Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3380

Introduced by Honorable Joselito “Joel” S. Sacdalan, First District, North Cotabato

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to strengthen, rationalize and unify the management of water resource as well
as its development, through the creation of Department of Water Resource Management
and Development (DWRMD).

Water is Life!. It is a precious, yet finite resource essential for life, with no adequate
substitute. Supplying and allocating water of adequate quality and in sufficient quantities is
one of the major challenges facing society today. Water resource has many competing uses:
for off-Stream Uses such as agriculture, thermoelectric, industrial, mining, domestic and
commercial; for In-Stream Uses such as hydropower, navigation, recreation and ecosystem
support.

The Philippines is rich in water resources like rivers and streams, oceans and lakes, and
groundwater reservoirs. However, at present, the management of these said water resources
are lodged with different units or agencies of the government, thereby resulting to poorly and
inadequately coordinated or even conflicts in the implementation of the national policies and
plan on water, sewage, sanitation and irrigation and other commercial and industrial uses
thereby resulting to backlog in the provision of water supply services to the public as well as
in containing volume of water during heavy rains which was magnified during the past
flooding in Pampanga and Bulacan, and the recent water crises in the Metro Manila area.
‘Among the problems and conflicts in water uses are seen in who has the control of the water
resources , who has access to water supply or access to water, and in the development of
water resources in the context of social and economic development.


The present set-up in the management of water resources involves the following national
government agencies:

1. National Water Resources Board (NWRD), a government agency responsible for the
enforcement of the Water Code of the Philippines which is under the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources;

2. Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), a government-owned and controlled
corporation (GOCC) attached to the Department of Public Works and Highways
9DPWH) and has regulatory powers over a) all local water districts (LWDs, and b)
rural waterworks and sanitation associations (RWSAs) nationwide;

3. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), a government-owned and
controlled corporation (GOCC) also attached to the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), which is responsible for the water supply in Metro Manila and such
contiguous areas as may be added to its area of jurisdiction, and;

4. National Irrigation Administration (NIA), a government agency under the Office of the
President primarily responsible for irrigation management and development.

5. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, a government agency responsible
in the management and development of watersheds, and major river basins in the
Philippines.

Based on the World Water Assessment Program (WWAP) of the United Nations Water, 70%
of water is used for Irrigation, 22% for Industry and only 8% for Domestic. On the other
hand, a study has shown that fresh water shortage is real which is caused by increasing
population, lack of access to clean water, ground water is depleted, climate change/global
warning resulting to rivers and lakes shrinking.

In acknowledgment to the United Nations General Assembly’s recognition of the human right
to water and sanitation, that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the
realization of human rights, it is imperative upon the Philippines government to efficiently and
effectively manage and develop its water resources to attain ideal allocation that will focus on
the peoples right to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation service , sufficient water
for industrial and agricultural uses that are indispensable to every citizen's basic health and
economic

prosperity. And to attain this, there is a need for a well-coordinated, effective, efficient
management and sustainable development of water resources.


Hence, there is an imperative need to create the Department of Water Resources Management
and Development which will take care in the over-all management and coordination for water
resource uses, and in the development of its sources.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought for.

REP. JOSE! S. SACDALAN


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 3380

Introduced by Representative Joselito “Joel” S. Sacdalan, First District, North
Cotabato

AN ACT CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the "Department of Water Resource
Management and Development Act of 2019".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
recognize, protect, realize , and enhance the right of all Filipinos to safe, clean, affordable,
and accessible drinking waters, sufficient supply for sanitation and agriculture, commercial
and industrial uses, as essential to the full enjoyment of life, healthy and clean environment
and the protection and sustainability of social and economic environment.

In pursuit of said government policy, this Act shall have the following objectives:

(a) To prioritize and pursue the immediate attainment of universal access to safe,
adequate, and water supply for domestic uses, and sustainable water supply for
agriculture, commercial and industrial uses for all Filipinos and adopt all necessary
measures directed towards the realization of the human right to water and sanitation;
and


(b) To strengthen coordination for water resource planning and policy — making to ensure
available , sustainable and efficient allocation and consumption of water resources
between competing uses and users, including but not limited to domestic such as
drinking and other household uses); agricultural such as irrigation, livestock, fisheries;
commercial; industrial ; and power generation.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby
defined:

(a) Department refers to the Department of Water Resource Management and
Development.

