Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 880 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to declare the Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge as an 
ecotourism site in the Municipality of Basey, Province of Samar. 
The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge is one of the most sought-after 
tourist destinations in the Province of Samar and is internationally known for 
its natural beauty featuring cathedral-shaped caves, unique limestone 
formations, subterranean rivers, lush green forest and a natural stone bridge. 
The most popular feature of Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge is the 
natural stone bridge which connects two mountains. Several caves are also 
found in the area and the largest of which is the Panhulugan Cave. Unique 
and interesting limestone formations can be seen inside the caves that attract 
tourists and locals alike. 
The declaration of Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge as an ecotourism 
site will not only result to the development and improvement of the tourist 
site but will likewise help in the furtherance of socio-economic development 
in the local communities as well as in the whole country. 
As embodied in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the State shall protect 
and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. In light of all this, the 
immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought 
. 
   REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN 
Representative 
     Second District, Samar 
July 1, 2025
2:36 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 880 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative REYNOLDS MICHAEL T. TAN 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
DECLARING SOHOTON CAVES AND NATURAL BRIDGE IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY OF BASEY, PROVINCE OF SAMAR AN ECOTOURISM 
SITE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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 “Sohoton Caves and 
Natural Bridge Ecotourism Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – The 1987 Philippine Constitution 
mandates that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to 
a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of 
nature. 
Accordingly, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote an 
ecologically-sustainable and effective tourist industry that will enhance 
environmental preservation and support socio-economic development.  
SECTION 3. The Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Ecotourism Site. The 
Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge in the Municipality of Basey, Province of 
Samar is hereby declared as an ecotourism site. Its development shall be 
prioritized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the 
rules and regulations governing the development of ecotourism sites. 
The DOT, in coordination with the concerned local government units as 
well as with the other concerned government agencies, shall prepare a 
tourism development plan for Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge which shall 
be incorporated in the overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 
2009”, and which shall also include the construction and maintenance of 
infrastructure and facilities in the area; Provided, That the development plan 


shall ensure the preservation and conservation of the scenery and resources 
of the area. 
 
SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days 
after the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the DOT, in consultation with 
the concerned local government units, the Tourism Infrastructure and 
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) and other agencies, shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SECTION 5. Appropriations. The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the 
Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which 
shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act and internally 
generated funds of the DOT. 
 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations, proclamations, 
executive orders or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby deemed 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,