FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No;3..3-~-O 
~ 
') 
., 
--~------
.. 
' 
. -.) 
Introduced by Senator Sergio Osmefia III 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The bill seeks to strengthen the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the 
electric cooperatives (ECs) as effective, responsive and pro-people vehicles for bringing reliable 
electricity at reasonable rates to all Filipinos in all the country's puroks, sitios and barangays, 
thereby paving the way for a more balanced and sustainable development of the entire country. 
The NEA is the government agency primarily charged with implementing the rural 
electrification program of the government With the upcoming implementation of the Retail 
Competition and Open Access as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 
(EPIRA). NEA's financiaL technical and institutional expertisewill play a significant role in 
assisting ECs cope with the ever evolving power industry 
The amendments to the NEA Charter seek to address this by empowering NEA to 
oversee the operations of the ECs and aid them in their undertakings The amendmentsinclude 
provisions giving NEA step-in rights so as to immediately arrest the operational deficiencies of 
electric cooperatives. The amendments will also allow the government to monitor the 
implementation of the rural electrification program and pave the way for the continued good 
governance and reliable operation of distribution utilities in rural areas, the attainment of the 
government's socio-economic reform agenda, and provide speedy and responsive remedies in 
cases of abuse and mismanagement of the ECs. 
The President's accelerated SitioElectrification Program (SEP) is one of the key 
measures of the Aquino Administration in spurring the economic growth of the countryside and 
is considered as one of the pillars of the present administration's covenant with the Filipino 
people. The main proponentsfor the realization of this program are theECs which remain to be 
non-profit and service-oriented. This program targets to provide electricity to 32,441 sitios 
under NEA by 2015. Under NEA's continued supervision overthe Ees, the program is assured to 
be implemented in areas where it is most needed, i.e., the far-flung sitios in the provinces where 
no privately-owned utilities (POUs) are willing to electrifY. 
To date, a total of 9.4 million consumers, 81,566 sitios, and 36,049 barangays have been 
energized, benefitting a total of 47 million Filipinos in the countryside. 
The bill is intended to establish a framework for the necessary structural reforms in the 
NEA and the ECs to catalyze them to become more effective and responsive vehiclesfor 
providing access to reliable electricity at affordable rates to all Filipinos,particularly those living 
in the most far-flung rural areas of the country 
The immediate passage of this bill is therefore earnestly sought. 
j, 
,h" 
./ . /'~ VL/ 
I 
SE~( SERGIO R. OSMENA III 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
'f} f} ff} 0 
LH)'::; 
. 
S.B. No. -------
Introduced by Senator Sergio Osmefia III 
AN ACT 
-
·r 
STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION, 
FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE I'RESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 269, AS 
AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION 
ADMINISTRATION DECREE" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
I 
CHAPTER I - POLICY AND DEFINITIONS 
2 
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the "National Electrification Administration 
3 
Reform Act of2012." 
4 
SEC. 2. Section 2 of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, is hereby further amended, to 
5 
read as follows: 
6 
"SEC. 2. Declaration of National Policy. - [The total electrification of the Philippines on an 
7 
area coverage basis being vital to the welfare of its people and the sonnd development of the 
8 
Nation, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to pursne and foster, in an orderly and 
9 
vigorous manner, the attainment of this objective. For this purpose, the State shall promote, 
10 
encourage and assist all public service entities engaged in supplying electric service, particularly 
11 
electric cooperatives, which are willing to pursue diligently this objective. 
12 
Because of their non-profit nature, cooperative character and the heavy financial burdens 
13 
that they must sustain to become effectively established and operationally viable, electric 
14 
cooperatives, particularly, shall be given every tenable support and assistance by the National 
15 
Government, its instrumentalities and agencies to the fullest extent of which they are capable; 
16 
and, being by their nature substantially self-regulating and Congress, having, by the enactment of 
17 
this Decree, substantially covered all phases of their organization and operation requiring or 
18 
justifying regulation, and in order to further encourage and promote their development, they 
19 
should be subject 10 minimal regulation by other administrative agencies. 
20 
Area coverage electrification cannot be achieved unless service to the more thinly settled 
21 
areas and therefore more costly to electrify is combined with service to the most densely settled 
1 


areas and therefore less costly to electrify. Every public service entity should hereafter cooperate 
2 
in a national program of electrification on an area coverage basis, or else surrender its franchise 
3 
in favor of those public service entities which will. It is hereby found that the total electrification 
4 
of the Nation requires that the laws and administrative practices relating to franchised electric 
5 
service areas be revised and made morc effective, as herein provided. It is therefore hereby 
6 
declared to he the policy ofthe State that franchises for electric service areas shall hereafter be so 
7 
issued, conditioned, altered or repealed, and shall be subject to such continuing regulatory 
8 
surveillance, that the same shall conduce to the most expeditious electrification of the entire 
9 
Nation on an area coverage basis.] IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THE POLICY OF THE 
10 
STATE TO: 
11 
(A) 
PROMOTE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL 
12 
AREAS THROUGH RURAL ELECTRIFICATION; 
13 
(B) 
EMPOWER AND STRENGTHEN THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION 
14 
ADMINISTRATION TO PURSUE THE ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM AND BRING 
15 
ELECTRICITY, 
THROUGH 
THE 
ELECTRIC 
COOPERATIVES 
AS 
ITS 
16 
IMPLEMENTING ARM, TO THE COUNTRYSIDE EVEN IN MISSIONARY OR 
17 
ECONOMICALLY UNVIABLE AREAS; 
18 
(C) 
EMPOWER AND ENABLE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES TO COPE 
19 
WITH THE CHANGES BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE 
20 
ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9136, 
21 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT OF 
22 
2001." 
