Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No, _7387

Introduced by Rep. ANGELO MARCOS BARBA
2n4 District, [locos Norte

AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND
FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Merriam-Webster defines a visionary as someone with a strong vision of
the future. A visionary, in layman’s term, is a man with a vision—one who has
the ability to plan for the future with great wisdom and imagination. Planning,
after all, has always been the key to national development. It is also the reason
why every nation such as ours had a council of visionaries as early as 1935 in
order to formulate and adopt the State’s economic program for national
development.

This was the National Economic Council (NEC), created by virtue of
Commonwealth Act No. 2 which was approved by the National Assembly on
December 23, 1935. NEC then became what is known as the National
Economic Development Authority (NEDA), created by Presidential Decree No.
107 in 1973 and reorganized in 1987 under Executive Order No. 230.

Faced with the challenges of the modern era, the council of visionaries has
no choice but to adapt. In order to adapt, changes have to be made. Hence,
this bill.

This bill seeks to strengthen the economic planning and development
policy of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines by transforming
the NEDA into an independent economic planning agency to be known as the
Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPD).

The DEPD shall be the policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, and
administrative entity of the Executive Branch of government on economic
planning and development. It shall formulate the country’s continuing,
integrated, and coordinated policies, plans, and programs for national
development and oversee the country’s public investment program.

Pursuant to Section 9, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, an
Economics and Planning Council, headed by the President of the Philippines,


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is likewise established to serve as the executive collegial body responsible for
directing and providing overall policy direction on economic, financial, social
and environmental matters to achieve inclusive and sustained economic
growth.

‘This proposed measure is in line with the current administration's
commitment to the whole-of-government-approach, which promotes
harmonization of policies and programs and coordination between and among
all government departments, agencies, bureaus, local government units, and
even the private sector.

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

ANG! ‘COS BARBA


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7367

Introduced by Rep. ANGELO MARCOS BARBA
2n4 District, Ilocos Norte

AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND
FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

CHAPTER 1.
CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

ARTICLE I —- TITLEAND POLICY

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Department of
Economic Planning and Development”.

SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ Pursuant to Section 9, Article XII
of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the State recognizes that Congress may
establish an independent economic and planning agency headed by the
President of the Philippines, which shall, after consultations with the
appropriate public agencies, various private sectors, and local government
units, recommend to Congress, and implement continuing integrated and
coordinated programs and policies for national development.

The State, pursuant to Section 1, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution, recognizes that the goals of the national economy are a more
equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth; a sustained
increase in the amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the
benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the
quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged.

ARTICLE II - DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC PLANNING
AND DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 3. Creation of Department of Economic Planning and
Development. ~ There is hereby created a Department of Economic and
Planning Development, hereafter referred toas DEPD.


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SECTION 4. Mandate. - DEPD shall be the policy, planning,
coordinating, implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive
Branch of government on economic planning and development. It shall
formulate the country’s continuing, integrated, and coordinated policies, plans,
and programs for national development and oversee the country’s public
investment program.

SECTION 5. Powers and functions. — DEPD shall have the following
powers and functions:

I. Policyand Planning

a.

Formulate the long-term development framework as the basis for
overall direction of government policies, programs, and projects;

Formulate the national and regional framework for physical and
spatial planning to ensure the sustainable use of land and other
physical resources;

Formulate national, inter-regional, regional _and_ provincial
development plans that set forth measurable goals, strategies,
proposed polices, programs, and projects;

Ensure consistency of national, inter-regional, regional and
provincial sectoral, and spatial plans and programs and monitor
their respective implementations;

Recommend the priorities for budget expenditure policies
including sectoral and regional allocations;

Propose and review policies to achieve economic development goals
and foster innovation;

Conduct research, surveys, and related studies for the formulation
of policies, plans, programs, and projects; and

Coordinate with the autonomous and administrative regions in the
conduct of planning activities affecting their respective regions.

IL. Investment Programming

a5

Formulate and review the national and regional public investment
program that identifies priority programs, activities, and projects;

Adopt and implement appropriate evaluation measures and
criteria to determine viability of programs and projects;

Appraise and recommend programs and projects that are found
viable;


d. Monitor and assess the progress of implementation of priority
programs and projects; and

e. Assess the impacts and outcomes of priority programs and
projects.

