Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
   NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
House Bill No._____ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE BERNADETTE 
HERRERA-DY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Excessive and unnecessary fees, charges and surcharges imposed as origin and 
destination charges as well as unconscionable fees imposed on the management 
of empty containers by international shipping lines which undermines the 
country's competitiveness. These charges being imposed and collected at will by 
international shipping lines have enormous impact on the economy as it (a) 
increases the cost of importing raw materials and intermediate goods; (b) 
escalates the prices paid by the domestic consumer; (c) impairs the government's 
collection of correct taxes; and, (d) undermines the privity of obligations and 
contracts principle. 
Through this Act, the Philippine Govemment asserts its inherent right to 
implement and enforce compliance with existing local and international 
consumer trade laws; to protect the interests of the consumer, promote general 
welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry as well as 
enforce the compliance with International Commercial Terms (INCOTERMS) 
for the protection and fair treatment of Philippine domestic manufacturers, 
exporters and importers. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
Bernadette Herrera 
September 19, 2022
10:30 am
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CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS  
First Regular Session 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
H. No. ______
BY REPRESENTATIVES HERRERA-DY, ONG (R.), SARMIENTO, GARIN (S.), ROBES,
PANCHO, TIANGCO, PADIERNOS, PEÑA, GONZALEZ, ZARATE, ESCUDERO,
DIMAPORO  
(A.),  
BARBA, 
MARQUEZ,  DELOSO-MONTALLA, KHO  (E.),
CASTRO (F.L.), ALVAREZ (F.), BORDADO, SANCHEZ, CHIPECO,  ONG (J.),
DEFENSOR (L.), CUARESMA, LUSOTAN, PANOTES, NOLASCO, FARIÑAS (R.C.),
VERGARA,  DAGOOC,  DALIPE  AND  VILLARICA,  PER  COMMITTEE  REPORT  NO.  1366 
AN ACT   
ENHANCING  THE  COMPETITIVENESS  OF  PHILIPPINE  MARITIME          
TRADE  BY  STRENGTHENING  THE  OVERSIGHT  FUNCTIONS  OF     
RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OVER THE IMPOSITION OF  
SHIPPING  CHARGES  BY  INTERNATIONAL  SHIPPING  LINES  AND 
INSTITUTIONALIZING  
MECHANISMS  
FOR  
THE  
EFFICIENT
MOVEMENT OF GOODS  
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:   
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “International 
Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act.”  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy and Objectives. – It is hereby declared the policy 
of the State to promote industrialization through industries which are competitive in 
both domestic and foreign markets. In pursuit of this policy, the State hereby recognizes 
that providing access to an efficient and reliable transport and logistics services is a key 
strategy towards enhancing the competitiveness of Philippine products.  
The State further recognizes the need to ensure a sound regulatory environment 
that would promote competition among transport and logistics providers to improve 
service quality and reduce cost. It is, likewise, cognizant of the need to maintain a 
balance between transportation regulation and investment promotion and to ensure that 
transport and logistics providers can obtain a reasonable return on their business 
operations.  
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The State also recognizes the sanctity of commercial contracts which lay down 
the obligations and risks assumed by the parties to facilitate fair, harmonious and 
convenient trade negotiations and movement of goods.   
  
Towards this end, the following objectives shall be pursued:  
  
a) Protect Filipinos against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable acts and  
practices;  
b) Promote transparency in the transactions of international logistics 
service  
providers, including international shipping lines;  
c) Ensure proper government oversight over the imposition of domestic 
charges  
by international shipping lines and related business practices;  
d) Empower government institutions in their roles of promoting an 
efficient,  
competitive, and reliable logistics services; and  
e) Formulate policies and develop programs that would redound to the 
development of the transport and logistics sector in support of domestic and 
international trade.  
  
