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

NINETEENTH (19") CONGRESS
3rd Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 19532

Introduced by Hon. WILTER YAP PALMA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Libingan ng mga Bayani was established by Republic Act No. 289 and serves as the "national
pantheon for Presidents of the Philippines, National Heroes, and Patriots of the country."

Situated in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the Libingan ng mga Bayani currently serves as the final
resting place for the mortal remains of approximately 50,000 Filipino soldiers, Veterans,
Presidents, Statesmen, Government Dignitaries, National Artists, and Scientists.

‘As the sole heroes' cemetery in the country, the unfortunate reality is that in the coming years,
we can anticipate running out of space to inter the remains of our fallen heroes. Moreover, being
in Metro Manila poses challenges for the families of the deceased residing outside the metro
area, as they face prolonged travel times to visit their loved ones' final resting place. Given these
considerations, it is high time that we establish a Libingan ng mga Bayani in locations beyond
Metro Manila, specifically in Mindanao.

Upon establishment, our fallen heroes, particularly those in Mindanao, will finally have the
‘opportunity to be laid to rest in an area much closer to their families. This initiative aims to extend
the National Government's sympathies to the families of our heroes and honor them for the

sacrifices they have made for the sake of our nation.

Representat
1* District,



ee

10

1
12
13
14

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

NINETEENTH (19") CONGRESS
3rd Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no.L063 2

Introduced by HON. WILTER YAP PALMA

AN ACT

PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI IN
MINDANAO, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Libingan ng mga Bayani sa
Mindanao Act.”

SECTION 2. Establishment of the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Mindanao. — There is
hereby established a Libingan ng mga Bayani in Mindanao and it shall be located in
Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone, San Ramon, Zamboanga City. A 20-hectare
land shall be provided by the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority
which shall serve as the site for the Libingan ng Mga Bayani, and the construction
of which shall be undertaken by the Department of National Defense (DND).

SECTION 3. Administration — The administration of the Libingan ng mga Bayani in
Mindanao shall be vested upon the Department of National Defense.

SECTION 4. Appropriations — The amount needed for the initial implementation of
this Act shall be taken from the current year’s appropriations of the Department of
National Defense. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.



15
16
7
18
19

20
a
22

23
24
25

26
27

28

29

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations — The Secretary of National
Defense in coordination with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office and the National
Historical Commission of the Philippines shall, within sixty (60) days upon the
approval of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause — if any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby
shall remain in force and effect.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,