23 
SEC. 3. A new section is hereby inserted under the same Presidential Decree, as 
24 
amended, to be designated as Sectkm 2-A, to read as follows: 
25 
"SEC. 2-A. SCOPE.- THIS ACT SHALL ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR 
26 
INTRODUCING 
STRUCTURAL 
REFORMS 
IN 
THE 
NATIONAL 
27 
ELECTRIFICATION 
ADMINISTRATION 
AND 
THE 
ELECTRIC 
28 
COOPERATIVES." 
29 
SEC. 4. Five new paragraphs, to be designated as Paragraphs (s), (t), (u), (v) and (w), are 
30 
hereby inserted under Section 3 of the same Presidential Decree, as amended, to read as follows: 
31 
"SEC. 3. Definitions. - As used in this Decree, the following words or terms shall have 
32 
the following meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context: 
33 
XXX XXXXXX 
2 


(S) 
"CDA" SHALL REFER TO THE COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT 
2 
AUTHORITY CREATED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6939, AS AMENDED; 
3 
(T) 
"DOE" SHALL REFER TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 
4 
CREATED UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7638, AS AMENDED; 
5 
(U) 
"ELECTlUC COOPERATIVE" SHALL REFER TO AN ELECTRIC 
6 
DISTRIBUTION UTILITY ORGANIZED AND REGISTERED PURSUANT TO 
7 
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 269, AS AMENDED, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9520, AND 
8 
OTHER RELATED LAWS; 
9 
(V) 
"EPIRA" SHALL REFER TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9136 OR THE 
10 
"ELECTRIC 1) OWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT OF 2001"; AND 
11 
(W) 
"ERC" 
SHALL 
REFER 
TO 
THE 
ENERGY 
REGULATORY 
12 
COMMISSION CREATED UNDER SECTION 38 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9l36." 
13 
CHAPTER II 
14 
THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION ADMINISTRATION 
15 
SEC. 5. Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, is hereby further amended 
16, 
to read as follows: 
17 
"SEC. 4. [NEA Authorities, Powers and Directives. The NEA is hereby authorized, 
18 
empowered and directed to promote, encourage and assist public service entities, particularly 
19 
cooperatives, to the end of achieving the objective of making service available throughout the 
20 
nation on an area coverage basis as rapidly as possible; and for such purpose it is hereby, without 
21 
limiting the generality of the foregoing and in addition to other authorizations, powers and 
22 
directives established by this Decree, specifically authorized, empowered and directed: 
23 
(a) To have a continuous succession under its corporate name until otherwise provided by 
24 
law; 
25 
(b) To prescribe and thereafter to amend and repeal its by-laws not inconsistent with this 
26 
Decree; 
27 
(c) To adopt and use a seal and alter it at its pleasure; 
28 
(d) To sue and to be sued in any court: Provided, That NEA shall, unless it consents 
29 
otherwise, be immune to suits for acts ex delicti; 
30 
(e) To make contract of every name and nature and to execute all instruments necessary 
31 
or convenient for the carrying on ofits business; 
32 
(t) To make loans to public service entities, with preference to cooperatives, for the 
33 
construction or acquisition, operation and maintenance of generation, transmission and 
34 
distribution facilities and all related propeliies, equipment, machinery, fixtures, and materials for 
35 
the purpose of supplying area coverage service, and thereafter to make loans for the restoration, 
36 
improvement or enlargement of such facilities: Provided, That the public service entity 
3 


I 
supplying for a loan, if neither a cooperative nor a local government, must be in operation at the 
2 
time of application; 
3 
(g) To promote, encourage and assist public service entities and government agencies and 
4 
corporations having related functions and purposes, with preference to cooperatives, in planning, 
5 
developing, coordinating, establishing, operating, maintaining, repairing and renovating facilities 
6. 
and systems to supply area coverage service, and for such purpose to furnish, to the extent 
7 
possible and without change therefor, technical and professional assistance and guidance, 
8 
information, data and the results of any investigation, study, or receipt conducted or made by the 
9 
NEA; 
10 
(h) To approve or disapprove any loan from other lenders to public service entities which 
11 
at the time are borrowers from NEA under subparagraphs (f) or (i) of this section, and thereafter, 
12 
pursuant to Section 10 (b) to disapprove advances of loans from other lenders; 
13 
(i) To make loans for the purpose of financing the wiring of premises of persons served 
14 
or to be served as a result of loans made under subparagraph (f) of this Section, and for the 
15 
acquisition and installation by such persons of electrically-powered appliances, equipment, 
16 
fixtures and machinery of all kinds for residential, recreational, commercial, agricultural and 
17 
industrial uses, such loans to be made directly (1) to public service entities which have received 
18 
loans under sub-paragraph (f) of this section, which entities shall in turn reI end such funds to 
19 
persons served or to be served by them, or (2) to any persons served or to be served by public 
20 
service entities which have received loans under sub-paragraph (f) of this section: Provided, That 
21 
at no time shall the total loans made under this sub-paragraph (i) to a public service entity and/or 
22 
to persons served or to be served by such entity exceed twenty-five (25%) per centum of the 
23 
outstanding loans to such entity made under sub-paragraph (f) of this section; 
24 
G) To so cooperate, coordinate and exchange such information, studies and reports with, 
25 
and to seek such cooperation and coordination from, other departments, agencies and 
26 
instrumentalities of the National Government, including the NPC, as will most effectively 
27 
conduce to the achievement of the purposes of this Decree; 
28 
(k) To borrow funds from any source, private or government, foreign or domestic, and, 
29 
not inconsistently with section 8, to issue bonds or other evidences of indebtedness therefor and 
30 
to secure the lenders thereof by pledging, sharing or subordinating one or more of the NEA's 
31 
own loan securities; 
32. 
