Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4305

HOUSE BILL Nt

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS.
First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘Tourism is a fast-growing industry in the Philippines. In fact, as of 2013, tourism
is being eyed as one of the forerunners for the country's economic growth. It is expected
to generate a significant number of local employment opportunities. As such, there is a
need to strengthen tourism safeguards set forth in Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise
known as the "Tourism Act of 2009."

One of the concerns raised by local government units where tourism is a
significant industry is the lack of a permanent position for a tourism officer. Section 42
of RA. 9593 explicitly mandates that a permanent position for tourism officers be
created in local government units where tourism is a significant industry. However,
Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code of 1991,"
contains no such provision in its exclusive list of officers for every local government
unit.

The lack of a specific amendatory clause in RA. 9593 resulted in the failure to
establish a permanent position for tourism officers despite the need therefor, as stated
by local government units. The proposed legislation intends to address this issue by
amending the relevant provisions of RA. 7160. The present bill will promote the growth
of the tourism industry by strengthening grass-root regulation and promotion of
tourism in the country.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

te ¢
RENE LOFEZ ixampacos


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4305 —

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS
First District, Bohol

AN ACT
AMENDING SECTIONS 443, 454, and 463 OF REPUBUC ACT NO. 7160,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991"

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

SECTION 1. Sections 443 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the
"Local Government Code of 1991" is hereby amended to read as follows:

Sec. 443. Officials of the Municipal Government.

(a) There shall be in each municipality a municipal mayor, a
municipal vice mayor, Sangguniang Bayan members, a secretary to
the Sangguniang Bayan, a municipal treasurer, a municipal
assessor, a municipal accountant a municipal budget officer, a
municipal planning and development coordinator, a municipal
engincer/building official a municipal health officer, and a
municipal civil registrar.

IN MUNICIPALITIES WHERE TOURISM IS A SIGNIFICANT
INDUSTRY, A TOURISM OFFICER SHALL ALSO BE
APPOINTED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE QUALIFICATIONS
SET FORTH IN REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9593, OTHERWISE KNOWN,
AS THE "TOURISM ACT OF 2009."

SEC. 2 Sections 454 of the Local Government Code of 1991 is hereby amended
to read as follows:

Sec. 454. Officials of the City Government.


(a) There shall be in each city a mayor, vice mayor, Sangguniang
Panlungsod members, a secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod,
a city treasurer, a city assessor, a city accountant, a city budget
officer, a city planning and development coordinator, a city
engineer, a city health officer, a city civil registrar, a city
administrator, a city legal officer, a city veterinarian, a city social
welfare and development officer, and a city general services officer.

IN CITIES WHERE TOURISM IS A SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY, A
TOURISM OFFICER SHALL ALSO BE APPOINTED, IN
ACCORDANCE WilH THE QUALIFICATIONS SET FORTH IN
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9593, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
"TOURISM ACT OF 2009."

SEC. 3. Sections 463 of the Local Government Code of 1991 is hereby amended
to read as follows

Sec. 463. Officials of the Provincial Government.

(a) There shall be in each province a governor, a vice governor,
members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, a secretary to the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan, a’ provincial treasurer, a provincial
assessor, a provincial accountant, a provincial engineer, a provincial
budget officer, a provincial planning and development coordinator,
a provincial legal officer, a provincial administrator, a provincial
health officer, a provincial social welfare and development officer, a
ial general services officer, a provincial agriculturist, and a
provincial veterinarian.

IN PROVINCES WHERE TOURISM IS A_ SIGNIFICANT
INDUSTRY, A TOURISM OFFICER SHALL ALSO BE
APPOINTED, IN ACCORDANCE TO IHE QUALIFICATIONS SET
FORTH IN REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9593, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE "TOURISM ACT OF 2009."

SEC. 4. Implementing Agency. The Department of Interior and Local Governance
(DILG) in coordination with the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall promulgate the
rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules,
and regulations, or portions thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. If any part of provision of this Act shall be held
‘unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.


SEC. 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,