NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
©il'sfp of U)--t'‘ z'
72 JUL26 P6 36
S. No.
SENATE
894
Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa
AN ACT
CREATING THE LAKE LANAO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DEFINING ITS 
POWERS, FUNCTIONS, AND DUTIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Lake Lanao, with an inland water area of 336 hectares and surface area at 
36,000 hectares, is the oldest lake and second largest lake in the Philippines. It is 
considered the ancestral domicile of the Meranaw or more commonly called as 
Maranao. It was proclaimed a watershed reserve on February 26, 1992 by virtue of 
Proclamation No. 871.1 Despite the presidential proclamation and the evident 
importance of the lake, it continues to deteriorate and face serious environmental 
problems due to unsustainable and human practices and activities.
On August 1, 2015, the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) 
under the Department of Science and Technology started the first comprehensive 
research program for Lake Lanao. According to NCRP which published its studies in 
2018, the weak lake governance can further deteriorate the condition of the lake 
which may become detrimental to people's health and wellness. Further, the 
research concluded that water quality of the lake is worsening causing the lake to 
suffer from loss of endemic fish. Around eighteen native fish species in the lake have
1 https://www.officiaIgazette.gov.ph/1992/02/26/proclamation-no-871-s-1992/


gone extinct. In addition, according to DOST-NRCP last February 18, 2021, the lake 
was reportedly deteriorating due to increased human population and activities 
around the lake, that's why there is a need to conserve the lake's good condition 
especially now that the people have resettled back near the lake after the Narawi 
siege.2
We need to guarantee the sustainability of the biodiversity of Lake Lanao 
which has been considered as the heart of the Maranao people's spiritual, cultural, 
social, political and economic life. It serves as a fisheries resource, transport route, 
recreational area, and water supply for domestic and agricultural uses of the local 
populace. Since 1990, the lake has served as a reservoir with the construction of the 
Agus River Dam and operation of the National Power Corporation's hydroelectric 
plants (Agus I-VI), which supply up to the 70% of Mindanao's energy with 727 
megawatts.3
Without proper governance and conservation efforts. Lake Lanao will no 
longer be sustainable not only for marine life but for humas as well. The proposed 
bill seeks to establish the Lake Lanao Development Authority with the objective of 
promoting biodiversity; accelerating a balanced growth; and ecological preservation 
of Lake Lanao and its surrounding cities and municipalities. All of these within the 
context of sustainable growth, with due regard and adequate provisions for 
environmental management and control, preservation of the quality of human life 
and ecological systems, and the prevention of undue environmental disturbances, 
deterioration, and pollution.
In view of the foregoing, I urge the earnestly passage of this bill.
RONALD "BATOXdELA ROSA
2https://www.dost.gov.ph/know!edge-resources/news/72-2021-news/2129-lal<e-lanao-one-of-the-wor!d-s-17- 
ancient-lakes-remains-pristine-study-says.html 
3 https://www.agriculture.eom.ph/2018/06/13/saving-lake-lanao/


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
894
; ■ , !:
V-i){ tin ‘r
*22 JUL26 P6 37
RlXtiVi: jBf.
Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa
AN ACT
CREATING THE LAKE LANAO DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DEFINING ITS 
POWERS, FUNCTIONS, AND DUTIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Lake Lanao
2 
Development Authority Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
promote and accelerate a balanced growth and progress of Lake Lanao and its
5 
surrounding cities and municipalities, within the context of sustainable growth, for
6 
the development of Mindanao with due regard and adequate provisions for
7 
environmental management and control, preservation of the quality of human life
8 
and ecological systems, and the prevention of undue ecological disturbances,
9 
deterioration and pollution.
.10 
Sec. 3. Lake Lanao Development Authority. - There is hereby created and
11 
established Lake Lanao Development Authority, hereafter referrc^d to as the
12 
"Authority" and organized within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity
13 
of this Act.
14 
Sec. 4. Composition. - The Authority shall consist of a Board of Directors,
15 
hereinafter referred to as the "Board" which shall be composed of a Chairman and
16 
six (6) Members, to be appointed by the President: Provided, that at least two (2) of
17 
the Members of the Board must be residents of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte.