(1) To receive from Cooperatives all articles of incorporation, amendments, consolidation, 
33 
merger, conversion and dissolution, and all certificates of changes in the location of principal 
34 
offices a11d of elections to dissolve, and, upon determining that such are in conformity with this 
35 
Decree, to certify the same, to file them in the records of the NEA, and to maintain a registry of 
36 
such filings the provisions of Act No. 1459, as runended, to the contrary notwithstanding; 
37 
(m) To acquire, by purchase or otherwise (including the right of eminent domain, which 
38 
is hereby granted to the NEA, to be exercised in the manner provided by law for the institution 
4 


1 
and completion of expropriation proceedings by the National and local govemments,) real and 
2 
physical properties, together with all appurtenant rights, easements, licenses and privileges, 
3 
whether or not the same be already devoted to the public use of generating, transmitting or 
4 
distributing electric power and energy, upon NEA's determination that such acquisition is 
5 
necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Decree and, if such properties be already devoted to 
6 
the public use described in the foregoing, that such use will be better served and accomplished 
7 
by such acquisition: Provided, That the power herein granted shall be exercised by the NEA 
8 
solely as agent for and on behalf of one or more public service entities which shall timely 
9 
receive, own and utilize or replace such propetiies for the purpose of furnishing adequate and 
10 
dependable service on an area coverage basis, which entity or entities shall then be, or in 
11 
connection with the acquisition shall become, borrowers from the NEA under sub-paragraph (f) 
12 
of this section: Provided further, That the costs of such acquisition, including the cost of any 
13 
eminent domain proceedings, shall be borne, either directly or by reimbursement to the NEA, 
14 
whichever the NEA shall elect, by the public service entity or entities on whose behalf the 
15 
acquisition is undetiaken; and otherwise to acquire, improve, hold, transfer, sell, lease, rent, 
16 
mortgage, encumber and otherwise dispose of property incident to, or necessary, convenient or 
17 
proper to carry out, the purposes for which NEA was created; 
18 
(n) At least annually, not later than June 30th, to report to the President and when the 
19 
same comes into existence, the Prime Minister and the National Assembly, on the status of 
20 
electrification of the Philippines, including a comprehensive reporting ofloans made, loan funds 
21, 
advanced, loans secured from other sources and the advances thereof, the names and locations of 
22 
the borrowers, the number of services contemplated by such loans, the number actually receiving 
23 
service as a result of such loans, the number of electrified and the remaining number of 
24 
unelectrified households tlu'oughout the Nation, the amounts of usage by consumers, loan and 
25 
other activities programmed for the ensuing year, and all such other information and data as will 
26 
accurately reveal the progress being made toward the achievement of the purposes of this 
27 
Decree; and to publish such report for dissemination to and use by other interested departments, 
28 
agencies and instrumentalities of the National Government and by borrowers under this Decree; 
29 
and 
30 
(0) To exercise such powers and do such things as may be necessary to carry out the 
31 
business and purposes for which the NEA was established, or which from time to time may be 
32 
declared by the Board of Administrators to be necessary, useful, incidental or auxiliary to 
33 
accomplish such purposes; and generally, to exercise all the powers of a corporation under the 
34 
Corporation Law insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree,] 
35 
POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND PRIVILEGES OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION 
36 
ADMINISTRATION.- TO STRENGTHEN THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, HELP 
37 
THEM BECOME ECONOMICALLY VIABLE ANDPREPARE THEM FOR THE 
38 
IMPLEMENTATION OF RETAIL COMPETITION AND OPEN ACCESS PURSUANT 
5 


1 
TO SECTION 31 
OF THE EPIRA, THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION 
2 
ADMINISTRATION SHALL: 
3 
(A) 
SUPERVISE THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF ALL 
4 
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES; 
5 
(B) 
EXERCISE STEP-IN RIGHTS AS HEREIN DEFINED; 
6 
(C) 
PROVIDE 
INSTITUTIONAL, 
FINANCIAL 
AND 
TECHNICAL 
7 
ASSISTANCE TO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES 
UPON REQUEST OF THE 
8 
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES; 
9 
(D) 
PURSUE THE TOTAL ELECTRIFICATION OF THE COUNTRY 
10' THROUGH THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, IN COORDINATION WITH THE 
11 
NATIONAL POWER CORPORATION - SMALL POWER UTILITIES GROUP (NPC-
12 
SPUG); 
13 
(E) 
DEVOTE ALL RETURNS FROM ITS CAPITAL INVESTMENTS TO 
14 
ATTAIN THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS ACT; 
