Republic of the Philippines

Bouse of Representatives

Queson City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.__5

Introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,
Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to create the Eastern Visayas Development Authority
(EVDA) to promote and facilitate the active and extensive participation of all
sectors in the socio-economic development of Eastern Visayas.

Eastem Visayas or Region VIII, comprising of 6 provinces, 136
municipalities and 7 cities and strategically situated at the very heart of the
Philippines, is one of the country’s most ecologically diverse regions that is
blessed with energy, mineral, land and marine resources. Despite its abundant
resources and strategic location, its development is being slowed down due to
frequent natural disasters, infrastructure gaps, and fragmented implementation of
national programs and projects.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda), one of the most
devastating typhoons ever recorded, caused unimaginable destruction in the
Eastern Visayas, which resulted in the displacement and loss of lives and
properties and devastation of vital infrastructure, agriculture and public utilities,
and hindered the economic growth and development of the region. As it recovered
from the devastating event, the region is still heavily impacted with the vicious
cycle of poverty.


The proposed EVDA is tasked to formulate the Eastern Visayas
Development Master Plan, which will serve as the framework for the accelerated
and balanced development in the region. Likewise, the EVDA will provide
strategic direction for the long-term economic development of the region through
the integration and implementation of the national and local government
programs and projects, including the efforts of the private sector. Further, the
control and administration of the Post-Haiyan Rehabilitation Funds will be
transferred to EVDA.

With EVDA at the helm, it will address the region’s persistent
underdevelopment, disaster vulnerability and governance challenges through
focused leadership and integrated planning that will transform Eastern Visayas

into a more resilient and prosperous region.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

win Uh G. ROMUALDEZ

JUDE #. ACIDRE ANDREW JULIAN K. ROMUALDEZ


Republic of the Philippines

Bouse of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5

Introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez,
Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre

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AN ACT
CREATING THE EASTERN VISAYAS DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY (EVDA), DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS,
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION I. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Eastern
Visayas Development Authority (EVDA) Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote and accelerate the sound and balanced industrial, economic,
and social growth of Eastern Visayas and ensure its speedy rehabilitation in
the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan by increasing trade, tourism, and
investments, encouraging private enterprise, and advancing efforts towards
progress and development within the context of national plans and policies in
order to provide jobs to the people, especially those in rural areas, increase
their productivity and their individual and family incomes, and thereby
improve the quality of their living conditions.


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Towards this end, an effective institutional mechanism shall be
established in order to address the need for a coordinated and integrated
approach in the formulation and implementation of plans, programs, and
projects geared towards economic growth and development in the Eastern
Visayas region, including the establishment, among others, of special
economic zones.

SEC. 3. Creation. — The Eastern Visayas Development Authority,
hereinafter referred to as the Authority, is hereby created, which shall
promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active and extensive participation of all
sectors in the socioeconomic development of Eastern Visayas.

SEC. 4. Coverage.— The Authority shall cover all the provinces of
Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Biliran and Southern
Leyte, the independent City of Ormoc and the highly urbanized City of
Tacloban.

SEC. 5. Main Office.— The Authority shall have its main office in
Tacloban City. It may also establish satellite offices in Metro Manila and in
the other provinces within Eastern Visayas, if necessary, to achieve the
objectives of this Act.

SEC. 6. Purpose. — The Authority shall have the following purposes
and objectives:

(a)To promote the development of Eastern Visayas by initiating or
undertaking, by itself or otherwise, development and business
projects of corporate, economic nature whether in agriculture,
power, infrastructure, energy, public utilities, land development,
manufacturing, exploration or utilization of natural resources, and
other fields or projects;

(b)To integrate government and private sector efforts and resources in
the pursuit of sustainable development and balanced growth of
Eastern Visayas; as proposed in the post-Haiyan rehabilitation plan
and other relevant development plans, programs and projects;

(c) To facilitate investments in any field as would enhance the economic
development of the region;


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(d)To provide a model for the full implementation of a comprehensive
regional industrialization and agricultural modernization policy.

SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Authority. — The Authority shall
have the following powers and functions:

(a)Formulate an integrated development framework for Eastern
Visayas that is, as far as practicable, consistent with the peace and
development initiatives of the national government;

(b) Provide strategic direction for the long-term economic development
of Eastern Visayas;

(c)Integrate, prioritize, program, and implement, whenever allowed
and authorized by applicable laws, specific programs, activities and
projects within Eastern Visayas, including Official Development
Assistance (ODA) projects, subject to such limitations prescribed by
existing laws, rules, and regulations;

(d)Recommend to, and whenever necessary, call upon the appropriate
agencies of the national government and any of its instrumentalities,
to—provide the necessary technical support for, assistance and
prioritization in the implementation of agricultural, industrial,
commercial, infrastructure, environmental, tourism, and
technological programs and projects;

(e) Advocate to the constituents of Eastern Visayas, their elected
Representatives in Congress, and the national government, policies
that will foster the integrated and balanced development of Eastern
Visayas;

(f) Promote and facilitate investments in any field that would enhance
the socioeconomic development of Eastern Visayas and uplift the
living standards of the people in close coordination with agencies
primarily mandated to undertake such functions;

(g)Explore sources for financing priority programs, projects, and
activities that are critical to the development of Eastern Visayas;


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(h)Coordinate and facilitate the extension of necessary planning,
management, and technical assistance to prospective and existing
investors, to complement the efforts of agencies primarily mandated
to execute such functions;

(i) Establish a comprehensive and integrated database on Eastern
Visayas to support planning and decision making;

(Gj) Perform prior screening functions, as a condition precedent to the
approval by any national, provincial, or municipal government
agency, of any permit, license, lease, franchise, or concession for the
operation of any business or the exploitation, development, or
utilization of natural resources within Eastern Visayas;

(k)Negotiate and enter into management or consulting contracts with
local or foreign management consulting firms for the planning and
implementation of agricultural, tourism, and industrial development
projects in Eastern Visayas;

(1) Avail of the expertise of any particular employee, technician, or
group of persons in any bureau, office, or department of the national
government whose services are deemed urgently needed for the
attainment of the goals of the Authority, with the consent and
approval of the department head concerned;

(m)Conduct scientific experiments, investigation, and research to
discover economical and practical methods of increasing
agricultural and industrial production and other related endeavors;

(n)Encourage and organize cooperative ventures in agriculture, agri-
business, industry, tourism, and commerce and assist them by
arranging appropriate financing schemes, for their plans and
projects;

(o)Monitor, evaluate, and formulate recommendations in the
implementation of Eastern Visayas-wide development programs,
activities and projects;


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(p)Establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure the timely
implementation of Eastern Visayas-wide projects, whenever
necessary, including public-private partnership;

(q)Review and recommend for approval by the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) Board programs, projects, and
plans by the national government and donor agencies for
implementation in Eastern Visayas, subject to existing laws, rules
and regulations;

(t) Recommend the creation and supervise the development and
operation of special economic zones in Eastern Visayas according
to the principles and provisions set forth in this Act and Republic
Act No. 7916, or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, as
amended;

(s) Interface with foreign assistance agencies and international aid
organizations, in coordination with the NEDA and other relevant
national government agencies, for the purpose of obtaining
financing support, grants and donations for its programs and
projects;

(t) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or
gifts, in cash or in kind, from foreign governments, international
agencies, private entities and other sources, including ODA, to be
used in the development of Eastern Visayas, subject to existing laws,
rules and regulations;

(u)To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire, purchase, hold,
lease, transfer, and dispose of property of any kind or nature to carry
out the purposes of this Act; and

(v) Discharge other functions that may be deemed necessary or as may
be provided by law.

In the discharge of its functions, the Authority shall ensure appropriate

consultation and coordination with the Eastern Visayas Regional

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Development Council and other local development councils as well as with
national government agencies, local government units, accredited people’s
organizations, non-government organizations and the private sector operating
in Eastern Visayas.

The Authority, through the EVDA Chairperson, shall submit to the
President of the Philippines and both Houses of Congress annual reports on
its accomplishments and activities.

