Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
6551

HLB. No.

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In view of the State policy to accelerate the improvement of economic conditions in rural areas,
the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) has been a vital cog of the government's
socio-economic program to alleviate poverty and promote inclusive growth in the country.

One particular province in the MIMAROPA region which has a significant potential and is a
strategic location for the creation of a new Special Economic Zone is Marinduque. Based from the
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)'s 2015 Population Census, Marinduque is host to 234,521
individual residents.

Tourism is a booming industry in the island province of Marinduque. The province boasts
pristine beaches and remarkable coastlines in its several municipalities, as they are surrounded
by water bodies. Moreover, the province of Marinduque possesses great heritage sites, such as
churches, where tourists visit for spiritual worship. Marinduque is also a place to visit for anyone
who wants to experience island hopping. In this province, you can visit the beautiful Maniwaya
Island in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, which is adjacent to nearby islands, a perfect island
hopping getaway for city dwellers indeed.

Meanwhile, transportation going to the province is easy and very accessible with the availability
of Roll-On and Roll-Off boats (RoRos). Via these RoRos, people can cross Luzon and reach the
island province. The port, named Buyabod Port, is located at the municipality of Santa Cruz. It is
here where ferries, RoRos and fastcrafts coming from Luzon can dock and disembark tourists and
cargoes. Buyabod Port has rich potential of becoming an international dock where larger
watercrafts, both domestic and foreign, can transport and offload passengers and cargoes.

Recently, the Marinduque airport returned its operations and it can accommodate more tourists
who want to journey around the “Heart of the Philippines.” Aptly called the “Heart of the
Philippines,” it is here where the geodetic center of the country is located - in a place called
“Luzon Datum.” The geodetic center is the center basepoint for all mapping references in the

country.

In addition, Marinduque will be a strategic location for the establishment of a new Special
Economic Zone, due to its situs in the MIMAROPA region. Thus, it is surrounded by other
provinces like Mindoro and Romblon. These surrounding areas will similarly benefit from
enterprises and industries which will be hosted by the Marinduque Ecozone. The increased
economic productivity in Marinduque and the whole MIMAROPA region is consistent with the
present administration's drive to fast-track economic alleviation in the provinces.

Aside from that, the Marinduque Ecozone will be the first ecozone to host a technological hub.
‘Once approved, this ecozone measure will pave the way for technological start-ups to be nurtured
in Marinduque’s hub and will be given the space to grow into highly productive companies. At
the same time, a One-Stop Shop will be maintained in the Ecozone to facilitate ease-of-doing
business for prospective investors.


By virtue of Marinduque’s distinct potential, as aforementioned, it is hereby propose that a
Special Economic Zone should be established in this province. The presence of a Special Economic
Zone in this province will definitely uplift the socio-economic condition of the residents in the
province and its surrounding areas. The jobs created, the new livelihood fostered and the new
infrastructures built shall boost the economic and commercial output of the province and of the
entire MIMAROPA region.

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

LORD AL} JAY Q. VELASCO


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HB.No. 69°

Introduced by HON. LORD ALLAN JAY Q. VELASCO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE MARINDUQUE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE IN
THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ, PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE,
CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE MARINDUQUE SPECIAL ECONOMIC
ZONE AUTHORITY, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Marinduque Special Economic
Zone Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the State policy to actively
encourage, promote, induce and accelerate a sound and balanced industrial, economic
and social development of the country in order to provide jobs to the people especially
those in rural areas, increase productivity and individual and family income, and thereby
improve the level and quality of living condition through the establishment, among
others, of special economic zones in suitable and strategic locations in the country and

through measures that will attract legitimate and productive foreign investments.

SEC. 3. Creation of the Marinduque Special Economic Zone. - In pursuit of the foregoing
declared policy, there is hereby established a special economic zone in the Province of
Marinduque, which shall be referred hereinafter as the “MAREZ.”

‘The MAREZ may cover the land territories in the Province of Marinduque comprising an
area of approximately 95,925 hectares. The’MAREZ main zone’ shall comprise an area of
approximately 1,254.68 hectares located in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Marinduque.
Other expansion areas may be established within the Province of Marinduque which may
be declared as part of the MAREZ in compliance with Section 4(G) of this Act, including
all municipal waters within the MAREZ main zone and of the expansion areas located at
the coastline of the Province of Marinduque (the ‘other MAREZ zones’).