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act:  
  
a) 
Anchorage refers to a place with sufficient depth of water where vessels  
berth within the harbor;   
b) 
Bill of Lading refers to a document issued by a carrier that lists goods 
being  
shipped and specifies the terms of their transport;  
c) 
Cargo throughput refers to the total volume of cargo discharged and 
loaded at the port. It includes breakbulk, liquid bulk, dry bulk, containerized cargo, 
transit cargo, and transshipment;  
d) 
Consignee refers to the party appearing in the transport document to 
whom  
delivery may be lawfully made in accordance with the contract of carriage;  
e) 
Container deposit refers to the amount posted with shipping lines, 
freight forwarders, customs brokers and logistics operators or their collection agent 
upon the pick up or withdrawal of the container from the port of container yard;  
f) 
Container yard refers to a designated area where containers and chassis 
are  
received, stacked, and dispatched;  
g) 
Containerized cargo refers to a cargo packed in vans or containers for 
easy  
handling and transporting of the same as a unit;  
h) 
Customs broker refers to any person who is a bona fide holder of a valid 
Certificate of Registration or Professional Identification Card issued by the Professional 
Regulatory Board and Professional Regulation Commission pursuant to Republic Act  
No. 9280, otherwise known as the “Customs Brokers Act of 2004, as amended;”  


4  
  
i) Delivery order refers to a document issued by the shipping line releasing the 
cargo to the consignee mentioned in the Bill of Lading upon payment of all handling 
charges;  
j) Demurrage fee refers to the amount charged by the shipping lines, freight 
forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics operators if full and loaded containers are 
not collected by the customers and remain inside the port, terminal, or container yard 
after the lapse of the allowable free time;  
k) 
Detention charges refer to the amount charged by the shipping lines, 
freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics operators per day once customers 
have collected the empty containers from outside the port, but do not return the empty 
containers to the depots after the specified free time;  
l) Dwell time refers to the number of hours spent by a vessel from waiting time to 
berthing, and until the time of completion of the un-berthing process on final departure;  
m) 
Freight forwarder refers to an entity that acts as a cargo intermediary 
and facilitates transport of goods on behalf of its client without assuming the role of a 
carrier, or assuming such role in the case of non-vessel owning common carrier 
(NVOCC), which can also perform other forwarding services, such as booking cargo 
space, negotiating rates, preparing documents, advancing freight payments, providing 
packing or crating, trucking and warehousing, engaging as an agent or representative of 
a foreign non-vessel operating as a common carrier or cargo consolidator named in a 
master bill of lading (BL) as consignee of a consolidated shipment, and other related 
undertakings;  
n) 
Inland container depot refers to an intermodal transport terminal, 
situated outside the ports and equipped for handling and temporary storage of cargo, 
which is authorized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to handle the processing, 
examination, and clearance of arriving laden containers;  
o) 
International commercial terms refer to a set of internationally-
recognized rules which define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers. These specify 
who is responsible for paying for and managing the shipment, insurance, 
documentation, customs clearance, and other logistical activities;  
p) 
International shipping line or carrier refers to person or entity who, in 
a contract of carriage, undertakes to perform or to procure the performance of carriage 
of goods by sea, or inland waterway or by a combination of such modes by issuing its 
own BL and assuming responsibilities for the shipments that call at the international 
ports of the Philippines;  
q) 
Last Mile logistics refers to the final step of the delivery process from a  
distribution center or facility to the end-user;  
r) 
Logistics service providers refers to third-party logistics providers who 
are outsourced to manage a company's warehousing, distribution and transportation of 
freight;  
s) 
Non-containerized cargo refers to goods shipped in pieces separately 
without the use of a container that include goods that are shipped in crates, bags, boxes, 
drums,  and barrels and which come in extremely large sizes or dimensions;  
t) Non-vessel operating common carrier refers to an entity that provides a point-
to-point service, without owning a vessel, and which may include several modes of 
transport of full container load (FCL) shipments or undertakes groupage of less than 
container load (LCL) shipments issues its own BL, and assumes responsibilities for the 
shipments;  
u) 
Port congestion refers to a situation at the port, as determined by the 
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) based on the guidelines and parameters set by the 


