NINETEENTH CONGRESS   
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Pilotage service plays a critical role in supporting our seaports in the efficient delivery 
of goods and services in our country. The promotion of navigational safety and seamless 
movement of vessels in seaports through the guiding hands of harbor pilots are among the 
foundations of sound marine commerce and economic growth.  In providing pilotage services, 
a symbiotic relationship is established such that whatever conduct, measures, practices or 
standards resorted to will have economic impact on the pricing of delivery of goods and 
services, and cost of doing business for seaport users. Seaports are classified as public utility 
under the Public Service Act (Section 4, PSA) and the interest of the general public should be 
paramount when harbor pilots and pilotage organizations perform their services.  
Jurisprudentially, a harbor pilot should have a thorough knowledge of general and local 
regulations and physical conditions affecting the vessel in his charge and the waters for which 
he is licensed.  He is not only held to the highest possible degree of skill and care but must 
also have and exercise the ordinary skill and care demanded by the circumstances and 
demonstrated by an expert in his profession. Under extraordinary circumstances, a harbor 
pilot must exercise extraordinary care.    
During pilotage operations, a relationship is created between the vessel master and 
the harbor pilot which has unique dynamics that could potentially arise into a conflict. The 
harbor pilot directs the navigation of the vessel, while the vessel master maintains overall 
command and control. The flexibility of the harbor pilot largely depends on the circumstances 
where he renders pilotage services. There is a need, therefore, for the duties and liabilities 
between the harbor pilot and vessel master in certain situations to be clearly defined. 
To date, harbor pilots render pilotage services under compulsory circumstances, or as 
may be required by port authorities. Nonetheless, abuse on exorbitant pilotage fees without 
regulator’s approval, and requiring more than the necessary tugboats due to conflicting 
business interest in tug services, among other violations of port authority regulations, have 
been reported. Refusal to render pilotage services if shipping lines do not heed to harbor pilots’ 
demands can hold berthing operations hostage. These unlawful actions by harbor pilots are 
adversely impacting the country’s marine transportation, logistics and prices of goods and 
services in general. These pressing concerns are better addressed by a legislative policy, 
rather than administrative regulations, which are being shunned and set aside by harbor pilots 
and harbor pilots associations alike.  A legislative policy will strengthen professionalism and 
require continuous check of a harbor pilot’s competence and compliance with maritime laws, 
and port authority rules and regulations. 
The proposed bill seeks to establish a unifying oversight body which will give all port 
authorities a level of flexibility in administratively supervising ports within their respective 
jurisdictions, while continuously improving the public standards required, and aligning with 
good international maritime practices.  
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January 22, 2025
4:07 pm


It is worthy to note that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) currently has the power to 
control, regulate and supervise pilotage and the conduct of Harbor Pilots in any Port District 
(Section 6 Article IV, PD 857). Through such power, the PPA was able to issue and implement 
numerous measures technically detailed but limited only to ports within its Port District. To 
provide a unified regulatory framework for open harbor pilotage in the country, it is timely that 
PPA regulations and administrative orders are improved and mandatorily adopted as well by 
all port authorities. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 


NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR OPEN HARBOR PILOTAGE IN THE 
COUNTRY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled. 
Sec. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Open Harbor Pilotage Services Act." 
Sec. 2. Policy and Objectives. The State recognizes that Pilotage Services and Harbor Pilots 
play a vital role in the efficient operation of ports in ensuring the smooth flow of maritime 
commerce and safe transport of persons in avoiding maritime accidents, and in helping the 
marine environment. Pursuant thereto, the State shall adopt an open pilotage policy to 
regulate Pilotage Services that comply with international standards and supervise the 
professional conduct of Harbor Pilots to attain the following objectives: 
(a)
To ensure effective and efficient delivery of Pilotage Services through its
rationalization;
(b)
To ensure navigational safety at all times and protect port facilities, vessels,
passengers and cargoes, particularly the safety of life and property at sea;
(c)
To encourage a healthy competitive environment among Harbor Pilots and/or Pilotage
Organizations, as defined herein, that shall redound to the benefit of the shipping industry and
passengers dependent on waterborne transport as well as cargo shippers and consignees
without compromising maritime safety and the quality of service of Harbor Pilots whose
expertise and experience are essential to the achievement of transport efficiency and
profitability;
(d)
To professionalize the Pilotage Services and ensure a uniform minimum national
standard of qualifications required skills, discipline and level of professionalism for Harbor
Pilots who are accredited to conduct or provide Pilotage Services in any pilotage district or
territorial jurisdiction by any Port Authority /Authority defined herein;
(e)
To avail of the latest developments in maritime technology with respect to vessel
monitoring. ship to shore or ship to ship communications, vessel traffic management system,
among others, and upgrade Pilotage Services at par with global standards; and
(f)
To protect the marine environment within the harbor limits of the ports.
