Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PM VARGAS 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING AN E-LIBRARY IN BARANGAY SANTA MONICA IN QUEZON 
CITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Public libraries are considered an essential part of the basic services 
and facilities of each local government unit (LGU) as mandated by the Local 
Government Code of 1991. Republic Act No. 7743 otherwise known as “An 
Act Providing for the Establishment of Congressional, City, and Municipal 
Libraries and Barangay Reading Centers Throughout the Philippines, 
Appropriating the Necessary Funds Therefore and For Other Purposes” 
further strengthens this power and provides for the establishment of 
additional public libraries to serve all congressional districts, cities, and 
municipalities in the Philippines, and reading centers in every barangay. 
Under these laws, it is declared the national policy of the State to 
promote the moral and intellectual well-being of the people; elevate the 
literacy level of every Filipino; and recognize the vital role of knowledge and 
information in nation-building by establishing public libraries in local 
government units all throughout the country. 
However, the Filipino people have yet to enjoy the full 
implementation of these important laws, as there are still many 
provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays without access to 
public libraries or reading centers. 
With the onset of the digital age, a promising alternative is to set 
up virtual libraries or “e-libraries” in barangay halls to make knowledge 
and information more accessible to the public. 
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This alternative saves on the costs of capital outlay from putting 
up public libraries and reading centers, while local government funds 
are still scarce. 
This bill seeks to establish an e-library in the Barangay Hall of 
Barangay Santa Monica in Quezon City. The e-library shall be 
established with at least three (3) sets of computers with access to the 
internet in the barangay hall. It shall be used by the public for free and 
as a means to gather valuable knowledge and information, get access to 
e-books online, and connect to the internet for research and educational
purposes.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought.  
REP. PM VARGAS   
Fifth District, Quezon City


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PM VARGAS 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING AN E-LIBRARY IN BARANGAY SANTA MONICA IN QUEZON 
CITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Barangay Santa 
Monica E-Library Act”. 
SECTION 2. Barangay Santa Monica e-Library. – There is hereby 
established an e-library in Barangay Santa Monica in Quezon City. The e-
library established by this Act shall be located in the Barangay Hall of 
Barangay Santa Monica. 
It shall have at least three (3) computers with access to the internet and shall 
be used exclusively for educational and research purposes. The use of the e-
library shall be free of charge to the public. 
SECTION 3. Funding. – The amount necessary for the establishment of the 
e-library and the purchase of the computers shall be generated from the funds
of the Department of Interior and Local Government. The maintenance of the
e-library established shall be the responsibility and shall be charged to
Barangay Santa Monica.
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of 
Interior and Local Government shall, in coordination with the Local 
Government Unit and other stakeholders, issue the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.  
SECTION 5. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or 
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under 
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existing laws. 
 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts or provisions of this Act 
which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential 
decrees, Implementing Rules and Regulations inconsistent with this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,