Repubhic of the Phhippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
|9TH CONGRESS
First Reguidr Session
HOUSE BILL NO.
±     DATEPJ
RECEIVED
r`^TIISEP   2  8  2
Cfty     .*
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN ``ZIA" ALONTO ADIONG
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Libraries have always played a fundamental role in the development of our nation. As
repositories  of  data  collected  over  time,  learners  and  researchers  can  access  the  necessary
information  that is necessary  to  generate  ideas,  acquire  skills,  and lead  our nation towards
progress and development.
With the advent of new technology, there is an increasing transition to a more digital age
where information can easily be accessed at the tip of your fingertips, thereby creating a globally
competitive environment where computer literacy, as well as information and colnmurrications
technology, is not merely a luxury, but a necessity. Furthermore, the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic in 2020 hastened this process of digita]ization and created an urgent need for society
to adapt to irmovation and technology.
Consistent with the 1987 Philippine Constitution provision on social justice, the State's
policy to errsure equal access to opportunities, and with the provisions of Republic Act No. 7743
promoting the moral and intellectual well~being of the Fhipinos through the establishment of
libraries, there is an urgent and compelling reason for the Govemlnent to update the existing
facilities of our public libraries and facilitate their successful integration to the digital age.
Hence,   this   proposed   measure   seeks   the   establishment   of   e-libraries   in   every
congressional, city,  and municipal public libraries, and barangay reading facilities under the
supervision of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP). The proposed e~libraries can be
used by the public,  especially students,  to do research, and gain access to the latest leaming
materials, information, and data.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
HON. ZIA R-RAHMAN "ZIA" ALONT0 ADIONG
ve, 1st District, Lanao del Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
|9TH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO.
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN ``ZIA" ALONTO ADIONG
AN ACT
pRovlDING    FOR    THE    ESTABLISHMm`IT    oF    pHILlpplNE    E-LIBRARIEs
FACILITIES   IN  EVERY  CONGRESSIONAL,  CITY  AND   MUNICIPAL   PUBLIC
LIBRARIES,  AND  BARANGAY  READING  CENTERS, APPROPRIATING  FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
8?  it  enacted by  the  Senate  and the  House  Of Representatives  Of the  Philippines in  Congress
assembled:
Section 1. SJ!orf TttJc. - This Act shall be known as the ``Phhippine E-Library Act of 2022" .
Sec. 2. Decharflfz.o" a/ Port.ey. -The State sham provide for an enabling environment that
win enhance the literacy of its citizens and facilitate their adaptation to a rapidly evolving digital
age.  For this purpose,  the State  shall ensure  that every citizen sham have  access  to  leaming
facilities  offering  the  latest  information,  technological  irmovatious,  and  electronic  leaming
materials.
Sec. 3. £sf#bJ{.s#"ouf a/ PJI.7z.ppt.ae I-I..brflrfes. -The National Library of the Philippines
incoordinationwithrelevantgovemmentagencies,includingtheDepartmentoflnformationand
Communications Technology; the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of
Education, Commission on Higher Education, and Technical Skins Development Authority sham
provide for the establishment of Philippine E~Library facilities in every congressional, city and
municipal libraries, and barangay reading centers in the country. The Philippine E-Libraries shall
providefortheinformationneedsOfansectorsofsocietyinaconverient,affordable,andefficient
way of delivery.
See. 4. The Role Of the National Library Of the Phiitppi:ires. -The Narfuoualuhrc[ry of tine
Philippines  shall  provide  the  standard  set  of references,  including  e-books,  access  to  online
research resources, online academic I.oumals, databases, and periodicals. It shall also oversee the
digitalization of reference  materials;  Proz7z.did,  that  in the  digitalization  of leaming materials
necessary  for  public  education,  the  National  Library  of  the  Philippines  sham  work  in  close
coordination with the Department of Education.
The National Library of the Philippines, the Department of Education, the Commission
on Higher Education, and Technical Skil]s Development Authority shall have joint custody over
the digitalized copy of reference materials necessary for public education.
See. 5. The Role of the Daparinei'it Of Information and Communications Technology. -
The  Department  of  Information  and  Communications  Technology  shall  provide  the  digital
infrastructure necessary for the implementation of this Act. For this purpose, it shall provide the
most recent computers, gadgets, and electronic library technology which includes an updated
electronic hbrary  system for storing,  cataloging,  and filing of data and materials,  as well as
efficient and reliable access to the internet.


Sec. 7. Appraprt.¢fi.o#s. - The initial amount Of One Billion Pesos (P1,000,000,000.00) shall
be appropriated for the immediate implementation Of this Act and shall jointly be managed by
the National Library and the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The
maintenance and operating expenses necessary for the continuity of this Act shall be included in
the succeeding annual budget of the National Library of the Philippines.
Sec. 8. Jorpfe"c„fz.„g Rwzes fl#d Reg#hafi.oHs. - Within ninety (90) days from the approval
Of  this  Act,  the  National  Library,  the  Department  of  Information  and  Commulcatious
Technology, Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Education, Commission
on Higher Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority sham have the prinary
responsibility over the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary for the
effective execution and enforcement of this Act. They shall do so in close coordination with other
relevant stakeholders.
Sec. 9. RapeflJ{.ng CZ¢r/se.  -   All laws,  presidential decrees,  executive  orders,  rules and
regulations, and parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 10. Sap¢rfl[bi7z.ft/ Chawsc. - If any of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder
of this Act or any provision not affected thereby sham remain in full force and effect.
Sec. 11. £#ec£..zJi.fry. -   This Act shah take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a
newspaper of general circulation or Official Gazette.
Approved,