Sec. 3. Scope. This Act shall apply to all Harbor Pilots and Pilotage Organizations or persons 
rendering Pilotage Services licensed by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and 
accredited by the Authorities such as but not limited to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), as 
defined herein, to render such services in all ports, wharfs, or piers in the country, whether 
owned and managed by the government or private persons. 
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Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act: 
(a)
Accreditation - refers to an official recognition, approval or permission granted by the
Authorities, to a Harbor Pilot or Pilotage Organization to practice or provide Pilotage Services
in a particular pilotage district for a prescribed period.
(b)
Authority/ies - refers to government offices, departments, entities, and government
owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) authorized by law to issue clearances, permits,
accreditations to Harbor Pilots, including but not limited to the Port Authorities as defined
herein.
(c)
Gross Income - refers to the total revenues received by the respective port authorities
from billings assessed against ship owners or agents for pilotage and related services
rendered. whether collected or not.
(d)
Harbor Pilot - refers to a duly licensed master mariner accredited by the Authorities to
practice his profession. who is not part of the regular complement of the vessel, taken on
board at a particular place. and tasked to safely, efficiently and effectively perform Pilotage
Service within a specific Pilotage District. A Harbor Pilot may or may not be a member or a
Pilotage Organization.
(e)
Pilotage Board - refers to the governing body tasked to exercise policy direction,
regulate, control and supervise Pilotage Service and the conduct of Harbor Pilots in all Pilotage
Districts in the country, in accordance with Sections 5 and 6 hereof.
(f)
Pilotage District - refers to the area of navigable waters requiring Pilotage Services, as
defined herein, to enable vessels to navigate safely therein as recommended by the Port
Authority having jurisdiction of the particular port within its limits.
(g)
Pilotage Exemption Certificate (PEC) - refers to the certificate or accreditation issued
by the authorities indicating an exemption granted to a master of a vessel to pilot his own
vessel in a particular port or Pilotage District.
(h)
Pilotage License - refers to the license issued by the MARINA to a master mariner to
exercise his profession as a Harbor Pilot.
(i)
Pilotage Organization - refers to the voluntary association of Harbor Pilots duly
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). No Pilotage Organization
shall be considered as the sole or official association of Harbor Pilots in a particular port,
Pilotage District or geographical area.
(j)
Pilotage Service/s - refers to the act/s of conducting, navigating or maneuvering a
vessel to/from berth or anchorage, along channels, basins, rivers and estuaries, including all
related activities thereof, or those services required by the relevant Authorities.
(k)
Port Authority/ies - refers to a body exercising regulatory supervision over particular
ports which include the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
(SBMA), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA) and
other government port bodies or entities created under special charter that manage or operate
their own port or regulate private ports within their jurisdiction.
(l)
Tug Assistance - refers to the act of towing. pulling or pushing a vessel with the help
of specialized watercraft or watercrafts with a single or combined capacity or at least 300


Brake Horse Power (BHP) to direct or control movement and enable the vessel to maneuver 
safely. 