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The metes and bounds of the MAREZ main zone, and the other MAREZ zones, which
shall be fenced and include the establishment of an administrative office for ease of
customs administration and border control, shall be determined based on the technical
description and coordinates verified and approved by the Land Management Bureau, the
National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, and other government agencies
as may be provided by pertinent law.

Prospective developers and locators may choose to register with the MAREZA, PEZA or
such other investment promotion agency: Provided, That in no case shall a registered
enterprise enjoy incentives from two (2) or more investment promotion agencies:
Provided, further, That in no case shall a MAREZA-registered enterprise be located within

an ecozone administered or managed by another investment promotion agency.

SEC. 4. Governing Principles. - The Marinduque Special Economic Zone shall be
managed and operated by the Marinduque Special Economic Zone Authority, herein
referred to as the “MAREZA,” created under Section 13 of this Act, under the following
principles:

(A) Within the framework and limitations of the Constitution and applicable
provisions of the Local Government Code, the MAREZ shall be developed into and
operated as the decentralized, self-reliant and self-sustaining _ industrial,
commercial/trading, research and development, engineering, medical, education,
information and communications technology including emerging and future
technologies such as artificial technology, blockchain, business process outsourcing,
cloud computing, cybersecurity, distributed ledger technology, financial technology
solutions, internet of things, and virtual reality, retirement, and healthcare services, agro-
industrial, tourism, banking, financial, multinational trading and investment center with

provision for suitable residential areas.

(B) Notwithstanding the autonomy provided in Section 4(A) of this Act, the MAREZ
shall continue to be provided by the National Government and/or local government with
transportation, telecommunications, high-speed internet cables and other facilities
needed to attract legitimate and productive investments, generate linkage with industries
and employment opportunities for the people of the Province of Marinduque and its
neighboring provinces and towns in the MIMAROPA region. The MAREZ shall also have

priority and preferential access to such National Government and/or local government


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transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, high-speed internet cables and
other facilities, and access to the MAREZ shall be incorporated in the planning,
construction, and operation of such infrastructure or expansions: Provided, That the
autonomy and self-reliance of the MAREZA shall not be a hindrance to assistance and/or
partnerships with other units and instrumentalities of the government: Provided, further,
That no assistance or partnership shall be construed as a waiver of the autonomy of the
MAREZA;

(© The MAREZ may establish mutually beneficial economic relations with other
entities or enterprises within the country or, subject to the administrative guidance of the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
and/or the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI, with foreign entities or enterprises.

(D) Foreign citizens and companies owned by non-Filipinos in whatever proportion
may set up enterprises in the MAREZ, either by themselves or in joint venture with
Filipinos in any sector of industry, international trade and commerce within the territorial
jurisdiction of the MAREZ as provided in Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That the
MAREZA may require a minimum investment in freely convertible currencies from any
enterprise seeking registration as a MAREZ enterprise;

(©) The MAREZ shall be managed and operated as a separate customs territory
thereby ensuring the free flow or movement of goods and capital within, into and out of
its territory; Provided, That in accordance with Sections 301 and 817 of Republic Act No.
10863, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) shall continue to exercise border protection and
customs control authority over the customs territory adjacent to the MAREZ: Provided,
‘further, That the MAREZA shall allow patrol or other law enforcement arrangements by
the BOC and other government agencies within the municipal waters covered by the
other MAREZ zones subject to coordination with the MAREZA to enhance its protection
and control capacity and ensure compliance with customs, fisheries and other laws and

regulations;

(F) The MAREZ shall provide incentives such as tax and duty-free importations of
raw materials, capital and equipment to registered enterprises located therein. However,
exportation or removal of goods from the territory of the MAREZ to other parts of the
Philippine territory shall be subject to customs duties and taxes under the Tariff and
‘Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended, and the National Internal Revenue Code
(NIRC) of 1997, as amended;


