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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Since the creation of the Commission of Volcanology in 1952, under Republic 
Act No. 766, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has 
gone through several reorganizations. Through Executive Order No. 784, series of 1982 
the group was transferred to the National Science and Technology Authority (now the 
Department of Science and Technology) and through Executive Order 984, series of 
1984, seismology was subsequently diverged from the Philippine Atmospheric 
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. From a non-staffed 
Commission, PHIVOLCS has emerged into an Institute that is more responsive and 
attuned to the vision of the Philippine government for a resilient community. 
It is common knowledge that the Philippines sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and 
hosts 24 active volcanoes, 27 potentially active volcanoes and numerous  active faults 
and trenches capable of producing large magnitude earthquakes that can result in 
disasters and disrupt life in communities.  
Additionally, at least 60% of the country’s total land area is exposed to multiple 
hazards, and 74% of the population is susceptible to their impacts. Sixty-six out of 81 
provinces in the Philippines are coastal, and are therefore, exposed to tsunami threats. 
The total coastal population in the Philippines based on the 2015 PSA data is 64.7 
million, or almost 61.6 % of the total population.  
With the given statistics, it is no wonder that the World Risk Index for 2022 
ranks the Philippines on top of 193 countries evaluated. This puts serious pressure on 
agencies such as PHIVOLCS to deliver accurate, swift, timely information, warning, 
and disaster monitoring, specifically on volcano, earthquake and tsunami events. 
Given our country’s natural vulnerability, as demonstrated by most recent 
disaster events in Taal Volcano, the earthquakes in Ormoc, Leyte, Bohol Province, 
among others, there is a need to augment and enhance the monitoring and warning 
capabilities of PHIVOLCS.  
March 14, 2023
5:35 pm
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Of the 24 active volcanoes, only 10 are currently being monitored. And out of 
the 10 monitored volcanoes, only two are  instrumented with all required station types.  
PHIVOLCS has also mapped numerous active faults transecting densely 
populated cities, and in the last ten years, these faults have generated a total of  seven 
(7) major earthquakes and several strong earthquakes. Many of these earthquakes are
damaging. There is, therefore, a need to increase the density of the Institute’s seismic
stations  to better understand future earthquake occurrences.
Since 1952, PHIVOLCS has evolved from a simple monitoring and warning 
agency to an Institute that also conducts hazard mapping, as well as other specialized 
research and development (R&D) activities. This includes, most recently, the 
employment of PHIVOLCS’ HazardHunterPH by commercial enterprises such as 
banks, as guide in properly locating business operations. The rapid growth in demand 
for such services has put pressure in the institutes human resource management.  
Furthermore, the National Government is also requesting PHIVOLCS to 
conduct assessments on various government projects using in-house developed 
technologies. These additional demands stretch the capacities of the institute’s already 
lean staff with research, mapping and hazard monitoring capabilities. PHIVOLCS has 
adapted by hiring temporary staff to handle technical support services, but 
unfortunately this is not sustainable. Without security of tenure, there is always the 
possibility that these temporarily-hired staff will leave the institute, and with them, their 
acquired skills.  
As PHIVOLCS expertise remains at the forefront in the forecast and 
determination of risks related to volcano, earthquake, tsunamis and its related hazards, 
there is therefore an urgent need to augment the number of plantilla positions of 
PHIVOLCS in order to meet the growing demands of its stakeholders.  
In view of the foregoing, the enactment of this bill is urgently sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE 
INSTITUTE OF VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY (PHIVOLCS), 
PROVIDING 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 “PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to utilize scientific 
and technical knowledge and information as an effective instrument to ensure the 
safety, well-being and economic security of the people; to safeguard the environment; 
and to promote national progress and sustainable socio-economic development through 
various applications of geology, geophysics, geodetic engineering and allied sciences. 
The State also recognizes the need to strengthen the capability of government personnel 
tasked to monitor volcanic and seismological activities and other related services and 
information to the public. Towards this end, the State shall undertake the modernization 
of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to improve its 
technological operational capacity, strengthen its role as the premier national volcano 
and earthquake monitoring agency and to attain its vision as a center of excellence for 
related information services. 
SEC. 3. Objectives. – Pursuant to the foregoing policy, the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program shall be implemented in accordance with the following 
objectives: 
(a)
To upgrade physical resources and operational techniques through the
acquisition and development of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment,
facilities and systems to enhance current capabilities in providing useful, timely,
accurate and reliable volcanic and seismological data and localized warning and
information services for use in decision-making in disaster preparedness,
climate change adaptation, water resources management, agriculture,
transportation, health, tourism and other sectors;
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(b) 
To enhance research and development capabilities by adopting a 
rationalized and integrated approach with focus on the improvement of basic 
operations and specialized services; 
 