Sec. 5. Pilotage Board - A Pilotage Board is hereby created composed of government port 
authorities, bodies or entities with their own special charter mandated to administer or manage 
their own ports. The PPA, through its General Manager, shall serve as ex-officio Chairman of 
the Pilotage Board. The chief executive officers of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Authority of 
the Free Port Area of Bataan (AFAB), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), 
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), 
PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority (PIA) and other government bodies or entities tasked to 
supervise Pilotage Services in the country shall sit as ex-officio members of the Pilotage 
Board. The PPA shall provide technical, legal, administrative, and secretariat support to the 
Pilotage Board. 
Sec. 6. Powers, Duties and Functions. The Pilotage Board shall have the following powers, 
duties and functions: 
(a)
To promulgate and adopt, as administrative oversight, the minimum and standard rules
and regulations necessary for the enforcement and administration of Pilotage Service and the
conduct of Harbor Pilots in all Pilotage Districts in the country, which shall include, among
others, the establishment of a pilotage safety trust fund, and policy direction of applicable
administrative sanctions against erring Harbor Pilots;
(b)
To create such committees or technical working groups to facilitate its work or duties,
plans or programs;
(c)
To conduct related studies and researches on the latest developments in maritime
technology, maritime communications and vessel traffic systems, among others, for the
continuing improvement of Pilotage Services and ship navigation within the harbor limits;
(d)
To establish a comprehensive training program in coordination with the MARINA and
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for applicants or new Harbor Pilots as well as a continuing
advance training program for incumbent Harbor Pilots;
(e)
To maintain a record of the history of the Pilotage Districts, its Harbor Pilots and
records of maritime traffic and accidents, among others;
(f)
To approve Pilotage Districts taking into consideration the volume of maritime traffic
and other factors, and to determine the optimum number of Harbor Pilots within each Pilotage
District, both upon the recommendation of the Port Authority exercising regulatory supervision
over the port involved;
(g)
To recommend adjustments on pilotage fees, rates and charges, without prejudice to
proposals that may be initiated through the Port Authority pertaining to ports within such Port
Authority’s administrative jurisdiction;
(h)
To conduct investigations on maritime accidents involving Harbor Pilots in connection
with the conduct of Pilotage Services without prejudice to MARINA and PCG conducting their
separate investigation within their jurisdictions; and
(i)
To perform such other things as may be necessary, incidental or conducive to the
functions of the Pilotage Board.
Sec. 7. Open Pilotage Policy. - There shall be an open pilotage policy in every Pilotage District 
in the country.  Pilotage Service shall be provided directly by the Port Authority, or on a non-


exclusive basis, through duly accredited Pilotage Organizations or a pool of duly accredited 
Harbor Pilots. The concerned Port Authority shall ensure that shipping companies, vessel 
owners or ship agents shall be able to freely choose from at least two (2) accredited Pilotage 
Organizations or a pool of qualified Harbor Pilots in every Pilotage District. Non-membership 
in a Pilotage Organization shall not be a bar for a duly accredited Harbor Pilot to render 
Pilotage Services in a Pilotage District. A Harbor Pilot may provide Pilotage Service in more 
than one (1) pilotage district: Provided, That he is duly qualified or accredited to render 
services therein. 
Sec. 8. Compulsory Pilotage: Optional Pilotage under Certain Conditions. - As a general rule, 
pilotage in all Pilotage Districts shall be compulsory for all vessels of five hundred (500) gross 
tonnage and above when entering or leaving any Philippine port, whether owned by 
government or a private entity provided that the relevant Port Authority may modify the gross 
tonnage for compulsory pilotage based on the circumstances of its respective Pilotage District. 
Pilotage for domestic vessels below five hundred (500) gross tonnage or liners 
regularly plying Philippine ports may be optional, unless pilotage in the port concerned is 
otherwise declared or required by a Port Authority concerned, or the Pilotage Board to be 
compulsory. Where a port has been declared or required by a Port Authority to be compulsory 
for domestic vessels, the master or captain of the same vessel may be allowed to pilot his own 
vessel if he has been plying or calling on the same port for at least sixty (60) times: Provided, 
That said master or captain has been issued a special accreditation or Pilotage Exemption 
Certificate (PEC) for the same vessel and for the specific port: Provided, further. That the 
concerned Port Authority or the Pilotage Board may require additional qualifications peculiar 
to the prevailing conditions in the port or port district with respect to navigability of the channel 
or fairway, sea current, presence of derelicts and other related conditions. The Port Authority 
concerned may, if necessary, exempt any vessel or class of vessels navigating in the pilotage 
district from availing of Pilotage Services, subject to such conditions as it may deem 
appropriate. In such a situation, the said Port Authority shall take into consideration the 
physical and navigational peculiarities or the port including its channels and fairways, the size, 
type and maneuvering capability of the vessel, the existence or navigational aids, the volume 
of vessel traffic and such other factors which may affect vessel movement and the level of risk 
for such navigation. 
