banks, newsstands and bookstores, barbershops,

tobacconists, laundry shops, hat makers.

5. Pensions and inns.

6. Any other establishments similar or related to the above which the Administration may
deem permissible under the Intramuros Development Plan.

Section 7. Rules Common to Special Zones and Other Areas. The following uses and activities shall be
prohibited in both the Special Zones and the other areas in Intramuros:

1. Jukeboxes

2. Any appliance or equipment, including but not limited to transistor radios, cassette
recorders, and fun machines which generate noise beyond the decibel range prescribed the
National Pollution Control Commission.

3. Ambulant venders like snack sellers who shall be allowed only in specific areas and in
limited number and be subject to other restrictions which the Administration may
reasonably impose to preserve the character and quality of Intramuros, and

4. Neon signs and lights.

RULE V. GENERAL BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 13
Section 1. Applicability of the National Building Code. All buildings or structures, as well as accessory
facilities thereto shall, to the extent reconcilable with the regulations of Rule VI concerning specific
building requirements, conform to the principles and requirements of P.D. 1096, otherwise known as the
National Building Code, and its implementing regulations.

Section 2. Construction and Maintenance. All buildings or structures to be constructed in Intramuros

shall conform to the architectural standards and guidelines provided in the succeeding sections and shall
be maintained at all times in safe, clean, sanitary, orderly and structurally sound condition.

RULE VI. SPECIFIC BUILDING REQUIREMENTS

Section 1. Architectural Guidelines. The following building requirements and architectural design
standards shall serve as guidelines to developers, and not as fixed and definite requirements. Deviations
from them shall be allowed in cases where historical precedents can be shown. Deviations may also be
allowed on a case-to-case basis, as determined by the Administration as long as they promote the general
policies and principles provided in Section 2 of this Rule.

Section 2. General Policies and Principles Affecting Architectural Standards. The following general
policies shall be enforced in the construction, reconstruction or alteration of buildings in Intramuros.

1. Historical precedents shall, whenever available, be respected and be the primary

consideration in allowing or disallowing specific architectural structures or designs.

2. The urban scale of the 1890s shall be observed. In accordance with this, monolithic
designs in building or structures that are out of scale in relation to the block and its
immediate vicinity shall in no case be allowed. Fragmentation in urban design shall be
required.

3. All buildings and structures shall be so designed and constructed as to contribute to

furthering the ambiance and re-creating the Intramuros of the 1890s.

4. In all construction, reconstruction or renovation of buildings or structures in Intramuros,

materials that shall be used shall be in harmony with the period architecture.

Section 3. Architectural Standards and Requirements. All buildings and structures shall conform to the
following architectural design standards and requirements:

A. Building Heights.
The following requirements shall govern the heights of buildings on floor-to-floor basis:

1. Minimum Room Heights:

a. Third floor: 3 meters; 3.60 (recommended)
b. Second floor: 3 meters; 3.60 when it is the top floor
c. Mezzanine: 2.50 meters
d. First floor or ground floor: 4 meters; 3 meters when used with cellar, with window
or mezzanine.
e. For basements to be regularly occupied: 2.50 meters; for cellars used for storage
purposes: 2 meters

2. Maximum Building Heights to Cornice (bottom of cornice). Measurements may be taken

from either inside or outside the building.

a. Two-story without mezzanine (7.50 meters)

3.50 meters – second floor
4.00 meters – ground floor
7.50 meters – (without basement or cellar)

3.50 meters – second floor

3.00 meters – first floor
1.00 meter – cellar window (basement)

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 14
 7.50 meters – with basement

b. Two-story with mezzanine (9.50 meters)

3.60 meters – second floor
2.50 meters – mezzanine
3.00 meters – first floor
9.10 meters – without cellar or basement

3.00 meters – second floor

2.50 meters – mezzanine
3.00 meters – first floor
1.00 meters – cellar
9.50 meters – with cellar or basement

c. Three-story with mezzanine (11.50 meters)

3.00 meters – first floor
3.00 meters – second floor
2.50 meters – mezzanine
3.00 meters – first floor
11.50 meters – basement below ground level

d. Three-story without mezzanine but with basement

3.50 meters – third floor
3.00 meters – second floor
3.00 meters – first floor
1.00 meters – cellar window
10.50 meters – basement below ground level

e. Overhangs
0.20 meter – mezzanine, first level
0.60 meter – second level
0.90 meter – third level

f. Roof line (overhang)

0.40 meter to 1.00 meter from cornice and property line, but in no way to exceed 1.50
meters from the property line.

g. Attics and chimneys

Attics and chimneys shall be allowed, depending on the type of roof. Towers and
water tanks shall be allowed on a case- to-case basis.