(c) 
To integrate disaster risk reduction and management in the sustainable 
socio-economic development planning at the national and local levels in 
coordination with appropriate government agencies and other entities; 
 
(d) 
To strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the 
various providers and users of geological, seismological and other services as 
well as to provide for the appropriate mechanisms for this purpose; 
 
(e) 
To establish and enhance volcanic and seismological activity monitoring 
service centers in strategic areas in the country to broaden the agency base for 
the delivery of service in the countryside; 
 
(f) 
To strengthen a technology-based data center consistent with 
international standards to make information available to those involved, whether 
from the government or private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Plans, among others; 
 
(g) 
To enhance public information, education and advocacy on geological 
activities, as well as their impacts, risks and vulnerability; 
 
(h) 
To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of information, 
products and services to decision makers, media, other users and the general 
public; and 
 
(i) 
To provide a more competitive base pay and other benefits for its 
personnel in order to promote professionalism and commitment to the service. 
 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – the following terms are defined as follows: 
 
(1) 
Seismology – the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of 
the earth connected with earthquakes; 
 
(2) 
Tsunami - a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and 
period usually generated by a violent, impulsive undersea disturbance or activity 
near the coast or in the ocean; and 
 
(3) 
Volcanology – is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash or tephra fall 
and related geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena. 
 
 
SEC. 5. Mandate. – The PHIVOLCS shall hereby be mandated to perform the 
following: 
a. 
Predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and their 
related geotectonic phenomena; 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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b. 
Determine how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and   
areas likely to be affected; 
c. 
Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, 
forecast and warning system; 
d. 
Provide appropriate volcano, earthquake and tsunami products and 
services for disaster preparedness;  
e.  
Coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
Council (NDRRMC), the Department of National Defense (DND), and other 
relevant agencies on all matters involving volcano, earthquake and tsunamic 
events;  
f.  
Coordinate and support Local Government Units (LGUs) in determining 
localized hazard maps for volcano, earthquake and tsunami; and  
g. Provide timely, quality and socially inclusive information and services for 
warning, disaster preparedness and mitigation.                  
 
SEC. 6. Organizational Structure.--  The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached 
agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy 
and program coordination, to ensure alignment in national science and technology 
policies and priorities.  
 
It shall be headed by an Executive Director V with the rank and compensation of a 
Department Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon 
recommendation by the Secretary of the DOST. 
 
The Executive Director V shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive Director V 
for Operations Services; Research and Development and Science and Technology 
(S&T) Services; and Administration, Finance and General Services, all with the rank 
and compensation of a Department Assistant Secretary to be appointed by the President. 
 
SEC. 7. Qualifications. – No person shall be appointed as Executive Director V 
unless that person is a natural-born citizen and a resident of the Philippines, of good 
moral character, has an advanced degree in geology, geodetic engineering, 
volcanology, physics, and other related fields and possesses demonstrated competence 
and expertise by way of at least five (5) years of experience in volcanology, geophysics, 
and or allied sciences. Provided, That the Executive Director V and the three (3) Deputy 
Executive Director V shall be career executive officers. 
 
