Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _______ 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT 
ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
SATELLITE-BASED TECHNOLOGIES FOR INTERNET CONNECTIVITY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many Filipinos to shift their day-to-day 
activities online to meet social distancing requirements. With the end of the pandemic 
still uncertain, Internet connectivity is critical to the recovery and growth of the 
Philippine economy.  
However, not all Filipinos have access to the Internet and, therefore, the 
benefits of digitalization. The 2019 National ICT Household Survey found that 82% of 
the nation’s households have no access to the Internet, particularly in the 
countryside—a digital divide between rural and urban communities.1 
Internet access is also crucial to advancing new opportunities. Digital 
transformation is forecasted to unlock up to PHP 5 trillion worth of economic value in 
the Philippines by 2030.2 Digitalization of the business process outsourcing (BPO) 
industry alone could grow to be equivalent to 12% of the Philippines’ gross domestic 
product (GDP), and generate PHP 25 billion by 2025.3 
Hence, it is crucial for the Philippines to bridge this digital divide, especially in 
the rural and disadvantaged communities.  
1 Jose Ramon G. Albert et al., Expanded Data Analysis and Policy Research for National ICT 
HXousehold 
Survey 
2019 
(PIDS, 
2019), 
https://dict.gov.ph/ictstatistics/wp-
content/uploads/2021/08/NICTHS-EDAPR.pdf 
2 AlphaBeta, The Growing Digital Economy in the Philippines: Opportunities, Challenges, and Google’s 
Contributions 
(AlphaBeta, 
2021), 
https://alphabeta.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/philippines-
economic-impact-report.pdf 
3 Marielle C. Lucenio, “PHL digital economy seen accounting for 12% of GDP by 2030,” Business World, 
(March 2022), https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2022/03/10/435346/phl-digital-economy-seen-
accounting-for-12-of-gdp-by-2030/ 
October 7, 2022
9:00 am
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Satellite broadband offers an efficient and relatively affordable means to 
connect an archipelago, particularly the geographically isolated and disadvantaged 
areas (GIDA). It can provide a viable connectivity solution that can help deliver rural 
banking, e-health services, educational content, and other public services anywhere 
in the remote rural areas.  
For decades, only telecommunications companies and broadcasters were 
allowed to connect to international satellite operators. With the passage of Republic 
Act 11659 or the amendments to the Public Services Act and Executive Order No. 127 
s. 2021 entitled “Expanding the Provision of Internet Services Through Inclusive
Access to Satellite Services," Internet service providers (ISPs) and value-added
service (VAS) providers can now connect directly to satellites to offer broadband
services.
This bill aims to institutionalize the reforms initiated by EO No. 127 s. 2021 and 
further expand access to satellite services in the country. More specifically, the bill 
eases regulatory requirements for use of satellite Internet as it allows ISPs and VAS 
providers 
to 
use 
satellite 
Internet 
without 
acquiring 
a 
Congressional 
telecommunications franchise or a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. It 
also allows international satellite operators to enter the Philippine market and offer 
satellite Internet directly. The proposed legislation empowers various types of 
organizations—from government to civil society organizations—to own and operate 
satellite Internet through an administrative process only. Finally, it clarifies the 
responsibilities and powers of the Department of Information and Communications 
Technology over the satellite broadband sector. 
The passage of this bill will update the Philippine policy environment for the 
digital age and set the stage for digital connectivity that is truly inclusive. This bill will 
be critical to bridging the digital divide and ensuring Filipinos have access to 
technologies needed for a globally competitive society and economy. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL No. _______ 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by HONORABLE ERNESTO “ERNIX” M. DIONISIO, JR. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT 
ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING THE USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
SATELLITE-BASED TECHNOLOGIES FOR INTERNET CONNECTIVITY 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled. 
 SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Satellite-Based 
Technologies for Internet Connectivity Act of 2022." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It shall be declared the policy of the 
State to promote broad and inclusive access to satellite technology for reliable and 
affordable broadband internet services, which are crucial for stimulating economic 
growth, providing opportunities for decent employment in the countryside, and 
improving access to education, healthcare and government services. 
The State shall also foster an ICT sector policy environment that promotes a 
broad market-led development of the ICT and ICT-enabled services sectors, a level 
playing field, partnership between the public and private sectors, strategic alliance with 
foreign investors, and balanced investments between high-growth and economically 
depressed areas. 
The State shall recognize provision of broadband internet and internet access 
as an information service in line with modern ICT industry and global practices, in 
order to address the global calls for all countries to prioritize universal access to the 
Internet and develop concrete and effective policies to make the Internet widely 
available, accessible, and affordable to all segments of the population, and for 
purposes, inter alia, of implementing the national policy of expanding the provision of 
internet services through inclusive access to satellite service. 
5471


