Senate OKs transfer of Rizal capital

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate approved on third and final reading on Monday a bill transferring the seat of the Rizal provincial government from Pasig City to Antipolo City.

Sen. Francis Tolentino, sponsor of the measure, said the enactment into law of House Bill 2998 is expected to correct a historical error and properly locate the capital of Rizal.

Tolentino said the Rizal provincial government was originally settled in Pasig City, which gained its independence more than 40 years ago, and became part of the territorial and political jurisdiction of Metro Manila.

He said the provincial government transferred its seat to Antipolo City under an ordinance issued by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

The province of Rizal was created by the first Philippine Commission headed by former US president William Howard Taft on June 11, 1901.

“Being declared as the seat of government of the province would generate more economic activities. It would entice investors to go to the capitol considering that there is no more confusion that it’s no longer in Pasig,” Tolentino said.

“Designating the city as capital for purposes of administrative convenience and historical reasons would augur well for the economic development of not just the city of Antipolo but the entire province,” he said.