1 
No person sha!! be appointed as Chairman of Member of the Board unless he
2 
or she is a citizen and resident of the Philippines, at least thirty-five (35) years of
3 
age, and of good moral character, recognized integrity and competency in the field
4 
of public administration, economic planning, resource management or in the
5 
establishment and management of large agricultural, industrial or commercial
6 
enterprises.
7 
The term of office for the Board shall be for a period of six (6) years, unless
8 
sooner removed or incapacitated: Provided, That in case of any vacancy in the
9 
Board, the same shall be filled by the President for the unexpired term.
10 
For purposes of this Act, the Authority created under this Section shall identify
11 
the surrounding cities and municipalities within its jurisdiction which shall be known
12 
as the "Area".
13 
Sec. 5. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Authority through the Board
14 
shall have the following powers and functions:
15 
a. To periodically conduct, monitor, and update a comprehensive survey of Lake
16 
Lanao and its surrounding area including its socio-economic conditions, water
17 
quantity and quality in the lake proper and all its major tributary rivers,
18 
hydrologic characteristics, power potentials, scenic and tourist spots,
19 
conservation of water resources and such other areas of concerns, and
20 
thereafter craft a comprehensive and detailed Master Plan: Provided, That the
21 
implementation of all fisheries plans, projects, and programs of the Authority
22 
shall require prior consultation with the Bureau of Aquatic Resources to
23 
ensure that such plans, programs and projects are consistent with the
24 
national fisheries plans and programs;
25 
b. To promote or engage in agricultural, industrial, tourism, comnnercial or other
26 
activities necessary or directly contributory to the socioeconomic development
27 
of the Area, and, for this purpose, whether by itself or by cooperation with
28 
private entities, may organize, finance, invest in, and operate subsidiary
29 
corporations;
30 
c. To study and approve all plans, programs and projects proposed by the local
31 
government units, public corporations, and private entities which is related to
32 
the utilization of the resources and the development of Lake l.anao and the


1 
surrounding area, and monitor the proper implementation of said plans,
2 
programs and projects consistent with the objectives and purposes of this
3 
Act: Provided, That the Authority cannot approve any such plans, programs
4 
and projects without prior consultation with the Department of Environment
5 
and Natural Resources (DENR);
6 
d. To undertake reclamation projects which may be necessary to accomplish the
7 
approved plans and projects of the Authority: Provided, That the land so
8 
reclaimed shall be the property of the Authority and title thereto shall be
9 
vested in the Authority;
10 
e. To plan, program, finance and/or undertake infrastructure projects such as
11 
flood control, sewage, water supply, roads, pot works, irrigation, housing and
12 
other related works, as may be deemed necessary, when so required within
13 
the context of its plans, programs
14 
f. To implement projects and undertake studies on the improvement and
15 
maintenance of the desirable water quality of Lake Lanao, and in pursuance
16 
thereof, prepare a water quality management program on a continuing basis,
17 
which the Authority shall carry out with the assistance and support of the
18 
national and local government units involved in water quality management;
19 
g. To exercise the right of eminent domain or acquire by purchase, private-
20 
owned lands within the area for purposes of implementing plans and projects
21 
of the Authority;
22 
h. To formulate and implement public safety measures to ensure preservation of
23 
peace and order within the Area;
24 
i. To accept grants, donations, gifts, bequests, funds, and properties in
25 
coordination with the appropriate agency and administer the same in
26 
accordance with the terms thereof and consistent with the policy and powers
27 
of the Authority provided for in this Act;
28 
j. To collect reasonable fees for the use of the lake waters, its tributaries and
29 
shore land areas for all beneficial purposes including but not limited to
30 
fisheries, aquaculture, municipal, agricultural, irrigation, commercial,
31 
industrial, hydroelectric generation and other power potential, transport and
32 
navigation, waste disposal purposes, recreation and reclamation from all