Towards these objectives, the State shall liberalize access to satellite-based 
services and expedite the expansion of broadband infrastructure, especially in places 
unserved or underserved by conventional wired and cellular mobile networks and bring 
reliable internet service to all Filipinos anywhere in the country. 
 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For the purposes of this Act, the term: 
 
(a) Authorized Entity/ies refers to the entity or entities authorized under 
Executive Order (EO) No. 467, s. 1998, as amended by EO 127, s. 2021, and under 
the provisions of other existing laws, insofar as their conduct of activities and their 
rendition of services pursuant to the authorities granted therein; 
 
(b) Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that is always-on and 
capable of multiple service provision simultaneously, delivered via broadband 
networks, i.e., high capacity fixed or wireless data links, that are propagated via ICT 
and ICT-enabled technologies that facilitate the use of various types of networks as 
underlying transmission mediums, or through the deployment of computer-based area 
network configurations, or any combination thereof. As an information service, 
broadband internet enables users to access information from the internet, and makes 
the data processing capabilities necessary to use the internet available to them, via 
several devices or any one or a combination of several high-speed transmission 
technologies;   
 
(c) Core Services refers to circuit switched voice services rendered over 
cellular mobile, fixed line (local exchange), and inter-exchange facilities; 
 
(d) 
Enfranchised 
Telecommunications 
Entity 
or 
Public 
Telecommunications Entity (ETE/PTE) refers to any person, firm, partnership or 
corporation, government or private, that holds a valid and existing Congressional 
franchise authorizing it to operate in one or more of the telecommunications categories 
provided by law, such as a local exchange operator, inter-exchange carrier, or 
international carrier, pursuant to which it can put up, install, own, or operate the 
telecommunications service network appropriate for the telecommunications category 
for which it is enfranchised. ETE/PTEs are utilities that offer and provide for the public, 
for compensation, with telecommunications services covered within certain 
telecommunications categories for which the law requires a franchise. An ETE/PTE is 
likewise issued a valid Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) by the 
NTC; 
 
(e) Direct Access refers to any one of a number of measures permitting direct 
dealings between authorized entities and satellite system providers or operators at 
specified levels as defined by the NTC. With direct dealings between Authorized 
Entities and Satellite System Providers or Operators (SSPO) being allowed, 
intervening third party arrangements with ETEs/PTEs shall not be imposed as a 
regulatory requirement by the government; 
 
(f) ICT Sector shall mean those engaged in providing goods and services 
primarily intended to fulfill or enable the function of information processing and 
communication by electronic means. The ICT Sector includes telecommunications 
and broadcast information operators, ICT equipment manufacturers, multimedia 


content developers and providers, ICT solution providers, internet service providers, 
ICT training institutions, software developers and ICT-ES providers, and other ICT and 
ICT-ES providers; 
 
(g) ICT-Enabled Sector or ICT-ES shall mean those engaged in providing 
services that require the intrinsic use of ICTS including engineering or architectural 
design, informatics service providers, offshoring and outsourcing service providers 
such as call centers, back office processing, software development, medical or legal 
transcription, animation, game development, and other services that require the 
intrinsic use of a networked information infrastructure; 
 
