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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES pare-g5 UL 2018
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, yu.

Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS -
First Regular Session REGISTR {TION UNIT

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BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE
House Bill No, 1200 BES AD INSER SEe _

Introduced by REP. CESAR V. SARMIENTO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A lighthouse is a tower which aids navigation in the oceans, seas,
inland waterways and in some instances, in aerial navigation. Lighthouses
are used to mark dangerous coastlines and perilous shoals and reefs and are
guides to safe entries to harbors.

The Philippines being an archipelago, has the fifth largest coastline in
the world totaling to 36,289 km. The Philippine coastline is very irregular, with |
numerous bays, gulfs, and islets. Ten of its most heavily populated cities are
located along coastal areas. With approximately 300 ports, lighthouses help
mariners, navigators and fishermen in safely guiding them in hazardous reels
and coasts.

Also, fishing is one of the basic sources of livelihood for most of our
countrymen. Since, most of our coastal areas are typhoons stricken, we need
to push through for this bill so that we can help the marginalized fishermen
keep sight of the shore especially during bad weathers and turbulent storms

Studies reveal that regardless of the advancement in technology and
the use of satellite-guided positioning devices, mariners still rely on these light
stations as visual confirmations of their electronic readings. In the long run,
lighthouses can also be a promising tourist destination

As an archipelago, the progress of the country is heavily dependent on
maritime travel. Even in the dawn of land travel and aviation, the water routes
continue to be the major highway for travel and commerce in the Philippines.
Lighthouses safely guide the vessels that navigate its routes. Hence, the
passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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CESAR V. SARMIENTO


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1200

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. CESAR V. SARMIENTO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING LIGHTHOUSES IN ALL COASTAL AREAS IN
THE PHILIPPINES AND ‘APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senale and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled.

SECTION 1. This shall be known as the “Philippine Lighthouse Act of
2013."

SECTION 2. There shall be established lighthouses in all coastal areas
in the Philippines. Priority must be given to coastal areas where there are
marginalized fishermen.

SECTION 3. The establishment of such lighthouses | shall be
determined and undertaken by the Department of Transportation and
‘Communications in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard.

SECTION 4. Existing lighthouses that need repair and maintenance
shall also be covered by this Act.

SECTION 5. The amount needed to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DOTC.
‘Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued maintenance of
the lighthouses shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,