Sec. 9. Power to Prescribe Pilotage Tariff and Rates. -The Authorities shall, upon the 
recommendation of the Pilotage Board, have the power to prescribe and impose pilotage rates 
and charges for every Pilotage Service rendered in every Pilotage District, including any 
special service, if any. In no case shall the Authorities impose pilotage rates and charges for 
pilotage and special services without prior notice and public consultation. Pilotage rates and 
charges for every Pilotage Service rendered in every Pilotage District, including any special 
service, must be published on the website of the Authorities, as well as in a conspicuous place 
to be determined by the Port Authorities in each port covered by a Pilotage District. Any 
pilotage rate or charge imposed beyond the published rate shall be void. The pilotage fees 
and charges applicable to vessels existing upon the effectivity of this Act shall continue to 
apply until such time as new rates and charges are prescribed and imposed by the Authorities 
as may be necessary. In the rationalization or adjustment of pilotage rates, the Authorities shall 
require the Pilotage Organizations to submit their Audited Financial Statements for such period 
as may be needed for the proper evaluation of such rate rationalization or adjustment. 
Sec. 10. Government Share. Whether the Pilotage Service is performed by a Pilotage 
Organization or individual accredited Harbor Pilot, the concerned Port Authority shall, in 
consideration of the grant or such privilege or authorities and for the use of the port facilities, 
be entitled to a government share of at least ten (10%) percent of the gross income derived 
from Pilotage Services whether billed/unbilled and collected/uncollected, be paid directly to 
the Port Authority or entity where the Pilotage Service was rendered not later than the fifth day 
of the succeeding month when the Pilotage Service was rendered, exclusive of the Valued 


Added Tax (VAT) applicable: Provided. That nothing in this Act shall limit the concerned Port 
Authority or entity from adopting other modes or collection procedure. 
Sec. 11. Accreditation Qualifications for a Harbor Pilot. -To be accredited and authorized to 
render Pilotage Service in a specific Pilotage District or port, a Harbor Pilot must have the 
following qualifications: 
a) A Filipino citizen;
b) Not more than fifty-five (55) years old at time of application;
c) Of sound physical and mental condition as well as of good moral character;
d) Holder of a valid Pilotage License issued by MARINA;
e) Holder of a valid Master Mariner license;
f)
Sufficient knowledge of the relevant issuances of the Port Authority concerned;
g) Able to communicate fluently in English as determined by the Port Authority; and
h) Such other relevant qualifications required by the Port Authority concerned.
An application for a Harbor Pilot accreditation must be filed with the Port Authority that 
has jurisdiction over the port or Pilotage District where the applicant desires to render Pilotage 
Services. The Pilotage Board shall promulgate a minimum uniform and nation-wide standard 
rules, regulations and procedures regarding qualifications, experience required, physical 
fitness and other documentary requirements for application for Harbor Pilots. The following 
criteria shall be considered in the evaluation of the applicant, among others: education, 
relevant trainings, age, length of service or experience as a ship captain or master of foreign 
or domestic vessels, length or service as a Harbor Pilot in other Pilotage Districts, and tonnage 
of vessels handled. An applicant must have no direct or indirect personal interest in any 
business or activity, nor directly or indirectly derive income from any tugboat operation or any 
other ancillary service within the jurisdiction of the Port Authority where the application for 
accreditation is filed. Violation of this prohibition shall be a ground for immediate cancelation 
of accreditation. 