(h) Internet Service Providers (ISP) refers to any person or entity, natural or 
juridical, public or private, that provides internet services or services for access to, use 
of, or participation in the Internet or the worldwide web, via any one or a combination 
of transmission or delivery systems or networks for internet services. The term shall 
likewise include persons or entities that supply or propose to supply internet carriage 
services to the public. Commercial and private sectors ISPs are generally required to 
be registered with the NTC as Value-Added Service (VAS) Providers when they rely 
on the telecommunications service network of an ETE/PTE as the underlying 
transmission medium for providing internet services. As a VASP, an ISP need not 
secure a franchise unless it intends to put up its own telecommunications service 
network for any of the telecommunications categories, such as a local exchange 
carrier or landline telephone service, an inter-exchange carrier or national long 
distance telephone service, an international carrier or international long distance 
service, or a mobile radio telephone service, for which a franchise is required; 
 
(i) Permitted Entities refer to: (i) ETE/PTE duly authorized by the NTC to 
provide internet services; (ii) VAS providers duly registered with the NTC and (iii) 
Internet Service Providers (ISPS) duly registered with the DICT, whether with or 
without a legislative franchise; 
 
(j) Satellite-based technologies refer to technologies for the operation, 
administration, deployment, or use of communications satellites; 
 
(k) Satellite refers to “communications satellites” or earth-orbiting systems 
capable of receiving and relaying signals to and from the ground to provide links for 
use in the provisioning of a variety of ICT services, such as telephony, radio, television, 
or broadband internet. For purposes of this Act, satellites used exclusively for 
space/earth exploration are not included; 
 
(l) Satellite Services refer to: 
 
i. 
Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) refers to a radio communications 
service between earth stations at given points, when one or more 
satellites are used; the given position may be a specified point or 
any fixed points within specified areas. 
 
ii. 
Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) refers to a radio communications 
service between mobile earth stations and one or more space 
stations, or between space stations used by this service, or 


between mobile earth stations by means of one or more space 
stations; 
 
(m) Satellite Systems Provider or Operator (SSPO) refers to providers or 
operators of satellite systems, whether fixed or mobile, international or domestic, that 
are duly authorized to engage in the provision of satellite communications services 
under the laws of their respective countries of domicile; 
 
(n) Value-Added Service or VAS, as applied to the telecommunications 
industry, refers to enhanced or specialized services and/or expertise that are beyond 
the telecommunications services ordinarily provided by ETE/PTEs, such as local 
exchange and interexchange operators, and overseas carriers. The variety of 
enhanced or specialized VAS offerings that are outside or beyond the services in the 
telecommunications categories ordinarily provided by ETE/PTEs, include but are not 
limited to the provision of online databases, electronic mail, voice mail, internet, and 
other information services. When offered on top of, in addition to, or in conjunction with 
the services falling under the ETE/PTE’s telecommunications category, a VAS serves 
to promote or add value to the telecommunications services ordinarily provided by the 
ETE/PTE; 
 
(o) Value-Added Service Providers (VASP) refer to entities which offer 
enhanced or specialized services beyond the telecommunications services ordinarily 
provided by ETE/PTEs, i.e., operators of local exchanges or interexchange, and over 
carriers, but are reliant on the carriers’ transmission, switching and local distribution 
facilities. As such, VASPs are duly registered with the NTC and allowed to 
competitively offer to the domestic and/or international markets, their enhanced or 
specialized service(s) as an added value over and above the services in the 
telecommunications category of the ETE/PTE whose telecommunications service 
networks, composed of transmission, switching, and local distribution facilities, are 
being relied upon by the VASP as the underlying transmission medium for the latter’s 
enhanced or specialized service offerings, in accordance with network compatibility. 
VASPs are generally not required to secure a franchise. 
 
An ETE/PTE may provide its own VAS offerings on top of its 
telecommunications services, subject to the additional requirements that (a) prior 
approval of the NTC is secured to ensure that their VAS offerings are not cross-
subsidized from the proceeds of their telecommunications service operations, (b) other 
VASPs are not discriminated against in rates nor denied equitable access to their 
facilities, and (c) separate books of accounts are maintained for the VAS. In such 
cases, the ETE/PTE may likewise be considered as a VASP as regards its VAS 
offerings. 
 
