Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING A FUEL SUBSIDY FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The fisheries sector is one of the major contributors to our country's economy and food security. Yet despite 
their large contribution to the country, fisherfolk remain among the poorest of the basic sectors. In 2015, 
a poverty incidence of 34.0% was recorded among fisherfolk. This means that 3 out of every 10 fisherfolk 
are poor. Fisherfolk has remained among the poorest sectors since 2006.  
One reason is low income. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the daily income 
per fishing boat in the Philippines is pegged at P272. Since each boat is manned by 2-3 workers, the daily 
income per fisherfolk is estimated at around P90-P136. In contrast, the minimum daily wage outside of 
Manila ranges between Php 310.00 to Php 420.00. 
Another key driver of poverty among fisherfolk is the rising proportion of the cost to actual yield. According 
to Greenpeace, the cost of fishing in terms of gasoline and time increased over the years while the resulting 
yield relative to the cost is at its lowest since the 1950s. At present, it is estimated that fuel accounts for 
almost 60% of each fisherfolk's production cost. This is likely to increase, as the depletion of fishing grounds 
will force fisherfolk to venture further into the sea.  
As our response, this proposed measure seeks to provide a fuel subsidy for municipal fisherfolk who utilize 
motorized boats. It proposes to provide a fuel voucher worth at least One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00) 
per month for each eligible beneficiary. In addition, beneficiaries of this program shall also be automatically 
enrolled and covered under the National Health Insurance program of the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PhilHealth). The Social Security System (SSS) shall also provide micro-insurance mechanisms 
to beneficiaries of the program.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the Filipino 
people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
September 14, 2022
5:57 pm
4859


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. GUST S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING A FUEL SUBSIDY FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Pantawid Pambangka Act". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the crucial role of municipal fisherfolk in ensuring 
the food security of the country. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to provide support to municipal 
fisherfolk, in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to the nation, and in pursuit of the 
Constitutional mandate to promote social justice in all phases of development. 
Sec. 3. The Pantawid Pambangka Program. – Under the declared policy of this Act, there is hereby 
established the Pantawid Pambangka Program, herein referred to as the Program which shall provide a fuel 
voucher worth at least One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00) per month for each eligible beneficiary under 
this Act: Provided, that the amount shall be revised every year to account for inflation. The Program shall 
be administered by the Department of Agriculture (DA). 
Sec. 4. Beneficiaries. – This beneficiary of this Act shall be municipal fisherfolk who fish within municipal 
waters, whether coastal or inland and who use motorized fishing vessels of three (3) gross tons or less: 
Provided, that registration under the National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration of the Bureau 
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shall be a precondition for the receipt of benefits under this Act.  
Sec. 5. Convergence of Social Services. – Beneficiaries of this program shall also be automatically 
enrolled and covered under the National Health Insurance program of the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (PhilHealth). The Social Security System (SSS) shall also provide micro-insurance mechanisms 
to beneficiaries of the program. 
Sec. 6. Non-Diminution of Benefits. – Nothing in this Act shall be construed to reduce existing benefits 
granted under existing laws, decrees, executive orders, or any contract, agreement, or policy between the 
employer and employee.  
Sec. 7. Appropriations. – The equivalent of ten percent (10%) of any increase in the collections in the 
excise tax on fuel shall be earmarked for the implementation of this Act, which shall be indicated as a 
separate line item under the annual appropriations of the DA under the General Appropriations Act.  
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, 
the DA shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.  
4859


Sec. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the 
remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.  
 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, and administrative 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly.  
 
Sec. 11. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in 
the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,