Ill.Capacity Building of Development Planners

a. Establish and implement a capacity building program on
development planning for national, regional, and local planners;
and

b. Provide technical assistance on localization of national
development strategies.

IV. Secretariat Support

a. Provide technical and secretariat support to the Economics and
Planning Council and its Committees, Regional Development
Councils, National Innovation Council, and Legislative-Executive
Development Advisory Council.

SECTION 6. Composition of DEPD. - DEPD shall by headed by a
Secretary. The Department Proper shall be composed of the Office of the
Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries,
technical and sectoral staffs, operations support staffs, and regional staffs.

SECTION 7. Secretary of Economic Planning and Development. - The
Secretary of Economic Planning and Development hereafter referred to as the
Secretary, shall be appointed by the President, subject to the confirmation of
the Commission on Appointments.

The Secretary, who shall be the country’s Chief Economist, shall have the
following minimum qualifications: a natural-born citizen and resident of the
Philippines; of good moral character; must have distinguished himself/herself
professionally in public, civic, or academic service in the field of economics;
must have been in active practice of his/her profession for at least ten (10)
years; and must have not been a candidate for any elective national or local
office in the immediately preceding elections, whether regular or special.

SECTION 8. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. — The Secretary
shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Advise the President on matters of national economic and social
development;

b. Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations
of DEPD;

c. Establish policies and standards for the efficient and effective
operations of DEPD;


d. Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of DEPD in
accordance with law;

e. Promulgate such rules and regulations, and exercise such other powers
as may be required to implement the objectives of this Act; and

f Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

SECTION 9. Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary
shall be assisted by four (4) Undersecretaries and eight (8) Assistant
Secretaries, who shail, upon recommendation by the Secretary, be appointed
by the President.

The Secretary shall have the flexibility to determine the respective
assignments of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries depending on
DEPD's strategic directions and/or on emerging development trends affecting
the country’s economy.

SECTION 10. Groups and Offices. - DEPD shall have four (4) major
Groups headed by Undersecretaries, to be supported by Offices and Staffs in
the discharge of their functions, to wit:

a. The Policy and Planning Group which shall be responsible for
preparing and updating the integrated long-term development
frameworks and plans, and physical planning frameworks;
harmonizing national and sub-national, sectoral, and spatial plans and
programs and monitoring their respective implementations;
conducting research and related studies for plan formulation and
policy recommendations; and preparing the annual economic reports;

b. The Investment Programming Group which shall be responsible for
translating plans and policies into programs and projects for sectoral
and regional development; and formulating the public investment
program;

¢. The Regional Development Group which shall be responsible for
promoting and undertaking regional planning and development; and

d. The Corporate Affairs Group which shall be responsible for providing
support services relating to budget, finance and management; human
resources; legal assistance; information, communications and
technology; records; supplies and equipment; collection and
disbursement; security; sanitation; and custodial work.

‘The Secretary shall have the flexibility to reorganize the groups, offices,
and staffs, and to recommend to DBM for approval, the creation of additional
offices, positions, or staffing modifications as may be necessary.


SECTION 11. Structure and Staffing. — The organizational structure and
staffing shall be determined by DEPD and shall be submitted to the DBM for
approval as necessary.

SECTION 12. DEPD Regional Offices. - The DEPD shall establish,
operate, and maintain a regional office in all different regions of the country.
Each regional office shall be headed by a Regional Director, who shall be
assisted by an Assistant Director. The regional offices shall discharge the
functions of DEP, as applicable, at the regional level.

SECTION 13. Attached Agencies. — The agencies currently attached to
the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) shall hereafter be
attached to the DEPD and shall continue to operate and function in
accordance with their respective charters, laws, or orders creating them,
except as otherwise provided in this Act.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) as the
government's primary socioeconomic policy think tank; and the Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA) as the government's statistical authority, shall be
organizationally linked to the Office of the Secretary for policy and program
coordination.

The Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPC) as the
agency responsible for the promotion and facilitation of PPP programs and
projects shall be organizationally linked to the Investment Programming
Group for policy and program coordination.

The Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute(PSRTI) as the
agency mandated to conduct high quality, objective and responsive statistical
research and training; the Commission on Population and Development
(POPDEVCOM) as the agency responsible for the government’s national
program on population and family planning; and the Philippine National
Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) as the agency mandated to
promote and coordinate volunteer programs and services shall be
organizationally linked to the Policy and Planning Group for policy and
program coordination.

