G3
&
° RECEIVED

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8016

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The Climate of the Philippines is tropical and maritime. It is characterized
by relatively high temperature, high humidity, and abundant rainfall.
Temperature, humidity, and rainfall, which are discussed hereunder, are the
most important elements of the country’s weather and climate.

Rainfall is the most important climatic element in the Philippines. Rainfall
distribution throughout the country varies from one region to another,
depending upon the direction of the moisture-bearing winds and the location of
the mountain systems.

The government has adapted to this recurring event by constructing dams
and flood forecasting and control and warning centers across the river basins
and sub-basins. To date, the Philippines has 18 major river basins, 4 sub-basins,
and 9 dams.

However, there has always been confusion about the lead agency regarding
the dams’ discharge and spillover. The liability of the personnel involved and the
chain of command regarding the decision to open the gates, the duration, and

the volume of water to be spilled has always been in indeterminate state.

hie this bill is earnestly requested.

,. ROMERO Ph.D.

Thus, thé

PEPRE SEN

cs)


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 8916

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

AN ACT

CREATING A NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT AND
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR ALL DAMS, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES,

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

SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is hereby a declared
policy of the state to establish a National Authority to properly manage, regulate
and determine the timely discharge of all dams.

Dam operators should always provide adequate and early warning signals
and schemes to all affected localities that shall be affected by such dam
discharges.

SECTION 2. CREATION OF A NATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR DAMS - there shall hereby be created a
National Management and Regulatory Framework for all dams, centralized with

its own distinct accountability.


SECTION 3. MANAGEMENT AND REGULATORY COUNCIL - In
pursuance of the abovementioned policy, there is hereby established a
Management and Regulatory Council, hereinafter known as the Council, which
shall be composed of the following agencies:

i, National Irrigation Authority (NTA);
i. National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR);

. National Water Resources Board (NWRB);
Dam Operators

‘These agencies are tasked to formulate a centralized framework/scheme
to eliminate all damages and threats, based on their mandates as well as develop
capable methodology for their agencies to become more sensitive to the needs of
their clients.

These framework and schemes will cater to the needs of combating Dam

discharges to LGUs, regional, and national level.

The Council will also serve as the monitoring and regulatory body as

regards to Dam discharges.

The Council members may designate their duly authorized representative
and shall receive compensations as may be determined by the Council in

accordance with existing budget, accounting rules and regulations.

SECTION 4. DUTIES OF OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND
LGUs — Other government agencies and LGUs shall establish schemes such as,
but not limited to, education and information campaign and seminars or
symposia on the nature, causes, incidence and consequences of such disastrous
effects particularly towards the public on its impacts.

SECTION 5. TRANSITORY PROVISION- Existing industries,
busincsscs and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given


six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act.

SECTION 6. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS, - The
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - If, for any reason, any
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two

(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

Approved,