Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

House BillNo,_2 9)

Introduced by: Hon. Pedro B. Acharon Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

No less than the 1987 Constitution guarantees the right of every Fitipino
on matters of public concern as enshrined in Section 7 , Bill of Rights which states;"The
right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access
to official records, and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions,
or decision, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development
Shall be afforded the citizen, subject to limitations as may be provided by law.”

A steady flow of information guarantees transparency in the dealings of
the government. Under this scheme, the people will have the chance to be informed of
the activities being undertaken by the public officials in the performance of their
functions. The latter, acting under the imprimatur of the state to act in behalf of the
majority, should be subjected to the scrutiny of the public to ensure that the welfare of
the many is upheld at all times. With the right to information, the people will have the

‘oppurtunity to determine whether such mandate was followed or not.

Ina democratic form of government, like the Philippines, the participation
of the people is of the essence. The tradition is that the stakeholders are given the
opportunity to partake in the decision making. However, not everyone is given the
chance to be heard, In order for an average Filipino to participate in this meaningful
exercise, is through informing oneself with the dealings of the government which the

latter should guaranty as a matter of policy. Transparency therefore encourages an


informed constituency which on a larger perspective keeps the ideals of democracy

effective and operational.

‘This bill therefore envisions a more transparent local government in
negotiating and securing grants from both local and foreign assistance agencies. AS
discussed above, public accountability bears weight in effective governance. By
publishing the approved document in a newspaper of general circulation, the
constituency will have a chance to ponder on the intrinsic worth of the assistance given.
On the other hand, the local government by keeping a transparent policy ensures the
public that their interest is their utmost priority.

In view of the foregoing, the prompt approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

HON. PEBRO B./ALHARON JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

559

House Bill No._“~ “=
Introduced by: Hon. Pedro B. Acharon Jr.
AN ACT

REQUIRING ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO PUBLISH ANY GRANT, AGREEMENT
OR DEED OF DONATIONS UPON SIGNING THEREOF, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160 OR THE “LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991” AS
AMENDED.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 23 of Republic Act 7160,as amended, is hereby amended as fallows:

“Sec. 23 Authority to Negotiate and Secure Grants- Local chief executives may, upon
authority of the sanggunian, negotiate and secure financial grants or donations in kind, in support
of the basic services or facilities enumerated under Section £7 hereof, from local and foreign
assistance agencies without necessity of securing clearance or approval therefor from any
department, agency or office of the national government ar from any higher local government
unit: Provided, that projects financed by such grants or assistance with national security
implications shail be approved by the national agency concerned; Pravided, further, that when
such pational agency fails to act on the request for approval within thirty (30) days from receipt
thereof, the same shail be deemed approved.

The local chief executive shall, within thirty (30) days upon signing of such grant,
agreement, or deed of donation, report the nature, amount, terms of such assistance to fboth
Houses of Congress] the President AND PUBLISH THE SAME IN A NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL
CARCULATION.”

SECTION2. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved, .