Republic of the Philippines
HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5971

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-MONTALLA

AN ACT
APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF FIFTY BILLION PESOS FOR THE AID, RELIEF,
RESETTLEMENT, REHABILITATION AND LIVELIHOOD SERVICES AS WELL AS
AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR THE
VICTIMS OF THE ERUPTION OF TAAL VOLCANO, CREATING THE TAAL
VOLCANO ASSISTANCE, RESETTLEMENT, REHABILITATION AND
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish a commission which would oversee the rehabilitation and
recovery of areas in Batangas and Cavite which were, and until today, are still affected by Taal
Volcano’s eruption and help the victims get back on their feet and return their lives to normalcy.

The eruption of Taal Volcano has already displaced 450,000 people from the adjacent
provinces of Cavite and Batangas. The cost damage is still uncertain until now. But beyond the
present misery of those who are affected by its eruption are its long-term effects to the lives of the
people in the area who were previously dependent of the agriculture and ecotourism provided by
Taal Volcano for their sustenance.

Our experience during the eruption of Mt, Pinatubo in 1991 and the government response
of creating a commission and providing an appropriation of 10 Billion pesos for aid, relief,
resettlement, rehabilitation, livelihood services and infrastructure support in Pampanga and
Zambales has taught us the importance of a timely and responsive approach to address the needs
of the victims of volcanic eruptions. While the surrounding scenarios during the eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo were far different from that of Taal Volcano, their impact on the lives, livelihood and
well-being of those affected by such eruption are basically the same. This is on top of the emotional
and psychological trauma that the eruption may have caused them, the cost of which is
immeasurable.

Experience is the best teacher. From what we have learned, we are now compelled to make
a similar approach in addressing the plight of our Batanguefio and Cavitefio brothers and sisters
during this most trying time of their collective lives.

Intiniediate passage of this bill fs earnestly sought.

IERYL P. DE!
Representative
2™ District, Zambales



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5971 2

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-MONTALLA

AN ACT
APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF FIFTY BILLION PESOS FOR THE AID, RELIEF,
RESETTLEMENT, REHABILITATION AND LIVELIHOOD SERVICES AS WELL AS
AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT FOR THE
VICTIMS OF THE ERUPTION OF TAAL VOLCANO, CREATING THE TAAL
VOLCANO ASSISTANCE, RESETTLEMENT, REHABILITATION AND
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 “Taal Volcano Assistance,
Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Development Fund.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to assist
the victims in the communities damaged or destroyed or adversely affected by the eruption of Taal
Volcano and its aftereffects by extending to them aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation or repair
and reconstruction of infrastructure to the end that life may return to normalcy at the earliest
possible time and the development of affected areas may be accelerated.

It is hereby further declared the policy of the State to restore the living conditions of the
communities affected by Taal Voleano’s eruption to their productive pre-eruption conditions.

Countless individuals, organizations and financial institutions here and abroad, as well as
foreign governments, have spontaneously and unselfishly contributed their time, effort and
resources which the State acknowledges with gratitude.

SECTION 3. Statement of Objectives and Guidelines. — This Act is intended to help the
victims of the eruption of Taal Volcano and its aftereffects. It aims to provide additional fund for
the immediate relief of the victims; to establish resettlement centers, homesites and townsites for
displaced families; to provide livelihood and employment opportunities; to repair, reconstruct or
replace government infrastructure damaged or destroyed by said disaster whenever economically,
socially and technically advisable; and to construct new infrastructure facilities by the community.

The term “victims” when used for purposes of this Act refers to the following

(a) Individuals who have died or disappeared as a result of the aforementioned
eruption;

(b) Individuals who were displaced and/or who sustained injury or suffered death in
the family as a result of the aforementioned eruption who need and deserve
assistance; and


(c) Individuals whose homes have been or are threatened to be destroyed or rendered
uninhabitable and those who have lost permanently their livelihood as a direct result
of Taal Volcano’s eruption who similarly need and deserve assistance.

