Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by 
SPEAKER FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ
HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
and 
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE 
AN ACT 
AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1341, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
CHARTER OF THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to amend Presidential Decree No. 1341, commonly recognized 
as the Charter of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), with the 
fundamental objective of enhancing education quality and nurturing academic 
excellence. 
This objective aligns with the guiding principles of Section 1, Article XIV of the 
1987 Philippine Constitution, which states: “The State shall protect and promote the 
right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to 
make such education accessible to all.” 
Presidential Decree No. 1341 entitled “Converting the Philippine College of 
Commerce into a Polytechnic University, Defining its Objectives, Organizational 
Structure and Functions, and Expanding its Curricular Offerings” was signed into law 
on April 1, 1978.  In light of this, the modernization of the Charter of the Polytechnic 
University of the Philippines becomes paramount. This will ensure that the University 
August 14, 2023
11:47 am
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remains a relevant and effective institution, dedicated to providing quality education, 
fostering innovation, and contributing to the nation's development. 
In conclusion, the proposed amendments to the Charter of the Polytechnic 
University of the Philippines serve as a testament to the State’s commitment to 
advancing education, academic excellence, and the holistic development of the 
Filipino people. Through this bill, we aim to fortify PUP's role as a dynamic and relevant 
institution that effectively serves the needs of the nation. 
In the 17th Congress, this bill was filed by Rep. Winnie Castelo which was 
primarily referred to the Committee on Higher and Technical Education. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Rep. FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ 
Representative, First District of Leyte 
Rep. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
Representative, Tingog Sinirangan 
Rep. JUDE A. ACIDRE 
Representative, Tingog Sinirangan 


3 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by 
SPEAKER FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ
HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
and 
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE 
AN ACT 
AMENDING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1341, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
CHARTER OF THE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 1 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. The Polytechnic University of the Philippines
is hereby strengthened into the Country's National Polytechnic University. In order to 
execute its mandate, it is hereby declared as the country's First National Polytechnic 
University. Along with its elevated status as the country's first national polytechnic 
university, the University will aid support to other polytechnic state universities and 
colleges to raise the bar by having the former serve as the latter's guide in the 
development and delivery of professional and technical programs.  
The University shall enjoy institutional autonomy and fiscal autonomy. It shall 
be treated in a manner consistent with its institutional requirements by the service-
wide agencies in the exercise of their respective jurisdiction. Taking into account 
national goals and priorities, it shall exclusively determine its teaching, research and 
extensions thrust, plans, policies, programs and standards, consistent with the policies 
8860


 
4 
standards and guidelines promulgated by the Commission on Higher Education. On 
the basis of such determination, the National Polytechnic University shall recommend 
its annual budget to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and Congress. 
Appropriations for the University shall not be reduced by the legislature below the 
amount appropriated for the previous year and after approval shall be automatically 
and regularly released.  
 
SECTION 2. Section 2 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:  
 
Section 2. Primary Purpose. The University shall offer primarily higher 
occupational, technical and professional instruction and training in the fields of 
engineering and architecture, applied sciences, accountancy, law, education, 
business and management, and shall be strengthened as the country's National 
Polytechnic University. It shall also promote applied research, advance studies, and 
progressive leadership in the stated fields. As a national polytechnic university, PUP 
is committed in implementing programs designed to address the pressing social and 
economic needs by rendering services to individuals and communities and 
empowering citizenry for sustainable development.  
 
SECTION 3. Section 3 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:  
 
Section 3. Secondary Purpose. The University shall offer undergraduate and 
graduate programs in the field of accountancy, engineering and architecture, applied 
sciences, law, education, business and management. In addition, the University shall 
offer other programs in the polytechnic areas in light of its purpose as a national 
polytechnic university.  
 
SECTION 4. Section 4 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:  
 
Section 4. The University Administration. The Administration of the 
university shall be vested in the President of the university who shall render full-time 
service. He shall be appointed by the Board of Regents upon the recommendation of 


 
5 
a duly constituted search committee. He shall have a term of six (6) years without an 
eligibility for reappointment for another term: Provided, that this provision shall not 
adversely affect the terms of the incumbents, that the incumbent President shall 
become the first president of the university upon effectivity of this act; Provided further, 
that in case where no appointment was made thereafter, the incumbent President shall 
continue to hold the office in a hold-over capacity, such period shall in no case be 
more than 90 days.  
 