The term shall likewise include entities expressly recognized or mandated by 
special laws or legislative charters to offer a service or services that fall under any of 
the VAS categories, provided they are compliant with the said special law or legislative 
charter, as well as the applicable policies and requirements on governmental 
authorization or registration of their respective VAS offerings, inclusive of the 
submission of their schedule of rates; and 
 


(p) Very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) shall refer to a small-sized ground 
station or earth terminal used for receiving or transmitting data, voice, and video 
signals over a satellite communications network. 
 
SECTION 4. Additional Mandate to the Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT). — To expand access to satellite-based 
technologies as an alternative connectivity solution to ensure universal access to the 
internet, the DICT shall: 
  
1. Exercise regulatory and administrative jurisdiction over ISPs and satellite 
policies; 
2. Adopt an expeditious administrative process for the registration of ISPs, 
whether local or foreign; for this purpose, the registration of, and jurisdiction 
over, ISPs is hereby transferred from the National Telecommunications 
Commission (NTC) to the DICT. 
3. Pursue policies to secure and preserve necessary orbital slots for Philippine 
satellite(s) and the NTC shall provide all necessary assistance in this effort; 
4. Pursue such plans, programs, activities, or initiatives as may be necessary or 
desirable to incentivize duly accredited SSPOs and Permitted Entities that 
invest in, adopt, roll out, implement, establish, own, maintain, operate or utilize 
new and next generation satellite technologies, inclusive of in-country satellite 
earth complexes or teleports, in order to propagate ICT and to expand the 
provision of quality internet services across the country through direct access 
to the services of satellites and other emerging technologies for purposes of 
ensuring universal coverage. The departmental plans, programs, activities, or 
initiatives shall include, but not be limited to, effectively coordinating with the 
Board of Investments (BOI), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the 
LGUs, and other concerned government agencies or instrumentalities, for the 
issuance and implementation of policies for the grant of applicable incentives 
and benefits; 
5. Create a coherent spectrum management policy which include radio frequency 
spectrum for satellite systems; 
6. Conduct annual policy review together with relevant stakeholders and 
concerned government agencies with consideration of different opportunities 
and challenges that satellite internet brings; 
7. Identify areas that are underserved and unserved by traditional broadband 
network operators and where the use of satellite-based internet can be 
maximized; 
8. Issue rules and regulations on the development, use, and maintenance of 
satellite-based technology; and 
9. Perform such other functions as may be relevant to its work as the principal 
regulatory and development agency for satellite technology. 
 
SECTION 5. Policy on the Use of Satellite Technology for Internet 
Connectivity. — The government shall promote the use and development of satellite 
services as a means to ensure universal access to the internet, especially in critical 
areas such as e-government and the delivery of basic services, education, health, 
trade, finance, disaster preparedness, and public safety, specifically: 
  


a. To promote the expansion of satellite-based networks, particularly in rural 
areas, and in areas with limited fixed or cellular mobile network connectivity, 
VAS providers and ISPs shall be allowed direct access to all satellite systems—
whether fixed or mobile, international or domestic—for all segments of the 
broadband network. VAS providers and ISPs shall be allowed to directly 
access, utilize, construct, install, own and operate networks for internet access 
service utilizing satellite technologies such as VSAT and other similar 
technologies for all segments of the broadband network without need of a 
franchise and a provisional authority or Certificate of Public Convenience and 
Necessity (CPCN) from the NTC. VAS providers and ISPs shall, however, 
comply with existing policies requiring registration of VAS and ISP offerings and 
submission of their schedule of rates; and 
 
b. To invite investment and the propagation of new internet technologies in the 
ICT and ICT-enabled sector, Satellite Systems Provider or Operators (SSPO) 
may be 100% foreign-owned. SSPOs shall comply with the policies of the DICT 
for the registration of SSPOs. 
 
