Republic of the Philippines
i HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. Se

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Yearly, fire incidents wreak numerous homes and businesses all over the country. This year
alone, there were 11,917 fire incidents that transpired nationwide. This total number of fire
incidents that transpired in the country from January to June 2019 is higher by 108.69%
compared to the same period last year with 2,706 recorded fire incidents.

Bureau of Fire Protection which was created through Republic Act No. 6975 is primarily
responsible for the prevention and suppression of all destructive fires; and the enforcement
of the New Fire Code of the Philippines (RA 9514) and other related laws. The BFP is also
mandated to assist the AFP in times of national emergency.

With such tremendous responsibilities, it is imperative for the state to strengthen the bureau
in order for it to effectively deliver fire protection services, and perform such other functions
mandated to it.

This bill proposes to establish fire stations and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in all local
government units (LGUs). It shall also ensure that the bureau is armed with the necessary
gear and equipment to effectively perform its functions. This bill also provides for the
acceleration of the personnel development program through the establishment of training
facilities and hiring of training consultants for the newly recruited personnel.

This proposed measure is based upon House Bill No. 2728 which was filed by Representative
Gary Alejano during the 17" Congress.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

k Anta.

POY MYRA S. TAMBUNTII
2nd District, Parafiaque City



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4707

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT ORDAINING THE MODERNIZATTON OF THE BUREAU OF FIRE
PROTECTION (BFP)

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Fire Protection Modernization Act
of 2019,"

‘SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to develop the Bureau of Fire.

Protection (BFP), ensure public safety through the prevention of and suppression of all kinds
of destructive fires with the active support of the community, enforce Presidential Decree No.
1185, and further strengthen the local government capability aimed towards the effective
delivery or fire protection service and competent fire protection personnel. The acquisition of
modern equipment shall constitute the main thrust of the Fire Protection Modernization
Program.

SEC. 3. Fire Protection Modernization Program. - The Fire Protection Modernization
Program shall consist of the following, for implementation over a three year (3) period:

a) Establishment of Fire Protection Service (FPS) in all local government units with no
existing fire protection services;

b) Upgrading of existing fire protection equipment and services;

c) Establishment of specialized fire protection and related services within the BFP such
as but not limited to; high-rise building fires, forest fires, aircraft/airport fires, ship
fires, chemical fires, disaster rescue services, emergency medical services, and the
like; and;

d) Establishment of training facilities, including the hiring of internationally accredited
training consultants and advisers if experts of equal qualification cannot be secured
locally, to accelerate the personnel development program.

SEC. 4. Special Provident Fund. - A special provident fund shall be created under the BFP
solely for the retirement, disability, and death benefits for members and scholarship for
dependents.

SEC. 5. Appropriation. - The amount of Eight Billion Pesos (P 8,000,000,000.00) for the
Fire Protection Modernization Program is hereby appropriated from the following sources:


a) P2.5 Billion from the income of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office;

b) Pt Billion from the income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation
(PAGCOR); and

) 4.5 Billion to be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year immediately
preceding the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 6. Multi-Year Contracts or Other Contractual Arrangement. - The Secretary of
Interior and Local Government may, subject to the approval of the President, under provisions
of existing laws and regulations including those of the Commission on Audit and under such
terms and conditions favorable to the government, enter into multi-year contracts, lease-
purchase agreements, or other contractual agreements with local or foreign suppliers/
contractors in the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Special Foreign Exchange Reduction Scheme. - In order to reduce foreign
‘exchange outflow, generate local employment opportunities, and enhance technology transfer
to the Philippines, the Secretary of Interior and Local Government shall, as far as feasible,
incorporate in each contract agreement special foreign exchange reduction schemes such as
barter, counter-trade, in-country manufacture, co-production, build-operate-transfer (BOT),
or other innovative arrangements or combinations thereof.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within thirty (30) days from the approval
of this Act, the Secretary of Interior and Local Government shall promulgate the rules and
regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act; Provided, that such
implementing rules and regulations shall ensure that the fire protection vehicles crafts of
various types, communication equipment, facilities, and other support equipment will be
equitably distributed to the different fire units for the better realization of the envisioned
objectives of this Act.

SEC. 9. Annual Reports. - The Chief Fire Marshall shall submit to the President and
Congress, through the Secretary of Interior and Local Government, an annual report
containing the process of the implementation of the Fire Protection Modernization program as
provided for in this Act. The Secretary of Interior and .Local Government shall submit to the
President and Congress an annual report of the status of Fire Protection Modernization
Program Trust Fund as provided for by Section 4 hereof.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, other pruts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby
shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with
the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,