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(G) The areas comprising the MAREZ may be expanded or reduced when necessary.
For this purpose, the MAREZA, with the concurrence of the appropriate and affected
local government units (LGUs) and the agreement of appropriate national government
agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations and instrumentalities, and the
approval of the MAREZA Board in accordance and in compliance with existing laws and
local ordinances, shall have the power to acquire, procure and/or expand either by
purchase, negotiation, condemnation proceedings, or any other arrangement, any private
or alienable and disposable public lands and /or their respective water territories within
the territorial jurisdiction of the Province of Marinduque, if any, for the following
purposes: (1) consolidation of lands for MAREZ development and establishment of new
industrial estates and economic zones under the MAREZ; (2) acquisition of right-of-way
to the MAREZ; and (3) the protection and safeguard of watershed areas and the
maintenance and improvement of its water yield and natural assets valuable to the
prosperity of the MAREZ, the LGU, and the National Government, the effective
management of solid and water waste in compliance with existing national laws and local
ordinances, and its impact to adjacent areas within the local government concerned:
Provided, That any expansion shalll be aligned with the comprehensive land use plan of
the affected LGUs: Provided, further, That the MAREZA and the relevant LGUs and
national government agencies shall provide for immediate and responsive mechanisms,
best management practices and suitable environmental protection programs for land and
coastal management to address any abuse and/or exploitation of the natural
environment within the territorial jurisdiction of the MAREZ as provided in Section 3 of
this Act;

(H) Goods manufactured by MAREZ enterprises shall be made available for
immediate retail sale in the domestic market, subject to the payment of corresponding
taxes on raw materials and other regulations that may be formulated by the MAREZA,
together with PEZA, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Finance
(DOF), the BOC and DTTin accordance with the NIRC of 1997, as amended, and the Tariff
and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended: Provided, That the value of the goods
at the time of the importation shall be the basis in determining the appropriate duties and
taxes: Provided, further, That in cooperation with the MAREZA, the foregoing agencies
shall provide and implement measures to support the improvement of ease and cost of
doing business within the MAREZ and the enhancement of the investment promotion
capacity of the MAREZA. In order to protect domestic industries, a negative list of
industries shall be drawn up and regularly updated by the MAREZA. Enterprises


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engaged in industries included in such negative list shall not be allowed to sell their
products locally, notwithstanding the registration of such enterprises in the MAREZ; and

(The defense of the MAREZ and the security of its perimeter fence shall be the
responsibility of the National Government in coordination with the MAREZA and the
LGUs. The MAREZA shall provide its own internal security and firefighting forces.

SEC. 5. Fiscal Incentives. - The registered enterprises operating within the MAREZ may
be entitled to the existing pertinent fiscal incentives as provided for under Republic Act
No. 7916, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, also known as the “Special Economic
Zone Act of 1995,” or those provided under Executive Order No. 226, as amended,
otherwise known as the “Omnibus Investment Code of 1987.”

SEC. 6. Imposition of a Tax Rate of Five Percent (5%) on Gross Income Earned. - No
taxes, local and national, shall be imposed on registered business establishments
operating within the MAREZ. In lieu thereof, and subject to Section 10 of this Act, said
business establishments shall pay a five percent (5%) final tax on their gross income
earned in the following percentages:

(a) One per centum (1%) to the National Government;

(b) One per centum (1%) to the Province of Marinduque;

(© One per centum (1%) to the host municipality; and

(4) Two per centum (2%) to the MAREZA.

SEC. 7. Incentive to Investors. - Any foreign national who invests an amount of Seventy-
five thousand US dollars (US$75,000.00), either in cash and/or equipment, in a registered
enterprise shall be entitled to an investor’s visa: Provided, That he has the following
qualifications:

(A) He is at least eighteen (18) years of age;

(B) He has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;

(©) Heis not afflicted with any loathsome, dangerous or contagious disease; and

(D) He has not been institutionalized for any mental disorder or disability.

As a holder of investor's visa, an alien shall be entitled to reside in the Philippines while
his investment subsists. For this purpose, he should submit an annual report, in the form
duly prescribed for the purpose, to prove that he has maintained his investment in the
country. Should said alien withdraw his investments from the Philippines, then the

investor's visa issued to him shall automatically expire.