The Tariff Commission (TC) as the agency that provides independent
analysis, information, and technical support on matters related to tariff and
non-tariff measures shall be organizationally linked to the Policy and Planning
Group for administrative purposes.

SECTION 14. Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. -
DEPD shall serve as the principal secretariat of the Legislative-Executive
Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), pursuant to Republic Act No. 7640,
otherwise known as “An Act Constituting the Legislative-Executive
Development Advisory Council”. The LEDAC Secretariat shall hereafter be
integrated in the organizational structure of DEPD. The necessary
appropriations for operating and capital expenditure of the LEDAC Secretariat
shall be included in DEPD’s budget in the General Appropriations Act.


CHAPTER 2.
THE ECONOMICS PLANNING COUNCIL
AND ITS COMMITTEES

SECTION 15. The Feonomics and Planning Council. ~ There shall be
established an Economics and Planning Council, hereafter referred to as the
Council, as the executive collegial body responsible for directing and providing
overall policy direction on economic, financial, social and environmental
matters to achieve inclusive and sustained economic growth. The Council shall
be headed by the President of the Philippines.

SECTION 16. Composition of the Council. - The Council shall be
composed of the following:

. The President of the Philippines, as Chairperson;

. Secretary of Economic Planning and Development;

.. Secretary of Finance;

Secretary of Budget and Management;

. Secretary of Interior and Local Government;

Secretary of Trade and Industry;

. Secretary of Public Works and Highways;

. Chairperson of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; and
Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as a resource
institution.

re mp ae op

All members of the Council, except the Governor of BSP, are voting
members. The presence of a majority of all members of the Council shall
constitute a quorum. The council may request inputs from the private sector.

‘The President shall assign the Vice Chairperson from among the members
of the Council. The President may revise the membership of the Council as
deemed necessary for the effective performance of the Council’s functions.

SECTION 17. Powers and Functions of the Council. - The Council shall
have the following powers and functions:

a. Direct the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, and
programs that promote economic development and address
development concerns of national importance;

b. Approve policies, plans, programs, and projects, as endorsed by the
Committees;

c. Approve proposed cost threshold and other criteria for priority
programs and projects, unless already provided by existing laws, rules
and regulations;

d. Approve the level of annual government expenditures, as well as
projections, forecast, resource requirement, and the ceiling of
government spending: and


e. Issue rules and regulations necessary for the effective discharge of the
powers and functions vested on the Council.

SECTION 18. Meetings. - The Council shall meet quarterly. A special
meeting of the Council may be convened by the President to address urgent
concerns, emergencies, and other extraordinary circumstances.

All decisions of the Council shall require the concurrence of the President
of the Philippines.

DEPD shall maintain and preserve a complete record of the proceedings
and deliberations of the Council, including recording and transcripts, either in
their original form, or in any secure format available by existing technology.

SECTION 19. Full Disclosure Rule. - In addition to the requirements of
Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees, any member of the Council with
personal and pecuniary interest in any matter in the agenda of the Council
shall disclose the interest to the Council and shall withdraw from the meeting
when the matter is taken up. The minutes shall reflect the disclosure made
and the retirement of the member concerned from the meeting.

SECTION 20. Committees of the Council. - The Council shall have
Committees that shall act as its primary advisory bodies.

These Committees shall be the main coordinating mechanism that ensures
that the policy environment is conducive to the promotion of rapid, inclusive,
and sustained economic growth.

The President shall designate the respective Chairpersons of the
Committees. DEPD shall serve as the Secretariat of all Committees, unless
otherwise provided by this Act.

The President may revise the membership and reorganize the structures
and functions of the Committees, and establish new committees, as deemed
necessary.

SECTION 21. - Development Budget Coordination Committee
(BudgetCom). - BudgetCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the
Department of Budget and Management, Department of Economic Planning
and Development, and the Department of Finance, the Executive Secretary,
and the Governor of BSP.

A technical committee of the BudgetCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
BudgetCom. The Department of Budget and Management shall serve as the
Secretariat of the BudgetCom.

BudgetCom shall recommend for final approval of the Council:


a. The level of annual government expenditures and the ceiling of
government spending for economic and social development, national
defense, and government debt service;

b. The budget to be allocated for current operating expenditures and
capital outlays of government programs and projects;

c. A strategic multi-year fiscal program which supports the long-term
and medium-term development objectives of the country; and

d. A domestic and foreign borrowing program.