1 
private and public entities whether government or non-government agencies,
2 
among others the water utilities sector. All the fees so collected shall be
3 
accordingly appropriated for the sustainable development of the lake and its
4 
watershed areas;
5 
k. To enter into contracts to carry out its purposes and objectives;
6 
I. To sue and be sued;
7 
m. To issue rules and regulations as may be necessary to effectively carry out
8 
the powers herein provided with prior consultation with the affected and
9 
concerned stakeholders. Such rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen
10 
(15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation;
11 
n. To perform any other act as may be deemed necessary by the Board, upon
12 
majority vote, to undertake the plans, programs and projects of the Authority.
13 
Sec. 6. Executive Director. - In addition to the Board, an Executive Director
14 
shall be appointed by the President who shall have demonstrated executive
15 
competence and experience for at least ten (10) years in the management of
16 
agricultural, industrial, tourism or commercial enterprises and knowledgeable of the
17 
socio-economic conditions of Lake Lanao and its surrounding cities and
18 
municipalities. Further, no person may be appointed as an Executive Director unless
19 
he or she is a natural-born citizen, at least forty (40) years of age, and of proven
20 
competence, probity, and integrity.
21 
The Executive Director shall be responsible for the effective implementation of
22 
the policies, rules and regulations promulgated by the Authority and perform such
23 
functions as may be assigned by the Board.
24 
Sec. 7. Prohibition against Conflict of Interest - The Board and the Executive
25 
Director shall not be allowed to have any financial interest, directly or indirectly, in
26 
any contract entered into by the Authority or in any special privilege granted by the
27 
Authority during his or her term of office. All contracts entered into by any member
28 
of the Board, the Chairman, or the Executive Director, in violation of this section
29 
shall be immediately voted upon by the Board within five (5) days after its discovery:
30 
Provided, That a vote of two-thirds (2/3) may invalidate the said contract.


1 
The member of the Board, the Chairman, or the Executive Director who
2 
violated this section shall be disqualified from serving his or her unexpired term and
3 
shall be perpetually disqualified In any position in the Authority.
4 
Sec. 8. Establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones. - The Authority may allow
5 
the establishment of Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZ) in complete coordination and
6 
assistance with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), as
7 
authorized by the Department of Tourism (DOT), and under the supervision of the
8 
President.
9 
Sec. 9. Capitalization. - The Authority shall have an authorized capital of Two
10 
Billion Pesos (Php2,000,000,000.00) no par value shares, of which the amount of
11 
One Billion Pesos (Php!,000,000,000.00) may be subscribed by the provinces, cities
12 
and municipalities in the Area and at least twenty-five percent (25%) thereof shall
13 
be subscribed by the National Government.
14 
Sec. 10. Management Structure. - In carrying out the activities of the
15 
Authority, it shall have the following departments under the direct control and
16 
supervision of the Executive Director:
17 
a. Corporate Legal Affairs Department which shall provide legal advice and
18 
support to all the corporate units on the legal implications of the various
19 
undertakings of the Authority and divided into Litigation Division, and
20 
Research and Documentation Division;
21 
b. Administrative Department which shall be responsible for providing services
22 
relating to human resource management, records management, and general
23 
services;
24 
c. Finance Department that shall be responsible on revenue planning,
25 
generation and enhancement, assistance on budgetary and financial matters,
26 
and safekeeping of corporate assets.
27 
d. Policy Planning and Management Services Department which will undertake
28 
policy research and development, and advise the General Manager on policy
29 
positions and public advocacy measures for approval of the Board; and
30 
e. Integrated Water Resources Management Services Department that will serve
31 
as the main technical arm of the Authority and shall integrate the functions of


1 
lake basin management and deveiopment. It shall oversee the management
2 
of the Laguna Lake and its river systems including the shore lands.
3 
The Board shall periodically review the appropriateness of the existing
4 
organizational structure and amend the same whenever it may deem necessary and
5 
beneficial to achieve the purposes of this Act and to be able to respond efficiently to
6 
the mandate of the Authority as herein provided. Any proposed change in the
7 
organizational structure of the Authority shall be subject to prior consultation with
8 
the Department of Budget and Management and the approval of the President of the
9 
Philippines.
10 
Sec. 11. Appropriation. - The amounts needed for the initial implementation
11 
of this Act shall be sourced from the current year's appropriations of the Department
12 
of Interior and Local Government. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its
13 
continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
14 
Act.
15 
Sec. 12. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
16 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected
17 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.
18 
Sec. 13. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
19 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the
20 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
21 
Sec. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
22 
complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,