Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF 
REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
2nd Regular Session 
House Bill No. 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN 
T. TULFO EDVIC G. YAP, JOCELYN P. TULFO,
ERIC YAP, AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO
AN ACT 
AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED 1341, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
CHARTER OF THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The proposed bill seeks to introduce essential amendments to Presidential Decree 
No. 1341, widely recognized as the Charter of the Polytechnic University of the 
Philippines (PUP). These amendments are driven by the fundamental goal of 
elevating the quality of education and nurturing academic excellence within PUP, 
thus aligning the University with the overreaching principles of Section 1, Article 
XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. 
Presidential Decree No. 1341, which established the PUP in 1978, requires 
updating to address the evolving educational landscape. The proposed changes 
are intended to ensure that the PUP remains a relevant and effective institution, 
committed 
to 
high-quality 
education, 
innovation, 
and 
socio-economic 
development. 
Foregoing considered, the bill reflects the government’s dedication to advancing 
education and academic excellence through modernizing PUP’s charter, 
reinforcing its role as a dynamic institution that meets the diverse educational 
September 6, 2023
1:25 pm
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needs of the nation. This forward-looking approach aims to empower individuals 
and contribute to a more prosperous future of the Philippines. 
 
In the 17th Congress, this bill as filed by Representative Winnie Castelo which was 
primarily referred to the Committee on Higher and Technical Education. 
ERWIN T. TULFO  
 EDVIC G. YAP  
 JOCELYN P. TULFO 
ERIC GO YAP             RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.


Page 3 of 17 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
2nd Regular Session 
House Bill No. ________ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO, JOCELYN P. TULFO, 
RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO, EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC G. YAP 
AN ACT 
AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED 1341, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
CHARTER OF THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SEC. 1. Section 1 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. The Polytechnic University of the 
Philippines is hereby strengthened into the Country's National Polytechnic 
University. In order to execute its mandate, it is hereby declared as the country's First 
National Polytechnic University. Along with its elevated status as the country's first 
national polytechnic university, the University will aid support to other polytechnic 
state universities and colleges to raise the bar by having the former serve as the 
latter's guide in the development and delivery of professional and technical 
programs. 
The University shall enjoy institutional autonomy and fiscal autonomy. It shall be 
treated in a manner consistent with its institutional requirements by the service-wide 
agencies in the exercise of their respective jurisdiction. Taking into account national 
goals and priorities, it shall exclusively determine its teaching, research, and 
extensions thrust, plans, policies, programs, and standards, consistent with the 
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policies standards, and guidelines promulgated by the Commission on Higher 
Education. On the basis of such determination, the National Polytechnic University 
shall recommend its annual budget to the President of the Republic of the Philippines 
and Congress. Appropriations for the University shall not be reduced by the 
legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year and after approval 
shall be automatically and regularly released. 
 
SEC. 2. Section 2, of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 2. Primary Purpose. The University shall offer primarily higher 
occupational, technical and professional instruction and training in the fields of 
engineering and architecture, applied sciences, accountancy, law, education, business 
and management, and shall be strengthened as the country's National Polytechnic 
University. It shall also promote applied research, advance studies, and progressive 
leadership in the stated fields. As a national polytechnic university, PUP is committed in 
implementing programs designed to address the pressing social and economic needs by 
rendering services to individuals and communities and empowering citizenry for 
sustainable development. 
 
SEC. 3. Section 3 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 3. Secondary Purpose. The University shall offer undergraduate and 
graduate programs in the field of accountancy, engineering and architecture, applied 
sciences, law, education, business and management. In addition, the University shall 
offer other programs in the polytechnic areas in light of its purpose as a national 
polytechnic university. 
 
SEC. 4. Section 4 of PD 1341 hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 4. The University Administration. The Administration of the university 
shall be vested in the President of the university who shall render full-time service. He 


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shall be appointed by the Board of Regents, upon the recommendation of a duly 
constituted search committee. He shall have a term of six (6) years without an eligibility 
for reappointment for another term: Provided that this provision shall not adversely 
affect the terms of the incumbents, that the incumbent President shall become the first 
president of the university upon effectivity of this act; Provided further, that in case 
where no appointment was made thereafter, the incumbent President shall continue to 
hold the office in a hold-over capacity, such period shall in no case be more than 90 days. 
The president shall be assisted by an executive vice president, vice presidents for 
academic affairs, administration, research, planning and development, finance , student 
affairs, external affairs, who shall be appointed by the Board upon the president's 
recommendation without prejudice to the appointment of additional  vice presidents 
when so warranted, in case of vacancy by reason of death resignation, removal for cause 
or incapacity of the president to perform the functions of his office, the Board of Regent 
shall have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge pending the appointment of a 
new president. In case of vacancy in the office of the president as mentioned in the 
immediately preceding paragraph, his successors shall hold office for the unexpired 
term. 
 