B Roof

1. Any of the following types of roof shall be allowed:

a. Pitched, hip (gable or any other form or variation based on historical precedent),
with or without finials, with lantern-type air vents.
b. Flat deck azoteas with balustrades and/or parapet walls.
c. Mansard roofs, with or without dormer windows.

2. Roof finishes shall be in any of the following types:

a. clay roof tiles;

b. tiled decks;
c. slate;
d. lead or bronze sheeting of the ridge and batten type and
e. any similar material as may be approved by the Administration.

3. The eaves shall be detailed and shall, whenever applicable, conform to the following
requirements for each portion enumerated herein in so far as the following parts are
concerned: a edge of roof; b down spout and gutters; c brackets; d underpart treatment
which shall be in wood or sheet metal or masonry; e cornice which shall be in wood or

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 15
 masonry as may be required by the design.

C. Exterior Walls

1. The requirements for the second- and third-floor facades shall consist of the following:

a. Any of these types of materials shall be allowed:

1. Wooden sidings which shall be painted and/or tinted and varnished;
2. Timbered sidings which shall be made of wooden frames with brick or
stone fill;
3. Masonry sidings which shall be made of stucco, reinforced concrete,
concrete hollow blocks, adobe, marble, piedra china, granite, which may be
plastered and painted, tooled or veneered.
b. Decorations of the following shall be detailed: mullions, columns, pilasters,
moldings, grilles and balconies to include all panelings and carvings.
c. Windows can be any of these: sliding, swing-out, swing-in or louvered.
d. Types of sashes allowed are: shell and glass (clear, frosted or colored).
e. Sash frames shall be made of wood or wrought iron.
f. Grilles shall be optional and may overhang up to 45 centimeters maximum from
the face of the wall and may be made of wrought iron, cast iron, steel bars or wood.
g. The following shall be detailed:
1. architrave may be plain, arched, segmented arch either of wood or masonry
2. jambs – wood or masonry
3. sashes – wood framed or wrought iron
h. Balconies shall be grilled or balustered and may overhang by 80 centimeters
maximum.

2. The following shall be the requirements for the ground floor and the mezzanine façade:

a. Sidings shall be made of masonry or any of these materials: stucco, reinforced

concrete, concrete hollow blocks , curtain walls, brick, marble slabs or adobe.
b. Finishes can be in any of the following: plastered-painted; stucco-painted; tooled-
natural finish; veneered-marble, adobe, granite, etc. Special attention shall be given
to finishes and tooling around doors and windows.
c. Doors shall be in any of these types:
1. Wrought –iron sheet and frame
2. Wrought-iron grilles
3. Solid wood panel doors with escutcheon
4. Solid wood plank doors with wrought-iron-nail heads, etc.
d. Windows may be grilled. Grilles shall be in any of these materials: wood; wrought
iron, which may be plain, decorative or leaded; wooden, which may be plain, square,
turned and decorated like balusters.
e. Cellar windows shall be in wrought-iron frames with grilles for ventilation.
f. Entry passage and sidewalk finishes shall be in any of these: piedra china, adobe
blocks, cobblestones; wood blocks, synthetic, adobe, bricks and tiles.

D. Building Exterior and other Requirements

1. Exterior Lighting. For exterior lighting, historically appropriate lights such as tungsten
shall be allowed. The allowable materials of each of the facility shall be as follows:

a. For lampposts or street lights: wrought iron or cast iron

b. For wall-bracket lamps: wrought iron, cast iron or copper
c. For gatepost lamps: wrought iron or copper
d. For lamps (farol): wrought iron, copper, plain-glass panes, frosted-glass panes or
leaded-shell panes.