SEC. 8. Components of Modernization. – The PHIVOLCS modernization shall 
have the following components: 
 
(a) 
Upgrading and maintenance of all PHIVOLCS physical resources and 
operational techniques.--  All physical resources and operational techniques of 
PHIVOLCs must be considered for upgrade, in favor of state-of-the-art 
instruments, equipment, facilities, systems, and operational techniques, with 
emphasis on volcano, earthquake and tsunami monitoring and warning system; 
Provided, That prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, an inventory of existing 
government and private, volcanic and seismological instruments nationwide 
shall be undertaken: Provided, further, that the acquisition of new instruments, 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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equipment and systems shall be harmonized with the phase-out of uneconomical 
and obsolete instruments, equipment and systems in the PHIVOLCS inventory; 
 
(b) 
Sustained adoption of continually evolving technologies for eruption 
early warning. -- The national government shall keep abreast with the latest in 
S&T to ensure public safety through investments in state-of-the-art systems to 
customized off-the-shelf instruments;  
 
(c) 
 Development and maintenance of a national Volcano Monitoring 
network infrastructure. – PHIVOLCS shall develop and maintain a 
technologically advanced monitoring system for all active volcanoes of the 
Philippines, to ensure early warning of volcanic activity, even for volcanoes 
with long periods of dormancy;  
 
(d) 
Development and maintenance of a national Earthquake and Tsunami 
Monitoring and Information System. – PHIVOLCS shall establish, operate and 
maintain an advanced infrastructure for earthquake and tsunami monitoring 
throughout the Philippines operating under high performance standards, with 
the ability to gather critical technical data, and effectively provides information 
products and services to meet the needs of the Philippine government and the 
public; 
 
(e) 
Long-term protection/ conservation of built structures. -- PHIVOLCS 
shall establish baseline data on earthquake shaking at ground sites of buildings 
and critical lifeline structures, especially in urban areas and areas near major 
active fault.  
 
(g) 
Establishment of the PHIVOLCS headquarters building. PHIVOLCS 
shall oversee the acquisition of land, design and construct the PHIVOLCS 
headquarters to house the Data Receiving/ Operation Centers for real-time 
volcano, earthquake and tsunami monitoring. This shall ensure stability and 
protection of government investments on scientific, technical equipment and 
research laboratories. 
 
(i) 
Enhancement of public information and linkages with Local 
Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. -This shall include 
continuous sharing of information to LGUs and other stakeholders that help in 
the disaster planning, preparation, disaster mitigation, among others; 
 
(j) 
Enhancement of volcanic, earthquake and tsunami public information  
and linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. – 
PHIVOLCS shall develop a communication strategy to reach and connect with 
the general publicl LGUs and other relevant stakeholders, using plain and 
applicable local language, nontechnical terms and familiar graphical 
presentations, in combination with science-based information that will ensure 
the delivery of accurate, up-to-date and timely earthquake, tsunami, and 
volcano-related information to create greater public awareness and draw 
appropriate response for disaster risk reduction: Provided, that PHIVOLCS shall 
partner with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), various Sentro ng Wika 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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at Kultura, Philippine Commission on Women, and other rights-based 
organizations for the development or enhancement of socially-inclusive 
products. PHIVOLCS shall collaborate with both public and private 
organizations to effectively disseminate data and products. 
 
(k) 
Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). 
-  The HRDP of PHIVOLCS shall continue to be aligned with the strategic goals 
of the Institute. This shall ensure that personnel are provided equal opportunities 
for self-improvement to be competent, motivated to work and rewarded.       
 
Complementation and capacity-building of a wide-range of experts in 
volcanology and seismology and  to efficiently develop, operate and maintain 
advanced monitoring systems and distill accurate volcano, earthquake and 
tsunami information for public guidance. Support to continued professional 
learning will further ensure skills development and motivation that will translate 
to better S&T services. 
 
SEC. 9. Whole-of-Government Approach. – This Act shall be implemented 
using a "whole of government approach," to ensure proper coordination of various 
aspects in disaster resilience risk mitigation, and response across all areas of 
government; namely, local governance, education, communication, science and 
technology, among others. 
 