SEC. 5. Section 5 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:  
Section 5. Powers and Duties of the President. Specifically, the President of the 
University shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those normally 
appertaining to the Office of the President of the University: 
a. 
He shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the University as such, 
progressive and dynamic, ethical, and intellectual administrative leadership in the 
University is expected of him and vested in him; 
b. 
He shall be the head of the University Faculties and of any branch thereof; 
c. 
He shall have general supervision over all academic as well as business 
and financial operations of the University; 


Page 6 of 17 
 
d. 
He shall promulgate and enforce general policies affecting any unit of the 
University and take such actions which in his judgment are necessary for the protection 
of property and general interest of the University, students and personnel and for the 
operation of the University as a whole and shall inform the Board on all matters relating 
to the operation and welfare of the University; 
e. 
He shall appoint qualified persons to fill all vacancies and new positions 
subject to the approval of the Board and make such other arrangements to meet 
emergencies occurring between meetings of the Board so that the work of the University 
shall not suffer; 
f. 
He shall institute disciplinary action against any member of the University 
personnel, faculty or non-faculty as well as any student of the University whose actions 
adversely affect the general interest of the University. 
g. 
He shall decide appeals in controversies between ranking officials of the 
University, his decisions being final and conclusive; 
h. 
He shall grant or deny sabbatical leaves and leaves of absence without pay 
and/or extension of such leaves as well as extension of fellowships or any form of 
scholarship for a period not exceeding one academic year if the budget permits and for 
reasons he may deem satisfactory; 
i. 
He shall make ad-interim appointments; 
j. 
He shall grant or withhold permission to reveal confidential matters 
affecting the University or any unit thereof, as well as any action taken by the Board of 
Regents; 
k. 
He shall grant permission for the use of buildings and premises of the 
University for academic, professional and scientific conventions, for students and related 
activities and to fix the fee thereof; 
l. 
He is authorized to join the execution of all contracts, deeds, and 
instruments for the proper conduct of the business of the University and to assign the 
same in behalf of the University; 


Page 7 of 17 
 
m.  
He shall prepare an annual report on the work of the past year and needs 
of the current year including a budget with estimates of income and expenditures; and 
n. 
He shall have such other powers as may be specifically authorized by the 
Board of Regents. He may delegate in writing any of his specific functions to any office. 
 
SEC. 6. Section 6 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 6. The Board of Regents. The governing body of the University shall be 
the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (hereinafter 
referred to as the Board). 
1. 
Composition. The Board shall be composed of: 
a. 
The Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education as 
Chairperson; 
b. 
The President of the University as Co-Chairperson; 
c. 
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and 
Culture; 
d. 
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical 
Education; 
e. 
The Director-General of the National Economic Development 
Authority; 
f.  
The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology; 
g.  
The President of the Alumni Association who will serve for a period 
of two (2) years; 
h. 
One Faculty Regent representing all teaching personnel, elected by 
the said personnel in accordance with the rules and qualifications set out by the 
same constituency who shall serve for a period of two (2) years. 


Page 8 of 17 
 
i. 
One Student Regent, elected by the students in accordance with the 
rules and qualifications set out by said constituency, who shall serve for a period 
of one (1) year. 
j. 
One Staff Regent representing all non-teaching personnel, elected in 
accordance with the rules and regulations set out by said constituency, who shall 
serve for a period of two (2) years; and 
k. 
Three other Regents who have distinguished themselves in their 
professions or fields of specialization. All these Regents shall be appointed by the 
Board as recommended by the search committee organized for the purpose and 
shall each serve for a term of two (2) years.  
The faculty and the student council shall be represented by their respective 
federations. The private sector representatives shall be appointed by the Board of 
Regents upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee. 
2. 
Compensation. The members shall serve without compensation, but they 
shall be reimbursed for necessary expense incurred in their attendance of meetings of 
the Board or in connection with their official business authorities by resolution of the 
Board. 
3. 
Vacancy. In case of vacancy in the Board, except for the President of the 
University, such vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as provided for the 
predecessor and such appointee shall hold the office only for the unexpired portion of 
the term. In case of Regents representing a particular sector, their membership shall cease 
upon suspension separation or recall. No person, however, who has succeeded and 
served for more than 3 years of the unexpired portion shall be eligible for appointment 
as president. 
 
