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 
ESTABLISHING AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCE FOR THE 
PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE OF TOURISTS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Tourism is an indispensable element of the national economy. In 2019, the percent share 
of tourism to GDP is estimated at 12.8 percent. A lot of Filipino families also depend on 
the industry with its percentage share of total employment recorded at 13.6 percent in 
2019 and 11.9% in 2020.  Considering its potential to jumpstart the economy towards 
national development, it is incumbent upon the State to adopt policies, programs, and 
projects to protect the welfare of both foreign and domestic tourists and to likewise boost 
the image of the country as a premier travel and tourism destination across the globe.  
This measure proposes the creation of the Tourist Protection and Assistance Task Force 
which shall be responsible for the following: (1) adoption of uniform standards on 
signages across the country, (2) preparation of multilingual travel and tourism information 
and promotional materials, (3) establishment of an assistance system and help desks for 
tourists, among others. The task force shall be composed of the Department of Tourism 
(DOT), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of 
Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department 
of Justice (DOJ), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government and private 
sector representatives.  
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 8, 2022
10:25 am
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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 
ESTABLISHING AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCE FOR THE 
PROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE OF TOURISTS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:  
Section 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Tourist Protection and 
Assistance Act”. 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles. – The State recognizes tourism as a major contributor 
to the country's economic growth. Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to enact 
measures for the protection and assistance of tourists, both domestic and foreign, during 
their travel around the country. 
Sec. 3. Tourist Protection and Assistance Task Force. – Within nine (9) months after 
the approval of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall establish 
an intergovernmental task force to be known as the “Tourist Protection and Assistance 
Task Force”, hereinafter referred to as the “Task Force.” 
It shall be the duty of the Task Force to facilitate through the concerned national 
government agencies and local government units (LGUs), the following: 
a) Adoption of uniform standards on signage for use throughout the Philippines to
facilitate travel in the country;
b) Provision of directional signage in tourism facilities and destinations, including
airports seaports land border crossings, highways, bus train, and other public transit
locations
c) Preparation and dissemination of multilingual travel and tourism information and
promotional materials;
d) Establishment of a toll-free telephone assistance system run by multilingual
operators to assist domestic and foreign tourists;
e) Coordination with LGUs for the establishment of tourist help desks in identified
tourist destinations; and
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f) Institution of measures to prevent unlawful acts or harassment committed against 
tourists. 
 
Sec. 4. Composition of the Task Force. – The Task Force shall be composed of the 
following: 
a) Secretary of the DOT or the duly designated representative as Chairperson· 
b) Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government or the duly 
designated representative, as Vice Chairperson; 
c) Secretary of the Department of Transportation or the duly designated representative; 
d) Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways or the duly designated 
representative; 
e) Secretary of the Department of Justice or the duly designated representative; 
f) Director General of the Philippine National Police or the duly designated 
representative; 
g) Such other representatives of other government agencies and private sector entities 
may be determined to be appropriate to the mission of the Task Force by the 
Chairperson, as members. 
 
The Task Force shall meet whenever necessary. 
 
Sec. 5. Funding. – The amount necessary to cover the expenses for the operation of the 
Task Force shall be charged against the existing appropriation of the DOT as contained 
in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
  
Funds for the implementation of the programs and projects that shall be approved by the 
Task Force shall be included in the appropriation of the implementing agencies 
concerned.  
 
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. – Should any provision of this Act or the application thereof 
to any person or circumstance be held invalid, the other provisions or sections of this Act 
shall not be affected thereby.  
 
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations 
or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or 
modified accordingly. 
 
Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,