 
SEC. 10. Collaboration and linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs). – 
As part of the institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the local 
government shall be enhanced to cover the following areas: 
 
(a) 
Coordination in land use zoning. -- PHIVOLCS and LGUs shall coordinate in 
appropriately zoning of areas found to be within fault lines or high risk of volcanic and 
earthquake hazard; 
 
(b) 
Information Dissemination. -- PHIVOLCS shall work closely with the national 
and local disaster agencies in crafting appropriate information messages and in planning 
information dissemination communication channels to ensure accurate, timely and 
pervasive reach to localized target audiences;  
 
(c) 
Awareness and Promotion. – LGUs and PHIVOLCS shall partner in creating 
outreach communication programs designed to promote public awareness of the nature 
of the geotectonic hazards, the risks to personal safety and property, and appropriate 
actions in personal disaster resilience, risk reduction and response during actual 
volcano, earthquake and tsunami events; and 
 
(d) 
Technical Review. -- The LGUs shall contribute in reviewing localized research, 
information exchange and coordination of local projects to ensure disaster resilience 
and readiness; 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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SEC. 11. Components of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). 
– The HDRP program shall include the following components shall include the 
following: 
 
(a) 
New Salary Scale for PHIVOLCS Personnel. – The Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PHIVOLCS personnel in 
consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, as amended otherwise known as the “Magna 
Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology 
Personnel in Government,” with a corresponding increase in the base pay, allowances 
and other benefits; 
 
(b)  
PHIVOLCS shall reassess its human resource requirements resulting from 
organizational changes pursuant to this Act, in consultation with DBM. 
 
(c) 
PHIVOLCS Personnel Retention Incentive. – An additional incentive to be 
known as the “Personnel Retention Incentive” shall be provided to qualified 
PHIVOLCS personnel, to be determined by PHIVOLCS in consultation with DBM in 
an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the monthly basic salary subject to 
the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which shall be hereinafter formulated;  
 
(d) 
Scholarship Program. – Not later than three (3) years from the enactment of this 
Act, scholarships shall be provided for undergraduate and graduate studies in           
volcano- and seismology-related fields  as well as for specialized training programs, in 
coordination with the DOST, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Higher 
Education Institutions (HEIs). Cooperation on human resources upgrading and 
capability enhancement with regional and international organizations shall also be 
undertaken; and 
 
(d) 
Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program. – This shall 
entail the development of appropriate collaborative arrangements with relevant regional 
and international bodies and government institutions to complement the national effort 
for modernization. 
 
SEC. 12. Role in Disaster Resilience, Preparedness, Mitigation, Actual Event 
Management and Post-event. – The institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS shall 
fortify the role of PHIVOLCS in various aspects of disaster resilience, risk reduction 
and management of volcano, earthquake and tsunami events. This shall include, but 
shall not be limited to: 
1) Enhancing the availability, dissemination and appreciation of science-based 
information to target stakeholders to effect appropriate response actions before, during 
and post occurrences of said hazards.  There shall be provision for: 
 
(a) 
Fully equipped and well-staffed learning / training centers that shall 
serve as platforms for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating 
capacity development programs for various stakeholders regarding mitigation 
and preparedness for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami-related 
hazards; 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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(b) 
A knowledge management system aimed at producing information that 
are easily absorbed, recalled and applied by the public at large, Provided, that 
information are expressed in manners that are culturally relevant, gender-
responsive, and disability-inclusive.; 
 
(c) 
 A multi-channel and multi-directional communication strategy and 
standardized procedures that shall ensure access to and effective dissemination 
of useful information on volcano, earthquake and tsunami disaster preparedness, 
risk reduction, and emergency response to intended stakeholders and the public; 
and 
 
2) Close operational coordination with National Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Council (NDRRMC), Department of National Defense (DND) 
and other relevant government agencies, including the following, but not limited 
to, the following aspects: 
 
(a) Research, monitoring, data and overall advisory function with regard to all 
matters on volcano, earthquake and tsunami; 
(b) Advisory assistance in disaster resilience planning; and 
(c) Advisory assistance in forecasting and monitoring disaster events involving 
volcano, earthquake and tsunami. 
 