(b) Sanitation refers to sewage, sanitation and septage management

(©) Sewerage refers to any system or network of sanitary pipelines, ditches, channels,
or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations, and force mains, service
connections including other constructions, devices, or appliances appurtenant thereof,
Which includes the collection, sanitary piping transport, pumping, and treatment of
water-borne human or animal waste removed from residences, buildings, institutions,
nd industrial and commercial establishments to point sewage treatment plant disposal.

(d) Sewage refers to water-carried waste in solution or suspension, including sanitary
waste (waste products of normal living), commercial waste, industrial waste,
agricultural waste, and surface runoff, conveyed by a sewerage system for treatment
or disposal. For purposes of this Act, the definition of septage shall be included in the
use of sewage.

(@) Septage refers to sludge produced on individual on-site wastewater disposal systems,
principally septic tanks and cesspool.

The terms “infrastructure” and “public works” as used in this Act should be read to apply only
to wholly or primarily water-related projects and shall not be read to incorporate projects
Which would not otherwise fall within the purview of the objectives, powers, and duties of the
Department.


CHAPTER IT
ORGANIZATION

SECTION 4. The Department of Water Resource Management and Development -
There is hereby created and established the Department of Water Resource Management and
Development, hereinafter referred to as the “Department”, which shall be organized within
‘one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this Act. The Department shall be
tasked with formulating or developing, implementing comprehensive water resource
management and development and sanitation program for the Philippines, including, but not
limited to:

(a) Formulating policy and reforms with respect to the management , allocation,
utilization, distribution system of water supply and development of water resource,

(b) a Water and Sanitation Standards which is in accord with the United Nation
Development Program of Water and Sanitation (UNDP-WAS) and beneficial to all
Filipinos

(©) Formulation of responsive and relevant National Road Map to Sustainable Water
Resource Development Program

(d) Effective system of Conservation, Allocation and Delivery , to ensure that water is
affordable and available for all types of users, to propel social and economic
development

(e) System of Monitoring and Evaluating Compliance to the National Policy on Water
Resource Allocation, Utilization and Sanitation standards

SECTION 5. Powers and Duties of the Department - The Department shall have the
following powers and duties, among others:

(a) Develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and
sustainable water supply, for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial uses.

(b) Coordinate with relevant government agencies and institutions to provide policy
direction, strategies, programs and targets to meet the goals and objectives for water
and sanitation service, and water for drinking, domestic uses, irrigation, sewage,
power generation, and other uses and for development of water sources including
watershed areas for sustainability of water supply;


(c) Manage and protect the country’s water resource to ensure efficient and optimal use
thereof, without compromising the natural ecosystem functions and services;

(d) Manage the ownership, appropriations, utilization, exploitation, development,
conservation, and protection of water resources and rights to land related thereto and
their competing demands, taking into consideration its equitable distribution, and the
standards of beneficial and priority uses in times of crisis and national emergencies;

(e) Undertake and coordinate with other agencies and government entities in scientific
research and studies on water resources management and development, and conduct
nationwide hydrologic surveys to determine the annual renewable water available per
water region, determine it hydrologic boundaries of basins, and formulate and
implement countrywide master plans for water resources management and
development;

(f) Formulate and enforce rules, regulations and guidelines in the administration and
management of the country’s water resources;

(g) Coordinate with and assist other government agencies in the conduct of studies and
research, to classify and establish water quality standards for surface and ground
water, including national standards for drinking water and wastewater effluence;

(h) Promote and advance inter-sectoral, inter-agency, and_inter-departmental

coordination to develop policies and plans in respect to water resources for irrigation,

energy, and standards for environmental sanitation, sewage, and sewerage with the

aim of operationalizing the integrated approach water resources management ,

Review, approve or disapprove plans and programs or development projects of private

(

individuals, groups, corporations, and government agencies, whether national or local,
that affect or utilize water resources, its diversions or abstraction, and the construction
of hydraulic facilities, including but no limited to plans and projects in watersheds or
basin areas of water supply sources, which have direct or indirect impact on the
affected locality's water resources;

Require Local Government Units (LGUs) through the Department of Housing and Urban
Development and the Department of Interior and Local Government, to incorporate
in their zoning ordinances and land use management plans the integration of water

@

resources management and development plans; Provided, That no zoning ordinances
and land use plans shall become effective and enforceable unless and until a
certification of integration of water, sewage, and sanitation management plan has
been issued by the Department. Should the Department have serious concerns
affecting conservation and sustainability of water supply, such concerns must first be


communicated to and addressed by the concerned LGU and/or national agency...
Otherwise, in the absence of such concerns, the Department within sixty ( 60) days
from submission by the concerned LGU of its zoning ordinance and land use
management plan shall issue the certification, stating that said zoning ordinance and
land use management plan shall already be enforceable fifteen (15) days after its
issuance;

(k) Formulate, and provide a simplified guidelines for the application and issuance of
permits for water resource usage and utilization, stating therein the requirements and
the period for its processing, to avert any bureaucratic red tape;

() Plan, design, implement and maintain water resources — related infrastructures to
prevent any destruction to the existing water resource facilities, and such other water
development projects for irrigation, for hydraulic power development, drainage for
flood control, access roads , in coordination with relevant government agencies and
instrumentalities with such expertise,

(m) Operate, maintain and administer all existing national irrigation systems (NIS), and
formulate system and reasonable rates for its charges on use, and plan, design,
construct the rehabilitation and/or improvement /expansion of national irrigation
system, taking into consideration its viability, and serviceability. However, the
Department may have the option to delegate the partial and full management of
certain national irrigation system (NIS), to duly organized irrigators association or
cooperatives after its evaluation in terms of capability and ability to effectively manage
the system;

(n) Conduct an inventory of all communal and pump irrigation system constructed, or
improved and/repaired wholly or partially with government funds, and prepare
Management Plan for its operation, maintenance and/or repair;

(0) In coordination with other relevant government agencies, conduct an inventory and
review of all laws pertaining to water, and develop an updated and responsive water
code, including its implementing rules and regulations, that ensures harmony in all
rules, standards, guidelines and process requirements.

(p) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations, and guidelines as may be necessary to
implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act.

(q) Appoint, hire and maintain adequate staff and personnel, technical and managerial,
and/ or consultants with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary.


(rf) Manage funds coursed through it under the General Appropriations Act intended as
financial assistance to LWDs or LGUs for the development and/or improvement of
water supply and water sources;

(s) Exercise such other powers and functions as the President may from time to time
assign to the Department consistent with the aims and provisions of this Act.

SECTION 6. Secretary of the Department of Water Resource Management and
Development - The authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the
Department and for the discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary
of the Department of Water Resource Management and Development, hereinafter referred to
as the Secretary, who shall have supervision and control over the Department and shall be
appointed by the President. For such purposes, the Secretary shall:

(a) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders,
regulations, proclamations, and other issuances relative to matters under the
jurisdiction of the Department;

(b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant to
the President's guidelines;

(©) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives,
policies and functions;

(qd) Exercise supervision and control over all Bureaus and Offices under the Department;

(@) Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law;

(f) As deemed appropriate by the Secretary, delegate authority for the performance of
any power or function, as defined herein or as delegated by the President, to officers
and employees under his direction; and

(g) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by law.

SECTION 7. Office of the Secretary - The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than
five (5) Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation
of the Secretary, as follows:

Undersecretary for Finance Service

Undersecretary for Administration and Support Services
. Undersecretary for Planning and Engineering Services
Undersecretary for Regulatory and Legal Services

Pe pr


5. Undersecretary for Operations

Within her /his functional area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall have the following
functions:

(a) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of Department
policies, plans, programs and projects;

(b) Supervise all the operational activities of the units assigned to her / him, for which she
/ he is responsible to the Secretary; and

(c) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the
Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services or
‘as may be required by law.

SECTION 9. Assistant Secretaries - The Secretary shall also be assisted by one Assistant
Secretary for Internal Audit and the five (5) Undersecretaries shall each be assisted by one
(1) Assistant Secretary, likewise appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the
recommendation of the Secretary.

SECTION 10. Organization Structure - The Department shall be composed of the following
organization units:

(a) Department Proper consisting of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit, Finance Service,
Administrative and Support Services, Planning and Engineering Services, Regulatory
and Legal Services, and Operations; and

(b) Regional Offices as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Secretary.

SECTION 11. Internal Audit - The Internal Audit is hereby created for the purpose of
conducting comprehensive audit of various Department activities and shall have the following
specific functions:

(a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to management control and operations
audit;

(b) Conduct management and operations performance audit of Department activities and
units and determine as to compliance with established objectives, policies, methods


and procedures, government regulations, and contractual obligations of the
Department;

(©) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets
management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and performance
standards of the Department Proper and Regional Offices;

(d) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top management to solve
problems by recommending realistic courses of action; and

(e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated
by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SECTION 12. Finance Service - The Finance Service is hereby created to provide the
Department with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget,
cash, accounting, and all financial matters not falling under other Services. For such purposes,
it shall have the following functions:

(a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of government
expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances, and
financial systems and procedures;

(b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorization undertake budget
execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper offices;

(©) Develop and maintain accounting, financial, and assets management systems,
procedures, and practices in the Department Proper and Regional Offices in accordance
with the existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations;

(d) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Department and, when
requested, to government corporations, councils, and boards attached to the
Department; and

(e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated
by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SECTION 13, Administrative and Support Services - The Administrative and Support
Services is hereby created to provide the Department with services relating to human
resources management development, personnel welfare, property and facilities upkeep and
maintenance, building maintenance, security, records management and archiving, gender and
development program and procurement services. For such purposes, it shall have the
following functions:


(a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal administration and human
resources management;

(b) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that shall include provisions on
merit promotions, performance evaluation, job rotation, job enhancements, incentives
and awards systems, health and welfare services;

(©) Provide services related to human resources training, education, and development,
including manpower, career planning and forecasting and development of indigenous
training materials;

(d) Prepare and / or implement Department GAD Plans and Budgets, and GAP periodic
accomplishment reports;

(e) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and cost-effective Property procurement
system , building and property and facilities maintenance plan,

(f) Prepare and / or implement Security and Contingency Plan for Personnel, Equipment,
Documents Security and Safety and Disaster Response Plans,

(g) Develop, establish and maintain an efficient Property and Records Management;

(h) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated
by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SECTION 14. Planning and Engineering Services - The Planning and Engineering
Services is hereby created to provide the Department with the capability to undertake water
resource-related infrastructure development planning, designing, programming and
implementation . For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:

(a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to water resource-related infrastructure
planning and implementation;

(b) Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development consistent with
national development objectives and initiative or undertake relevant surveys for
development planning;

(©) Formulate and implement long-range, medium-term, and annual development plans
and programs for infrastructure development, including flood protection structures,
water resource development systems, and other public works projects, including
phasing of implementation and review and integrate land use plans with such water
development plans;


(d) Identify and implement priority packages for infrastructure development, including
flood protection structures, water resource development systems, and other public
works projects, and undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of feasibility
studies and project preparation and implementation thereof;

(€) Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other resources and
package project proposals for funding and implementation;

() Evaluate and appraise all regional, interregional infrastructure development plans and
programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved strategies and long and
medium term plans;

(g) Initiate regular Department-wide planning exercises and act as the facilitator and/ or
secretariat thereof;

(h) Gather, analyze and organize needed statistical data and information;

(i) Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other Services and Regional
Offices as needed; and

(j) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated
by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SECTION 15. Regulatory and Legal Services - The Regulatory and Legal Services is
hereby created to provide the Department with services on all legal affairs, compliance of
attached government corporations, LWDs, RWSAs, cooperatives and other associations,
including private entities under contractual or concession arrangement with them, and other
private water service providers on the established standards, rules and regulations relating
to: water quality; infrastructure and facilities design and construction; equipment, materials
and supplies; operations and maintenance; personnel; organization; accounting; tariffs; and
other matters subject to regulation. It shall also provide the Department services on the
management of the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs and RWSAs. For this
purpose, it shall have the following functions:

(a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal affairs and regulations of the
operation of the attached corporations, LWDs, RWSAs, cooperatives and other
associations;

(b) Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper and Regional Offices, and, when
requested, the attached corporations and boards;

(c) Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review and interpret all contract
and agreements entered into by the Department and evaluate all legal proposals;


(d) Conduct administrative investigation as well as the review of administrative charges
against officers and employees of the Department, members of the top management
of the attached corporations and boards;

(e) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices;

(f) Establish standards for: water quality; design and construction of facilities; optimum
selection of equipment, materials and supplies; procedures for operations and
maintenance of water and sewer equipment and facilities; training of personnel;
organization; uniform accounting system; tariffs;

(g) Review all water rates or charges;

(h) Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs, RWSAs and other
qualified water utilities.

