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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

460

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
PRESCRIBING ELECTRONIC AND ONLINE MODALITIES FOR THE
PROMULGATION OF LAWS, RESOLUTIONS, RULES AND OTHER ISSUANCES,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 18, 24 AND 25 CHAPTER 5, BOOK 1
OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippine legal framework currently mandates that laws and other official
issuances must be published either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation before they can take effect. This requirement, originally crafted during an era of
print-centric information dissemination, no longer aligns with the realities and efficiencies

offered by modern technology.

This proposed measure aims to amend Sections 18, 24, and 25 of Chapter 5, Book I of
Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the “Administrative Code of 1987,” to formally
incorporate electronic and online modalities of publication. Specifically, it affirms that laws
shall take effect fifteen (15) days following their publication not only in print but also in the
electronic versions of the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, unless

otherwise provided by law.


‘The proliferation of digital platforms and the growing dependence of the public on
online resources to access information highlight the need to modernize our system of legal

promulgation.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

‘CRISPIN DIEGO “PI

D. REMULLA


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRI NTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 480

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
PRESCRIBING ELECTRONIC AND ONLINE MODALITIES FOR THE
PROMULGATION OF LAWS, RESOLUTIONS, RULES AND OTHER ISSUANCES,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 18, 24 AND 25 CHAPTER 5, BOOK 1
OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Electronic and Online
Publication of Laws Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to ensure compliance with
the fundamental right of the public to information, specifically on matters of public concern.
The State recognizes the vital role of information and communications technology as an
alternative to traditional printed or paper editions of newspaper and the Official Gazette in
bringing to the people important information for proper guidance and appropriate compliance.

SEC. 3. Sections 18, 24 and 25, Chapter 5, Book 1 of Executive Order No. 292 are
hereby amended to read as follows:

“Sec 18. When Laws Take Effect. - laws shall take effect after
fifteen (15) Days following the completion of their publication in
the ELECTRONIC AND PRINT VERSIONS of the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, unless it is

otherwise provided.”


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SEC. 4. Separability Clause. ~ \f any provision of this Act is held invalid, the other
provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, decrees, rules or issuances inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the
completion of its publication in the online or printed edition of the Official Gazette, or in at

least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,