2 Exterior Signs. Exterior signs (attached to the building) shall either be parallel to the
street or hanging perpendicularly to the street. Materials shall be wrought iron, cutout,
sheeting or wood panels and shall be painted or varnished. Sizes shall depend on façade.
The maximum shall be 85 centimeters by 85 centimeters, depending on the width of the
sidewalk.

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 16
 The following shall in no instance be allowed:

a. Neon lights;
b. exterior fluorescent lights;
c. plastic panel signs and/or metallic signboards;
d. roof signs;
e. TV aerials visible from the street level;
f. aluminum casements, jambs and mullions;
g. stainless-steel casements, jambs or mullions;
h. glass jalousies;
i .glazed cut stone finishes and/or tiles other than brick;
j. pebble washout finishes;
k. rubble finish; and
l. glass picture windows.

3. Parking Facilities. Parking within individual properties and off-street parking shall be
allowed in certain areas to certain conditions.

4. Fences. Fences around any building or structure shall not be allowed unless greenery and
grilles are used.

5. Landscaping. Landscaping shall be done on inner courts, paved and greened patios with
trees and shrubs for lots more than 400 square meters.

6. Easements for Utility Lines. Every building of whatever use shall provide for an easement
or from 15 to 20 square meters to be used to house the utility services which are required to
be concealed. All utility lines shall have underground entry. There shall be at least one of
such facility per street block, the exact location of which shall be determined by the
Administration.

7. Septic Tanks. Every structure or building, which has its own toilets, shall provide for its
own sanitary septic tanks.

RULE VII. REGULATIONS AFFECTING ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGGINGS AND

EXCAVATIONS

Section 1. Policies Affecting Archaeological Excavations. The following policies shall be observed by
the Administration in the regulation of archaeological excavation of properties and exposition of
structures in Intramuros:

1. A plan shall be adopted for the systematic archaeological excavation of specific sites in
Intramuros.

2. An archaeological registry system shall be adopted which shall document past and
present building technology and keep track of the growth and development of the
Intramuros District.

3. Any and all diggings and excavations within Intramuros by both Government and private
sectors, for whatever purpose such as restoration of ancient buildings and monuments,
shall be subject to the supervision and regulation of the Administration.

Section 2. Designated Archaeological Sites. The following sites identified below by lot and block
numbers in accordance with the Cadastral Survey of Intramuros in 1914, as reconstituted in 1945, 1947
and 1948, are hereby designated as archaeological sites and shall comply strictly with the rules on
archaeological excavation provided herein:

1. First San Ignacio Church, the present site of the Pamantasan ng Maynila –Lot No. 1,
Block 52.

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 17
 2. Adjoining Provincial House of the Augustinians, which was the site of the old Ateneo
Municipal and present site of the Adamson building-Lot Nos. 1 and 2, Block 22.

3. Site of the Ateneo compound–Lot No. 2, Block 36.

4. Site of the San Ignacio–Lot No. 3, Block 22.

5. Ayuntamiento–Lot No.1, Block 13.

6. Intendencia–Lot No. 4, Block 198.

7. Walls and fortifications, including Fort Santiago and all the revellins- Lot Nos.
1,2,3,5,6,8,9, and 10, Block 51; Lot Nos. 1 and 2, Block 191; Lot Nos. 2 and 3, Block 193; and
Lot No. 2, Block 195.

8. Site of Sta. Clara Convent–Lot No. 2, Block 12

9. Sunken Garden, golf course, area between walls and Bonifacio Drive, Taft Avenue and
Padre Burgos-Lot Nos. 4 and 11, Block 8; Lot No. 3, Block 18; Lot No. 5, Block 22 and 190;
Lot No. 4, Block 191; and Lot No. 1, Block 193, 194 and 195.

10. Such other areas as may in the future be declared by the Administration as an
archaeological site.

Section 3. Excavations for Archaeological or Historical Purposes. All exploration, excavation or diggings
on Government and private property for archaeological or historical purposes shall be undertaken only by
the Administration or any institution authorized by it.

Section 4. Excavations for Treasure-hunting Purposes. Excavations or diggings in Government

properties or portions of the public domain for treasure-hunting purposes shall require the prior authority
of the President of the Philippines. The procedures to be observed, the supervision of the diggings, and
the sharing of the monies, articles and things of value discovered in said properties shall be governed by
the relevant provisions or Presidential Decree 1726-A.

