THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
s. 5. No. 
~ 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Science and Technology constitutes a vital tool for national economic 
development. 
Studies have shown a positive relationship between economic 
development and scientific and technological capability. 
In an era of rapid scientific and technological development, the State should 
provide mechanisms to enable the country to be globally competitive. One mechanism 
is to create a science and technology educational program that will propel our country 
to be at par with our ASEAN neighbors. 
To meet the demands of the time, we must start improving our S & T educational 
system. We must increase infrastructure support and buildhpgrade laboratory rooms 
and provide facilities in all public elementary and secondary schools. We must also 
provide venue and materials for student's directlhands-on experiences in S & T 
learning. Finally, we must make provision for operation, repair, maintenance and 
upgrading of acquired laboratory equipment. 
In view thereof, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
EJERCITO ESTWbaDA 
Senator 


, 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
s. B. No 
Introduced by Senator JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTMDA 
AN ACT 
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVIDING THEREOF AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
REQUIRING FULLY-EQUIPPED SCIENCE LABRATORES IN EVERY PUBLIC 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the Philippine in 
Congress assembled. 
SECTION 1. Tifle. - this Act shall be known as the “Science Laboratory for 
Basic Education Act of 2004.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared to the policy of the 
state to give priority to scientific and technological efforts. Vital to national development. 
Furthermore, it has been proven that industrialization can be achieve if schools adopt 
modern methods of teaching science and technology during the salary stages of 
education. 
Furthermore, the Constitution provides that the right of teachers to professional 
advancement should be enhanced. With this mandate, quality education shall be 
ensured. 
One of the fastest way for the country to achieve NlChood is through globally 
competitive Science and Technology Manpower. 
SECTION 3. Objectives. - this Act aims to attain the following objectives within 
the period of five (5) years. 
1. To improve the quality of science and technology education in the 
country; 


2. To provide basic and advance S&T education in high school, respectively in 
preparation for higher education; 
3. To teach the students the effective use and operation of modern laboratory 
equipment and facility related to science and technology; and 
4. To train S&T teachers the use of modern laboratory equipment so that they 
will be more effective in demonstrating their uses. 
SECTION 4. Funding Source. - In addition to the funds to be provided by the 
Legislature, ihis Act shall receive funding support from the following: 
(a) Twenty percent (20%) share from the gross proceeds of travel 
tax collections over and above the share of the National 
government therefrom; 
(b) Twenty percent (20%) share from the net income of the 
Philippine Games and Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) over and 
above the franchise tax and the corporate income tax therefrom. 
SECTION 5. Incentives. - Incentives shall be given to the following : 
a) 
b) 
Tax Incentives shall be given to private entities engaging in S&T 
development; 
Private schools who shall import laboratory equipment/facilities for 
the exclusive use in their school shall be given a twenty percent 
(20%) tax deduction from the total revenue obligations; 
c) 
Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory 
equipment needed in public schools shall be given a three percent 
(3%) tax incentive/deducfion from the importation of raw materials. 
SECTION 6. Proposed System. - This Act shall provide the following 
1. Construction of laboratory buildings; 
2. Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities; 
3. Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities 
4. Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions in 
promoting science and technology. 
5. Strengthen the coordination between the regional Science and 
Technology Teaching Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of 


Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), regional Offices in 
monitoring/utilization of laboratory equipment; 
6. Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and 
maintenance of the laboratory facilities equipment; 
7. Create required laboratory technician positions at least for every 
elementary and secondary schools for operation, repair and 
maintenance of the laboratory equipment (or alternative scheme of 
maintenance) and facilities. 
8. Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology 
9. The number of laboratory rooms/facilities per school shall be 
determined by science and technology experts of DOST and ISMED. 
10.The building, plans and design shall be drawn and approved by DOST- 
equipment. 
SEI. 
SECTION 7. Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the 
construction of school laboratories including equipmentlfacilities and the creation of 
required positions of a technician in every public elementary and high schools 
throughout the country. 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Science 
Education Institute (SEI) in coordination with the regional offices of DECS and the 
RSTCs shall implement the program. The above-mentioned offices shall also monitor 
the utilization and maintenance of the equipment. 
SECTION 8. Implementation. - The implementation of the activities of this Act 
shall be undertaken by SEI in coordination with the RSTCs and DECS Regional 
Off ices. 
The initial implementation of this Act shall be undertaken in every electoral 
district to be funded and spearheaded by the Congressman who has jurisdiction of the 
district therein. 
The maximum number of pupil/students in every laboratory class must not 
exceed fifty (50) and there must be at least one laboratory room for every forty- five 
pupillstudents. 


SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provision not affected thereby 
shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders or regulations or 
part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 1 1. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (I 
5) days following 
the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of 
general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,