Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

18TH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 1187

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is hereby declared a policy of the Republic of the Philippines to promote the
continuing development of the book publishing industry, with the active
Participation of the private sector, to ensure an adequate supply of affordable,
quality-produced books not only for the domestic but also for the export market.
For this purpose, the Government shall formulate, adopt, and implement a
National Book Policy and a corresponding National Book Development Plan that

will serve as the enduring basis for fostering the progressive growth and viability
of the book Industry.

This House Bill seeks to recognized and establish that the book publishing
industry has a significant role in national development, considering that books
which are its products are instrumental in the citizenry's intellectual, technical
and cultural development.

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‘Thus, the early passAge of this bill is earnestly requested.

MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

18TH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.1187

Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero

AN ACT

AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO.8047, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE “BOOK PUBLISHING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ACT“ TO

ADOPT A MORE SYSTEMATIC, COMPREHENSIVE AND

EFFECTIVE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A
NATIONAL BOOK POLICY AND A NATIONAL BOOK
DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PROVIDING STIFFER PENALTIES AND
SANCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines
in congress assembled:

SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY - It is hereby a policy of the state
to foster that the basic social foundation for the economic and social growth of
the country are ~ Books, that these are the most effective and economical tools

for achieving educational growth, for imparting information and for recording,

preserving, and disseminating the nation’s cultural heritage.

SECTION 2.

Section 14 of Republic Act No. 8047, is hereby amended to read as follows:


Sec. 14. Penalties — Any person who violates any provision of this Act or
the terms and conditions of the rules and regulations issued pursuant
thereto, or aids or abets in any manner any violation shall be subject to a
fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) or

imprisonment of not more than six (6) years or both, at the discretion of
the court.

If the violation is committed by a juridical entity, it shall be subject to a
fine not less than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00). ‘The
president and/or officials responsible therefore shall also be subject to a
fine not less than five hundred thousand pesos (500,000.00) but not
exceeding One million pesos (P1,000,000.00).

In addition to the foregoing, any person, firm, or juridical entity involved
shall be subject to forfeiture of all benefits granted under RA8047.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shall have the power to
impose administrative sanctions as provided herein for any violation of
this Act or its implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 3.
Section 16 of Republic Act No. 8047, is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 16. Appropriations — For the initial operating expenses of the Board
and the Secretariat, the amount of Five million (P5,000,000.00) pesos is
hereby appropriated to be charged to the Office of the President.

Thereafter, it shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) its proposed budget for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act.

Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act. It shall likewise receive a continuing appropriations of
Twenty million pesos (P20,000,000.00) per year, and every year after
upon implementation of this Act drawn from the national government to
carry-out the mandates of this act.


SECTION 4. TRANSITORY PROVISION-— Existing industries,
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be
given six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or

such other period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements
of this Act.

SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. — The
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this
Act shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate
the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SECTION 6. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the

Provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 7. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. — If, for any reason, any
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other

sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at

least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes
earlier.

Approved,