Section 5. Prior Written Authority of the Administration. It shall be unlawful to explore, excavate or
make diggings on the archaeological sites designated in Section 2 for obtaining materials of cultural
historical value, for construction or for any other purposes without the prior written authority from the
Administration. No excavation or diggings on any of the said sites and for any purpose, including that
incidental or preparatory to actual construction shall be permitted without the supervision of either an
archaeologist certified by the Director of the National Museum, or such other person who, in the opinion
of the Administration, is competent to supervise the work. Such archaeologist or authorized person shall,
upon completion of the project, deposit with the Administration a catalogue of all the materials,
documents or other findings of value found thereon, in accordance with accepted archaeological
practices.

Section 6. Suspension of Excavation. When any of the excavators shall strike upon any buried cultural
properties as defined in Section 2 of Presidential Decree 374, the excavation shall be suspended and the
matter reported immediately to the Administration, which shall take the appropriate steps to have the
discovery investigated and to ensure the proper and safe removal thereof, with the knowledge and
consent of the owner. The suspension shall not be lifted until the Administration shall so allow it.

Section 7. Penalty. Violations of the provisions of Section 6 shall be subject to the penal sanctions
imposed by Section 20 of Presidential Decree 374, otherwise known as the Amendatory Act to the Cultural
Properties Preservation and Protection Act. The desecration of the Rizal Shrine and Fort Santiago as a
Freedom Shrine (R.A. 1607) shall be governed by the provisions of P.D. 105.

RULE VIII. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Section 1. Responsibility for Administration and Enforcement. The administration and enforcement of
the provisions of these Rules, including the imposition of penalties for administrative violations thereof,

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 18
are hereby vested in the authorized Officer and/or body of the Administration.

Section 2. Urban Planning Division. The Urban Planning Division shall be the office in the Administration
responsible for processing, evaluating and granting IA clearance and other permits to be issued by the
Administration.

Section 3. Permit System. No development, improvement or any form of construction or repair shall be
undertaken by any individual or corporation without securing a development permit from the
Administration. Any violation of this provision shall be subject to the administrative penalties provided for
in Rule IX on Penalties, without prejudice to any criminal actions that the Administration may file against
the violator for violation of P.D. 1616 as amended.

Section 4. Preliminary Consultations. Before any formal application for development permit is filed, the
Administration shall encourage consultation and initial discussion between the applicant and the
Administration as to the various requirements of the permit system. To expedite and facilitate processing
of the formal application, the applicant must submit two copies of the preliminary drawings.

Section 5. Procedure for Securing Development Permits. The following procedure shall govern the filing
of an application for development and improvement of land, buildings or structures or any form of repair
or reconstruction of buildings or structures.

A. The developer shall apply at the Intramuros Administration in Intramuros, Manila, by submitting
a copy each of the following required documents to support his application form obtained from the
Administration. All applications shall be filed in a prescribed form sworn to by the applicant and
supported by the following:

1. Transfer certificate of title and/or evidence of right over property and written authority to
develop from the owner;

2. Tax Declaration and copies of receipts on taxes paid;

3. Survey plan/site-development plan;

4. Vicinity map showing adjacent streets and buildings;

5. Permits, if any, previously secured from the Administration or any other regulatory body
for the same property;

6. Project studies, if any;

7. Architectural plans which shall include floor plans, elevations, sections, details, isometric
of building exterior, and perspective superimposed on actual photograph of site.

B. The Administration shall evaluate, process and pass upon the application within a period of one
month from submission thereof. If the application is approved as to design and architectural
standards, the developer shall receive a copy of his development permit, to be known as an “IA
Clearance” with the terms and conditions that the Administration may impose and a copy of the
approved final drawings.

C. The owner shall reproduce the final drawings into five sets of plans for further evaluation as to
compliance with the applicable provisions of the National Building Code concerning plumbing,
sanitary, electrical and safety requirements.

D. The Administration shall issue the developer the construction permit and the developer may
start construction. For this purpose, the Administration shall stamp its approval on the original
drawings and retain two copies for its file.
No changes/alterations from the approved plans may be allowed without prior written approval of
the Administration with copy furnished the Local Building Official. In cases where excavation of the
site is done for foundations, basements, septic tanks, etc., the provisions of Rule VII of these Rules
shall apply.

