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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
S. No.
24 SEP 10 P6 37
RtC£i
SENATE
2815
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS “TOL” N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PATUBIG HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PHAP) IN 
THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF
Explanatory Note
With the impending increase of water rates in our country, low-income households 
face the added burden of paying their bills due to limited financial resources. Amid the 
rising costs of basic necessities and services, the government needs to provide 
assistance to alleviate the current situation of the low-income households. The assistance 
in the payment of water bills will play a crucial role in supporting households that struggle 
to meet their basic needs.
This bili aims to establish a water assistance program to help low-income 
households pay their residential water bill. Such assistance ensures the access to water 
for the heaith, hygiene, and overall quality of life of our citizens. This proposed iegislation 
not only supports the immediate needs of low-income households but also aligns with the 
broader national goals of poverty reduction and equitable access to essential services.
By helping families manage their water utility costs, this Act will directly contribute 
to improving public health, reducing financial insecurity, and enhancing the quality of life 
for Filipinos.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRAN
S “TOL” N. TOLENTINO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session
S. No.
SENATE
2815
Introduced by SENATOR FRANCIS “TOL” N. TOLENTINO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PATUBIG HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PHAP) IN 
THE PHILIPPINES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREOF
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be called the “Patubig Household
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Assistance Program (PHAP)”.
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SEC. 2. (a) DEFINITIONS - In this section:
(1) HOUSEHOLD - The term “household” means any individual or group of 
individuals who are living together as an economic unit.
(2) BENEFICIARIES- The term “beneficiaries” means a household—
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(A) that has one or more individuals receiving government 
assistance under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), 
which provides conditional cash transfers to support low-income 
families:
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(B) that has a household income that falls within the poverty 
threshold duly set by the Philippine Statistics Authority
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(3) POVERTY LEVEL - The term "poverty level" means the poverty line as 
determined by the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, 
considering various factors such as household size, location, and economic 
conditions.


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(4) SECRETARY - The term "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of the 
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), who is 
responsible for the implementation of social welfare programs aimed at the 
delivery of water assistance to eligible beneficiaries.
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SEC. 3. Establishment of the Patubig Household Assistance Program (PHAP)
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- The Secretary shall establish the Patubig Household Assistance Program (PHAP) that
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will provide financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries to pay residential water bills, or a
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portion thereof, and manage their residential water utility costs.
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The amount of financial assistance shall be determined in accordance with the
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average existing rates of water consumption per locality, as determined by the National
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Water and Resources Board, which shall not be lower than Three hundred pesos (P
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300.00) nor exceed One thousand pesos (P 1,000.00).
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The Secretary shall prioritize households in the rural or underserved areas in
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accessing funds through the Patubig Household Assistance Program (PHAP).
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SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
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this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual General Appropriations Act.
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SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DSWD, in consultation with
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the PSA, DILG, and other public and private stakeholders, shall promulgate the
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implementing rules and regulations of the Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.
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SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any of the provisions of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
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force and effect.
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SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All acts, laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of
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instructions and regulations or any part thereof which are inconsistent with any provision
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of this Act are hereby repealed and or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Approved,