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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4765

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Alfred Delos Santos

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is an understatement when one says that technology has impacted our
lives. Breakthroughs in communications technology, computing, and entertainment
have significantly improved our lives and has enabled many individuals to pursue
aspirations that were never thought of to be possible. As technology became faster,
smaller, and cheaper more people have come into contact with it.

With the rise of the internet and technology, internet cafes also sprouted one
after the other. These internet cafes became community hubs in which this
groundbreaking technology is made more accessible to the general populace. It is
not far off to say that internet cafes are of vital importance in the daily lives of the

people.

‘Thus, it is the duty of the State to enact standards and regulations to see to
it that these community hubs continue to perform their stated functions for the
general populace in a safe and orderly manner; and to ensure that these facilities
are used responsibly towards meaningful ends.

It is for these foregoing premises that the approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.

. DELOS SANTOS
Representative, Ang‘ Probinsyano Party List


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4765
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Alfred Delos Santos

AN ACT
SETTING MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION OF INTERNET CAFES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Internet Café
Regulation Act”

SECTION 2. Coverage. - All Local Government Units are mandated to enforce
the provisions of this Act and all Internet Cafes and similar establishments
providing for computer services shall be covered under this Act.

SECTION 3. Adequate Facilities for Internet Cafes. - Owners or operators and
other establishments offering computer services shall be required to provide the
following in order to continue and maintain their operations for their clientele:

a) A system, program, or application, that would allow the owner or
operator to monitor the time spent in front of the computer, per client;

b) Sufficient ventilation such as windows or air vents, or if needed, air-
conditioning;

©) A comfort room/lavatory which has a closed-flush toilet and would be
regularly cleaned.

SECTION 4. Other regulations. - In addition to the aforementioned
requirements, all operators or owners of internet cafes shall also be mandated to
apply the following regulations in the conduct of their business:

a) A computer may be rented for only six (6) hours per person in one
session;

b) Students in basic and secondary education shall not be allowed to rent a
computer for the purpose of playing games during the hours of 09:00 in
the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon during weekdays, excluding
holidays and other special days of observation;


SECTION 5. License to Operate. — All internet cafes, and other similar
establishments offering computer services shall be required to pay a license fee to
operate. The Local Government Units shall implement the necessary guidelines in
the issuances of these licenses to operate.

‘The local government units concerned shall deputize personnel to render an
on-the-spot inspection of internet cafes, computer shops, and similar
establishments offering computer services. Provided, however, that they shall
review files and communications with computer establishments to maintain system
integrity and ensure responsible use of computer services.

SECTION 6. Penalties. - Owners or operators of internet cafes, and other
similar establishments offering computer services who have been found to have
violated any of the provisions of this Act, shall upon conviction, be punished by
imprisonment of one (1) year and/or a fine of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00);
provided that in case of subsequent conviction said establishment shall be closed
and license permanently revoked.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DILG in coordination
with the LGUs and shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and
proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act, are
hereby amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,