SEC. 7. Section 7 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Section 7. Powers and Duties of the Governing Board. The governing board shall 
have the following specific powers and duties in addition to its general powers of 
administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a 


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corporation under Section 36 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 68 otherwise known as the 
Corporation Code of the Philippines; 
a. 
to enact rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to 
carry out the purpose and functions of the university; 
b. 
to receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of 
the university in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out the purpose 
and functions of the university; 
c. 
to receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
properties of all kinds, to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit 
of the university, subject to limitations, directions and instructions of the donors, if any, 
such donations shall be exempt from all taxes and shall be considered as deductible items 
from the income tax of the donor; 
d. 
to fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges such as but not 
limited to matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the board may deem 
proper to impose after due consultations with the involved sectors. Such fees and 
charges, including government subsidies and other income generated by the university 
shall constitute special trust funds and shall be deposited in any authorized government 
depository bank and all interest that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same 
fund for the use of the university. Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations 
to the contrary notwithstanding, any income generated by the university from tuition 
fees and other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary services and land 
grants, shall be retained by the university and may be disbursed by the Board of Regents 
for instruction, research, extension, or other programs/projects of the university; 
Provided that all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which 
they are collected . If for reason of control, the university shall not be able to pursue any 
project for which funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved 
program of expenditures, the Board of Regents may authorize the use of said funds for 
any reasonable purpose, which in its discretion, may be necessary and urgent for the 
attainment of the objectives and goals of the university. Provided further, that a portion 


Page 10 of 17 
 
of any amount of fees increased, however, shall inure to the benefit of the College or 
Institute for the purpose of faculty, physical facilities and equipment development. 
e. 
to authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, 
equipment and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal 
properties including necessary supplies, materials and equipment. Purchases and other 
transactions entered into by the university through the Board of Regents shall be exempt 
from all taxes and duties. 
f. 
to appoint upon the recommendation of the president, vice presidents, 
deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty members and other officials and 
employees of the University; 
g. 
to fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials 
and employees subject to the provisions of the revised compensation and classification 
system and other pertinent budget and compensation laws governing hours of service 
and such other duties and conditions as it may deem proper to grant them, at its 
discretion, leaves of absence under such regulation as it may promulgate, any provision 
of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, and to remove them for cause in 
accordance with the requirements of due process of law; 
h. 
to approve the curricula, institutional programs, and rules of discipline 
drawn by the administrative and academic councils as herein provided; 
i. 
to set policies on admission and graduation of students; 
j. 
to award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of outstanding 
contribution in the field of education, public service, arts, science and technology or in 
any field of specialization within the academic competence of the university and to 
authorize the award of certificates of completion of non- degree and non-traditional 
courses; 
k. 
to absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within their respective 
provinces in coordination with the CHED and in consultation with the Department of 
Budget and Management and to offer therein needed programs or courses to promote 
and carry out equal access to educational opportunity mandated by the Constitution; 


Page 11 of 17 
 
l. 
to establish research and extension centers of the SUC where such will 
promote the development of the latter; 
m. 
to establish professorial chairs in the university and to provide fellowships 
to qualified faculty members and scholarship to deserving students; 
n. 
to delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereabove to the 
president and/or other officials of the university as it may deem appropriate so as to 
expedite the administration of the affairs of the university; 
o. 
to authorize an external management audit of the institution and to 
institute reforms, including academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit 
results and recommendations: 
p. 
to collaborate with other governing boards of SUCs within the province or 
the region, in coordination with the CHED and the Department of Budget and 
Management, the restructuring of said colleges and universities to become more 
efficient, relevant, productive, and competitive; 
q. 
to enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable 
development and management of the economic assets of the college or institution, the 
proceeds from which to be used for the development and strengthening of the university; 
r. 
to develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local government 
units, institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, in furtherance 
of the purposes and objectives of the institution. 
s. 
to develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public or private, local or foreign, and to appoint 
experts/specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange professors, scholars, 
researchers, as the case may be; 
t. 
to set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting 
knowledge such as the use of information technology, the dual system, open learning, 
community laboratory etc., for the promotion of greater access to higher education; 