SEC. 13. Formulation and Submission of the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Program. – The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS in coordination with the 
Secretary of the DBM and the Director-General of the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA), shall formulate the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Program and oversee its implementation based on the policy objectives provided in this 
Act. 
 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Program shall indicate the following items, among 
others: 
 
(a) 
PHIVOLCS requirements in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities during 
the various stages of modernization; 
 
(b) 
The modernization projects, which shall indicate the equipment and technology 
acquisitions, including major construction or upgrade of facility and the particular 
objective and component to which such intended acquisition, construction and 
upgrading belongs to; and 
 
(c) 
The priorities, schedules and estimated cost of each modernization project. 
 
SEC. 14. Period of Implementation. -- The modernization program under this 
Act shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) years: Provided, that 
payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend 
beyond this period. Provided, further, that PHIVOLCS shall continue to modernize and 
constantly update its operational capabilities to keep pace with best international 
practices. 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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SEC. 15. PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund. – There is hereby created the 
PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program, which shall be sourced from the following: 
 
(a) 
 The amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the 
share of the National Government in the gross income of the Bases Conversion and 
Development Authority (BCDA). For two (2) years after the effectivity of this Act, an 
amount of two billion five hundred million pesos (P2,500,000,000.00) per year shall be 
released to the PHIVOLCS. The entire amount of five billion pesos 
(P5,000,000,000.00), including any interest income thereon, shall be used exclusively 
for capital outlay. 
 
(b) 
Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign sources. 
The Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the NEDA and subsequently the 
Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the authority to enter into loan 
agreements with foreign financial institutions. 
 
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive Director 
of the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and 
auditing rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 16. Annual Report. – The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS shall 
prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Program which shall be submitted through the DOST Secretary, to the 
President and to the Chairpersons of the Committee on Science and Technology of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives not later than June 30      of the succeeding 
year. 
 
 
SEC. 17. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and 
contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose of the PHIVOLCS 
shall be exempt from donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable 
deduction from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the 
donor, in accordance with Sec. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 
1997, as amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or possession of 
real or personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes. 
 
SEC. 18. Procurement of Scientific and Technical Materials, Equipment, and 
Services. - The PHIVOLCS shall undertake the procurement of scientific and technical 
materials, equipment, and services in its operation and administration, in the most 
expeditious manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of procurement 
that it deems fit based on its identified needs and requirements depending on the 
existing conditions and requirements that justify the use of a particular alternative 
modality provided for by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government 
Procurement Reform Act" and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). 
 
SEC. 19. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions. - Importation 
and consignments of equipment shall benefit from: 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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(a) 
Exemption from all duties and taxes; 
 
(b) 
Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of 
special goods and equipment that may be indicated by the PHIVOLCS;   
 
(c) 
Clearance without regards to the country of origin or the country from which 
the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public health and security; 
and 
 
(d) 
Immediate release of urgent, necessary monitoring equipment when there is an 
ongoing volcanic eruption. 
 
Sec. 20. Simplification of Documentation Requirements. -  
 
(a) Consignments of equipment sent by international collaborative research partners 
shall be cleared or released on the basis of a simplified equipment declaration providing 
the minimum information necessary for the Bureau of Customs to identify the 
equipment and object, when deemed necessary, to completion of a more complete 
declaration within a specified period; and 
 
(b) The requirements for the declaration for all imports of equipment by or on behalf of 
international collaborative research partners and any supporting documents relating to 
it, release and clearance shall be simplified and lodged without fee. 
 
SEC. 21. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the 
implementation of this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year 
appropriations of the DOST – PHIVOLCS. Thereafter, the amount needed for the 
continued implementation of the modernization program, shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within ninety (90) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, the PHIVOLCS shall issue the IRR for the effective 
implementation of this Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 
 
SEC. 23. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 25. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in one (1) national newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
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