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MARINA Board (Board), that effectively stalls the movement of cargoes leading to 
adverse economic consequences;  
v) 
Service contract refers to a contract between a shipper and a carrier or 
conference which contains the terms and conditions respecting the transport of goods 
from a foreign port to a Philippine port or vise-versa;  
w) 
Shipper refers to the person or company named in the shipping 
documents as the party responsible for initiating the shipment and entering into a 
transport contract with the carrier;  
x) 
Port or terminal operator refers to an entity that owns or leases ports or 
terminals and is involved in managing the movement of cargo containers between cargo 
ships, trucks and freight trains, and in optimizing the flow of goods through customs to 
minimize the amount of time a ship spends in port. A port or terminal operator may be 
a public or private entity.  
  
SEC. 4. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all aspects affecting the imposition 
of shipping charges by international carriers arriving at or originating from Philippine 
ports.  
  
SEC. 5. Transparency of Freight and Other Charges. – Upon the effectivity of 
this Act, all port or terminal operators, international carriers, NVOCCs and forwarders 
shall inform the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of their regular shipping 
charges and fees and publish the same in a newspaper of general circulation: Provided, 
That the publication requirement is deemed complied with by the establishment and 
management of a real-time online website accessible to the public. No charges or fees 
shall be imposed beyond the published rates.  
  
No new or initial rate or change in an existing rate that results in an increased cost 
to the shipper may become effective earlier than thirty (30) days after the submission    
to the MARINA of such new shipping rates, except when allowed by MARINA for 
reasonable or good cause: Provided, That a change in an existing rate resulting in a 
decreased cost to the shipper may become effective upon publication and filing.  
  
SEC. 6. Imposition of Local Shipping Charges by International Carriers. – No 
local charges or surcharges, except for internationally-accepted surcharges, fees for 
value-added services, and behavioral charges such as late payment fee, container 
insurance, shall be charged by international shipping lines or their agents, freight 
forwarders and NVOCCs to Philippine consignees and shippers. The imposition and 
parameters of such imposition must be clearly defined in the contract of carriage and 
subscribed by the shipper or consignee.  
  
SEC. 7. Agreements. – Within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act, 
certified copies of all existing agreements between and among international carriers 
operating in Philippine ports and agreements among Philippine port or terminal 
operators as well as among one or more Philippine port or terminal operators and one 
or more international carriers operating in Philippine ports that affect Philippine 
maritime trade, shall be submitted to the MARINA.    
  
Any agreement or any amendment thereto shall become effective thirty (30) days 
after such submission: Provided, That, during the effectivity of such agreement, if the 
MARINA determines that the same is likely to produce an unreasonable reduction in 


6  
  
transportation services or an unreasonable increase in transportation cost, it may refer 
the same to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) for appropriate action.  
  
SEC. 8. Detention Charges and Demurrage Fees. – No detention charges in the 
return of empty containers shall be imposed by shipping lines when the delay is caused 
by them. For this purpose, international shipping lines must ensure that the delivery 
order always indicates the container depot where the empty container owned by the 
shipping lines must be returned.  
  
Any demurrage fee or detention charge shall not constitute a direct or indirect 
lien on container deposits or on other cargoes or shipments covered by a separate 
transaction of the same shipper or consignee.  
  
SEC. 9. Container Deposits. – The MARINA may allow the imposition of 
container deposits only if:  
a) the forwarders or agents of international shipping lines implement an 
expeditious procedure in refunding the same within a non-extendible period of fifteen  
(15) days from the return of the container;  
b) 
there are clear and fair standards for deductions made known by such  
forwarders or agents to the other party prior to engagement; and  
c) 
there is actual proof that a container deposit has been paid before any  
deduction is made.  
  