SECTION 22. ~ Investment Coordination Committee (InvestmentCom). -
InvestmentCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of Department of
Finance, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Department of
Budget and Management, Department of Interior and Local Government, and
Department of Trade and Industry, the Executive Secretary and the Governor
of the BSP.

A technical committee of InvestmentCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
InvestmentCom.

InvestmentCom shall discharge the following functions:

a. Ensure the efficient and effective evaluation of major capital programs
and projects of the country by determining levels of acceptability and
viability relative to overall economic and fiscal conditions of the
country;

b, Recommend for final approval of the Council:

i. The timetable of the implementation of major capital programs
and projects on a regular basis;

i, Public-private partnerships, privatization, and other funding
options to augment government's financing capacity;

iii, Modalities of development financing and capital market
development in support of long-term programs and projects for
both national and local government, and GOCCs; and

iv. Specific major programs and projects found viable in terms of
economic and social benefits, and viability.

c. Submit to the President of the Philippines a status of the fiscal,
monetary and balance of payment (BOP) implications of major capital
programs and projects.


SECTION 23. Economic Development Committee (EconDevCom). —
EconDevCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of
Economic Planning and Development, Department of Finance, Department of
Budget and Management, Department of Public Works and Highways,
Department of Transportation, Department of Information and
Communications Technology, Department of Energy, Department of Science
and Technology, Department of Tourism, Department of Agriculture, and
Department of Interior and Local Government, the Executive Secretary, and
the Governor of BSP.

A technical committee of EconDevCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
EconDevCom.

EconDevCom shall recommend for final approval of the Council:

a. Policies that ensure equitable and sustainable distribution of economic
opportunities and benefits to Filipinos;

b. Policies towards the development of agriculture, industry, and services
that are vital to food security, and equitable and sustainable growth;
and

c. Policies and measures to promote national productivity, competition,
and competitiveness.

SECTION 24. Infrastructure Committee (InfraCom). — InfraCom shall
be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Public Works and
Highways, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Department
of Budget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of
Information and Communications Technology, Department of Transportation,
Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy, Department of
Agriculture, and Department of Tourism, and the Executive Secretary.

A technical committee of InfraCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
InfraCom.

InfraCom shall discharge the following functions:

a. Recommend for the final approval of the Council a national
infrastructure development strategy;

b. Advise the Council on all matters concerning infrastructure
development; and

c. Coordinate the activities of agencies, including government-owned and
controlled corporations involved in infrastructure development.


SECTION 25. Social Development Committee (SocialDevCom). —
SocialDevCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of
Social Welfare and Development, Department of Economic Planning and
Development, Department of Budget and Management, Department of
Education, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture,
Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government,
Department of Labor and Employment, and the Executive Secretary.

A technical committee of SocialDevCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
SocialDevCom.

SociaDevCom shall have the following functions:

a. Recommend for final approval of the Council policies and programs
that enhance the welfare and reduce the risks of Overseas Filipino
Workers, older persons, differently-abled persons, children, women,
indigenous peoples, marginalized farmers and fisherfolk, and informal
urban and upland settlers; and

b. Advise the Council on matters concerning social development and
delivery of social services.

SECTION 26. Committee on Trade and Related Matters (TradeCom). —
TradeCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Trade
and Industry, Department of Economic Planning and Development,
Department of Agriculture, Department of Budget and Management,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Finance,
Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Information and
Communications Technology, and Department of Transportation, the
Executive Secretary, the Governor of the BSP, and the Chairperson of the
Tariff Commission.

A technical committee of TradeCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
TradeCom.

Tradecom shall discharge the following functions:

a. Recommend for final approval of the Council a continuous
rationalization policy and program for the country’s tariff structure;

b. Advise the Council on trade and related matters, as well as the effects
of various international developments on the country; and

©. Coordinate government agency positions and recommend national
positions for international economic negotiations.


SECTION 27. Regional Development Committee (RDCom). - RDCom
shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Economic Planning
and Development, Department of Interior and Local Government,
Department of Budget and Management, and Department of Trade and
Industry, three (3) Regional Development Council Chairpersons representing
Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and a representative from the Union of Local
Authorities of the Philippines.