The president shall be assisted by an executive vice president, vice presidents 
for academic affairs, administration, research, planning and development, finance, 
student affairs, external affairs, who shall be appointed by the Board upon the 
president's recommendation without prejudice to the appointment of additional vice 
presidents when so warranted, in case of vacancy by reason of death resignation, 
removal for cause or incapacity of the president to perform the functions of his office, 
the Board of Regent shall have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge pending 
the appointment of a new president. In case of vacancy in the office of the president 
as mentioned in the immediately preceding paragraph, his successors shall hold office 
for the unexpired term.  
 
SECTION 5. Section 5 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:  
 
Section 5. Powers and Duties of the President. Specifically, the President of 
the University shall have the following powers and duties in addition to those normally 
appertaining to the Office of the President of the University:  
 
a. He shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the University as such, 
progressive and dynamic, ethical, and intellectual administrative leadership 
in the University is expected of him and vested in him;  
b. He shall be the head of the University Faculties and of any branch thereof; 
c. He shall have general supervision over all academic as well as business 
and financial operations of the University;  


 
6 
d. He shall promulgate and enforce general policies affecting any unit of the 
University and take such actions which in his judgment are necessary for 
the protection of property and general interest of the University, students 
and personnel and for the operation of the University as a whole and shall 
inform the Board on all matters relating to the operation and welfare of the 
University;  
e. He shall appoint qualified persons to fill all vacancies and new positions 
subject to the approval of the Board and make such other arrangements to 
meet emergencies occurring between meetings of the Board so that the 
work of the University shall not suffer;  
f. He shall institute disciplinary action against any member of the University 
personnel, faculty or non-faculty as well as any student of the University 
whose actions adversely affect the general interest of the University.  
g. He shall decide appeals in controversies between ranking officials of the 
University, his decisions being final and conclusive;  
h. He shall grant or deny sabbatical leaves and leaves of absence without pay 
and/or extension of such leaves as well as extension of fellowships or any 
form of scholarship for a period not exceeding one academic year if the 
budget permits and for reasons he may deem satisfactory; 
i. He shall make ad-interim appointments; 
j. He shall grant or withhold permission to reveal confidential matters affecting 
the University or any unit thereof, as well as any action taken by the Board 
of Regents;  
k. He shall grant permission for the use of buildings and premises of the 
University for academic, professional and scientific conventions, for 
students and related activities and to fix the fee thereof;  
l. He is authorized to join the execution of all contracts, deeds, and 
instruments for the proper conduct of the business of the University and to 
assign the same in behalf of the University;  
m. He shall prepare an annual report on the work of the past year and needs 
of the current year including a budget with estimates of income and 
expenditures; and  


 
7 
n. He shall have such other powers as may be specifically authorized by the 
Board of Regents. He may delegate in writing any of his specific functions 
to any office.  
 
SECTION 6. Section 6 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
 
Section 6. The Board of Regents. The governing body of the University 
shall be the Board of Regents of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines 
(hereinafter referred to as the Board).  
 
 
1. Composition. The Board shall be composed of:  
a. The Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education as 
Chairperson; 
b. The President of the University as Co-Chairperson;  
c. The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts 
and Culture;  
d. The Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and 
Technical Education;  
e. The Director-General of the National Economic Development 
Authority;  
f. The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology;  
g. The President of the Alumni Association who will serve for a 
period of two (2) years;  
h. One Faculty Regent representing all teaching personnel, 
elected by the said personnel in accordance with the rules and 
qualifications set out by the same constituency who shall 
serve for a period of two (2) years.  
i. One Student Regent, elected by the students in accordance 
with the rules and qualifications set out by said constituency, 
who shall serve for a period of one (1) year.  
j. One Staff Regent representing all non-teaching personnel, 
elected in accordance with the rules and regulations set out 


 
8 
by said constituency, who shall serve for a period of two (2) 
years; and  
k. Three other Regents who have distinguished themselves in 
their professions or fields of specialization. All these Regents 
shall be appointed by the Board as recommended by the 
search committee organized for the purpose and shall each 
serve for a term of two (2) years.  
 
 
The faculty and the student council shall be represented by their respective 
federations. The private sector representatives shall be appointed by the Board of 
Regents upon recommendation of a duly constituted search committee.  
 
 
 
2. Compensation. The members shall serve without compensation, but 
they shall be reimbursed for necessary expense incurred in their attendance of 
meetings of the Board or in connection with their official business authorities by 
resolution of the Board.  
 