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SEC. 8. Administration, Implementation and Monitoring of Incentives. - For the proper
administration, implementation and monitoring of tax incentives provided under this
law, the following are herein mandated:

(a) The MAREZA shall be responsible for the administration and implementation
of the incentives granted to its respective registered enterprises. Among others, it shall
adopt and implement systems and procedures affecting trade and customs policies. The
BOC shall set up and establish a customs controlled area outside the gate of the MAREZ
to facilitate payment of taxes on goods entering the Philippine customs territory; and

(b) The MAREZA shall likewise submit to DOF its annual tax expenditures based
on the tax incentives granted to its registered enterprises. The DOF, for its part, shall
create a single database of all incentives provided by the governing authority. The DOF
shall monitor the incentives granted and submit all annual reports to the President.

SEC. 9. Extension of Period of Availment. - The availment period of the incentives
provided herein may be extended by MAREZA, in the event that the registered enterprise
has suffered operational force majeure that has impaired its viability or any event
equivalent thereto.

SEC. 10, Duration of Incentives. - Enterprises registered with MAREZA may enjoy the
income tax holiday (ITH) or the net operating loss carryover (NOLCO) granted by the
Authority prior to the availment of the five percent (5%) gross income earned (GIE). Fiscal
incentives under this Act shall be terminated after a cumulative period of twenty (20)
years from date of registration or start of commercial operation, whichever is applicable,
except that it could be extended with regard to industries deemed indispensable to
national development. The industries exempted from this provision shall be determined
by the MAREZA.

SEC. 11. Online Gaming Centers within the MAREZ. - The MAREZ will be open for
hosting online gaming centers and establishments, with the end in view of facilitating the
rapid economic development of the province and its neighboring areas. In coordination
with concerned LGUs, the Department of Information and Communications Technology
(DICT) and other relevant government agencies, the establishment of high-speed internet
cables, the adequate number of cell sites and other facilities and infrastructures necessary
to support the satisfactory performance of these online gaming centers will be introduced
within the MAREZ.


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Prospective online gaming centers must first register with and be granted accreditation
by the MAREZA before they are given the license to operate within the MAREZ.
Qualified and MAREZA-registered online gaming centers will enjoy the same incentives
and benefits as provided above to qualified and MAREZ.A-registered enterprises.

SEC. 12. Technology Hub for Start-Ups within the MAREZ. - To support job creation,
technological buildup and startup development, the MAREZ will be home to
enterprising technological start-ups which shall be catered and nurtured inside the
MAREZ technology hub. In coordination with PEZA, DTI and other concerned agencies,
the MAREZ will be a distinct ecozone that is at the forefront of accepting and housing
start-up technological businesses. These businesses will be nurtured until they are well-

developed into productive and commercial enterprises.

Prospective technological start-ups must first register with and be granted accreditation
by the MAREZA before they are given the license to operate within the MAREZ.
Qualified and MAREZA-registered technological start-ups will enjoy the same incentives
and benefits as provided above to qualified and MAREZA-registered enterprises.

Along with these benefits and incentives, these technological start-ups will gain access to
the One-Stop Shop envisioned under Section 36 of Republic Act No. 7916. This access to
the One-Stop Shop will promote ease of doing business inside the MAREZ.

Pursuant to this mandate, a One-Stop Shop for Business Structuring and Registration
(‘One-Stop Shop”) will be established within the MAREZ to assist and fast-track the
registration and framework finalization of prospective technological start-ups and other
enterprises. Thus, the One-Stop Shop will also serve all prospective online gaming centers
which seek to operate inside the MAREZ. To ensure effective formation of this One-Stop
Shop, all appropriate government agencies that are involved in registering, licensing or
issuing permits to investors shall assign their representatives to the MAREZ to attend to
investors’ requirements. The MAREZA will supervise and assure that the One-Stop Shop
consistently and effectively fulfills its mandate.

Section 13. Creation of the Marinduque Special Economic Zone Authority. - There is
hereby created a body corporate to be known as the Marinduque Special Economic Zone
Authority, hereafter referred to as the “MAREZA,” which shall manage and operate the
MAREZ, in accordance with the provisions of this Act.


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Section 14. Principal Office of the MAREZA. - The MAREZA shall maintain its principal
office in the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Province of Marinduque, but it may establish
liaison offices within the Philippines as may be necessary for the proper conduct of its

business.