15 
(F) 
ENSURE THE ,ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL VIABILITY AND 
16 
OPERATION OF ALL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES; 
17 
(G) 
RESTRUCTURE AILING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES WITH THE END 
18 
IN VIEW OF MAKING THEM ECONOMICALLY AND FINANCIALLY VIABLE; 
19 
(H) 
DEVELOP, SET AND ENFORCE INSTITUTIONAL, TECHNICAL AND 
20 
FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE STANDARDS FOR THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF 
21 
ELECTRIC 
COOPERATIVES 
SUCH 
AS, 
BUT 
NOT 
LIMITED 
TO, 
THE 
22 
OBSERVANCE OF APPROPRIATE PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE, INCLUDING 
23 
TRANSPARENT AND COMPETITIVE BIDDING. SUCH STANDARDS SHALL BE 
24 
ENFORCED THROUGH A MECHANISM OF INCENTIVES AND DISINCENTIVES 
25 
TO 
COMPLYING 
AND 
NON-COMPLYING 
ELECTlUC 
COOPERATIVES, 
26 
RESPECTIVELY; 
27 
(I) 
FORMULATE AND IMPOSE ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS AND 
28 
PENALTIES AND WHEN WARRANTED, FILE CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST THOSE 
29 
WHO ARE FOUND IN VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT 
30 
AND ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS; 
31 
(J) 
SERVE AS GUARANTOR TO QUALIFIED ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES 
32 
IN THEIR TRANSACTIONS WITH VARIOUS PARTIES SUCH AS, BUT NOT 
33 
LIMITED TO, CO-SIGNING IN POWER SUPPLY CONTRACTS; 
34 
(K) 
GRANT 
LOANS 
TO 
ELECTRIC 
COOPERATIVES, 
FOR 
THE 
35 
CONSTRUCTION OR ACQUISITION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF 
36, TRANSMISSION 
AND 
DISTRIBUTION 
FACILITIES 
AND 
ALL 
RELATED 
37 
PROPERTIES, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, FIXTURES, AND MATERIALS FOR 
38 
THE PURPOSE OF SUPPLYING AREA COVERAGE SERVICE, AND THEREAFTER 
6 


1 
TO 
GRANT 
LOANS 
FOR 
THE 
RESTORATION, 
IMPROVEMENT 
OR 
2 
ENLARGEMENT OF SUCH FACILITIES OR FOR SUCH OTHER PURPOSES AS 
3 
(L) 
MAYBE DEEMED NECESSARY; 
4 
(M) 
SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE MONETARY BOARD, 
5 
BORROW FUNDS FROM ANY SOURCE, PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT, FOREIGN 
6 
OR DOMESTIC, AND SECURE THE LENDERS THEREOF BY PLEDGING, 
7 
SHARING OR SUBORDINATING ONE OR MORE OF THE NEA'S OWN LOAN 
8 
SECUIUTIES; 
9 
(N) 
EXERCISE PRIMARY AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION IN THE 
10 
ADJUDICATION 
OF 
COMPLAINTS 
AGAINST 
ELECTRIC 
COOPERATIVE 
11 
OFFICERS, ELECTION DISPUTES AND ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE 
12 
EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT; 
13 
(0) 
AS 
A 
QUASI-JUDICIAL 
AGENCY, 
DEPUTIZE 
LOCAL 
LAW 
14 
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO ENFORCE OR IMPLEMENT ITS ORDERS OR 
15 
DECISIONS, WITH THE POWER TO CITE FOR CONTEMPT ANY PARTY OR 
16 
WITNESS TO ANY CASE BEFORE IT FOR CONTUMACIOUS CONDUCT; 
17 
(I') 
EXERCISE SUCH POWERS AND DO SUCH THINGS AS MAY BE 
18 
NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE BUSINESS AND PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE 
19 
NEA WAS ESTABLISHED, OR WHICH FROM TIME TO TIME MAY BE DECLARED 
20 
BY THE BOARD OF ADMINISTRATORS AS NECESSARY, USEFUL, INCIDENTAL 
21 
OR AUXILIARY TO ACCOMPLISH SUCH PURPOSES; AND 
22 
(Q) 
GENERALLY, 
TO 
EXERCISE 
ALL 
THE 
POWERS 
OF 
A 
23 
CORPORATION UNDER BATAS PAMBANSA BlLANG 68, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
24 
THE "CORPORATION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES" INSOFAR AS THEY ARE NOT 
25 
INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT." 
26 
SEC. 6. A new section, to be designated as Section 4-A, is hereby inserted under the 
27 
same Presidential Decree, to read as follows: 
28 
"SEC. 4-A. SUPERVISORY POWERS OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRIFICATION 
29 
ADMINISTRATION OVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.- IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS 
30 
POWER OF SUPERVISION OVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, THE NEA SHALL 
31 
HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS: 
32 
(A) 
ISSUE ORDERS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, MOTU PROPRIO OR 
33 
UPON PETITION OF THIRD PARTIES, TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS, 
34 
REFERENDA AND OTHER SIMILAR ACTIONS ON ALL MATTERS AFFECTING 
35 
THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES; AND 
36 
(B) 
ISSUE PREVENTIVE OR DISCIPLINARY MEASURES, INCLUDING 
37 
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF 
7 


I 
ANY OR ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS OR 
2 
EMPLOYEES OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, AS THE NEA MAY DEEM FIT 
3 
AND NECESSARY AND TO TAKE ANY OTHER REMEDIAL MEASURES AS THE 
4 
LAW OR ANY AGREEMENT OR ARRANGEMENT WITH NEA MAY PROVIDE, TO 
5 
ATTAIN THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS ACT. 
6 
THE NEA SHALL, IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS SUPERVISORY AND 
7 
DISCIPLINARY POWERS UNDER THIS ACT, STRICTLY OBSERVE DUE PROCESS 
8 
OF LAW." 