3. Vacancy. In case of vacancy in the Board, except for the President of 
the University, such vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as provided for 
the predecessor and such appointee shall hold the office only for the unexpired 
portion of the term. In case of Regents representing a particular sector, their 
membership shall cease upon suspension separation or recall. No person, 
however, who has succeeded and served for more than 3 years of the 
unexpired portion shall be eligible for appointment as president.  
 
 
SECTION 7. Section 7 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to read as follows:  
 
 
Section 7. Powers and Duties of the Governing Board. The governing board 
shall have the following specific powers and duties in addition to its general powers of 
administration and the exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a 
corporation under Section 36 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 68, otherwise known as the 
Corporation Code of the Philippines;  


 
9 
a. to enact rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to 
carry out the purpose and functions of the university;  
b. to receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of 
the university in the manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out 
the purpose and functions of the university;  
c. to receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
properties of all kinds, to administer and dispose the same when necessary 
for the benefit of the university, subject to limitations, directions and 
instructions of the donors, if any, such donations shall be exempt from all 
taxes and shall be considered as deductible items from the income tax of 
the donor;  
d. to fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges such as but not 
limited to matriculation fees, graduation fees and laboratory fees, as the 
board may deem proper to impose after due consultations with the involved 
sectors. Such fees and charges, including government subsidies and other 
income generated by the university shall constitute special trust funds and 
shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank and all 
interest that shall accrue therefrom shall form part of the same fund for the 
use of the university. Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to 
the contrary notwithstanding, any income generated by the university from 
tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the operation of auxiliary 
services and land grants, shall be retained by the university and may be 
disbursed by the Board of Regents for instruction, research, extension, or 
other programs/projects of the university; Provided that all fiduciary fees 
shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are collected . If 
for reason of control, the university shall not be able to pursue any project 
for which funds have been appropriated and allocated under its approved 
program of expenditures, the Board of Regents may authorize the use of 
said funds for any reasonable purpose, which in its discretion, may be 
necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of the 
university. Provided further, that a portion of any amount of fees increased, 


 
10 
however, shall inure to the benefit of the College or Institute for the purpose 
of faculty, physical facilities and equipment development.  
e. to authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machineries, 
equipment and other facilities and the purchase and acquisition of real and 
personal properties including necessary supplies, materials and equipment. 
Purchases and other transactions entered into by the university through the 
Board of Regents shall be exempt from all taxes and duties.  
f. to appoint upon the recommendation of the president, vice presidents, 
deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty members and other officials 
and employees of the University;  
g. to fix and adjust salaries of faculty members and administrative officials and 
employees subject to the provisions of the revised compensation and 
classification system and other pertinent budget and compensation laws 
governing hours of service and such other duties and conditions as it may 
deem proper to grant them, at its discretion, leaves of absence under such 
regulation as it may promulgate, any provision of existing law to the contrary 
notwithstanding, and to remove them for cause in accordance with the 
requirements of due process of law;  
h. to approve the curricula, institutional programs, and rules of discipline drawn 
by the administrative and academic councils as herein provided;  
i. to set policies on admission and graduation of students;  
j. to award honorary degrees upon persons in recognition of outstanding 
contribution in the field of education, public service, arts, science and 
technology or in any field of specialization within the academic competence 
of the university and to authorize the award of certificates of completion of 
non- degree and non-traditional courses;  
k. to absorb non-chartered tertiary institutions within their respective provinces 
in coordination with the CHED and in consultation with the Department of 
Budget and Management and to offer therein needed programs or courses 
to promote and carry out equal access to educational opportunity mandated 
by the Constitution;  


 
11 
l. to establish research and extension centers of the SUC where such will 
promote the development of the latter;  
m. to establish professorial chairs in the university and to provide fellowships 
to qualified faculty members and scholarship to deserving students;  
n. to delegate any of its powers and duties provided for hereabove to the 
president and/or other officials of the university as it may deem appropriate 
so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of the university;  
o. to authorize an external management audit of the institution and to institute 
reforms, including academic and structural changes, on the basis of the 
audit results and recommendations:  
p. to collaborate with other governing boards of SUCs within the province or 
the region, in coordination with the CHED and the Department of Budget 
and Management, the restructuring of said colleges and universities to 
become more efficient, relevant, productive, and competitive;  
q. to enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable 
development and management of the economic assets of the college or 
institution, the proceeds from which to be used for the development and 
strengthening of the university;  
r. to develop consortia and other forms of linkages with local government 
units, institutions and agencies, both public and private, local and foreign, 
in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the institution.  
s. to develop academic arrangements for institution capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public or private, local or foreign, and 
to appoint experts/specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange 
professors, scholars, researchers, as the case may be;  
t. to set up the adoption of modern and innovative modes of transmitting 
knowledge such as the use of information technology, the dual system, 
open learning, community laboratory etc., for the promotion of greater 
access to higher education;  
u. to establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-
making and transparency within the institution;  


 
12 
v. To create, organize, reorganize, merge or abolish colleges, institutes, and 
other academic and administrative units of the University; and  
w. to privatize, where most advantageous to the institution, management of 
non- academic services such as health, food, building or grounds or 
property maintenance and similar such other objectives.  
 