SEC. 8. Board of Directors. - The overall directions and thrusts of the
Authority shall be provided and approved, unless provided otherwise in this
Act, by a Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board. It shall be
composed of the following members:

(a) The Chairperson who shall be appointed by the President of the
Philippines;

(b)The Chairperson of the Eastern Visayas Regional Development
Council as ex officio member;

(c) A member of the Senate, upon designation by the Senate President,
who shall be an ex officio member;

(d)A member of the House of Representatives, chosen by the District
Representatives of the legislative districts comprising Eastern
Visayas, who shall be an ex officio member;

(e)The Regional President of the League of Municipalities-Eastern
Visayas Chapter;

(f) Three (3) private sector representatives to be appointed by the
President, upon the recommendation of the Board comprising of one
(1) representative each from the:

1. Eastern Visayas business sector;
2. Eastern Visayas academic sector; and
3. Eastern Visayas non-government sector.

The term of office of the three (3) representatives from the private sector
shall be six (6) years: Provided, That at the initial appointment of such

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members, the second member to be appointed shall only serve a term of four
(4) years and the third member to be appointed shall only serve a term of two
(2) years: Provided, further, That they shall continuc to hold office until their
successors shall have been appointed. All vacancies, prior to the expiration of
the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term only.

The members of the Board shall be entitled to reimbursements for actual
and necessary expenses incurred, either for their attendance in the meetings of
the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by
resolution of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations.

The term of the ex officio members including the Senator and the
Member of the House of Representatives shall correspond to their term as
elected officials.

SEC. 9. Functions of the Board of Directors. — The Board of Directors
shall have the following functions:

(a)Provide direction and guidance for the work and thrusts of the
Authority for Eastern Visayas;

(b)Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent
with the overall national development goals and objectives;

(c)Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent with
regional and local development plans, programs and projects and

vice versa;

(d)Explore sources for financing of priority Easter Visayas-wide
development;

(e) Create committees or task forces as may be deemed necessary for
the accomplishment of the plans, programs, projects and activities
of the Authority;

(f) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the
constitution of a quorum and other rules and regulations in the
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(g)Perform such functions as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Act.

SEC. 10. Executive Committee.— The Board shall constitute an
Executive Committee from among its membership to act, for and on its behalf,
when the Board is not in session, on urgent matters as may be deemed
necessary by the Chairperson.

The following shall comprise the Executive Committee:

(a) The EVDA Chairperson as head;

(b) The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC)
Chairperson;

(c) The Private Sector Representative from the business sector;
(d) The Private Sector Representative from the academic sector; and

(e) The Private Sector Representative from the non-government sector.

SEC. 11. Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.— The
Chairperson shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines with the
rank of Undersecretary and shall act as Chief Executive Officer of the
Authority. The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer shall serve a term of
six (6) years from the date of appointment unless removed for cause:
Provided, That the person who shall be appointed as Chairperson must be a
Filipino citizen, of good moral character, of proven probity and integrity and
a holder of a degree in economics, business, public administration, law,
management or related fields, and with at least five (5) years relevant
experience preferably in the field of management or public administration:
Provided, further, That the appointee for Chairperson shall have been a
resident of Eastern Visayas for at least (5) years before the appointment.

The Chairperson shall have the following duties and functions:

(a)Call and preside over meetings of the Board and see to it that the
policies, programs and rules and regulations are implemented

properly;


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(b)Call on technical experts to assist in the formulation and
implementation of a comprehensive and integrated development
plan for Eastern Visayas, investment programs and the preparation
of investment programming priorities, annual reports and other
pertinent documents approved by the Authority;

(c) Identify solutions to key issues and concerns, taking into account
related risks, relative impact, and affected parties in coordination
with the Board and key stakeholders;

(d)Advocate the goals, objectives, and programs of the Authority
among the various concerned sectors and stakeholders;

(e)Call on any agency, group, individual member of the Board, local
government unit, and host community to address issues and
concerns relating to the implementation of major programs, projects
and activities;

(f) Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of Eastern
Visayas-wide programs, projects and activities;

(g)Endorse to the Board all policy recommendations, plans, and
programs for its approval;

(h) Accept, on behalf of the Authority, donations, contributions, grants
and bequests or gifts, in cash or in kind, from members, foreign
governments, international agencies, private entities or any
individual for purpose that will realize the functions of the
Authority;

(i) Supervise administrative operations including disbursement of any
fund of the Authority, subject to the usual accounting and auditing
procedures, and submit reports thereon;

(j) Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the
Board;


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(k)Appoint, remove, dismiss or otherwise discipline for cause, all
employees of the Authority in accordance with the standard
guidelines for recruitment, employment, and discipline in the Civil
Service Code;

(1) Represent the Authority before other offices, agencies, and
instrumentalities of the government and with all persons and entities,
public or private;

