'Transfer seat of government to Davao City’

MANILA, Philippines —  Two congressmen proposed yesterday the transfer of the seat of government from Metro Manila to Davao City.

The proposal is contained in House Bill 6968 filed by Ron Salo and Ciriaco Calalang of the Kabayan party-list.

“This bill seeks to address the issue of Manila imperialism, spur development in the countryside, particularly in Mindanao, strengthen nationalism and sense of belongingness for the people in the countryside and decongest Metro Manila...Ease traffic and lessen business losses,” the lawmakers said.

They said the government should construct new mansions for the president and vice president as well as buildings for the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, constitutional offices and national agencies in Davao City.

Under the bill, the construction of new government residential and office buildings in Davao City should be completed within three years. The structures to be vacated in Metro Manila will serve as regional offices.

Malacañang and the Mansion House in Baguio City will remain the president’s home whenever he is in Metro Manila and as his summer residence, respectively.

The bill allocates P1 billion as initial funding for the transfer of the seat of government.