EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
1278
S.B. No
O  
peltate
of tl)p (fercrctarp
20 
JAN 21 
A 8-48
R EC cI', r D R ;
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 16 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 5 of the Philippine Constitution declares that the promotion of 
the people’s general welfare essential to the enjoyment “of the blessings of democracy.”
Thus, the State must find and take advantage of every opportunity available with 
which it can improve the welfare and condition of its people. In pursuit of this objective, 
the State seeks the aid of local governments, which have been its constant and most 
important partner in delivering essential and basic social services to the people. Under 
Section 16 of the Local Government Code of 1991, police power for the promotion of 
the general welfare of the people has been delegated in favor of local governments. 
Section 16, however, is couched in general terms to give local governments the leeway 
and freedom to focus and prioritize issues which are most pressing in their jurisdictions.
This bill seeks to amend the existing provision of Section 16 of the Local 
Government Code of 1991 by strengthening the initiatives of the State, through the local 
governments, toward promoting the welfare of senior citizens and persons with 
disability. Specifically, the proposed amendments mandate local governments to 
formulate policies and implement welfare programs, including healthcare benefits, and 
programs intended to maximize employment opportunities for senior citizens and 
persons with disabilities. The amendments also ensure their convenient and priority 
access to government services, welfare programs, utilities, and facilities.
Indeed, improving the plight of and giving extra care to our senior citizens and 
persons with disability are equally pressing. The State must invest not only in their care 
but also in ensuring their full integration as productive members thereof.
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S ena te
©tluf ottbe STtrftarp
20 
JAN 21 
A 8 *48
SENATE
S.B. No. 1278
RECu'^OBV.
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
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AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 16 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 
1991, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local 
Government Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 16. General Welfare. - Every local government unit shall 
exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied 
therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for 
its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to 
the promotion of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial 
jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and support, among 
other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote 
health and safety, INCLUDING PROGRAMS FOR THE PROVISION 
OF FREE HEALTHCARE TO SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS 
WITH DISABILITY, enhance the right of the people to a balanced 
ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and 
self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public 
morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full 
employment among their residents, INCLUDING SENIOR CITIZENS 
AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY, maintain peace and order, and 
preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants. IN ALL 
CASES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS SHALL ENSURE THAT 
SENIOR 
CITIZENS AND 
PERSONS 
WITH 
DISABILITY ARE 
GRANTED CONVENIENT, EASY AND PRIORITY ACCESS TO 
SOCIAL AND 
OTHER SERVICES, 
FACILITIES AND OTHER 
UTILITIES.


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SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within thirty (30) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Interior and Local Government, in 
consultation with other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the implementing 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. -  All laws, orders, issuances, rules and regulations or 
part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 4. Effectivity Clause. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,