Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE:
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3505

Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS

AN ACT
ABOLISHING THE IRRIGATION SERVICE FEES IMPOSED ON FARMERS,
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER OF THE NATIONAL,
IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (NIA)

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The vital role of farmers in the Philippine economy is noteworthy. As we remain
and continue to acknowledge that the Philippines remain dependent to our farmers for
the food on our table and to our agricultural economy, we should alleviate the plight of
farmers by encouraging them to carry on despite their situation. What we can offer to
relieve them of their burden is to abolish the irrigation fees that are being charged on
farmers. Little as it may be, but the charge is still an onus that farmers have to pay

With the vast and fertile agricultural lands that the Philippines have, it may be
assumed that the agriculture sector is on steady growth. But with the challenges that
farmers confront every season, including the issue on proper irrigation and the loss of
crops due to weather conditions, farmers are slowly diminishing nowadays. We have
low productivity that hardly sustain our supply chain.

The government, on its part is cognizant of these situations. Programs have been
continuously introduced in the agricultural sector to assist our farmers. But on top of
these assistance, it is humbly proposed that the additional burden of irrigation fees be
abolished to improve their productivity

Foregoing considered, passage of the bill is hereby earnestly requested

/ we


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3505

Introduced by Representative MARLYN L, PRIMICIAS-AGABAS

AN ACT
ABOLISHING THE IRRIGATION SERVICE FEES IMPOSED ON FARMERS,
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTER OF THE NATIONAL,
IRRIGATION ADMINISTRATION (NIA)

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

SECTION 1. Repeal of certain provisions of the Charter of the National
Irrigation Administration. - The following provisions that grant the National Irrigation
Administration the power to levy irrigation fees are hereby REPEALED:

a. Republic Act 3601. Section 2, paragraph c

[The NIA shall have the following powers and objectives: (c) To collect
from the users of each irrigation system constructed by it such fees as
may be necessary to finance the continuous operation of the system and
to reimburse within a certain period not less than 25 years the cost of
construction thereof]

o

Presidential Decree (PD) 552, Section 1, paragraph b:

(The NIA shall have the following powers and objective: (b) To charge
and collect from the beneficiaries of the water from all irrigation systems
constructed by or under its administration, such fees or administrative
charges as may be necessary to cover the costs of operation,


maintenance, and to recover the cost of construction within a reasonable
period of time to the extent consistent with government policy.]

c. PD 1702, Section 1, paragraph b.

{[(b) Operating capital — All amounts collected by the National Irrigation
Administration as irrigation fees, administration charges, drainage fees,
equipment rentals, proceeds from the sale of unserviceable equipment
and materials, sale of all reparation goods allocated to the defunct
irrigation service unit and the National Irrigation Administration, all other
income shall be added to its operating capital.)

SEC. 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or the application
such provision to any person or circumstance is declared invalid, the remainder of the
Act or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be
affected by such declaration

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to
or inconsistent with this Act, or may be construed, either expressly or impliedly, to grant
the National Irrigation Administration the power to levy any kind of irrigation fee or other
kind of monetary imposition, is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,