(m) Sign agreements and /er contracts on behalf of the Authority,
including those for services of experts and consultants, and other
reports of accountabilities of the Authority;

(n)Serve as ex officio member of the Board of Directors of the NEDA
and the TIEZA; and

(0)Perform such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out
the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 12. Deputy Chairperson. ~ The Chairperson shall be assisted by
one Deputy Chairperson, who shall be appointed by the President of the
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Chairperson, with the rank of
Assistant Secretary. The Deputy Chairperson shall have the same
qualifications as the Chairperson and shall perform such duties and functions
as may be assigned by the Chairperson or as provided for by law.

SEC. 13. Executive Director.- An Executive Director shall be
appointed by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by the
Chairperson: Provided, That no person shall be appointed as Executive
Director unless one is a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, of proven
probity and integrity and a holder of a degree in economics, business, public
administration, law, management or other related fields, and have at least five
(5) years relevant experience in said fields: Provided, further, That the
appointee to the position of Executive Director shall have been a resident of
Eastern Visayas for five (5) years prior to appointment, and has the requisite
eligibilities for third level career service position, pursuant to the career
executive rank system: Provided, finally, That the appointee shall reside in
Eastern Visayas while serving in such office.

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The Executive Director shall assist the Chairperson in carrying out the
functions of the Authority and shall, likewise, serve as the Secretary of the
Board.

SEC. 14. The Advisory Council.~ There is hereby constituted an
EVDA Advisory Committee to be composed of the following:

(a) The Chairperson as head;
(b) The Eastern Visayas RDC Chairperson;

(c) The District Representatives of the legislative districts comprising
Eastern Visayas;

(d)The Provincial Governors of the provinces comprising Eastern
Visayas;

(e) The City Mayors of the independent cities in Eastern Visayas;

(f) The Regional Directors of the national line agencies with regional
offices in Eastern Visayas.

The Advisory Council shall convene at least once every six (6) months
or as often as necessary upon the call of the EVDA Chairperson, for advice or
consultation by the Authority on important matters related to Eastern Visayas.

SEC. 15. Organizational Structure. — The Board of Directors, upon the
recommendation of the Chairperson shall determine the organizational
structure and staffing pattern of the Authority, in accordance with the existing
compensation and position classification system and civil service laws, rules
and regulations. The Chairperson may reorganize the Authority and may
create or abolish divisions, units, or branches therein as the exigency of the
affairs of the Authority may require.

SEC. 16. Merit System. — All officials and employees of the Authority
shall be selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance
with civil service law, rules, and regulations. The recruitment, transfer,
promotion, and dismissal of all its personnel including temporary workers

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shall be governed by a merit system that will be established by the Authority
in compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.

SEC. 17. Appropriations.- The amount necessary for the
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SEC. 18. Transfer of Post-Haiyan Rehabilitation Funds.— The
authority, control, and administration of funds, equipment and properties
donated by foreign governments, foreign and local non-profit agencies and
foundations and private entities to the National Government for the purpose
of the rehabilitation of areas in Eastern Visayas that were affected by Typhoon
Haiyan, as well as all other funds received or appropriated by the National
Government for the same purpose are hereby transferred to the Authority.
Thereafter, the Authority shall exercise the sole power of control and
disposition of the rehabilitation funds, in accordance with the provisions of
this Act or until the purposes for which the said funds had been donated are
accomplished.

SEC. 19. Formulation of the Eastern Visayas Development Master
Plan. — Upon its organization, the Authority shall formulate and submit its
development master plan to the NEDA for integration into the Medium-Term
Philippine Development Plan and public investment program. The Eastern
Visayas Development Master Plan shall serve as the framework for the
accelerated and balanced development of Eastern Visayas, in accordance with
the aims and purposes of this Act.

SEC. 20, Administrative Supervision. - The Authority shall be under
the direct supervision of the President of the Philippines.

SEC. 21. Interpretation. — The powers, authorities and functions that
are vested in the Authority are intended to decentralize governmental
functions and authority and promote an efficient and effective working
relationship between the EVDA, the national government, and the local
government units.

SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Authority shall
promulgate the rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act
within sixty (60) days from the date of its approval.

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SEC. 23. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act is
held unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not
affected shall continue to remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules
and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 25. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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