SECTION 4, Guidelines in the Allocation of Funds. ~ The government funds and
resources herein appropriated shall be spent judiciously and effectively in consonance with the
principle of providing the greatest good for the greatest number. Accordingly, the following
guidelines shall be observed in allocating the funds made available under this Act,

(a) In the construction or repair and reconstruction of government infrastructure and
facilities, priority shall be given to resettlement centers, homesites and townsites,
and such other projects as river systems and drainage works, roads, bridges,
communication and power lines, hospitals, school buildings, irrigation and water
systems, agriculture and fisheries rehabilitation and development and the like;

b) Aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood services shall be equitably
extended to all victims, irrespective of political or party affiliation, sex, creed,
religious belief, or ethnic origin, giving emphasis to livelihood and employment
opportunities;

(©) Funds shall be allocated in the first year for the acquisition by appropriate
government agencies of special equipment designed for use in the affected areas in
an amount not to exceed Fifty million pesos (P50,000,000); and

(4) No money shall be released without any identified program and project nor shall it
be used to pay obligations incurred before the approval of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations Clause. — To carry out the purposes of this Act, total
allocation of Fifty billion pesos (P50,000,000,000.00) is hereby set aside, Ten billion pesos
(P10,000,000,000) of which is hereby appropriated out of any available funds in the National
Treasury not otherwise appropriated and the remainder shall be included proportionately on a
yearly basis in the General Appropriations Act until all the provisions of this Act are fully and
faithfully implemented.

Disbursement of said Ten billion pesos (P10,000,000,000) shall be programmed as follows:

(a) From the approval of this Act to December 31, 2020, Three billion pesos
(P3,000,000,000) shall be used for temporary resettlement and livelihood projects,
Five billion five hundred million pesos (P5,500,000,000) shall be for vital
infrastructure and One billion five hundred million pesos (P1,500,000,000) for the
initial rehabilitation of the agriculture and fisheries sector of the affected
communities;

Provided, however, that undisbursed amounts at the end of any year shall be carried over
to the succeeding year.

SECTION 6. Creation of Taal Volcano Assistance, Resettlement, Rehabilitation and
Development Commission, — For purposes of this Act, there is hereby created the Taal Volcano
Assistance, Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Development Commission, hereinafter referred to as
the Commission.

It shall be organized within thirty (30) days after the approval of this Act. It shall have a
term of six (6) years from its organization: provided, that the President by proclamation may,
within six (6) months prior to the expiration of the term, extend the period of its existence once for
not more than three (3) years.


Such amount as may be necessary for the initial organization and/or operational expenses
of the Commission shalll be set aside from the amount herein appropriated.

For administrative purposes, the Commission shall be attached to the Office of the

President.

SECTION 7. Powers of the Commission. — To carry out its objectives under this Act, the
Commission shall have the following powers:

(a)

(b)

©

(d)
(e)

(g)

(h)

0)

To formulate policies and plans for the relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and
livelihood services as well as infrastructure support to the affected communities of
the eruption of Taal Volcano;

To make a determination of the areas where the volcanic debris may be utilized or
diverted to spare communities and/or minimize damage to lives, habitation,
infrastructure, agricultural and other resources;

To prioritize and coordinate the implementation of the various programs and
projects of the Commission;

To sue and be sued in its name, and to adopt, alter and use a seal;

To enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every class, kind and
description which are necessary to the realization of its purposes with any person,
firm or corporation, private or public, and, upon consultation with the President,
with foreign government entities, subject to the usual accounting and auditing
requirements;

To apply for, receive and accept grants and donation of funds, equipment, materials
and services needed for the development of the area, within and outside the
Philippines;

To monitor the progress of the relief, rehabilitation, resettlement and livelihood as
well as infrastructure support programs and projects;

To coordinate and consult with concerned national and local officials, both elective
and appointive, as well as accredited non-government organizations (NGOs) in the
prioritization and prosecution of the programs and projects;

To call upon any department, office, instrumentality, agency, or any political
subdivision of the Government for such assistance as may be necessary for the
attainment of the objectives of the Commission; and

In general, to perform such other powers as may be necessary and proper to carry
out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 8. Composition of the Commission. — The Commission shall be composed of
eleven (11) members to be appointed by the President: five (5) coming from the Cabinet, three (3)
from the private sector, the Executive Director, and the Governors of Batangas and Cavite as ex
officio members. The members of the Commission shall serve for six (6) years unless sooner
removed for cause. The President shall designate from among the members of the Commission the
Chairman thereof.

