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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO, 8564

Introduced by MARINO Party-list Representatives
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ
and MACNELL M. LUSOTAN

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA) REGIONAL
OFFICE IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Created by virtue of Republic Act No. 10879, the Southwestern Tagalog Region, also known
as MIMAROPA representing its constituent provinces of Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental),
Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, is an important geopolitical and economic subdivision
envisioned to effect a more equitable distribution of wealth and spur countryside development,

The region hosts an integral part of the Road Roll On/Roll Off (RoRo) Terminal System
(RRTS) under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway via the Roxas-Calapan route and
missionary routes linking its island provinces to Luzon. Its accredited maritime higher
education institutions (MHEIs) and maritime training institutes (MTIs) also contribute to the
increasing seafaring workforce of the Philippines for overseas deployment.

MIMAROPA’s economy relies mostly on fishing, ecotourism and agriculture. It is one of the
producers of the country’s top export products like rice, banana, coconut, cashew, and papaya;
and also the second top producer of fish and seaweed in the country, all of which are transported
hips.

The need for accessible government services through a Regional Office of the Maritime
Industry Authority catering to the maritime-related activities in the region is intertwined with
its archipelagic configuration and socio-economic importance.

Itis for these reasons that we enjoin our colleagues in the House to support the passage of
this bill.


SANDRO L. GONZALEZ MAQSIELL M. LUSOTAN
Representative Representative
MARINO Party-list MARINO Party-list


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 8564

Introduced by MARINO Party-list Representatives
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ
and MACNELL M. LUSOTAN

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA) REGIONAL
OFFICE IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. Creation of Regional Office - There shall be established under the Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA) a Regional Office in the City of Puerto Princesa, Province of
Palawan,

Section 2, Functions — The Regional Office in Puerto Princesa City shall provide
frontline services of the MARINA, including, but not limited to, the processing and issuance
of certificates of competency, endorsement, proficiency and documentary evidence required of
seafarers; and processing and issuance of certificates of ship safety, public convenience,
registration and documentary requirements of ships, in the exercise of its powers and functions
under existing laws, orders, rules and regulations.

Section 3. Appropriations — The amount necessary for the initial implementation of
this Act shall be charged against the savings or current year’s appropriations of the MARINA.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The MARINA shall issue the
necessary implementing rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of this Act
within ninety (90) days from the effectivity hereof. In the formulation of such rules and
regulations, the MARINA shall ensure that the processes and procedures in providing frontline
services shall be the most efficient and convenient way for its stakeholders including, but not
limited to, computerization and automation, and elimination of redundant fees and charges.

Section 5. Separability Clause ~ If for any reason any section or provision of this Act
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other scctions, or provisions hercof not affected by

such declaration shall remain in force and in effect.


Section 6. Repealing Clause — All existing laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations

or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,