Sec. 12. Accreditation Term of a Harbor Pilot. The accreditation of a qualified Harbor Pilot shall 
have a term of five (5) years, which term may be renewable for the same period, until they 
reach the mandatory retirement age. The mandatory retirement age shall be seventy (70) 
years old for Harbor Pilots accredited prior to the effectivity of this Act, and sixty-five (65) years 
old for those accredited subsequent to the effectivity or this Act: Provided, that they shall 
undergo a revalidation process to be conducted by the MARINA in accordance with the 
International Convention on Standards or Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for 
Seafarers (STCW) every five (5) years thereafter. 
Sec. 13. Duties, Responsibilities and Discipline of Harbor Pilots. -The rules, regulations and 
procedures promulgated by the Pilotage Board shall cover not only the control and supervision 
of Pilotage Service in the country but also the conduct, duties, responsibilities and discipline 
of Harbor Pilots.  The Port Authorities may impose additional duties and responsibilities of 
Harbor Pilots rendering Pilotage Services in the respective Port Districts as long as they are 
consistent with rules, regulations and procedures promulgated by the Pilotage Board. All 
Harbor Pilots must, at all times, observe the terms and conditions set forth in the Pilotage 
License and accreditation. The Port Authority concerned may impose disciplinary action on 
the Harbor Pilots if the subject matter of the complaint or issue involves the Pilotage Services 
in the port of the accrediting Port Authority concerned, without prejudice to any review by the 
Pilotage Board, Provided that:  implementation and execution of disciplinary action imposed 
by the Port Authority on the matter shall be subject to the rules, issuances and guidelines of 
the Port Authority concerned. 
Sec. 14. Pilotage Organization. -The Harbor Pilots in a Pilotage District may organize 
themselves into a corporation, partnership or association which shall adopt its own rules or 
by-laws: Provided, That such rules or by-laws shall not contravene the rules and regulations 


promulgated by the Pilotage Board. In addition, such by-laws or rules shall be submitted to 
the Port Authority or entity where such Pilotage Organization operates, together with the 
record of such corporation, partnership or association, which shall contain, among others, the 
roster of its officers and members, details of the vessels serviced, marine accidents involved, 
marine protests filed and financial information on collection and expenditures. 
Sec. 15. Tug Assistance: Compulsory Tug Assistance, When Required – Tug assistance shall 
be compulsory under the following circumstances: 
a) When the size or tonnage of the vessel, or the peculiar conditions in the port or
channel, as may be determined by the Port Authority concerned or entity, requires tug
assistance;
b) During prevailing conditions in the port such as strong current, wind factor or inclement
weather or any condition or situation affecting safe navigation;
c) When the vessel is incapable or maneuvering itself;
d) When the vessel opts to avail of tug assistance, even if under normal conditions tug
assistance is not necessary: and
e) Such other situations, as may be determined by the concerned Port Authorities.
Under normal conditions, any vessel may be allowed to maneuver in port without tug 
assistance. Nonetheless, the respective Port Authority shall determine when a vessel must be 
assisted by a tugboat or set or tugboats to ensure its safe navigation or maneuvering towards 
its desired berth or destination.  
The master or ship captain, vessel owner or agent shall have a free choice of tugboat 
operators or in the selection or procurement of tugboats: Provided, That, it is the required 
minimum towing or pushing capacity. Considering the paramount consideration for pilotage 
and towage services is public convenience, pilots with existing accreditation, as well as 
members, employees and officers or Pilotage Organizations, including their relatives by 
consanguinity within the fourth  civil  degree,  are  prohibited  from  being stockholders, owners, 
officers, or employees of a towage company, or from holding any other interest in a towage 
company or tugboat operation, or from receiving any form or remuneration, directly or 
indirectly, from towage companies or the operation or tug boat services. 
However, Harbor Pilots who operated tugboat services prior to the effectivity of this Act 
shall be given a period of two (2) years from such effectivity to divest themselves of such 
business interest. 
