Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session
7119

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The use of cellular phones, especially smart phone, has become part and parcel
of the Filipino life. The country has been identified as one of the countries with the
highest number of people who own cellular phones. Every Filipino, irrespective of
wealth, owns a cellular phone and this has effectively connected people and bridged
the geographical disadvantage of the country being composed of 7,107 islands. The
extensive use of cellular phones has virtually transformed these 7,107 islands into one.

However, the use of cellular phones does not only bring benefits to the people
It also has its adverse effects, especially to the youth in schools. Various studies show
that the use of cellular phones and other smart devices in schools is one of the primary
reasons for the general students populace’s dip in academic performance. Quite
notably, these devices were seen as a distraction inside the classroom. Due to the
popularity and addictive nature of social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram, students have lost their focus on books and teachers’ instructions. There is
therefore a need to regulate the use of devices inside the classroom to ensure that
students absorb the quality education given to them.

As provided in the 1987 Constitution, it is the declared policy of the State to
protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels.

Therefore, consistent with this constitutional principle, this bill seeks to
regulate the use of cellular phones and similar devices in schools. It aims to assist
students in focusing on their studies and effectively train them as future contributors
in society.

SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

epresentative
fs Third District, Province of Masbate


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No._'7119

Introduced by HONORABLE SCOTT DAVIES S. LANETE, M.D.

AN ACT REGULATING THE USE OF CELLULAR PHONES AND
SIMILAR DIGITAL DEVICES IN SCHOOLS, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS “Cellphone Regulation Act of 2018.”

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

Section 1. Title. - This Act Shall be known as the "Cellphone Regulation Act
of 2018."

Section. 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State shall establish, maintain and
support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the
needs of the people, the country and society-at-large.

Section 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all private and public kindergarten,
elementary, secondary (including senior high school) and tertiary educational
institutions.

Section 4. Regulation of cellphone use in schools. — Except in cases of
emergencies and teaching programs that necessitate the use of cellular phones
and smart devices, it is hereby prohibited for any student of a covered institution
to use or access, irrespective of duration, cellular phones, smart phones and any
similar digital device within the classroom or any area, whether or not within
the school premises, where teaching lessons or activities are performed.

All covered educational institutions shall implement policies to ensure that
students comply with the above-stated provision.

Section 5. Device Depositary. — Every school is mandated to establish a device
depositary office where students can deposit their phones and gadgets upon
entering the school premises.


Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Education shall
issue implementing rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of this Act,
in consultation with the private sector.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. - All law, executive orders, rules and regulations
or any part hereof inconsistent herewith are deemed repealed or modified
accordingly.

Section 8. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be
declared unconstitutional and invalid, such declaration shall not invalidate other
parts thereof which shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 9, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.