MANILA, Philippines -- Alarmed by the destruction of "national historical places" in favor of new property development projects, Senator Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to ban the building of new structures in such sites.

Senate Bill 1093, authored by Legarda, seeks to protect historical sites by prohibiting new construction projects in said places, unless the prospective developer is able to obtain prior clearance from the National Historical Institute (NHI).

"We must guard our historical places if we are to preserve the patriotic and nationalistic ideals of the past, for future generations to cherish…Historical places are sacred monuments of the past. We must secure them to instill love of country in every Filipino," Legarda said.

Under SB 1093, the NHI would have to identify, designate, and mark properly all national historical places across the country. The NHI would then submit to Congress a list of all specified historical sites.

As proposed by Legarda, the sites would include historical government buildings, shrines, landmarks, monuments, and other places where a memorable event of national significance occurred. They would also include other sites hallowed by a hero's former presence.

Under the bill, it would be unlawful for any person, association, corporation, or entity to undertake construction projects in historical sites or in areas proximate thereto, without first securing a permit from the NHI.

Violators face up to two years in prison, or a fine of not less than P100,000, or both.

If any limited construction is to be authorized at all, the NHI may impose the terms and conditions necessary to preserve the site. Authorized builders would be required to post bonds to ensure strict compliance with permit provisions.

Should the historical place be damaged, the erring builder would be required to restore the site to its original state.

The NHI undertakes research and publication of Philippine historical works, administers educational activities on historical events and personages, restores, preserves and conserves movable and immovable objects of historical value, and oversees the implementation of the National Historic Act as well as the Flag and Heraldic Code.

The NHI, however, lacks the mandate to effectively protect and preserve these historical places.

Legarda's bill seeks to remedy this by requiring all persons, associations, corporations, or entities to secure a permit from the NHI before any construction or real estate development may lawfully commence in areas identified, designated, and appropriately marked as historical places or in areas proximate thereto.