Section 15. Powers and Functions of the MAREZA. - The MAREZA shall have the
following functions:

(a) To adopt, alter, use a corporate seal, to contract, lease, buy, sell, acquire, own and
dispose properties of whatever nature;

(b) To sue and be sued in order to carry out its duties, responsibilities, privileges,
powers and functions as granted and provided for in this Act and to exercise the
power of eminent domain for public use and public purpose;

(©) To operate, administer, manage, develop, in accordance with Executive Order No.
525, as amended, the MAREZ according to the principles and provisions set forth
in this Act and to coordinate with the LGUs for the development plans, activities
and operation of the MAREZ;

(d) To recommend to the President the issuance of a proclamation to fix and delimit
the site of the MAREZ;

(€) To register, regulate and supervise the enterprises in the MAREZ in an efficient
and decentralized manner, subject to existing laws;

(f) To coordinate with the LGUs and exercise general supervision over the
development plans, activities and operations of the MAREZ;

(g) To authorize or undertake, on its own or through others, and to regulate the
establishment, construction, operation and maintenance of public utilities,
services, and infrastructure in the MAREZ such as shipping, barging, stevedoring,
cargo, handling, hauling, warehousing, storage of cargo, port services or
concessions, piers, wharves, bulkheads, bulk terminals, mooring areas, storage
areas, roads, bridges, reclamation projects, terminals, conveyors, water supply and
storage, sewerage, drainage, airport operations in coordination with the Civil
Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and such other services or
concessions or infrastructures necessary or incidental to the accomplishment of the
objectives of this Act: Provided, however, That the private investors in the MAREZ
shall be given priority in the awarding of contracts, franchises, licenses, or permits
for the establishment, operation and maintenance of utilities, services and
infrastructures in the MAREZ;

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(h) To license, set fees, regulate and undertake the establishment, operation and
maintenance of utilities, other services, educational and medical institutions and
infrastructures in the MAREZ such as, but not limited to, heat, light and power,
water supply, telecommunications, mobile, internet and other data facilities,
transport, toll roads and bridges, port services, etc., and to fix just, reasonable and
competitive rates, fares, charges and prices thereof;

(

To construct, acquire, own, lease, operate and maintain on its own or through
contracts, franchises, licenses, bulk purchase from the private sector and build-
operate-transfer scheme, or under a joint venture with the private sector, any or
all of the public utilities and infrastructures required or needed for the operation
and development of the MAREZ, including transportation, access and connection
to, and out of the MAREZ, in coordination with appropriate national and local
government authorities and in conformity with applicable laws thereon. For this
purpose, the MAREZA shall exercise the power of eminent domain over private
lands granted in paragraph (b) of this Section insofar as it may be reasonably
necessary, without prejudice to the execution of agreements with public agencies,
and subject to the limitations prescribed therein and the observance of the
prerequisites of taking of possession and the determination and payment of just
compensation in accordance with Republic Act No. 10752, otherwise known as

“The Right-of-Way Act,”

() To operate on its own, either directly or through a license to other tourism-related
activities, including games, amusements, recreational and sports facilities, subject
to the approval and supervision of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming
Corporation (PAGCOR);

(k) To raise or borrow, within the limitation provided by law, and subject to the
approval or opinion of the Monetary Board of the BSP, in accordance with law,
adequate and necessary funds from local or foreign sources, to finance its projects
and programs under this Act, and for that purpose, to issue bonds, promissory
notes, and other forms of securities, and to secure the same by a guarantee, pledge,
mortgage, deed of trust, or an assignment of all or part of its property or assets;

(D To exclusively enforce and administer the provisions of the National Building

Code of the Philippines and the Fire Code of the Philippines, as amended, within

the territorial jurisdiction of the MAREZ: Provided, That the MAREZA shall be

fully responsible and accountable for the enforcement and administration of the

National Building Code of the Philippines and the Fire Code of the Philippines, as

amended, within the MAREZ.