9 
SEC. 7. A new section, to be designated as Section 4-B, is hereby inserted under the 
10 
same Presidential Decree, to read as follows: 
II 
"SEC. 4-B. STEP-IN RIGHTS IN CASES OF AILING COOPERATIVES.- THE 
12 
NEA SHALL IMMEDIATELY STEP-IN AND TAKE OVER FROM ITS BOARD 
13 
THE OPERATIONS OF ANY AILING ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE. WITHIN A 
14 
REASONABLE PERIOD AFTER TAKE-OVER, THE NEA MAY CONVERT THE 
15 
AILING COOPERATIVE TO EITHER A STOCK COOPERATIVE REGISTERED 
16 
WITH THE CDA OR A STOCK COIU'ORATION REGISTERED WITH THE 
17 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. 
18 
THE NEA SHALL, IN DETERMINING THE· PROPRIETY OF THE 
19 
CONVERSION, BE GUIDED BY THE ABILITY TO PAY OF THE MEMBER-
20 
CONSUMERS OF SAID ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FOR THEIR SHARES IN 
21 
THE STOCK COOPERATIVE OR STOCK CORPORATION. 
22 
THE NEA MAY Al'POINT OR ASSIGN THIRD PERSONS TO THE BOARD 
23 
OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE UNTIL THE NEA DECIDES THAT THE 
24 
ELECTION OF A NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO MANAGE THE ELECTRIC 
25 
COOPERATIVE IS NECESSARY. THE NEA MAY CREATE A MANAGEMENT 
26 
TEAM FOR THE PURPOSE. 
27 
THE NEA SHALL, IN THE EXERCISE OF ITS STEP-IN RIGHTS UNDER THIS 
28 
ACT, STRICTLY OBSERVE DUE PROCESS OF LAW. THE STEP-IN RIGHTS 
29 
MAY ONLY BE EXERCISED BY THE NEA IN CASE OF FAILURE OF THE 
30 
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE TO MEET OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL 
31 
STANDARDS SET BY THE NEA OR IN OTHER ANALAGOUS INSTANCES SET 
32 
FORTH IN THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THIS ACT." 
33 
SEC. 8. A new section, to be designated as Section 4-C, is hereby inserted under the 
34 
same Presidential Decree, to read as follows: 
35 
"SEC. 4-C. INJUNCTION OR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER. -
NO 
36 
INJUNCTION OR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER SHALL BE ISSUED 
8 


1 
AGAINST THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY ORDER, RULING OR DECISION 
2 
OF THE NEA, EXCEI'T BY THE COURT OF APPEALS, AND ONLY UPON THE 
3 
POSTING OF A BOND SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE LIABILITIES AND 
4 
EXPENDITURES ARISING DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE WRIT OR 
5 
INJUNCTION OR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER;PROVlDED, THAT THE 
6 
INJUNCTION SHALL ONLY BE EFFECTIVE FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 
7 
SIXTY (60) DAYS." 
8 
CHAPTER III 
9 
ELECTmC COOPERATIVES 
10 
SEC. 9. Section 16, Paragraph (j), of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, is hereby 
II 
fnrther amended, to read as follows: 
12 
"SEC. 16. Powers. A cooperative is hereby vested with all powers necessary or 
13 
convenient for the accomplishment of its corporate purpose and capable of being delegated by 
14 
the President 01' the National Assembly when it comes into existence; and no enumeration of 
15 
particular powers hereby granted shall be construed to impair any general grant of power herein 
16 
contained, nor to limit any such grant to a power 01' powers of the same class as those so 
17 
enumerated. Such powers shall include but not be limited to, the power: 
18 
XXX XXXXXX 
19 
(j) To construct, [maintain] ACQUIRE, OWN, [and] operate AND MAINTAIN electric 
20 
SUB-transmission and distribution lines along, upon, under and across publicly owned lands and 
21 
public thoroughfares, including, without limitation, all roads, highways, streets, alleys, bridges 
22 
and causeways[;]. [Provided, That such shall not prevent or unduly impair the primary public 
23 
uses to which such lands and thoroughfares are otherwise devoted] IN THE EVENT OF THE 
24 
NEED OF SUCH LANDS AND THOROUGHFARES FOR THE PRIMARY PURPOSE 
25 
OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SHALL BE PROPERLY 
26 
COMPENSATED; 
27 
(J-1) TO CONSTRUCT, ACQUIRE, OWN, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN 
28 
GENERATING FACILITIES WITHIN ITS FRANCHISE AREA. IN PURSUANCE 
29 
THEREOF, WI-IERE AN ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE PARTICIPATES IN A BID ON 
30 
AN EXISTING GENERATING FACILITY, ITS QUALIFIED BID SHALL BE GIVEN 
31 
PREFERENCE IN CASE OF A TIE; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT IN CASES 
32 
WHERE THERE IS NO OTHER QUALIFIED BIDDER, THE BIDDING SHALL 
33 
REMAIN VALID AS BASIS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE FINAL AWARD;" 
34 
XXX XXXXXX 
35 
SEC. 10. A new section, to be designated as Section 26-A, of the same Presidential 
36 
Decree is hereby inserted, to read as follows: 
9 


1 
"SEC. 26-A. INDEPENDENCE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND 
2 
OFFICERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.- TO ENSURE THE LONG-TERM 
3 
BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF ELECTIUC COOPERATIVES, THE 
4 
MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS AND STRATEGIC PLANNING OF ELECTIUC 
5 
COOPERATIVES SHALL, AS MUCH AS PRACTICABLE, BE INSULATED FROM 
6 
LOCAL POLITICS. 
