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DATE July 5,2022
TIME 3:44PM *
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bey
Quezon City

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NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS L-)

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First Regular Session Q Inve’

Republic of the Philippines

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House Bill No. 1237

Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Odette, Yolanda, Covid-19 and others. These names will always remind us
how mother nature challenged our resiliency and adaptability to govern. These
events judged the timeliness and efficacy of our policies and how we put it in
action. Mother nature showed how we adapted to survive.

‘Action towards foresight mitigates risk. Government proved this when
Sen. Sotto in 1996 filed a bill establishing the local calamity fund. This
amendment in the Local Government Code allowed local government units to
respond during and after disasters with haste, and within the bounds of laws.
Yet, we must not forget that it is the experience of Sen. Sotto that brought about
the urgency in him to push for the amendment of RA 7160. In 1991, Sen. Sotto
was a Vice Mayor of Quezon City when Mt. Pinatubo erupted and the Quezon
City Government took in the people affected by the eruption. ‘The small amount
of budget savings and law limited the City Government's response to assist the
people. Acting towards foresight and from experience, Sen. Sotto wasted no time
to equip and prepare our local government. We may be unable measure the
impact that the amendment generated, but we cannot also deny the benefits it
effected.

‘The 5% calamity fund provided by the Local Government Code must
adapt with time. The Judicial branch recognised this adaptation through the
Mandanas ruling, This increased the fiscal resources of the local government
units, Also, the Executive Branch adapted to change by issuing E.0. 138,s.2021

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which devolved some functions of the National Government to the Local
Governments. This devolution of functions aims to strengthen local autonomy
and the full use of financial resources. In the past 2 years we have seen our Local
governments fulfilling their mandate despite the obstacles of the pandemic. We
have seen our officials rising up to challenge, by meeting new demands that
neither of us are trained for.

In view thereof, this Bill aims to increase the present 5% calamity fund to
10%. This is a recognition of the unconventional demand in government response
because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Further, this will allow our local government
units fluidity in fiscal spending in times of need.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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© we Vauesune

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH (19th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 1237

Introduced by: Hon. Ma. Victoria Co - Pilar

AND ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO, 8185, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS AND ACT AMMENDING SECTION 324(D) OF REPUBLIC ATCT NO.
7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF

1991
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1, Section 324 (d) (as amended) of Republic Act No. 7160 is
hereby amended to read as follows:

“(d) Ten Percent (10%) of the estimated revenue from regular

sources shall be set aside as annual lumpsum appropriations for
relief, rehabi

tion, reconstruction and other works or services in
connection with calamities and pandemics which may occur
during the budget year: Provided, however, That such fund shall
be used only in the area, or a portion thereof, of the local
government unit or other areas affected by a disaster, calamity or
pandemic as determined and declared by the local sanggunian
concerned.”

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SECTION 2. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in
force and effect.

SECTION 17. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, orders and rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 18. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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