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The MAREZA Administrator, or his official representative, shall function as the
MAREZA building official, who shall issue all building permits and other related
permits subject to the collection by MAREZA of the corresponding permit fees:
Provided, That the MAREZA building official shall also be authorized to require
owners of houses, buildings, or other structures constructed without the necessary
MAREZA permit/s, or those that are condemned and /or abated by the MAREZA
in accordance with the conditions set forth in the National Building Code or Civil
Code, as the case may be, whether constructed on public or private lands, to
remove or demolish such houses, buildings, or structures within fifteen (15) days
from receipt of notice. Upon failure of such owner to remove or demolish such
house, building, or structure within such period, the MAREZA may summarily

cause its removal or demolition at the expense of the owner and the occupants;

The MAREZA may evict any person who refuses to vacate such premises in
accordance with Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the “Urban
Development and Housing Act of 1992,” and other existing laws. A temporary or
permanent relocation site shall be made available for qualified individuals or
families;

(m) _To provide security for the MAREZ in coordination with the national and
local governments. For this purpose, the MAREZA may establish and maintain its
security forces and firefighting capability or hire others to provide the same. In the
event that an assistance of the military force is necessary, it shall not interfere in
the internal affairs of the MAREZ except to provide the necessary security and
defense, and their expenses shalll be borne by the National Government. To ensure
the maintenance of law and order within the boundaries of MAREZ, including the
conduct of police investigations, arrests, search and seizure for violation of penal
laws inside the MAREZ, the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall establish a
police substation, if necessary, under the supervision of the PNP Provincial
Director, to be manned by such number of personnel as will allow them to
effectively and efficiently pursue its mandate.

The MAREZA shall also be authorized to install control gates at strategic points of

the national roads within the MAREZ, through which access into and departure
from the MAREZ shall be fully controlled by the MAREZA;

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(n) To protect, preserve, maintain and develop the forests, beaches, coral and coral
reefs, and maintain ecological balance within the MAREZ. For this purpose, the
rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and other government agencies involved in the above functions shall be
implemented by the MAREZA: Provided, That the issuance, enforcement and
monitoring of environmental compliance certificates (ECs), tree cutting permits,
foreshore leases and all other related permits and clearances issued by the DENR
and other government agencies shall be under the exclusive control and jurisdiction
of the MAREZA;

(0) To create, operate and/or contract to operate such functional units or offices of the
MAREZA as it may deem necessary;

(p) To issue certificates of origin for products manufactured or processed in the
MAREZ;

(q) To recommend the issuance of working visas renewable every three (3) years to
foreign executives and foreign technicians with highly specialized skills which no
Filipino possesses, subject to the issuance of the certification and alien
employment permit by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);

(r) Subject to Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as the “New Central Bank
Act,” other issuances of the BSP, Republic Act No. 8799, otherwise known as the
“Securities Regulations Code,” existing applicable laws, and such other laws as
may be required that are consistent with the objectives of the MAREZA, to act as
an offshore financial center that engage in, or allow, any or all international
financial and business services, including banking, offshore fund management,
collective investment schemes, and cryptocurrency mining, and provide the
necessary and pertinent fiscal incentives as provided for under Republic Act No.
7916, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, also known as “The Special Economic
Zone Act of 1995,” and/or those provided under Executive Order No. 226, as
amended, otherwise known as “The Omnibus Investments Code of 1987.” Banks
and financial institutions engaged in quasi-banking functions to be established in
the MAREZ shall be under the supervision of the BSP, and shall be subject to
existing banking laws, rules and regulations. Other financial institutions not
engaged in quasi-banking functions, and those engaged in collective investment
schemes and cryptocurrency mining within the MAREZ shall be under the
supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission;

(s) To issue special regulations for the benefit of particular industries designed to

improve ease of doing business, decrease cost of doing business, and lower

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bureaucratic burdens of investing and doing business within the MAREZ:
Provided, That such special regulations shall not be contrary to existing laws;

(t) To endorse Special Resident Retiree’s Visas (SRRVs) for retirees that intend to
reside in the MAREZ, in collaboration with the Philippine Retirement Authority
(PRA): Provided, That the PRA and the MAREZA shall issue joint regulations on
the processing of SRRVs in accordance with existing laws;

(u) To establish, operate and maintain utilities, facilities, infrastructure, services,
businesses, activities, and concessions in the MAREZ, pertaining to shipping and
maritime businesses and activities including stevedoring and port terminal
services or concessions: Provided, That the Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) shall continue to exercise its power to regulate and supervise the
shipbuilding and ship repair of any merchant marine vessel operated or to be
operated in the domestic trade and the domestic shipping industry within the
MAREZ;