Sec. 16. Liability for Damages. - In general, the master of the vessel retains the ultimate 
responsibility for the safety of the vessel, crew, passengers and cargoes. However, the 
individual Harbor Pilot, in case of pool of accredited Harbor Pilots, or the Pilotage Organization 
who provides Pilotage Service to a vessel on pilotage grounds, shall be responsible/liable for 
the damage caused to said vessel or to life or property due to his negligence, fault or failure 
in performing his duties as a Harbor Pilot, where such duties include but are not limited to 
being in charge of   vessel navigation in terms of speed, course, observance of pilotage rules 
and regulations, and the like. The individual Harbor Pilot/Pilotage Organization concerned can 
only be absolved from liability if the accident is caused by negligence, fault or failure  of the 
master of the vessel in performing his duties under the circumstances such as but not limited 
to  providing suitable equipment and sufficient personnel, timely intervening when  the Harbor 
Pilot is obviously incapacitated or incompetent,  or by force majeure or natural calamities: 
Provided that extra diligence was exercised to prevent or minimize the damage. 
In cases when the master of the vessel under pilotage has countermanded or overruled 
the command of the Harbor Pilot on board, any damage caused to the vessel or to life or 
property by reason of the fault or negligence of such master of the vessel shall be the 
responsibility of the owner of the vessel concerned without prejudice to his recourse against 
the master of the vessel.  
The Harbor Pilot and the master of the vessel shall be solidarily liable for damage 
caused to the vessel or to life or property by reason of their concurrent fault or negligence or 


non-performance of duties: Provided, That in case the owner of the vessel be made 
responsible, the same shall be without prejudice to lawful recourse against the master of the 
vessel, the Harbor Pilot or Pilotage Organization, as the case may be. 
Sec. 17. Penalties. - Any violation of the provisions of this Act, including the charging of fees 
beyond the rates to be published pursuant to Section 9 hereof or the prohibition against conflict 
of interest under Section 15 hereof, the terms and conditions  of the accreditation  or Pilotage 
License, or  the pertinent rules and regulations on pilotage by a pilot or Pilotage Organization 
shall, after due notice and hearing by the concerned Port Authority, be penalized by a fine of 
not less than One hundred thousand pesos (PhP 100,000.00) but not to exceed Five hundred 
thousand pesos (PhP 500,000.00) and suspension of the accreditation from three (3) to twelve 
(12) months, or cancellation thereof. The Port Authority concerned may also recommend to
the MARINA the revocation of license of a Harbor Pilot who violates this Act.
Any violation committed by a tug-boat operator shall, after due notice and hearing by 
the MARINA, be administratively penalized by suspension of the certificate or public 
convenience or pertinent permit for not less than three (3) months but not more than twelve 
(12) months, or the cancellation thereof. Penalties shall be without prejudice to fines or
penalties that may be imposed by the concerned Port Authority.
Sec. 18. Transitory Provisions. -  Harbor Pilots duly authorized to render Pilotage Services 
prior to the effectivity and implementation of this Act shall continue to exercise their profession 
until they reach the mandatory retirement age, subject to revalidation requirement under 
Section 12 or this Act. They shall be given preference over new applicants as long as they 
have substantially complied with the requirements promulgated pursuant to this Act. All rules, 
regulations, administrative orders, circulars and related issuances on Pilotage Services 
promulgated by the different Port Authorities shall continue to apply until otherwise updated, 
repealed or modified by the Pilotage Board. 
Sec. 19. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Following the effectivity or this Act, the Pilotage 
Board shall immediately convene and promulgate the necessary implementing rules and 
regulations of this Act within a period of ninety (90) days from its effectivity taking into 
consideration, and adopting as may be applicable, the existing issuances, rules and 
regulations of Port Authorities, including the PPA, insofar as consistent with this Act.  
Sec. 20. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared as unconstitutional 
or invalid by a court of competent authority, the remaining provisions which are not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
Sec. 21. Repealing Clause. - Executive Order No. 1088 dated February 3, 1986, is hereby 
repealed. Other laws, decrees, issuances. rules and regulations, or any part thereof: which 
are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions or this Act, are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
Sec. 22. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved,