Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No 963

Introduced by HONORABLE AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pursuant to the constitutional mandate that the State shall by law facilitate the
establishment of adequate consultation mechanisms, and in the spirit of the same
Constitution which has institutionalized people power by granting them the right to
participate in all levels of political decision making, this bill seeks to encourage the
citizens of our country to communicate their views and opinions and facilitate prompt
and immediate response to a public need. Further, this bill recognizes the vital role of
communication and information in nation building as mandated in the Constitution.

To achieve this in the most expeditious and inexpensive manner, the franking
privilege must be extended to Filipino citizens here and abroad, to enable them to
communicate their views and opinions regarding issues pertaining to their concerns,
whether local or national

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

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AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO
2” District, Province of lloilo


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

963

House Bill No.

Introduced by HONORABLE AUGUSTO BOBOY SYJUCO

AN ACT
GRANTING FRANKING PRIVILEGE TO FILIPINO CITIZENS HERE AND ABROAD,
TO ENHANCE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE TASK OF GOVERNANCE.

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

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “ Filipino Citizens’ Franking Privilege
Act of 2010."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It shall be the policy of the State to encourage
Filipino citizens here and abroad to participate actively in the task of governance and to instill in
them the duty of responsible citizenship through constant communication, enabling them to
express freely their views, opinions, and grievances to the duly constituted authorities, thus
enhancing transparency in governmental affairs. The Government, in return, shall act and
respond to the needs of the people expeditiously and within the shortest possible time.

SECTION 3. Franking Privilege. — All Filipino citizens here and abroad and of legal age
are hereby granted franking privilege when addressing correspondence to any of the three (3)
branches of government. The head of any such branch shall ensure that such correspondence
shall be answered in writing fifteen (15) days, stating therein any action taken for the information
of its sender. If within thirty (30) days, no answer has been received, the sender may send a
follow-up letter requesting for such a response. If no answer is received within ninety (90) days
from receipt of its follow-up letter, the responsible official shall be liable for violation of Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and employees if the sender decides to file a
formal complaint against him

All mail matter of the Filipino citizens from here and abroad shall be received,
transmitted, and delivered in the mail free of postage; provided that the mail matter shall be sent
by ordinary mail only; and provided further that said mail shall be addressed to any head of the
three (3) branches of government.

SECTION 4. implementation. - The Postmaster- General of the Philippine Postal
Corporation (Philpost) shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement effectively
the provisions of this Act. Further, the postmaster or his subordinates have the right to refuse
the receipt, transmittal, or delivery of the mail sought to be franked when not in accordance with
this Act,

SECTION 5. Penalty. — Unauthorized use of the Filipino Citizens’ Franking Privilege
shall be penalized by a fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1, 000.00).

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, and issuances that are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation

APPROVED,