(v) To establish and supervise one-stop shops for the issuance of all necessary
permits, clearances, licenses, and other similar certifications to conduct activities,
to improve ease of doing business within the MAREZ, in coordination with
government agencies having jurisdiction over activities in the MAREZ not
otherwise solely reserved to the MAREZA in this Act: Provided, That all
government agencies are directed to provide and extend utmost and full
cooperation to the MAREZA in the establishment of such one-stop shops;

(w)To issue rules and regulations consistent with the provisions of this Act as may be
necessary to implement and accomplish the purposes, objectives and policies
provided herein;

(x) To exercise such powers as may be essential, necessary or incidental to the powers
granted to it hereunder as well as those that shall enable it to carry out, implement
and accomplish the purposes, objectives and policies of this Act; and

(y) To be vested with other powers enjoyed or exercised by other freeport zone
authorities.

Section 16. Board of Directors of the MAREZA. - The powers of the MAREZA shall be
vested in and exercised by a Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board,
which shall be composed of the following:

(a) The Chairman and Vice Chairman, both of whom shall be elected from among the
members of the Board;

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(b) The Administrator, who shall in no case be at the same time, the Chairman or Vice
Chairman;
(©) Members consisting of:
(1) Two (2) representatives from the National Government;
(2) One (1) representative from the Province of Marinduque;
(3) One (1) representative from the district covering the site of the MAREZ;
(4) One (1) representative from the Municipality of Santa Cruz, Province of
Marinduque;
6) One (1) representative from the MAREZA-registered domestic investors;
(6) One (1) representative from the MAREZA-registered foreign investors; and
(7) One (1) representative from the workers employed in the MAREZ: Provided, That
all members of the Board shall be Filipino citizens.

‘The Administrator and the members of the Board, shall be appointed by the President of
the Philippines to serve for a term of six (6) years, unless sooner separated from service
due to death, voluntary resignation or removal for cause. In case of death, resignation or
removal for cause, the replacement shall serve only the unused portion of the term.

No person shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines as a member of the
Board unless he is a Filipino citizen, of good moral character, of proven probity and
integrity, and a degree holder in any of the following fields: economics, business, public
administration, law, management or their equivalent, and with at least ten (10) years
relevant working experience preferably from the field of management or public

administration.

The members of the Board shall each receive per diem at rates to be determined by the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in accordance with existing rules and
regulations: Provided, however, That the total per diem collected each month shall not
exceed the equivalent per diem for four (4) meetings.

Section 17. Powers and Duties of the Administrator. - The Administrator shall have the
following powers and duties:
(a) To direct and manage the affairs of the MAREZA in accordance with the policies of

the Board;
(b) To establish the internal organization of the MAREZA under such conditions that the

Board may prescribe;

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(©) To submit an annual budget and necessary supplemental budget to the Board for its
approval;

(d) To submit within thirty (30) days after the close of each fiscal year an annual report to
the Board and such other reports as may be required;

(©) To submit to the Board for its approval policies, systems, procedures, rules and
regulations that are essential to the operation of the MAREZA;

(® To create a mechanism in coordination with relevant agencies for the promotion of
industrial peace, the protection of the environment, and the advancement of the quality
of life in the MAREZ; and

(g) To perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the Board or which are
necessary or incidental to his office.

Section 18. Organization and Personnel. -The MAREZA Board of Directors shall provide
for an organizational structure and appoint employees, subject to the Civil Service Law.
Upon the recommendation of the Administrator, the Board shall appoint and fix the
remuneration and other emoluments of its officers and employees in accordance with
existing laws on compensation and position classification: Provided, That the salary and
other compensation of the Administrator shall be comparable with the President and the
Chief Executive Officer of Clark Development Corporation: Provided, further, That the
Board shall exercise administrative supervision over their employees.

The officers and employees of the MAREZA, including all members of the Board, shall
not engage directly or indirectly in partisan activities nor take part in any election, except
to vote.

No officer or employee of the MAREZA, subject to civil service laws and regulations,
shall be removed or suspended except for cause, as provided by law.