 
SECTION 8. Section 8 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to include a section title, 
and to read as follows:  
 
 
Section 8. Quorum and Services of Processes. - A quorum of the Board of 
Regents shall consist of a majority of all members. All processes against the Board of 
Regents shall be served on the President or Secretary thereof.  
 
 
SECTION 9. Section 9 of PD 1341 is hereby amended to include a section title, 
and to read as follows: 
 
 
Section 9. Meetings. - Regular meetings of the Board of Regents shall be held 
at least once every quarter. The Chairman of the Board of Regents may call a special 
meeting whenever necessary. In both cases, notice of such meetings shall be issued 
at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.  
 
 
SECTION 10. Section 10 of PD 1341 is hereby amended, and shall read as 
follows;  
 
 
Section 10. University Officials. The administration of the university shall be 
vested in the president. The president shall be assisted by the Executive Vice 
President, the Vice- President for Administration, the Vice-President for Academic 
Affairs, the Vice-President for Student Affairs, the Vice-President for Research and 
Extension, the Vice-President for Planning and Development, the Vice-President for 
Finance, the Vice-President for External Affairs, the Secretary of the University and 
such other academic and administrative officials, whose positions and functions are 


 
13 
deemed necessary to assist in the effective and efficient administration of the 
University as may be determined by the Board of Regents.  
 
 
SECTION 11. A new Section 11 is hereby inserted and shall read as follows:  
 
 
Section 11. The Faculty. The teaching staff of each college shall constitute its 
faculty. The College Faculty shall be presided over by a Dean. The Dean shall be 
appointed by the Board of Regents, upon recommendation of the President, selected 
from a shortlist of three nominees submitted by a special selection committee 
established for the purpose. If a dean fails to complete his/her term, the President shall 
appoint an Acting Dean while a search process is in progress. In no case shall the 
search and election of the next Dean be longer than sixty (60) calendar days from the 
date when the vacancy occurs.  
 
 
SECTION 12. A new Section 12-A is hereby inserted amending PD 1341 and 
shall read as follows:  
 
 
Section 12-A. Land Grants and Other Real Properties of the University. — 
 
(a) The State shall support the Polytechnic University of the Philippines as the 
national polytechnic university in the form of lump sum amount, through 
general appropriations and other financial benefits, and in kind, through land 
grants and donations and use of other real properties. To carry out the intent 
of these grants, income derived from the development of all land grants and 
real properties shall be used to further the ends of the national polytechnic 
university, as may be decided by the board; 
(b) Such parcels of land ceded by law, decree or presidential issuance to the 
Polytechnic University of the Philippines are hereby declared to be reserved 
for the purposes intended. The absolute ownership of the national 
polytechnic university over these landholdings, including those covered by 
original and transfer certificates of title in the name of the Polytechnic 
University of the Philippines and their future derivatives, is hereby 


 
14 
confirmed. Where the issuance of proper certificates of title is yet pending 
for these landholdings, the appropriate government office shall expedite the 
issuance thereof within six months from the date of effectivity of this Act: 
Provided, That all registration requirements necessary for the issuance of 
the said titles have been submitted and complied with;  
(c) The Board may plan, design, approve and/or cause the implementation of 
land leases: Provided, That such mechanisms and arrangements shall 
sustain and protect the environment in accordance with law, and be 
exclusive of the academic core zone of the campuses of the Polytechnic 
University of the Philippines: Provided, further, That such mechanisms and 
arrangements shall not conflict with the academic mission of the national 
polytechnic university;  
(d) The Board may allow the use of the income coming from real properties of 
the national polytechnic university as security for transactions to generate 
additional revenues when needed for educational purposes;  
(e) The Board may approve the implementation of joint ventures: Provided, 
That in the event real properties of the national polytechnic university are 
involved, only the income derived by the University from the use of the real 
properties shall be the subject of its participation or obligation in the joint 
ventures: Provided, further, That no joint venture shall result in the alienation 
of the real properties of the national polytechnic university; and  
(f) Any plan to generate revenues and other sources from land grants and other 
real properties entrusted to the national polytechnic university shall be 
consistent with the academic mission and orientation of the national 
polytechnic university as well as protect it from undue influence and control 
of commercial interests: Provided, That such programs, projects or 
mechanisms shall be approved by the Board subject to a transparent and 
democratic process of consultation with the constituents of the national 
polytechnic university: Provided, further, That funds generated from such 
programs, projects or mechanisms shall not be meant to replace, in part or 
in whole, the annual appropriations provided by the national government to 
the national university.  