E. The representative of the Administration shall, in accordance with Rule X, Section 1 of these

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 19
 Rules, inspect and monitor the construction to determine compliance with the approved
specifications and the terms and conditions of the permit.

F. On completing the construction or the project, the developer shall request the Administration for
the issuance of a “Certificate of Satisfactory Completion.” The Administration shall likewise issue a
certificate of undertaking for the owner to use the building in accordance with the list of uses
enumerated therein and for no other. The certificate shall be signed by the owner to signify his
conformance and commitment. With this, an occupancy permit shall also be issued to him.

Section 6. Life of an IA Clearance. An IA clearance issued by the Administration shall be effective for a
period of one year from its issuance. Any developer who fails to undertake the development applied for
within said period shall be required to revalidate his clearance, and failure to do so before undertaking any
development shall be considered an unauthorized development subject to the penalties provided for
herein.

Section 7. Appeal from Decision of Urban Planning Division. Any applicant dissatisfied with any
decision of, or the terms and conditions imposed by the Urban Planning Division may, within 30 days from
receipt of the decision, appeal to the Board of Administrators, whose decision, may furthermore be
elevated to the President. The President’s decision shall be final.

RULE IX. NONCONFORMING BUILDINGS OR STRUCTURES

Section 1. Nonconforming Buildings or Structures. Nonconforming buildings refer to the condition of or

actual uses of lands or buildings which are legally existing prior to either the effectivity of these Rules or
amendments thereto and which are prohibited under the existing regulations.
Nonconforming buildings shall fall under two categories, namely those nonconforming to use of the
building or structure and those nonconforming to architectural structure and design standards.

Section 2. Notification of Nonconformity. All owners, and other persons of interests occupying any
building or structure which is nonconforming to use or design standards shall, within a period of three
months from the effectivity date of these Rules, send a written notification to the Administration about the
nonconformity of their respective structure, specifying the nature and extent of the nonconformity.
Failure to submit the required notification shall be a prima facie evidence that the building or use is not
nonconforming, but an illegal use introduced or illegal construction built after these Rules took effect.

Section 3. Developers with Existing Permits. Any developer who has been issued a permit or clearance
to construct a building or structure prior to the promulgation of these Rules which does not conform to
the uses allowed in the Development Plan of Intramuros and these Rules and who has not started actual
construction or substantial work on the site shall be required to reapply for a permit from the
Administration to ensure compliance with these Rules. This developer shall not be considered as having
a vested right to have the use previously applied for by him classified as nonconforming use.

Section 4. Rules Affecting Nonconforming Building and Uses. The following rules shall govern
nonconforming buildings;

1. Nonconforming buildings shall continue to exist in the condition that they were in at the
time of the effectivity of these Rules as long as they do not constitute a nuisance or pose
any danger to the health or safety of the community, subject to the provision of Section 6 of
this Rule on the schedule for conformity in which case they shall be required to make the
necessary repairs or improvements.

2. Nonconforming buildings are prohibited to engage in any of the following activities;

a. Changing the use to another nonconforming use;

b. Changing the location of the nonconforming use or structure unless the location is
outside Intramuros District.
c. Replacement of an old structure with a new one, unless the new one conforms to
these Rules;
d. Structural alterations which do not conform to these Rules;
e. Nonstructural repairs or restoration;

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 20
 f. Resumption of the former use of the structure after abandonment or
discontinuance or the same.

3. Structural alterations and nonstructural repairs or restoration of nonconforming building

may be undertaken only with prior clearance obtained from the Administration.

4. Should these structures or buildings be destroyed or damaged by more than 50 percent

requiring major or substantial reconstruction or repair to put them in their original condition,
they shall be required to conform to the applicable provisions of these Rules.

5. Nonconforming uses or structures shall comply with the applicable provisions of these
Rules such as those concerning the permit system, maintenance of building in good
condition and penalties applicable.

Section 5. Nonconformity to Design. Building or structures which are nonconforming because of

architectural or design standards shall be given a grace period not exceeding ten years from the
effectivity date of these Rules to conform. This period shall depend among others on the age, character
and location of the building, the value of investments made by the owner on the building and the use to
which it is devoted. The Administration shall adopt a scheme or device by which the owner is allowed, to
the extent possible, to amortize or recoup his investments. The owner shall be notified of the period
within which he shall be made to comply with the design and architectural standards or these Rules.