7 
TOWARDS THIS END, NO PERSON SHALL BE ELECTED OR AI'POINTED 
8 
AS AN OFFICER OR BE ELIGIBLE TO RUN AS A BOARD MEMBER OF AN 
9 
ELECTIUC COOPERATIVE IF: 
10 
(A) 
SUCH l'ERSON OR HIS OR HER SPOUSE HOLDS ANY PUBLIC 
11 
OFFICE; 
12 
(B) 
SUCH PERSON OR HIS OR HER SPOUSE HAS BEEN A CANDIDATE 
13 
IN THE LAST I'RECEDING LOCAL OR NATIONAL ELECTIONS; 
14 
(C) 
SUCH PERSON HAS BEEN CONVICTED BY FINAL JUDGMENT OF A 
15 
CRIME INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE; 
16 
(D) 
SUCH PERSON HAS BEEN TERMINATED FOR CAUSE FROM PUBLIC 
17 
OFFICE OR PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT; 
18 
(E) 
SUCH PERSON IS RELATED TO ANY MEMBER OF THE EC BOARD 
19 
OF DIRECTORS, GENERAL MANAGER AND DEPARTMENT MANAGERS 
20 
WITHIN THE FOURTH CIVIL DEGREE OF CONSANGUINITY OR AFFINITY; 
21 
(F) 
SUCH l'ERSON IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A JURIDICAL PERSON; 
22 
AND 
23 
(G) 
SUCH PERSON IS EMPLOYED BY OR FINANCIALLY INTERESTED 
24 
IN A COMPETING ENTERPIUSE OR A BUSINESS SELLING ELECTIUC 
25 
ENERGY OR ELECTRICAL HARDWARE TO THE COOPERATIVE OR DOING 
26 
BUSINESS WITH THE COOPERATIVE, INCLUDING THE USE OR RENTAL OF 
27 
POLES." 
28 
SEC. 11. A new section, to be designated as Section 26-B, is hereby inserted under the 
29 
same Presidential Decree, to read as follows: 
30 
"SEC. 
26-B. 
FIT AND PROPER RULE.-
TO 
ENSURE 
THAT 
THE 
31 
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES ARE 
32 
CARRIED OUT WITH DUE REGARD TO ITS ECONOMIC VIABILITY, THE NEA 
33 
SHALL I'RESCRIBE, PASS UPON AND REVIEW THE QUALIFICATIONS AND 
34 
DISQUALIFICATIONS OF INDIVIDUALS APPOINTED OR ELECTED TO 
35 
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES AND DISQUALIFY THOSE FOUND UNFIT. 
10 


1 
A 
CANDIDATE'S 
INTEGRITY, 
EXPERIENCE, 
EDUCATION, 
2 
COMPETENCE AND PROBITY SHALL BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING 
3 
WHETHER HE/SHE SHALL BE FIT AND PROPER TO BECOME A DIRECTOR 
4 
OR OFFICER OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE. 
5 
FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF A DIRECTOR 
6 . 
OR OFFICER OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS: 
7 
(A) 
HE OR SHE IS A FILIPINO CITIZEN; 
8 
(B) 
HE OR SHE IS A GRADUATE OF A 4-YEAR COURSE; 
9 
(C) 
HE OR SHE IS BETWEEN TWENTY-ONE (21) AND SEVENTY (70) 
10 
YEARS OLD, ON THE DATE OF ELECTION; 
11 
(D) 
HE OR SHE IS OF GOOD MORAL CHARACTER; 
12 
(E) 
HE OR SHE IS A MEMBEROF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IN 
13 
GOOD 
STANDING FOR THE LAST FIVE (5) 
YEARS IMMEDIATELY 
14 
PRECEDING THE ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT; 
15 
(F) 
HE OR SHE IS AN ACTUAL RESIDENT AND CONSUMER IN THE 
16 
DISTRICT THAT HE OR SHE SEEKS TO REPRESENT FOR AT LEAST TWO (2) 
17 
YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE ELECTION; AND 
18 
(G) 
HE OR SHE HAS ATTENDED AT LEAST TWO (2) ANNUAL GENERAL 
19 
MEMBERSHIP ASSEMBLIES (AGMA) FOR THE LAST FIVE (5) YEARS 
20 
IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT. 
21 
THE NEA MAY, AFTER DUE NOTICE TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND 
22 
OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, DISQUALIFY, SUSPEND OR 
23 
REMOVE ANY DlRECTOR OR OFFICER, WHO COMMITS ANY ACT WHICH 
24 
RENDERS HIM UNFIT FOR THE POSITION." 
25 
SEC. 12.Section 32 of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, is hereby further 
26 
amended, to read as follows: 
27 
[Sec. 32.Conversion of Existing Corporation.Any corporation heretofore organized or 
28 
registered under the Philippine Non-Agricultural Cooperative Act and supplying or having the 
29 
corporate power to supply electric energy may convert itself into a cooperative under this Decree 
30 
by complying with the following requirements, and shall thereupon become the subject to this 
31 
Decree with the same effect as if originally organized hereunder: 
32 
(a) The proposition for the conversion of such corporation and proposed articles of 
33 
conversion to give effect thereto shall be submitted to a meeting of the members or stockholders 
34 
of such corporation, the notice of which shall have attached thereto a copy of the proposed 
35 
articles of conversion or an accurate summary thereof. 
