‘Return Port Area, Intramuros, Luneta’

A Manila City councilor pushed for the return of control over Port Area, Intramuros and Luneta Park to the city government, saying they are the "city’s crown jewels."

Councilor Don Bagatsing of the city’s Fourth District said, when the city government lost these areas to the national government, "Manila lost not only its blood but also its heart."

"Why did Manila lose its old glory? It is because we lost our crown jewels. Manila lost our ports, our Luneta and our Intramuros," Bagatsing said during a privelege speech delivered recently before the City Council.

During the Martial Law years, President Ferdinand Marcos signed into law Presidential Decrees 189, 587 and 1616 directing the city government to relinquish control over the port area, Luneta Park and Intramuros in favor of the national government.

At present, Port Area is being managed by the Philippine Ports Authority while Luneta Park and Intramuros are run by the Department of Tourism.

"The city derived a great portion of its revenues from the port area,where trade and commerce with the outside world begin. By losing control of the port area, the well of Manila started to dry up. Manila lost its blood," Bagatsing said.

The councilor said Intramuros gives Manila its character and its mark in the history of the Philippines, "Manila would not be the country’s capital if it weren’t for the Walled City. By losing control over Intramuros, Manila lost its heart."

Luneta Park or Rizal Park also plays a significant part in the country’s history because it is where national hero Jose Rizal was killed by a Spanish firing squad.

Bagatsing said it is enough that the city government has already been stripped of power over policemen and firefighters, so the landmarks must be returned to local authorities.

The police and firefighters are now under the direct supervision of the Department of Interior and Local Government. "Gone are police officers such as Bagatsing, Barbers, Quintos, Zarcal and Lim. By losing them, Manila lost its muscle," the alderman added.

"The Philippines was a booming country then, second to Japan as an economic power in Asia. Manila carried the burden of the entire country in the middle of the 20th century," he noted.

"Now that the city is coming back to life. Let us learn from the past. We want our assets and our pride back," Bagatsing added.

Bagatsing also supports the removal of the oil depot in Pandacan. "The oil depot is now considered the biggest security threat especially after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the Unites States."