Section 6. Modifications of Nonconforming Buildings. Major modification and/or restoration of

nonconforming buildings and prewar buildings shall be subject to the following restrictions and
conditions:
1. All prewar buildings shall be allowed to exist for as long as they are properly maintained
and in good structural condition and so long as their original façade remains unchanged,
should major changes be proposed, the building has to conform to the same architectural
guidelines prescribed by the Administration.

2. Subject to the approval of the President, nonconforming buildings or structures

constructed within specific periods shall be required to have completed the modification
and renovation of their façade not later than the year prescribed herein.

a. All buildings or structures built within the period of 1945-55 shall be fully
conforming by 1983.
b. All buildings or structures constructed within the period 1956-65 shall be fully
conforming by 1986.
c. All buildings or structures built within the period of 1966-75 shall be fully
conforming by 1988, and those built from 1976 to 1980 by the year 1990.

Section 7. Hearings. The Administration may conduct hearings to determine alternative means of
dealing with specific nonconforming uses. The affected parties may be consulted on suitable
arrangements in hearings held for the purpose, but the Administration shall have the final authority to
determine the best alternative and the manner of its actual application.

Section 8. Subsidies and Incentives. The Administration may, depending on the availability of funds,
grant subsidies, incentives or other forms of financial assistance to owners or occupants of
nonconforming buildings. These may include financial assistance for relocating to areas where the
nonconforming use is more suitable, or for renovating their respective structures to conform to the
Administration’s architectural designs and standards.

RULE X. PENALTIES

Section 1. Monitoring of Developments. The Administration shall monitor and oversee all developments
within Intramuros to determine compliance with its laws, policies and rules and regulations. In case of
any noncompliance or violation that has been observed, the Administration shall take the steps provided
for in the succeeding sections.

Section 2. Issuance of Enforcement Notice. In case of nonconformance or violation of P.D. 1616, as

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 21
amended, and of the policies, rules and regulations of the Administration or of the terms and conditions
imposed in the permits granted, the Administration shall issue an enforcement notice to the owner and/or
occupant of the building or structure. The notice shall contain the following information:

1. Specific violation or nonconformance committed.

2. Period within which compliance must be effected.

3. Opportunity for owner/occupant to be heard or to explain nonconformance or violation.

4. Penalties to be imposed in case of failure to comply with the law and correct the violation.

Section 3. Penalties. The following activities shall be subject to the penalties provided herein:

1. Any deviation from or modification of the approved architectural plans without the official
concurrence of the Administrations.

2. Any unauthorized change in the use of building or structure.

3. Illegal construction, which is any construction undertaken without prior approval of the
Administration.

4. Violation of the terms and conditions imposed in the clearance or construction permit
issued.

5. Violation of any provision of these Rules.

Section 4. Hearings. The Administration shall conduct hearings to determine the nature and extent of
the violation. For this purpose, the affected party shall be given the opportunity to present witnesses and
documentary evidence in his defense.

Section 5. Continuing Offense. Violations of these Rules shall be considered as continuing offenses.
For each day that the violation continues, the penalty of from five hundred pesos (P500) to one thousand
pesos (P1,000) a day, depending on the seriousness of the offense committed, shall be imposed on the
violator until the violation is corrected. This shall not preclude the Administration from filing with the
appropriate court a criminal complaint against the offender.

Section 6. Demolitions. The Administration may, after hearings have been conducted, order the
demolition of any building, structure or improvements which has been or is being constructed in violation
of these Rules.

Section 7. Effectivity Date. These Rules shall be approved by the Board of the Administration and shall
take effect fifteen days after its promulgation once in at least two newspapers of general circulation.

Unanimously adopted at the meeting of the Board of Administrators of the Intramuros Administration on
April 27, 1981.

Chairman:

HON. IMELDA ROMUALDEZ MARCOS

Minister of Human Settlements

Members:

JAIME C. LAYA SERAFIN QUIASON RAMON BAGATSING

Action Officer National Historical Institute City of Manila

Presidential Decree No. 1616, as amended, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations 22