36 
(b) If the proposition for the conversion and the proposed articles of conversion, with any 
37 
amendments, are approved by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the total votes 
38 
cast thereon by members at such meeting, and/or, if such corporation is a stock corporation or 
11 


I 
has both members and voting stockholders, by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 
2 
two-thirds of those shares of the capital stock of such corporation represented at such meeting 
3 
and voting thereon, articles of conversion in the form approved shall be executed and 
4 
acknowledged on behalf of such corporation by its president or vice-president and its seal shall 
5 
be affixed thereto and attested by its secretary. The articles of conversion shall recite that they 
6 
are executed pursuant to this Decree and shall state: (I) the name of the corporation and the 
7 
address of its principal office prior to the conversion into a cooperative; (2) a statement that such 
8 
corporation elects to become a cooperative, non-profit, membership corporation subject to this 
9 
Decree; (3) its name as a cooperative; (4) the addresses of the principal office of the cooperative; 
10 
and (5) the names and address of the directors of the cooperative, and (6) the manner in which 
11 
members or stockholders of such corporation mayor shall become members of the cooperative; 
12 
and may contain any other provisions not inconsistent with this Decree that are deemed 
13 
necessary or advisable for the conduct of the business of the cooperative. The president or vice 
14 
president executing such articles of conversion shall make and annex thereto an affidavit stating 
IS 
that the provisions of this section were duly complied with in respect to such articles. The 
16 
articles of conversion shall be deemed to be the articles of incorporation of the cooperative.] 
17 
"SEC. 32. REGISTRATION OF ALL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.-
ALL 
18 
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES MAY CHOOSE TO REMAIN AS A NON-STOCK, NON-
19 
PROFIT COOPERATIVE OR CONVERT INTO AND REGISTER AS: (A) A STOCK 
20 
COOPERATIVE UNDER THE COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
21· 
(CDA); OR (B) A STOCK CORPORATION UNDER THE SECURITIES AND 
22 
EXCHANGE COMMISSION SEC), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GUIDELINES TO 
23 
BE INCLUDED IN THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS (IRR) OF 
24 
THIS ACT. 
25 
SUCH 
CHOICE 
SHALL 
CARRY 
WITH 
IT 
THE 
ATTENDANT 
26 
REQUIREMENTS OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAWS AND REGULATORY 
27 
GUIDELINES 
GOVERNING 
THE 
RESPECTIVE 
GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES 
28 
HAVING JURISDICTION OVER THEIR REGISTRATION. 
29 
REGARDLESS OF THE CHOICE MADE, THE NEA SHALL HAVE THE 
30 
AUTHORITY OVER ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, WHETHER STOCK OR NON-
31 
STOCK, 
WITH 
RESPECT 
TO 
THE 
SUBMISSION 
OF 
REPORTORIAL 
32 
REQUIREMENTS AS MAY BE NECESSARY RELATIVE TO THEIR OPERATIONS 
33 
AS ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: 
34 
(A) 
MONTHLY FINANCIAL AND STATISTICAL REPORT (MFSR); 
35 
(B) 
MONTHLY SEPARATE MFSR,MONTHLY ENGINEERING REPORT 
36 
(MER) AND BARANGAY ANDSITIO ELECTRIFICATION REPORT FOR ECs ON 
37 
GRID WITH ISOLATED AREA/S SERVED BY NPC-SPUG; 
12 


(C) 
MONTHLY STATUS OF BARANGAY ANDSITIO ENERGIZATION AND 
2 
HOUSE CONNECTIONS; 
3 
(D) 
MONTHLY 
INSTITUTIONAL 
SERVICES 
DEPARTMENT 
(ISD) 
4 
REPORT; 
5 
(E) 
MONTHLY PERFORMANCE STANDARD MONITORING REPORT 
6 
(I'SMR); 
7 
(F) 
MONTHLY SUMMARY OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED AND ACTED 
8 
UPON; 
9 
(G) 
MONTHLY 
REPORT 
ON 
COMPLIANCE 
WITH 
THE 
GRID 
10, 
ANDDISTRIBUTION CODE; 
11 
(H) 
MONTHLY ENGINEERING REPORT (MER); 
12 
(I) 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON POWER SUPPLY CONTRACTS; 
13 
(J) 
ANNUAL WORKPLAN; 
14 
(K) 
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION DEVELOPMENT PLAN (DDP); 
15 
(L) 
5-YEAR INVESTMENT PLAN SUBMITTED ANNUALLY; 
16 
(M) 
ANNUAL CASH OPERATING BUDGET (COB); 
17 
(N) 
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS; 
18 
(0) 
ANNUAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (CBA) OR 
19 
COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT (CNA); 
20 
(I') 
COPY OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (CApEX) ANDOpERATING 
21 
EXPENDITURE (OPEX) PLANS. 
22 
LIKEWISE, THE SUPERVISORY AND OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS OF THE 
23 
NEA, AS MAY BE DETAILED IN THIS ACT AND ITS IRR, SHALL BE APPLICABLE 
24 
TO BOTH STOCK AND NON-STOCK COOPERATIVES. 
25 
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES WHICH REGISTER WITH THE CDA SHALL 
26 
CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE BENEFITS UNDER THIS ACT. 