‘A technical committee of RDCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
RDCom.

RDCom shall discharge the following functions:

a. Formulate and monitor the implementation of policies that reduce
regional development disparities;

b. Promote equitable allocation of resources among regions by providing
recommendations to BudgetCom on the guidelines for the regional
allocation of budgetary resources; and

c. Periodically review the viability of the regional configuration of the
country, and recommend to the Council the re-delineation of regions,
as may be necessary.

SECTION 28. - Marine Resources and Land Use Committee
(MaRLUCom). - MaRLUCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the
Department of Economic Planning and Development, Department of Agrarian
Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Department of
Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local
Government, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Tourism,
and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the
Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, the
Chairperson of the National Coast Watch Council, and the presidents of
leagues of provinces, municipalities, and cities.

A technical committee of MarRLUCom, composed of duly designated
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to
conduct a technical review of matters that require appropriate action by
MaRLUCom.

MaRLUCom shall discharge the following functions:

a. Advise the Council on matters concerning marine resource use
planning and land use physical planning;

b. Recommend for final approval of the Council the national and
sub-national framework for physical planning;


c. Recommend for final approval of the Council resolutions concerning
marine resource use and land use policy conflicts among national
government agencies; and

d. Ensure the integration of marine resource use, land use and physical
planning, including disaster risk management, into national
development policies, plans and programs.

SECTION 29. Regional Development Council (RDC). — The Regional
Development Council are the regional counterparts of the Council. Each RDC
shall be composed of provincial governors, city mayors, mayors of
municipalities designated as provincial capitals, presidents of the provincial
league of mayors, mayors of municipalities designated as regional centers,
regional directors of the agencies represented in the Council, regional
directors of the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and
Development, and Department of Tourism, and private sector representatives
who shall comprise one-fourth of the members of the fully constituted RDC.

‘The President of the Philippines shall appoint the Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson of the RDC. The DEPD Regional Offices shall serve as Secretariat
of the RDCs.

CHAPTER 3.
TRANSITORY AND OTHER
MISCELLANEUOS PROVISIONS

SECTION 30. Transitory Provision. — By virtue of this Act, NEDA is
hereby abolished and DEPD shall be subrogated to all the rights and assume
all the liabilities of NEDA, all its funds, records, property, assets, equipment,
and such personnel as necessary, including unexpended appropriations
and/or allocations. All contracts and liabilities of NEDA are hereby
transferred to and assumed by DEPD and shall be acted upon in accordance
with the Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. All
current officials and employees of NEDA shall be retained under and absorbed
by DEPD.

Any reference to NEDA or to the Secretary of NEDA in any existing law,
Executive Order, Administrative Order, or Presidential Proclamation, rules
and regulations, and other issuances with respect to any duty or function
assumed by DEPD created under this Act, shall be deemed hereafter to be
referenced to DEPD or to the Secretary of Economic Planning and
Development, respectively.

All programs and projects submitted to NEDA for appraisal and/or those
endorsed by the current Investment Coordination Committee for NEDA Board
approval prior to the effectivity of this Act shall be processed by DEPD and the
Council, respectively, subject to the prevailing laws, rules and regulations,
guidelines, and issuances at the time there were submitted or endorsed.


SECTION 31. Separation and Retirement from Service. - NEDA
employees who are separated from service as a result of the consultation
and/or reorganization, under the provisions of this Act, shall receive
separation benefits to which they may be entitled under existing laws:
Provided, That those who are qualified to retire under existing retirement
laws shall be allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits to which they
may be entitled under applicable laws and issuances.

SECTION 32. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the
initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s
appropriations of NEDA. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
effective and continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act

SECTION 33. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act, DEPD shall promulgate the rules and
regulations, as well as the necessary issuances required for the proper
implementation of this Act.

‘The implementing rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after the completion of its publication in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation. Within three (3) days from its effectivity date, three (3) certified
copies of the published implementing rules and regulations shall be furnished
to the University of the Philippines Office of the Law Center pursuant to Book
VII, Chapter 2, Section 3 of the Administrative Code of 1987.

SECTION 34. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such
declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 35. Repealing Clause. — Executive Order No. 230, Series of
1987, and Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4, Subtitle C, Title Il, Book V of Executive
Order No. 292, Series of 1987, are hereby repealed. All laws, executive orders,
administrative orders, and rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 36. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days

after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,