SEC. 10. Role of Government Agencies. – To effectively implement and carry out 
the objectives of this Act the following agencies shall exercise and enforce the     
following functions in addition to their existing mandates:   
  
a) 
Department of Transportation – The DOTr shall facilitate the 
expansion of port system capacity of port authorities and the expansion of the 
Philippine freight transport system to facilitate the movement of containers to 
and from the ports.   
  
b) 
Maritime Industry Authority – The MARINA shall ensure 
competitive and  
efficient international maritime transportation services for the shipping public by:  
  
1. 
Reviewing 
and 
monitoring 
agreements 
among 
international shipping  
lines and port operators serving Philippine ports to ensure that they do not cause 
substantial increases in transportation costs or reduction in transportation services.  In 
applicable cases, the MARINA may endorse any agreement that it finds anticompetitive 
to the Philippine Competition Commission for appropriate action;  
2. 
Investigating, hearing and adjudicating complaints 
regarding the  
imposition of rates and charges, and practices of international shipping lines, NVOCCs, 
and other logistics service providers that impede efficient commerce;  
3. 
Imposing fines and charges in the exercise of its 
adjudicatory functions;   
4. 
Ensuring that the international shipping lines’ tariff rates 
and charges  


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are published, and automated tariff systems are electronically available;  
5. 
Accrediting sea freight forwarders such as NVOCC, 
international  
freight forwarders and other similar maritime enterprises; and  
6. 
Exercising supervision over sea freight forwarders, 
domestic freight  
forwarders, and other similar maritime enterprises including the ship agents and their 
representatives, branches, offices or subsidiaries of international shipping lines to 
ensure the reasonableness of their rate-setting mechanism for local fees and charges, 
and compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations relating to standards of safety, 
quality and efficiency of operation.  
  
c) 
Department of Trade and Industry – The DTI shall:   
  
1. 
In coordination with the DOTr, the National Economic 
and Development Authority (NEDA), the DPWH, the MARINA, and the 
PPA, develop a long-term National Logistics Strategy that will establish an 
integrated transport and logistics sector that shall facilitate the efficient and 
timely movement of goods. The National Logistics Strategy shall include 
the identification of international gateway and secondary airports and 
seaports, development of new Roll On – Roll Off (RORO) ports and 
facilities, rail development, warehousing improvement, and connectivity 
enhancement.  
2. 
Ensure efficiency and competitiveness of the logistics 
services sector;  
3. 
Coordinate with other agencies to ensure the efficient 
movement of  
goods and empty containers and lower logistics cost;  
4. 
Encourage investment in the logistics services sector 
particularly in  
trucking service, freight forwarders, container yards and depot, dry and cold 
warehouses, and last mile logistics; and  
5. 
Monitor matters relating to transparency of local charges 
to implement  
to the full extent existing consumer trade laws to curb unconscionable business 
practices, excessive and unnecessary fees, charges and surcharges imposed as local 
charges by international shipping lines, their agents or forwarders.  
  
d) 
Philippine Ports Authority and other port authorities – The PPA 
and other  
port authorities shall:  
  
1. 
In case of urgent need, ensure as far as practicable that 
international  
shipping lines are given ample berthing space to facilitate the safe loading and 
unloading of empty containers in coordination with the port or terminal operator;  
2. 
Hasten the provision of the necessary infrastructure 
facilities by  


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expanding the capacity of government-owned ports with existing contracts for handling 
of foreign vessels and foreign cargoes and facilitate the building of additional ports by 
the private sector;  
3. 
Oversee the strict enforcement of the regulations on 
overstaying foreign  
containers, whether laden or empty. For this purpose, the PPA and other port authorities 
shall review the effectiveness of current storage charges imposed on overstaying 
containers to improve port efficiency and prevent congestion;  
4. 
Determine the existence of port congestion. Towards this 
end, the PPA  
shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, formulate and issue a Port 
Congestion Contingency Plan, in consultation with the Board. The Port Congestion 
Contingency Plan shall be implemented by the relevant agencies upon the declaration    
of an imminent port congestion;  
5. 
Promulgate rules and regulations to maximize the use and 
further  
development of the Ports of Batangas, Subic and other ports and terminals deemed 
appropriate as alternates to the Port of Manila (POM) and the Manila International 
Container Port (MICP). Further, the PPA and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority 
(SBMA) shall facilitate the expansion of the Ports of Batangas and Subic to 
accommodate shipments originally bound for POM and MICP and the development of 
other inland container depots (ICDs);  
6. 
Require all international port operators to maintain an 
online portal  
accessible to the DTI, BOC, DOTr, MARINA, PPA, and other port authorities that will 
provide information regarding daily summary of cargo throughput (volume and value), 
port dwell time of ships, dwell time of cargoes (containerized and non-containerized), 
average vessel waiting time at anchorage, and container yard utilization to facilitate the 
monitoring of port utilization; and  
7. 
Implement the Port Development Master Plan to support 
economic  
growth.  
  
