Commonwealth and Balara

North of Diliman lies the Commonwealth area, so-named because of Commonwealth Avenue (also named Don Mariano Marcos Avenue) which runs through its center. This is a primarily middle-class residential area home to many subdivisions (residential associations).

At the heart of Commonwealth is the Batasang Pambansa (literally national lawmaking place), which is where the country's House of Representatives holds its sessions. Many congressmen stay in houses in the surrounding subdivisions.

South of Commonwealth and east of Diliman is Balara. The area of Balara along Tandang Sora Avenue is relatively poor, while the outlying areas contain some of the richest subdivisions in the city. Capitol Hills Subdivision and Ayala Homes are where many rich congressmen live. Adjacent to Ayala Heights is the Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club, a popular golf course.