The NTC and DICT shall comply with international regulations on the allocation 
and use of frequency for satellite services and shall not re-allocate or assign them to 
the detriment of users of VSAT or other satellite technologies. The NTC and DICT 
shall observe transparency in the allocation and assignment of spectrum and shall 
ensure the availability of satellite frequencies for the use of SSPOs and Permitted 
Entities. The NTC and DICT shall regularly publish on its website the allocation and 
assignment of all spectrum and shall promptly reply to Freedom of Information (FOI) 
requests on spectrum allocation and assignment. The NTC shall, within thirty (30) days 
upon the effectivity of this Act, issue the rules and regulations necessary for the 
implementation of portions of this paragraph that require administrative and regulatory 
oversight; Provided, that, Section 7 of this Act shall be immediately executory upon 
the effectivity of this Act. 
 
SECTION 6. Direct Access to Satellite Systems. — Permitted Entities are 
allowed to (i) deploy satellite technology and use associated spectrum in any or all 
segments of their broadband network without needing to go through, lease or rent 
capacity for such from PTEs, and (ii) apply with the NTC for permission to use 
spectrum for this purpose. PTEs, VAS Providers, and ISPs may directly access, utilize, 
own and operate facilities for internet access service using satellite technologies such 
as, but not limited to, VSAT, Broadband Global Area Network, and other similar 
technologies, for all segments of the broadband network without need of a 
congressional franchise.  
  
Prior authorization of either the DICT (for broadband networks) or the NTC (for 
broadcast providers and for services that do not involve broadband networks) shall not 
be required for direct access to satellite systems under this provision provided that the 
terms and conditions, which include levels of access to any international fixed or 
mobile satellite system, shall be submitted by the Permitted Entities to the DICT or 
NTC, as applicable, for record purposes. 
 
SECTION 7. Promotion of Satellite-based Technologies for Sustainable 
Development and Inclusive Growth. — Government organizations, public and non-


profit private institutions, volunteer organizations engaged in education, health, 
finance, agriculture, environmental management, climate change management, 
disaster preparedness and crisis response shall be allowed to own and operate 
satellite-based technology in order to aid and augment their activities.  
  
The NTC shall, within thirty (30) days upon the effectivity of this Act, establish 
an expeditious administrative process to allow such entities to apply for permits to 
import and/or own such technology. The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) shall ensure 
that the procedures set forth by the NTC pursuant to this Section complies with 
Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government 
Service Act. 
 
SECTION 8. Satellite-powered Communication Tool for Disaster and 
Emergency. — Every Local Government Unit (LGU) shall be required to set up a 
satellite-powered communication tool, such as but not limited to satellite phones, 
satellite-powered portable cell sites, and/or wireless or wired broadband networks, to 
aid in disaster preparedness and emergency response. 
 
SECTION 9. Requirements for Satellite Systems Providers or Operators 
(SSPOs). — All operators or providers of satellite systems desiring to provide satellite 
services in the Philippines by directly engaging with Authorized Entities under the 
provisions of Executive Order (EO) No. 467, s. 1998, as amended by EO No. 127, s. 
2021, and other existing laws, shall have the following: 
  
a. Digital Presence – have adequate digital presence in the Philippines. Digital 
presence shall include, but not limited to, having an official website, with 
sufficient content and information, that is readily accessible online in the 
Philippines; 
b. Local Presence – have adequate local presence in the Philippines. For foreign 
or international SSPOs, local presence shall mean having a branch office, 
representative office, institutional agent, official distributor, or a combination 
thereof, in the Philippines; 
c. Capacity, Coverage or Satellite Footprint – have the capacity, coverage, and 
satellite footprint in the Philippines for purposes of providing adequate satellite 
services to the areas covered therein; and 
d. SSPO Accreditation by the DICT - be duly accredited with the DICT by fulfilling 
the application requirements for SSPO accreditation issued by the DICT in 
relation to this Act. 
 