e) 
Bureau of Customs – The BOC shall:  
  
1. 
Expedite the accreditation and activation of ICDs;  
2. 
Establish and manage a centralized database to facilitate 
a real-time  
inventory and monitor the movement of containers;   
3. 
Promulgate rules and regulations for the container yard 
utilization of ICDs;  
4. 
Together with MARINA, establish a one-stop shop or 
satellite office  
inside the customs premises, housing all representatives of international shipping lines, 
their forwarders and agents, for easier coordination in the implementation of this Act;  
5. 
In coordination with the PPA, Cebu Ports Authority, 
SBMA, PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, Cagayan Economic Zone 
Authority, Regional Ports Management Authority, Bases Conversion 
Development Authority, Authority of the Freeport Bataan and other port 


9  
  
authorities, promulgate, review and revise the guidelines, regulations and 
standards on such matters as:  
  
 
i.  
Ensuring the availability of inland container depot space for their  
empty containers; ii. Coordination with operators of designated container yards and  
inland container depots with sufficient capacity to accommodate the volume of 
containers per shipment; iii. Disposition of seized and abandoned cargoes to facilitate 
the  
decongestion of port terminals; iv. Ensuring the swift processing of laden containers 
and loading of  
empty containers from the port to avoid congestion.  
  
f) 
Philippine Competition Commission – The PCC shall:   
  
1. 
Motu proprio or upon a verified complaint of any 
interested party,  
investigate cases involving violations of competition laws and regulations in relation to 
maritime trade;   
2. 
Review and take necessary actions on findings of anti-
competitive  
behavior that are endorsed to the Commission by the MARINA; and  
3. 
Coordinate 
with 
MARINA 
and 
DTI 
in 
the 
implementation of  
competition policies in the maritime sector.  
  
SEC. 11. Additional Members of the MARINA Board. – To effectively implement 
the objectives of this Act, the following shall be made members of the Board in addition 
to its existing membership:  
  
a) Secretary of Foreign Affairs;  
b) Secretary of Agriculture;  
c) Secretary of Public Works and Highways;  
d) Secretary of NEDA;  
e) Commissioner of Customs;  
f) 
Chairperson of the PCC;  
g) Chairperson of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board;  
and  
h) One representative from each of the following private sector groups who 
shall be appointed as non-voting members:  
  
1. 
Association of domestic shipping lines;   
2. 
Association of international shipping lines;   
3. 
Association of exporters;  
4. 
Association of importers;  
5. 
Largest national association of business entities;  
6. 
Association of supply chain and logistics companies;  
7. 
Association of freight forwarders;  
8. 
Association of ship agents;  
9. 
Association of container depot operators; and  


10  
  
10. Association of trucking operators  
  
The private sector representatives for each of the private sector groups shall be 
appointed by the President of the Philippines from the nominees submitted by the 
aforementioned entities or associations for a term of three (3) years, and may be 
reappointed only once.   
  
Upon the expiration of their terms, the private sector members of the Board shall 
serve in a hold-over capacity until their successors shall have been qualified and 
appointed. Any vacancy in the Board pertaining to the representatives of the private 
sector shall be replaced by a person belonging to the same group represented by the 
member who left the position vacant.  The successor, who shall act in a permanent 
capacity, shall only serve for the unexpired portion of the term vacated unless 
reappointed.   
  
