Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The fisheries sector is one of the major contributors to our country's economy and food security. 
Yet despite their large contribution to the country, fisherfolk remain among the poorest of the 
basic sectors. In 2015, a poverty incidence of 34.0% was recorded among fisherfolk. This means 
that 3 out of every 10 fisherfolk are poor. In fact, fisherfolk have remained among the poorest 
sectors since 2006.  
One reason is low income. According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the daily 
income per fishing boat in the Philippines is pegged at P272. Since each boat is manned by 2-3 
workers, the daily income per fisherfolk is estimated at around P90-P136. In contrast, the 
minimum daily wage outside of Manila ranges between Php 310.00 to Php 420.00. 
Another key driver of poverty among fisherfolk is the rising proportion of cost to actual yield. 
According to Greenpeace, the cost of fishing in terms of gasoline and time increased over the 
years while the resulting yield relative to the cost is at its lowest since the 1950s. At present, it is 
estimated that fuel accounts for almost 60% of each fisherfolk's production cost. This is likely to 
increase, as the depletion of fishing grounds will force fisherfolk to venture further into the sea.  
As our response, this proposed measure seeks to provide a fuel subsidy for municipal fisherfolk 
who utilize motorized boats. It proposes to provide a fuel voucher worth at least One Thousand 
Pesos (Php 1,000.00) per month for each eligible beneficiary. In addition, beneficiaries of this 
program shall also be automatically enrolled and covered under the National Health Insurance 
program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The Social Security System 
(SSS) shall also provide micro­insurance mechanisms to beneficiaries of the program.  
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
May 26, 2021
12:07 pm
9483


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING A FUEL SUBSIDY FOR MUNICIPAL FISHERFOLK, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, 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 "Pantawid Pambangka Act". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes the crucial role of municipal fisherfolk in 
ensuring the food security of the country. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to provide 
support to municipal fisherfolk, in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to the nation, 
and in pursuit of the Constitutional mandate to promote social justice in all phases of 
development. 
Sec. 3. The Pantawid Pambangka Program. – Pursuant to the declared policy of this Act, 
there is hereby established the Pantawid Pambangka Program, herein referred to as the Program 
which shall provide a fuel voucher worth at least One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00) per month 
for each eligible beneficiary under this Act: Provided, that the amount shall be revised every year 
to account for inflation. The Program shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture 
(DA). 
Sec. 4. Beneficiaries. – This beneficiaries of this Act shall be municipal fisherfolk who fish within 
municipal waters, whether coastal or inland, and who use motorized fishing vessels of three (3) 
gross tons or less: Provided, that registration under the National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk 
Registration of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources shall be a precondition for the 
receipt of benefits under this Act.  
Sec. 5. Convergence of Social Services. – Beneficiaries of this program shall also be 
automatically enrolled and covered under the National Health Insurance program of the Philippine 
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The Social Security System (SSS) shall also provide 
micro-insurance mechanisms to beneficiaries of the program. 
9483


Sec. 6. Non-Diminution of Benefits. – Nothing in this Act shall be construed to reduce existing 
benefits granted under existing laws, decrees, executive orders, or any contract, agreement, or 
policy between the employer and employee.  
 
Sec. 7. Appropriations. – The equivalent of ten percent (10%) of any increase in the collections 
in the excise tax on fuel shall be earmarked for the implementation for this Act, which shall be 
indicated as a separate line-item under the annual appropriations of the DA under the General 
Appropriations Act.  
 
Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within six (6) months from the effectivity 
of this Act, the DA shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions 
of this Act.  
 
Sec. 9. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, 
the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.  
 
Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, and 
administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or amended accordingly.  
 
Sec. 11. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,