Page 12 of 17 
 
u. 
to establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-
making and transparency within the institution; 
v. 
To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish colleges, institutes, and 
other academic and administrative units of the University; and 
w. 
to privatize, where most advantageous to the institution, management of 
non-academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property 
maintenance and similar such other objectives. 
 
SEC. 8. Section 8 of PD 1341 is hereby amended insofar as a section title, and to 
read as follows: 
Section 8. Quorum and Services of Processes. - A quorum of the Board of Regents 
shall consist of a majority of all members. All processes against the Board of Regents 
shall be served on the President or Secretary thereof. 
 
 
SEC. 9. Section 9 of PD 1341 is hereby amended insofar as a section title was 
inserted, and to read as follows: 
Section 9. Meetings. - Regular meetings of the Board of Regents shall be held at 
least once every quarter. The Chairman of the Board of Regents may call a special 
meeting whenever necessary. In both cases, notice of such meetings shall be issued at 
least three (3) days prior to the meeting. 
 
SEC. 10. Section 10 of PD 1341 is hereby amended and to read as follows; 
Section 10. University Officials. The administration of the university shall be 
vested in the president. The president shall be assisted by the Executive Vice President, 
the Vice-President for Administration, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, the Vice-
President for Student Affairs, the Vice-President for Research and Extension, the Vice-


Page 13 of 17 
 
President for Planning and Development, the Vice-President for Finance, the Vice-
President for External Affairs, the Secretary of the University and such other academic 
and administrative officials, whose positions and functions are deemed necessary to 
assist in the effective and efficient administration of the University as may be determined 
by the Board of Regents. 
 
SEC. 11. A new Section 11 is hereby inserted and to read as follows: 
Section 11. The Faculty. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its 
faculty. The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall be 
appointed by the Board of Regents, upon recommendation of the President, selected 
from a shortlist of three nominees submitted by a special selection committee established 
for the purpose. If a dean fails to complete his/her term, the President shall appoint an 
Acting Dean while a search process is in progress. In no case shall the search and election 
of the next Dean be longer than sixty (60) calendar days from the date when the vacancy 
occurs. 
 
SEC. 12. A new Section 12-A is hereby inserted amending PD 1341 to read as 
follows: 
Section 12-A. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the University. — 
(a) The State shall support the Polytechnic University of the Philippines as the 
national polytechnic university in the form of lump sum amount, through general 
appropriations and other financial benefits, and in kind, through land grants and 
donations and use of other real properties. To carry out the intent of these grants, income 
derived from the development of all land grants and real properties shall be used to 
further the ends of the National Polytechnic University, as may be decided by the board; 
(b) Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance to the 
Polytechnic University of the Philippines are hereby declared to be reserved for the 
purposes intended. The absolute ownership of the national polytechnic university over 
these landholdings, including those covered by original and transfer certificates of title 


Page 14 of 17 
 
in the name of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and their future derivatives, 
is hereby confirmed. Where the issuance of proper certificates of title is yet pending for 
these landholdings, the appropriate government office shall expedite the issuance 
thereof within six months from the date of effectivity of this Act: Provided, That all 
registration requirements necessary for the issuance of the said titles have been 
submitted and complied with; 
(c) The Board may plan, design, approve and/or cause the implementation of land 
leases: Provided, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall sustain and protect the 
environment in accordance with law, and be exclusive of the academic core zone of the 
campuses of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines: Provided, further, That such 
mechanisms and arrangements shall not conflict with the academic mission of the 
national polytechnic university; 
(d) The Board may allow the use of the income coming from real properties of the 
national polytechnic university as security for transactions to generate additional 
revenues when needed for educational purposes; 
(e) The Board may approve the implementation of joint ventures: Provided, That 
in the event real properties of the national polytechnic university are involved, only the 
income derived by the University from the use of the real properties shall be the subject 
of its participation or obligation in the joint ventures: Provided, further, That no joint 
venture shall result in the alienation of the real properties of the national polytechnic 
university; and 
(f) Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants and other 
real properties entrusted to the national polytechnic university shall be consistent with 
the academic mission and orientation of  the national polytechnic university as well as 
protect it from undue influence and control of commercial interests: Provided, That such 
programs, projects or mechanisms shall be approved by the Board subject to a 
transparent and democratic process of consultation with the constituents of the national 
polytechnic university: Provided, further, That funds generated from such programs, 
projects or mechanisms shall not be meant to replace, in part or in whole, the annual 
appropriations provided by the national government to the national university. 