SEC. 12. Additional Powers and Functions of the Board. – In addition to its 
existing powers and functions, the Board shall:  
  
a) Advise the MARINA on policies relating to the competitiveness, 
reliability,  
integrity, and fairness of the maritime freight delivery system;  
b) Provide MARINA with information, insight, and expertise pertaining to  
conditions in the maritime freight delivery system;  
c) Make recommendations to enhance the existing policies relating to 
maritime  
freight delivery system or to adopt additional policies;  
d) Provide MARINA with the guidelines necessary in the determination of 
the basis and reasonableness of local charges being imposed by international 
shipping lines; and  
e) Encourage relevant government agencies and affected local government 
units to take appropriate actions on matters and issues affecting Philippine trade 
and transport logistics  
  
SEC. 13. National Logistics Efficiency Policy. – The Board shall formulate a 
National Logistics Efficiency Policy (NLEP) to ensure the efficiency of customs and 
border management, quality of trade and transport infrastructure, competence of 
logistics services, their ability to track and trace consignments, and the competitiveness 
of shipping prices. The NLEP shall serve as a guide in the formulation and issuance of 
the rules, regulations, and programs of the implementing agencies specified in this Act.  
  
The policy shall institutionalize the use of information technology to enhance 
connectivity among relevant government agencies to facilitate efficient business 
transaction consistent with the objectives of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of 
Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act.  
  
SEC. 14. Prohibited Acts. – It shall be unlawful for any international carrier or its 
agent, port or terminal operator, NVOCC, or logistics service provider to perform the 
following acts:  


11  
  
a) 
Operate under an agreement that has been suspended by virtue an order 
of a proper authority, or a temporary restraining order or rendered ineffective by 
injunction issued by the court;  
b) 
Charge, demand, collect, or receive greater, less, or different 
compensation for the transportation of property or for any service in connection 
therewith than the rates and charges provided in the service contract or those published 
and filed with the  
MARINA;  
c) 
Engage in any anti-competitive practice prohibited under Republic Act 
No.  
10667 or the Philippine Competition Act.   
  
SEC. 15. Penalties. – The violation of the provisions of this Act or its guidelines 
shall be sanctioned by the penalties as may be determined by the MARINA such as 
fines, cancellation of the accreditation, or the blacklisting of any forwarder, agent or 
international shipping line, or both.  
  
In fixing the amount of fines, the MARINA shall take into consideration the 
gravity of the violation, based on a criteria to be prescribed in the rules and regulations 
to be issued to implement this Act.  
  
The imposition of penalties and other sanctions under this Act shall not preclude 
any aggrieved party or government agency from filing a criminal, civil or administrative 
case for violation of existing laws, rules and regulations by reason of the same act or 
omission.  
  
SEC. 16. Education Campaign. – The MARINA and the DTI shall, in  
coordination with private stakeholders, develop a program to educate all Philippine 
shippers and consignees on how to negotiate using the INCOTERMS, the freight, and 
other shipping charges imposed by forwarders and agents of international shipping 
lines, the best practices to manage or control the supply chain and updates in the 
implementation of this Act.  
  
SEC. 17. Submission of Annual Report. – The Board shall, not later than the first 
quarter of the succeeding year, submit to the President of the Philippines and both 
Houses of Congress an annual report containing the summary of all transactions 
pertaining to international shipping operations as well as the issues and concerns of the 
industry and recommend, if necessary, measures that require legislative action.   
  
SEC. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Board shall, within sixty 
(60) working days from the effectivity of this Act, issue such rules and regulations as 
may be necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.   
  
SEC. 19. Suppletory Application of Related Laws. – The applicable provisions of 
Presidential Decree No. 474, Executive Order Nos.  125 and 125-A, s.  1987, Republic 
Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 10863 or the 
Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Republic Act No. 10667 or the Philippine 
Competition Act and all other related laws, rules and regulations, insofar as they are not 
inconsistent, shall supplement in the implementation of the provisions of this Act.  
  


12  
  
SEC. 20.  Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, such parts not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force 
and effect.  
  
SEC. 21.  Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, rules and regulations and other 
issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, 
amended or modified accordingly.  
  


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1 SEC. 22. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 2 publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
  
Approved,