For a seamless and expeditious registration process, the DICT within 30 days 
upon the effectivity of this Act shall establish a one-stop shop where the SSPOs can 
inquire, clarify, and submit all requirements as provided by this Act. 
 
 
SECTION 10. SSPOs desiring to do business as Authorized Entities. — All 
SSPOs desiring to do business as Authorized Entities providing services or product 
offerings directly to the general public in the domestic market shall, in addition to the 
requirements for SSPO accreditation, strictly comply with all pertinent permitting, filing, 
registration, and/or authorization requirements for an ETE/PTE, ISP, VAS, or other 
Authorized Entity, whichever is applicable, and other existing laws of general and 
special application in relation to doing business in the Philippines. 


 
SECTION 11. DICT Accreditation Certificate; Renewal. — No entity shall 
engage, continue to engage, or otherwise be engaged, in the provision of satellite 
services as an SSPO in the Philippines unless it is duly accredited by the DICT, as 
evidence by a valid and subsisting SSPO Accreditation Certificate. 
 
The SSPO Accreditation Certificate shall be valid for five (5) years, subject to 
renewal upon complete and proper application for renewal filed within the third (3rd) 
month proceeding the prior certificate’s expiration. The validity period for the 
succeeding renewal certificates shall not exceed five (5) years at any single instance. 
 
No Authorized Entity shall engage any private entity purporting to be an SSPO, 
unless the latter is duly accredited as such by the DICT. 
 
SECTION 12. Annual Review of Guidelines and Regulations. — The DICT 
shall, in consultation with the NTC and other concerned agencies and sectors, conduct 
a review, annually or as often as it may deem necessary, of the responsiveness of this 
Act, which review shall include, but not be limited to, the following considerations: 
  
a. The opportunities and challenges of its implementation; 
b. The areas served by terrestrial broadband network operators, as well as the 
quality and cost of internet services therein; 
c. The areas that are underserved and unserved by terrestrial broadband network 
deployments, inclusive of GIDAs; 
d. Potential areas for the deployment of satellite services, whether as a primary, 
complementary, or supplemental source of ICT connectivity, support, backhaul, 
or protection route; 
e. Study and research towards an updated and coherent spectrum management 
policy that is compliant with international regulations, and beneficial to 
consumers and users of satellite technologies through the proper allocation of 
sufficient spectrum for VASPs and ISPs; 
f. Further guidance on the use of international earth stations to the registered 
VASPs and ISPs that offer satellite broadband services; and 
g. Other matters as may be necessary, incidental, related to, or in connection with 
improving the effective implementation of the national policy for inclusive 
access to satellite services. 
  
When deemed necessary, the DICT may create Task Forces, Technical 
Working Groups, Committees, or Advisory Bodies in accordance with Section 14, RA 
No. 10844 to assist in the conduct of the review. 
  
The DICT shall from time to time, and as may be warranted by its review, submit 
its report to Congress, with recommendations for such legislative action as may be 
needed for appropriate policy improvement towards a more responsive national policy 
for inclusive access to satellite services. 
 
SECTION 13. Appropriation. — The amount necessary for the implementation 
of this Act shall be charged against available funds of the DICT and NTC, as may be 
applicable.  Thereafter, the amount shall be included in the General Appropriations 
Act. 


 
SECTION 14. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Unless otherwise 
stated, the DICT, in coordination with the NTC, and in consultation with relevant 
groups and sectors, shall issue the implementing rules and regulations (“IRRs”) within 
sixty (60) days upon the effectivity of this Act. The IRRs shall incorporate the 
provisions of NTC Memorandum Circular Nos. 04-03-99 and 01-03-2008, and DICT 
DC No. 002 s. 2021 in so far as practicable and in furtherance to the objectives of this 
Act.  
 
SECTION 15. Repealing Clause. — Provisions of Executive Order Nos. 467 
(s. 1998) and 127 (s. 2021) that are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. All other laws, decrees, rules, and regulations inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
 
 
SECTION 16. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any part or provision 
of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, any part or provision not affected 
thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 17. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation and/or the 
Official Gazette. 
  
Approved,