Section 19. Labor Center, Health and Housing Facilities. - (a) A labor center shall be
established within the MAREZ. This center shall be responsible for studying and
amicably settling professional and labor relations and disputes, interpretation of
employment contracts, and monitoring work, hygiene and safety standards within the
MAREZ. The labor center shall comprise a labor office, an industrial health and safety
office, and an inspection and disputes office.

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Except as otherwise provided in this Act, labor and management relations in the MAREZ
shall be governed by applicable rules and regulations under the Labor Code of the
Philippines, as amended. Employees and personnel in the registered enterprises shall
receive salaries and benefits, and shall enjoy working conditions provided under the
Labor Code and other relevant laws and issuances of the Philippine Government and the
DOLE. The MAREZA shall allow the visitorial power of the Secretary of the DOLE or his
duly authorized representative, and/or may assign its personnel to join the DOLE
Regional Office IV-B in the conduct of labor inspection.

(b) The Department of Health shall establish, fund, operate and maintain a tertiary
hospital in the MAREZ.

(© The National Housing Authority, pursuant to its mandate, shall undertake vertical
and horizontal housing development for the marginalized informal settlers and low
income earners within the MAREZ, and shall source the necessary funds thereof through

National Government subsidy.

Section 20. Banking Rules and Regulations. - Existing banking laws and
rules/regulations of the BSP shall apply to banks and financial institutions to be
established in the MAREZ.

Section 21. Remittances. - In the case of foreign investments, a registered enterprise in
the MAREZ shall have the right to remit earnings from the investment in favor of the
investor and/or intended beneficiary, subject to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7653,
otherwise known as the “New Central Bank Act,” the manual of regulations on foreign
exchange transactions, as well as other relevant rules and regulations.

Section 22. Applicability Clause. - The provisions of Sections 30-41 of Republic Act No.
7916, otherwise known as “The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995,” as amended, shall
likewise apply to the MAREZ.

Section 23. Capitalization. - The capital stock to be contributed by the government, shall
be: (a) Two billion five hundred million pesos (Php2,500,000,000.00), with option to
increase capitalization upon the discretion of the MAREZA; (b) Alll lands embraced and
covered by the MAREZ, as well as permanent improvements and fixtures upon proper
inventory not otherwise alienated, conveyed, or transferred to another government

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agency; and (c) Alll other assets which the President may transfer to the MAREZA as part
of the equity contribution of the government.

Section 24. Supervision and Control. - For purposes of policy direction and coordination,
the MAREZA shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Office of the
President of the Philippines.

Section 25. Regional Development Council. - The MAREZA shall determine the
development goals for the MAREZ within the framework of national development plans,
policies and goals. The Administrator shall, upon approval by the Board, submit the
MAREZ plans, programs and projects to the Regional Development Council for inclusion
and inputs to the overall regional development plan.

Section 26. Relationship with Local Government Units. - Except as herein provided, the
Municipality of Santa Cruz in the Province of Marinduque shall operate and function in
accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991. In case of any conflict between the
MAREZA and the local government units (LGUs) and the National Government (NG) on
matters affecting the MAREZ, other than defense and security matters, the decision of the
MAREZA shall prevail.

Section 27. Legal Counsel. - The MAREZA shall have its own internal legal counsel under
the supervision of the Government Corporate Counsel. When the exigencies of its
businesses and operations demand, the MAREZA may engage the services of an outside

counsel either on a case-to-case or on a fixed retainer basis.

Section 28. Interpretation/ Construction. - The powers, authorities and functions that are
vested in the MAREZA are intended to establish decentralization of governmental
functions and authority and promote an efficient and effective working relationship
between the MAREZA, the National Government and the LGU.

Section 29. Audit. - The Commission on Audit shall appoint a full-time auditor in the
MAREZA or may assign such number of personnel as may be necessary in the
performance of their functions.

Section 30. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DTI, the DOF, the LGU and the
Department of the Interior and Local Government shall formulate the implementing rules

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and regulations of this Act within ninety (90) days after its approval. Such rules and
regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after their publication in a newspaper of
general circulation in the Philippines.

Section 31. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

Section 32. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or any part thereof which are inconsistent herewith are
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 33. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,

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