SECTION 9. Executive Director; Powers and Responsibilities. — The President shall
appoint a professional manager as the Executive Director of the Commission, who shall serve as
the chief executive officer. He shall serve until such time as the Commission is dissolved or unless
sooner removed from office by the President. He shall have the following powers and functions:


(a) Execute and administer the policies and decisions of the Commission;

(b) _Direetly coordinate the activities of all ageneies and instrumentalities of the
Government in the planning and implementation of projects on site;

(c) Monitor the programs and projects and evaluate the effects of execution by these
agencies and instrumentalities and submit to the Commission periodic reports
telating to the development of the areas; and

(d) Perform such other functions as are inherently necessary in the operational
management of the areas developed in accordance with the policies and guidelines
formulated by the Commission.

SECTION 10. Implementation. — The survey, construction or repair and reconstruction of
damaged, destroyed, required or alternate government infrastructure and facilities shall be
undertaken by the implementing government agencies concerned by public bidding,
administration or through negotiated contracts, subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules
and regulations. However, in case of negotiated contracts as of the approval of this Act, the same
can be awarded such contracts. Whenever suitable, labor-based technology shall be used in the
implementation of the programs and projects.

With respect to aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood services to individual
beneficiaries, the Commission may seek the assistance and use the services of the Philippine
National Red Cross and all other relief agencies and volunteer organizations with proven record
in providing relief work.

The departments and agencies of the Government involved with the aid, relief,
resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood services as well as infrastructure support shall continue
to be the implementing agencies of the Commission and shall submit to the Commission every
quarter the data and information required under Section 12 hereof.

SECTION 11. Preference for Local Residents. — Residents in the affected areas,
especially the victims, shall be given preference in hiring or employment in the construction or
repair and reconstruction of damaged or destroyed government infrastructure and facilities and
other labor requirements in all other projects.

SECTION 12. Report to Congress. - The Commission shall submit to the President and
to Congress a detailed quarterly report on the funds allocated indicating the amount released,
obligated and disbursed for:

(a) Aid, relief, resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood services, including the list of
names of approved individual beneficiaries and contractors and the evaluation of
the effectiveness of the delivery systems of such services; and

(6) —_ Construction or repair and reconstruction of infrastructure projects, including the
list of contractors and projects being financed, and the accomplishments for the
expended appropriations, including the percentage of completion.

The Commission shall cause to be disseminated in the community the list of beneficiaries
and contractors mentioned above.

The Commission shall also submit as part of the quarterly report a list of local and foreign
donors and the nature of their donations.

SECTION 13. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. — There is hereby created the
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of this Act. The


Committee shall be composed of five (5) senators and five (5) representatives to be appointed by
‘the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The Oversight
‘Committee shall be co-chaired by a senator and a representative designated by the Senate President
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively.

The mandate given to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee under this Act shall
be without prejudice to the performance of the duties and functions by the respective existing
oversight committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

SECTION 14. Prohibition Against Running for Public Office. — An officer or employee
of the Commission shall not be qualified to be a candidate for public office for the election next
following his resignation or separation. This prohibition does not apply to the Chairman and
members of the Commission

SECTION 15. Punishable Acts. — Any person who takes advantage of the calamity
brought about by the eruption of Taal Volcano by buying and selling relief goods which he knows
or should be known to him as intended for donation, or misrepresenting the source of relief goods,
or submitting or approving a false or inflated claim shall be prosecuted and, upon conviction, suffer
a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) nor more than One million pesos
(P 1,000,000) or imprisonment for not less than six (6) years nor more than fifteen (15) years, or
both, at the discretion of the court, including perpetual disqualification from public office if he is
a public officer, and confiscation or forfeiture in favor of the Government of any prohibited
interest. If the offender is a corporation, partnership or association, or other juridical entity, the
penalty shall be imposed upon the officer or officers of the corporation, partnership, association,
or entity responsible for the violation and, if such is an alien, he shall, in addition to the penalties
prescribed, be deported without further proceedings after service of sentence.

SECTION 16. Rules and Regulations. — The President shall, within ten (10) days after
the organization of the Commission, issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act

SECTION 17. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held

unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force
and effect.

SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. — Any law, decree, or rules and regulations which are
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed.

SECTION 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette.

Approved,