Konted's Make My Day 2: Manila City Hall

Old photo of Manila City Hall. The City of Manila, in the old days, was dubbed ' Pearl of the Orient '.

Manila City Hall

Men in blue shirts were manning the entry and exit points. The lines were moving fast. There was no hassle getting inside. I was accompanying a friend who wanted certified true copies of certain documents. Contrary to what we were expecting, there were no long lines. Everything was in order. Systems and procedures have greatly improved at the Manila City Hall.

Manila City Hall facing south

The clock tower of Manila City Hall. There are three clocks on its three facets.

Historical Marker

Remembering the heroes of the City of Manila

Jeepneys, buses and private vehicles pass by Manila City Hall.

Manila City Hall is the seat of government of the second largest city of the Philippines. It is located at the vast Ermita district. It is near the National Museum, Department of Tourism Building, Philippine Post Office and the old Metropolitan Theater. Vehicles taking the three bridges, Jones Bridge, MacArthur Bridge and Quezon Bridge, pass by Manila City Hall. There is an underpass at its western side to ease traffic. The clock tower distinguishes it from other public buildings.

Manila City Hall facing north

Main entrance to the north wing

Inscribed at the facade of the southern part of City Hall are the words: Labor, Wealth and Capital

Courtyard of Manila City Hall

Lobby at the Southern side of City Hall

Manila City Hall was built in 1939 in a place with a wide open space. It has a Neo-Classical architecture. It has a courtyard that leads to the various offices. As Chief Executive, the City Mayor discharges the administrative functions as defined by the local government code. The City Council, headed by the Vice Mayor and Councilors, forms part of the checks and balances ideal in a democratic form of government such as that of Manila. Notable mayors of Manila were Arsenio Lacson, Antonio Villegas, Ramon Bagatsing, Mel Lopez, Lito Atienza and Alfredo Lim. Incumbent mayor is former President Joseph Estrada.

Incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Erap Estrada

Vice Mayor Isko Moreno

Mayor Alfredo Lim ( 1992 - 1998; 2007 - 2013 )

Mayor Lito Atienza ( 1998 - 2007 )

Mayor Mel Lopez (right) (1986 - 1992) with son Manny Lopez

Mayor Ramon Bagatsing ( 1972 - 1986 )

Mayor Antonio Villegas ( 1962 - 1971 )

Mayor Arsenio Lacson ( 1952 - 1962 )

It took us only a few minutes to transact business at City Hall. We thanked the officer in charge. On our way out, drivers with traffic violation receipts were waiting to be called. The city government is in the midst of a serious campaign to implement existing traffic rules and regulations. And before making it to the exit, I proceeded to the rest room. When I thought I had seen everything, I was surprised to see a public toilet similar to the CRs of shopping malls. I called the attendant before leaving: Ganda ng CR nyo. Nasaan ba ako? Nasa City Hall ba ako? O SM?