FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

2565

House Bill No.,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Millions of Filipinos live and work overseas while continuing to vote and
pay taxes in the Philippines. They help in the economy and serve as
economic, political and cultural “ambassadors” of the country.

Hence, the National Statistics Office should undertake a census of all
Filipinos residing abroad in a special census and eventually in regular
censuses as they, albeit living abroad, deserve to receive the same benefits
and privileges local residents get.

This proposed measure seeks to provide for an interim census of

Filipinos residing abroad for the purpose of eventually including them in regular
census

In view thereof, the early passage of this proposed measure is highly
recommended.

RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO 8. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No__ 2565

AN ACT
TO PROVIDE FOR AN INTERIM CENSUS OF FILIPINOS RESIDING
ABROAD AND TO REQUIRE THAT SUCH INDIVIDUALS BE INCLUDED IN
REGULAR CENSUSES

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 “Census of
Filipinos Abroad Act’.

SEC 2. Counting of Filipinos Abroad. — The National Statistics Office
(NSO) shall:

(1) take a special census of all Filipinos residing abroad within 360 days
after the approval of this Act;

(2) submit the final tabulations under the special census to the President
of the Philippines and both Houses of Congress within nine (9)
months after the date specified in paragraph (1), broken down into
all appropriate categories, including —

(a) Filipinos residing abroad affiliated with the Government and
their dependents; and,

(b) Filipinos residing abroad not affiliated with the Government
and their dependents;

(3) the office, for purposes of facilitating the census scheme shall:
(a) develop counting methodologies;

(b) define the purposes for which any information could or should
be used; and


(c) whether Filipinos residing abroad can be included in the
regular census for the purposes of the apportionment of
representatives in Congress and, if so, how it should be done;
and

(4) take appropriate measures

{a) to provide for the inclusion of Filipinos residing abroad in the
next regular census thereafter;

(b) Interim Report on Special Census — not later than ninety (90)
days after the approval of this Act, the National Statistics
Office shall submit to the appropriate committees of both
Houses of Congress a report which shall include —

i. a summary of how the plans and preparations for
carrying out the special census are proceeding:

|. a brief description or outline of how the tabulations in
the special census are to be carried out; and

iii. information identifying any experts, consultants, interest
groups, or persons who were consulted in connection
with the special census.

SEC 3. Authorization of Appropriations. - Such sum as may be
necessary to carry out this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the
National Treasury.

SEC 4. Separabilty Clause. ~ If any provision or part hereof, is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not
otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting,

SEC 5. 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 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
Publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.