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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

672

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. CESAR V. SARMIENTO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A lighthouse is a tower which aids navigation in the oceans, seas,
inland waterways and in some instances, in aerial navigation. Lighthouses
are used to mark dangerous coastlines and perilous shoals and reefs and are
guides to safe entries to harbors.

The Philippines being an archipelago, has the fifth largest coastline in
the world totaling to 36,289 km. The Philippine coastline is very irregular, with
numerous bays, gulfs, and islets. Ten of its most heavily populated cities are
located along coastal areas. With approximately 300 ports, lighthouses help
mariners, navigators and fishermen in safely guiding them in hazardous reefs
and coasts.

Also, fishing is one of the basic sources of livelihood for most of our
countrymen. Since, most of our coastal areas are typhoons stricken, we need
to push through for this bill so that we can help the marginalized fishermen
keep sight of the shore especially during bad weathers and turbulent storms.

Studies reveal that regardless of the advancement in technology and
the use of satellite-guided positioning devices, mariners still rely on these light
stations as visual confirmations of their electronic readings. In the long run,
lighthouses can also be a promising tourist destination.

‘As an archipelago, the progress of the country is heavily dependent on
maritime travel. Even in the dawn of land travel and aviation, the water routes
continue to be the major highway for travel and commerce in the Philippines.
Lighthouses safely guide the vessels that navigate its routes. Hence, the
passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

am gO.

CESAR V. SARMIENTO


REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

672

House Bill No.

Introduced by REP. CESAR V. SARMIENTO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING LIGHTHOUSES IN ALL COASTAL AREAS IN
THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. This shall be known as the “Philippine Lighthouse Act of

2013.”

SECTION 2. There shall be established lighthouses in all coastal areas
in the Philippines. Priority must be given to coastal areas where there are

marginalized fishermen.

SECTION 3. The establishment of such lighthouses shall be
determined and undertaken by the Department of Transportation and

Communications in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard.

SECTION 4. Existing lighthouses that need repair and maintenance

shall also be covered by this Act.

SECTION 5. The amount needed to carry out the provisions of this Act

shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the DOTC.


Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued maintenance of

the lighthouses shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,