Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTII CONGRESS
First Regular Session
H.useiil.lit;`.       6534
Introduced by Representative Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr.
EXPI.ANATORY NOTE
Due  to  its  geographical  location,  the  Philippines  is  no  stranger  to  natural
disasters. It endures an average of twenty storms annually. And because of its location
in  an  area of intense seismic activity,  the  country  is  also  prone to earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions. A single extreme natural disaster even could have the potential of
resulting in losses amounting to millions of pesos and the instant destruction of homes,
properties, and infrastructure.
Millions of Filipino families endure losing their hard-earned money and property
because of numerous storm surges passing through the country. During these difficult
circumstances,  it  is  understandable that the  basic  needs  such  as food  and  shelter
would be the priority of those heavily impacted by natural disasters.
The  State  should  provide  assistance  to those  affected  by such  calamities  in
order to lessen their burden. Through this bill, families and people in areas devastated
by calamities would be allowed a grace period for paying utility bills until such time that
the situation has stabilized.
It is important that the Filipino families suffering losses due to these calamities
be  allowed  time  to  recover  and  focus  on  securing  their  basic  needs  first.   The
immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTII CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House-B.ill-rd.o.      653 4
Introduced by Representative Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr.
AN ACT GIVING THE PERSONS AFFECTED BY TYPHOONS AND OTHHR
NATURAL DlsASTERs IN AREAs DHCLARHD To Bn IN A STATE oF
CALAMITY A MORATORIUM, FORBHARANCE 0R GRACH PHRIOD IN THE
PAYMHNT 0F UTILITY BILLS
Be  it enacted  by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTloN 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Delayed Payment of Bills for
Persons Affected by a State of Calamity Act of 2022"
SECTION 2. Coverage. This Act shall cover all natural persons residing or operating
any business  in a  certain area declared to be  in a State of Calamity,  and who have
utility payment obligations in the said affected locality.
SECTION    3.    Limitation.    Natural    disasters    shall    include    typhoons,    floods,
earthquakes, tsunamis,  and other analogous events.  Provided that the area affected
by such disasters  is declared to be  in  a  State of Calamity by the  proper authorities.
Moreover, utility bills covered under this act shall include water, electricity, telephone,
internet,  cable,  and other similar bills.
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause. -All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
and  administrative  regulations  or  parts  thereof  inconsistent  herewith  are  hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
SECTION 5. Effectivity clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,