Page 15 of 17 
 
 
SEC. 13.  A new Section 12-B is hereby inserted amending PD 1341 to read as 
follow 
Section 12-B Safeguards on Assets Disposition. The preservation of the value of 
the assets of the national polytechnic university shall be of primordial consideration the 
sale of any existing real property of the national polytechnic university shall be 
prohibited: Provided, That the Board may alienate real property donated after the 
effectivity of this Act if the terms of the donation specifically allow it. Notwithstanding 
the provision of this Act or any other law to the contrary, the lease of more than five (5) 
years of the assets of the national polytechnic university and any transactions referred to 
in Section 22 shall be subject to the following conditions and procedures: 
a. 
The transactions shall be discussed with the members of the Board in any 
of its formally convened regular or special meeting, at least one (1) month before a 
decision is to be made; 
b. 
The transactions shall be based on a multi-year comprehensive 
development plan, crafted and developed by qualified urban planning professionals 
having at least five (5) years’ experience, with prior consultations with and concurrence 
of third-party experts and duty approved by a majority vote of all the members of the 
Board; 
c. 
The transactions shall be subject to competitive and public bidding as 
provided under Republic Act No 9184, otherwise known as the "Government 
Procurement Reform Act"; and 
d. 
If the contract or transaction involves an amount more than fifty million 
pesos (P50,000,000.00). It shall be approved by three fourths (3/4) of all the members of 
the Board: Provided, That the splitting of contracts, which is by breaking up a contract 
into smaller quantities or amounts or dividing contract implementation into artificial or 
arbitrary phases or subcontracts for the purposes of circumventing this provision, shall 
not be allowed. 
 


Page 16 of 17 
 
SEC. 14. A new Section 12-C is hereby inserted amending PD 1341 to read as 
follows: 
"Section 12-C Tax Exemptions. The provisions of any general or special law to 
the contrary notwithstanding: 
a) 
All revenues and assets of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines 
used for educational purposes or in support thereof shall be exempt from all taxes and 
duties; 
b) 
Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be 
exempt from the donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deductions 
from the gross income of the donor in accordance with the provisions of the National 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended; Provided that the allowable deductions 
shall be equivalent to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the value of such donation.  
Valuation of assistance other than money shall be based on the acquisition cost of the 
property, such valuation shall take into consideration the depreciated value of property 
in case said   property has been used. 
c) 
Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, 
historical, legal and cultural books, supplies and materials duty certified by the Board, 
including scientific and educational computer and software equipment shall be exempt 
from customs duties. 
d) 
The University shall only pay 0% value-added tax for all transactions 
subject to this tax; and 
e) 
All academic awards shall be exempt from taxes. 
 
SEC. 15. Sections 11, 12 and 13 PD 1341 are hereby repealed. 
 
SEC. 16. Section 11 of PD 1341 is hereby amended and shall read as follows: 
"Section 14.  Appropriations.  In addition, to the amount already appropriated 
for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines for the current fiscal year, there is 


Page 17 of 17 
 
hereby appropriated an initial sum of Eight Billion pesos (P8,000,000,000.00) from any 
amount available in the Treasury of the Philippines for the purposes of carrying out the 
implementation of this Act. Further, an additional sum of One Hundred Million pesos 
(P100,000,000.00) shall be appropriated separate and above the said initial funding for 
each fiscal year for the first three years of the implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of the Act. 
 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause [Republic Act No 8292, as amended, and [a] All laws, 
decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly 
 
SEC. 19 Suppletory Application of Republic Act No 8292. The provisions of 
Republic Act No. 8292 in so far as they are applicable shall be suppletory to this Act. 
 
SEC. 20.  Effectivity.  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the 
Philippines. 
 
Approved,