 
15 
 
 
SECTION 13. A new Section 12-B is hereby inserted amending PD 1341 and 
shall read as follows: 
 
 
Section 12-B Safeguards on Assets Disposition. The preservation of the 
value of the assets of the national polytechnic university shall be of primordial 
consideration the sale of any existing real property of the national polytechnic 
university shall be prohibited: Provided, That the Board may alienate real property 
donated after the effectivity of this Act if the terms of the donation specifically allow it. 
Notwithstanding the provision of this Act or any other law to the contrary, the lease of 
more than five (5) years of the assets of the national polytechnic university and any 
transactions referred to in Section 22 shall be subject to the following conditions and 
procedures:  
a. The transactions shall be discussed with the members of the Board in any 
of its formally convened regular or special meeting, at least one (1) month 
before a decision is to be made;  
b. The transactions shall be based on a multi-year comprehensive 
development plan, crafted and developed by qualified urban planning 
professionals having at least five (5) years’ experience, with prior 
consultations with and concurrence of third-party experts and duty approved 
by a majority vote of all the members of the Board;  
c. The transactions shall be subject to competitive and public bidding as 
provided under Republic Act No 9184, otherwise known as the "Government 
Procurement Reform Act"; and  
d. If the contract or transaction involves an amount more than fifty million 
pesos (P50,000,000.00). It shall be approved by three fourths (3/4) of all the 
members of the Board: Provided, That the splitting of contracts, which is by 
breaking up a contract into smaller quantities or amounts or dividing contract 
implementation into artificial or arbitrary phases or subcontracts for the 
purposes of circumventing this provision, shall not be allowed.  
 


 
16 
 
SECTION 14. A new Section 12-C is hereby inserted amending PD 1341 and 
shall read as follows:  
 
"Section 12-C. Tax Exemptions. The provisions of any general or special law 
to the contrary notwithstanding:  
a) All revenues and assets of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines used 
for educational purposes or in support thereof shall be exempt from all taxes 
and duties;  
b) Gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds shall be 
exempt from the donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable 
deductions from the gross income of the donor in accordance with the 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended; 
Provided, that the allowable deductions shall be equivalent to one hundred 
fifty percent (150%) of the value of such donation. Valuation of assistance 
other than money shall be based on the acquisition cost of the property, 
such valuation shall take into consideration the depreciated value of 
property in case said property has been used.  
c) Importation of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, philosophical, 
historical, legal and cultural books, supplies and materials duty certified by 
the Board, including scientific and educational computer and software 
equipment shall be exempt from customs duties.  
d) The University shall only pay 0% value-added tax for all transactions subject 
to this tax; and  
e) All academic awards shall be exempt from taxes.  
 
 
SECTION 15. Sections 11, 12 and 13 PD 1341 are hereby repealed.  
 
SECTION 16. Section 11 of PD 1341 is hereby amended and shall read as 
follows:  
 
 
"Section 14. Appropriations. In addition, to the amount already appropriated 
for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines for the current fiscal year, there is 


 
17 
hereby appropriated an initial sum of Eight Billion pesos (P8,000,000,000.00) from any 
amount available in the Treasury of the Philippines for the purposes of carrying out 
the implementation of this Act. Further, an additional sum of One Hundred Million 
pesos (P100,000,000.00) shall be appropriated separate and above the said initial 
funding for each fiscal year for the first three years of the implementation of this Act.  
 
 
SECTION 17. Separability Clause. Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of the Act.  
 
 
SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. [Republic Act No 8292, as amended, and [a] 
All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or other issuances or parts 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly  
 
 
SECTION 19. Suppletory Application of Republic Act No 8292. The 
provisions of Republic Act No. 8292 in so far as they are applicable shall be suppletory 
to this Act.  
 
 
SECTION 20. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation in the 
Philippines.  
 
 
Approved,