27 
EXISTING 
ELECTRIC 
COOPERATIVES 
MAY 
LIKEWISE 
OPT 
TO 
28 
REGISTER 
AS 
STOCK 
CORPORATIONS 
WITH 
THE 
SECURITIES 
AND 
29 
EXCHANGE 
COMMISSION; 
PROVIDED, 
HOWEVER, 
THAT 
ELECTRIC 
30 
COOPERATIVES REGISTERED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE 
31 
COMMISSION SHALL NO LONGER ENJOY THE INCENTIVES PROVIDED FOR IN 
32 
TI-IIS ACT. 
33 
DESPITE THE REGISTRATION OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES 
34 
UNDER THE CDA OR SEC, THE NEA SHALL RETAIN ITS SUPERVISORY AND 
35 
DISCIPLINARY POWER OVER THEM IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS OPERATION AS 
36 
ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION UTILITIES." 
13 


1 
SEC. 13. A new section, to be designated as Section 32-A, of the same Presidential 
2 
Decree is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
3 
"SEC. 32-A. INCENTIVES OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES.- CONSISTENT 
4 
WITH THE DECLARED POLICY OF THIS ACT, ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES 
5 
WHICH COMPLY WITH THE FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS 
6 
SET BY THE NEA SHALL ENJOY THE FOLLOWING INCENTIVES: 
7 
(A)TO BE ENTITLED TO CONGRESSIONAL ALLOCATIONS, GRANTS, 
8 
SUBSIDIES 
AND 
OTHER 
FINANCIAL 
ASSISTANCE 
FOR 
RURAL 
9 
ELECTRIFICATION; 
10 
(B)TO RECEIVE ALL SUBSIDIES, GRANTS, AND OTHER ASSISTANCE 
11 
WHICH SHALL FORM PART OF THE DONATED CAPITAL AND FUNDS OF 
12 
THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES, AND AS SUCH, IT SHALL NOT BE SOLD, 
13 
TRADED NOR DIVIDED INTO SHARE HOLDINGS AT ANY TIME. THESE 
14 
DONATED CAPITAL AND FUNDS SHALL BE APPRAISED AND VALUED FOR 
15 
THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE EQUITY PARTICIPATION OF 
16 
THE MEMBERS; 
PROVIDED, THAT IN CASE 
OF DISSOLUTION OR 
17 
CONVERSION OF THE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, SAID DONATED CAPITAL 
18 
AND FUNDS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ESCHEAT; AND 
19 
(C)TO AVAIL OF THE PREFERENTIAL RIGHTS GRANTED TO 
20 
COOPERATIVES UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
21 
THE "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE", AND OTHER RELATED LAWS. 
22 
AS A FURTHER INCENTIVE, THE NEA MAY PIUORITIZE THE GRANT 
23 
OF INCENTIVES IN FAVOR OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES THAT ARE 
24 
MANAGED EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY AND COMPLY CONSISTENTLY 
25' 
WITH ITS MANDATES AND DIRECTIVES." 
26 
CHAPTER IV 
27 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
28 
SEC. 14. A new section, to be designated as Section 64-A, of the same Presidential 
29 
Decree is hereby inserted, to read as follows: 
30 
"SEC. 64-A. PENALTIES. - ANY PERSON WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES 
31 
ANY 
RULE 
OR REGULATION PROMULGATED 
PURSUANT TO THE 
32 
AUTHOlUTY GRANTED IN THIS ACT SHALL, UPON CONVICTION, BE 
33 
PUNISHED BY A FINE 
OF NOT LESS THAN FIFTY THOUSAND PESOS 
34 
(P50,000.OO) BUT NOT MORE 
THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS 
35 
(PSOO,OOO.OO) OR BY IMPRISONMENT OF NOT LESS THAN SIX (6) MONTHS 
36 
BUT NOT MORE THAN ONE (1) YEAR, OR BOTH, AT THE DISCRETION OF 
37 
THE COURT;PROVlDED, THAT IF THE VIOLATION IS COMMITTED BY A 
14 


1 
JURIDICAL PERSON, THE PENALTY HEREIN PRESCRIBED SHALL BE 
2 
IMPOSED 
UPON 
THE 
OFFICIAL 
AND/OR 
EMPLOYEE 
THEREOF 
3 
RESI)ONSIBLE FOR THE VIOLATION; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT IF THE 
4 
VIOLATION IS COMMITTED BY A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL OR EMPLOYEE, 
5 
INCLUDING THOSE IN GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR -CONTROLLED 
6 
CORPORATIONS, SUCH PERSON SHALL, IN ADDITION TO THE PENALTY 
7 
I)ROVIDED HEREIN, BE SUBJECTED TO ADMINISTRATIVE DISCIPLINARY 
8 
ACTION." 
9 
SEC. 15. A new section, to be designated as Section 64-B, of the same Presidential 
10 
Decree is hereby inserted, to read as follows: 
11 
"SEC. 64-B. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT. - UPON THE EFFECTIVITY 
12 
OF THIS ACT, THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL POWER COMISSION CREATED 
13 
UNDER SECTION 62 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9136 SHALL EXERCISE 
14 
OVERSIGHT POWERS OVER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT." 
15 
SEC. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the 
16 
effectivity of this Act, the DOE shall, in coordination with the NEA and the CDA, and in 
17 
consultation with the electric cooperatives, issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary 
18 
to implement this Act. 
19 
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
20 
ll11constitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting. 
21 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause.- Any provision oflaw, presidential decree, executive order, 
22 
or rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or with the rules and 
23 
regulations issued pursuant thereto is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
24 
SEC. 19. EjJectivity.- This Act shall take effect on the fifteenth day following its 
25 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
26 
Approved, 
15