NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Third Regular Session 
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24 OCT 10 PI2 -57
SENATE BILL NO.
2348
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE LIWANAG AT TUBIG ASSISTANCE WELFARE 
(LITAW) PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN TIMES OF 
CALAMITIES AND NATURAL DISASTERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Liwanag atTubig Assistance Welfare (LITAW) bill, is a strategic initiative aimed 
at providing essential financial assistance to low-income households in the Philippines 
during natural disasters and calamities. Access to electricity and water is fundamental for 
daily living and economic participation, yet many vulnerable families struggle to afford 
these basic utilities, particularly in the wake of disasters that disrupt their livelihoods and 
infrastructure.
The Philippine archipelago is prone to a variety of natural disasters, including 
typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, which can devastate communities and exacerbate 
existing poverty levels. The aftermath of such calamities often leaves low-income families 
without the means to pay for essential services like electricity and water, resulting in 
further hardship. The LITAW bill addresses this pressing need by providing timely financial 
assistance to ensure continuous access to these crucial services during emergencies.
The main objectives of the LITAW bill are as follows: to provide one-time financial 
assistance of PI,000.00 for electricity or water services to eligible low-income households 
affected by natural disasters; to alleviate the financial burden on families striving to


recover from calamities; and to ensure that low-income households can maintain access 
to essential utilities even during crises.
The establishment of the LITAW bill is rooted in existing laws and mandates, 
including Republic Act No. 11032, which emphasizes the need for efficient government 
service delivery, especially in times of crisis; Republic Act No. 11463, known as the 
Malasakit Centers Act, which reinforces the government's commitment to social welfare 
programs; and Executive Order No. 221, which reiterates the functions of the Department 
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in implementing social protection programs.
LITAW bill includes low-income families defined as those living below the poverty 
threshold, as determined by government statistics and those families enrolled in the 
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), ensuring that the most vulnerable 
populations receive the support they need.
The proposed legislation will be implemented through local DSWD offices and 
community centers, where social workers will assess eligibility based on income and 
disaster impact. Upon approval, financial assistance will be disbursed directly to 
beneficiaries, ensuring that aid reaches those in need quickly and efficiently.
By providing essential financial assistance for electricity and water services, the 
LITAW bill not only alleviates immediate financial burdens but also contributes to the 
long-term recovery and resilience of affected households.
Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
N. "TOL" TOLENTINO
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
}
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
Third Regular Session 
}
24 OCT 10 PI2 ’-57
prci I. i
SENATE BILL NO. 2848
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS "TOL" N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE LIWANAG AT TUBIG ASSISTANCE WELFARE 
(LITAW) PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN TIMES OF 
CALAMITIES AND NATURAL DISASTERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembied:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the Liwanag at Tubig
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Assistance Program "LITAW" Act.
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poiicy of the State to ensure that
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all citizens, particularly low-income households, have access to essential utilities such as
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electricity and water, especially during times of calamities and naturai disasters.
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SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the foilowing terms
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shall be defined as foiiows:
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a. LITAW Program - Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare Program designed to
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assist low-income families in accessing electricity and water services during emergencies.
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b. Low-Income Households - Famiiies iiving below the poverty threshold as
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determined by government statistics
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SECTION 4. Establishment of the LITAW Program. - There is hereby
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established a program to be known as the Liwanag at Tubig Assistance Welfare (LITAW)
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Program, under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aimed at


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providing financiai assistance for eiectricity and water services to iow-income househoids
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affected by naturai disasters.
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SECTION 5. Program Coverage. - The LITAW Program shaii cover iow-income
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househoids identified as vuinerabie populations affected by natural disasters and the
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existing beneficiaries of 4Ps from the government.
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SECTION 6. Financial Assistance for Electricity and Water Services. -
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Under this program, eligible household beneficiaries shall receive a one-time financial
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assistance of One Thousand Pesos (PI,000.00) to subsidize their electricity costs or water
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service coverage after the occurrence of such natural disaster or calamity.
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SECTION 7. Eligibility Criteria. - The beneficiaries of the LITAW Program shall
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include:
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a. Low-income families, particularly those identified as beneficiaries of the
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Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
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b. Families living below the poverty threshold as determined by the latest
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government statistics.
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SECTION 8. Funding. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this
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Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DSWD shall issue
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the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty
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(60) days after its enactment.
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SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full
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force and effect.
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SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules,
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and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
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repealed or modified accordingly.
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SECTION 12. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
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after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,