Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10321 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) stands as the official organization of lawyers 
in the country established by the State. It performs various vital functions that uphold the 
rule of law, assist in the administration of justice, and promote the legal profession's 
growth and development. For the efficient and effective discharge of these functions, the 
IBP regularly communicates with its members, various government agencies, and other 
stakeholders across the country.   
The granting of franking privilege is a practice adopted by many nations to facilitate the 
free flow of official communication between government entities and certain institutions of 
public interest. Currently, the said privilege is afforded to certain government agencies 
whose fulfillment of primary mandate requires expeditious communication exchanges 
such as the judiciary and Members of Congress. By allowing the IBP to send official 
communications without the need to affix postage, we extend support for the fulfillment of 
its mandate and recognition of its vital role in the legal landscape of our country.  
Through the "The Integrated Bar of the Philippines Franking Privilege Act of 2024," we 
aim to bolster the IBP's capabilities in fulfilling its mandate by easing its communication 
burden. The privilege is confined strictly to official communications, ensuring it remains a 
tool for service rather than for private or profit-driven endeavors.  
In light of the above, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
May 6, 2024
9:55 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10321 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
AN ACT GRANTING THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES (IBP) 
FRANKING PRIVILEGE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as "The Integrated Bar of the Philippines 
Franking Privilege Act of 2024."  
SECTION 2. Grant of Franking Privilege. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is 
hereby granted the franking privilege on all its official communications, packages, and 
parcels sent within the Philippines.  
SECTION 3. Scope and Limitation. The franking privilege granted herein shall cover 
a) Letters, circulars, and other printed matter of official business of the IBP; and b) Parcels
containing printed matter, including books and periodicals published by or for the IBP for
distribution. The privilege shall only be utilized to assist and expedite official duties of the
IBP and not be used for private, advertising, or profit-making purposes.
SECTION 4. Marking and Addressing. All mail matter availing of the franking privilege 
shall bear on the left-hand corner of the envelope, or in the case of parcels, on the top or 
any conspicuous place, the words: "Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Franked Mail” and 
the printed penalty clause on the right-hand corner. Such mail shall be distinctly 
addressed.  
SECTION 5. Funding. Any additional cost for the implementation of this Act shall be 
sourced from the current appropriations of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). 
Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The PHLPost, in consultation with 
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.  


 
SECTION 7. Penalties for Misuse. Any person who uses or allows the use of this 
franking privilege for unauthorized purposes shall be subject to existing penalties 
provided for under Philippine postal laws and regulations.  
 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, or 
portions thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly.  
 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.