SECTION 16. Operations - The Operations is hereby created to provide the Department
through Regional Offices with the capability to plan, design, and implement projects for water
resource development systems, irrigation, flood protection structures, and other public works
in different regions of the country. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:

(a) Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, construction, and works supervision
functions of the Department for the abovementioned infrastructures within the region;

(b) Undertake the maintenance of the abovementioned infrastructures within the region
and supervise the maintenance of such local infrastructures receiving national
government financial assistance as the Secretary may determine;

(©) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations
regarding the abovementioned infrastructures as well as all public and private physical
structures;

(d) Provide technical assistance related to their functions to other agencies within the
region;

(e) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions, and organizations within
the region, in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects;

(f) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities take appropriate
measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the needs of the
general public, compile and submit such information to the central office, and
recommends such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and

(g) Perform such other related studies and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.


SECTION 17. Regional Director - Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional
Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of the Regional Office. She / he shall also perform such other related duties
and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required
by law.

The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Regional Directors who shall
exercise supervision respectively over (1) Finance, Administration and Support Services,
Regulatory and Legal Services, and (2) Planning and Engineering Services and Operations.

CHAPTER III
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 18. Interface with Other Sector Regulators - The Department is mandated to
coordinate with the different sector regulators as follows:

(a) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall continue to have
the primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment and for the
conservation of water and related natural resources, including protecting water bodies
from waste and pollution and shall promulgate rules, regulations, and standards in this
regard. The Department shall coordinate with the DENR with respect to the
conservation of water resources, protection from sewage and septage waste, and
restoration from environment damage.

(b) The Department of Health (DOH) shall have primary authority and responsibility for
determining and enforcing drinking water quality and sanitation standards. The
Department shall coordinate with the DOH to achieve an integrated approach for
sanitation, including toilets, collection, treatment, and evaluation of wastewater.

(©) The Department shall subsume responsibility from the Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) for wholly or primarily water-related public works projects
including flood protection structures, water resources development, sewerage,
sanitation and harnessing and impounding of water. The Secretaries of each
department shall coordinate on the development of evaluation criteria, as necessary,
to determine proper allocation of public works projects between the two departments.


(d) The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to ensure
agricultural development that reduces sources of long-term pollution forsurface water
and groundwater, and agricultural and industrial economic development through water
recycling and treating wastewater.

(e) The Department shall absorb the responsibility from the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) on the management and operation of water supply systems
of local government units.

SECTION 19. Transfer of Rights and Obligations - The Department shall, by virtue of
this Act, be subrogated to all the rights, and assume all the obligations of the relevant parts
of any government agency or unit whose powers and duties have been transferred to the
Department, including the DPWH, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Water
Resources Board (NWRD), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Local
Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the
Department o Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The transfer of powers and functions in Section 18 above, as applicable, and agencies attached
thereto, as herein provided for, shall take effect within one hundred eight (180) days after
the effectivity of this Act. The foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall include all
applicable funds, personnel, records, property, and equipment, as may be necessary. All
offices shall continue to function under their present mandates until transition is effected
provided for under this Act.

All rights and obligations of said government agencies are hereby transferred to and assumed
by the Department and shall be acted upon in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

SECTION 20. Separation from Service - Employees separated from government service
as a result of this Act shall be entitled to the benefits that they may receive under existing
laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 21. Funding - The sum of Billion Pesos ( P___,000,000.00)
shall be set aside from any available funds of the National Treasury, and is hereby
appropriated and authorized to be released, for the organization of the Department and its
initial operations.



Thereafter, funds sufficient to fully carry out the objectives, powers and functions of the
Department shall be appropriated every fiscal year in the General Appropriations Act.

The Department shall submit its annual budget, which shall include, among other, detailed
information on the compensation and benefits received by their employees to the Office of
the President for approval.

SECTION 22. Separability Clause - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provision hereof not affected
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 23. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, letters of instructions,
executive orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or part thereof which are contrary
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby revoked, repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 24. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect on the fifteenth (15") day following
the completion of its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.