NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No._2164
|£:T| Senate
of tlic ^rtvrtan>
23 HAY -9 PI 09
Rf-CEiVED Bv: 7
Introduced by: Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF 
VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY (PHIVOLCS), PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 1951, Mt. Hibok-hibok in Camiguin Island violently erupted which resulted In the 
death of over 3,000 people. This paved the way for the creation of the Commission 
on Volcano (COMVOL) on 20 June 1952 when the Philippines realized the necessity of 
having a government agency in-charge of monitoring and conducting studies on the 
active volcanoes in the country.1
On 17 March 1982, the COMVOL was restructured and renamed as Philippine Institute 
of Volcanology (PHIVOLC). Two years later or on 17 September 1984, Seismology or 
the science that deals with earthquakes was transferred to the PHIVOLC, thus 
renaming it as Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).2
The current structure of the PHIVOLCS was instituted on 30 January 1987 by virtue 
of Executive Order No. 128. It was placed under the Department of Science and
1 https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/history
2 https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/history


Technology (DOST) with the mandate to mitigate disasters that may arise from 
volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other related geotectonic phenomena.3
The Philippines is said to have about three hundred (300)4 volcanoes throughout the 
country. Of this number, twenty-four (24) are considered active volcanoes or those 
which have a recent history of eruptions and are likely to erupt again.5
Aside from the existence of a significant number of active volcanoes, the Philippines 
also lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a path along the Pacific Ocean 
characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.6
The Philippines experienced at least five (5) destructive earthquakes since 1990, and 
it was only three years ago when we experienced the latest eruption of Taal Volcano 
which is considered to be the deadliest volcano in the Philippines.7
We cannot therefore overemphasize the necessity of modernizing our government 
agency mandated to study and monitor earthquakes and active volcanoes in order to 
mitigate the destructive effects they may cause.
It is for this reason that the immediate passage of this bill is sought.
FRAN
TOL" N. TOLENTINO
Senator
3 https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/history
4 https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/must-see-volcanoes-philippines
5 phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/volcano-hazard/volcanoes-of-the-philippines
6 https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ring-fire/
7 https;//www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3045831/taal-volcano-most-deadly-philippines-killing-more-6000-how-big


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
of tliC i:.: fa'raru
23 may-9 PI :39
Rt:CE'VED BV;
SENATE
S.B. No.
2164
Introduced by: Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINE INSTITUTE OF 
VOLCANOLOGY AND SEISMOLOGY (PHIVOLCS), PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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 the "PHIVOLCS Modernization Act."
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It has been the policy of the State to utilize scientific
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and technical knowledge and information as an effective instrument to ensure the
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safety, well-being and economic security of the people; to safeguard the environment;
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and to promote national progress and sustainable socioeconomic development
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through various applications of geology, geophysics, geodetic engineering and allied
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sciences. The State also recognizes the need to strengthen the capability of
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government personnel tasked to monitor volcanic and seismological activities and
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other related services and information to the public. Towards this end, the State shall
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undertake the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology


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(PHIVOLCS) to improve its technological operational capacity, strengthen its role as 
the premier national volcano and earthquake monitoring agency and to attain its vision 
as a center of excellence for related information services.
SEC. 3. Objectives. - Pursuant to the foregoing policy, the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Program shall be implemented in accordance with the following objectives:
(a) To upgrade physical resources and operational techniques through acquisition 
and development of state-of-the-art instruments, equipment, facilities and 
systems to enhance current capabilities in providing useful, timely, accurate and 
reliable volcanic and seismological data and localized warning and information 
services for use in decision-making in disaster preparedness, climate change 
adaptation, water resources management, agriculture, transportation, health, 
tourism and other sectors;
(b) To enhance research and development capabilities by adopting a rationalized 
and integrated approach with focus on the improvement of basic operations and 
specialized services;
(c) To integrate disaster risk reduction and management in the sustainable 
socioeconomic development planning at the national and local levels in 
coordination with appropriate government agencies and other entities;
(d) To strengthen linkages and cooperation at the national level among the various 
providers and users of geological, seismological and other services as well as to 
provide for the appropriate mechanisms for this purpose;
(e) To establish and enhance volcanic and seismological activity monitoring service 
centers in strategic areas in the country to broaden the agency base for the 
delivery of service in the countryside;


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(f) To strengthen a technology-based data center consistent with international 
standards to make information available to those involved, whether from the 
government or private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plans, 
among others;
(g) To enhance public information, education and advocacy on geological activities, 
as well as their impacts, risks and vulnerability;
(h) To facilitate the appropriate appreciation and delivery of information, products 
and services to decision makers, media, other users and the general public; and
(i) To provide a more competitive base pay and other benefits for its personnel in 
order to promote professionalism and commitment to the service.
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SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - the following terms are defined as follows:
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(1) Seismology - the scientific study of the sudden, violent movements of the 
earth connected with earthquakes
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(2) Tsunami - a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and period 
usually generated by a violent, impulsive undersea disturbance or activity 
near the coast or in the ocean.
(3) Volcanology - is the study of volcanoes, lava, magma, ash or tephra fall and 
related geological, geophysical and geochemical phenomena.
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SEC. 5. Mandate. - The PHIVOLCS is mandated to:
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a. Predict the occurrence of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, and their
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related geotectonic phenomena.


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b. Determine how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes shall occur and areas 
likely to be affected,
c. Mitigate hazards of volcanic activities through appropriate detection, 
forecast and warning system,
d. Provide appropriate volcano, earthquake and tsunami products and 
services for disaster preparedness,
PHIVOLCS shall provide timely, quality and socially-inclusive information and services 
for warning, disaster preparedness and mitigation.
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SEC. 6. Organizational Structure. The PHIVOLCS shall be an attached agency of the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for purposes of policy and program 
coordination, to ensure alignment in national science and technology policies and 
priorities.
It shall be headed by an Executive Director V with the rank and compensation of a 
Department Undersecretary who shall be appointed by the President upon 
recommendation by the Secretary of the DOST.
The Executive Director V shall be assisted by three (3) Deputy Executive Director V 
for Operations Services; Research and Development and S&T Services; and 
Administration, Finance and General Services, all with the rank and compensation of 
a Department Assistant Secretary to be appointed by the President.
SEC. 7. Qualifications. - No person shall be appointed as Executive Director V unless 
that person Is a natural-born citizen and a resident of the Philippines, of good moral 
character, has an advanced degree in geology, geodetic engineering, volcanology, 
physics, and other related fields and with at least five (5) years of competence and 
expertise in volcanology, geophysics, and or allied sciences. Provided, That the


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Executive Director V and the three (3) Deputy Executive Director V shall be career
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executive officers.
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SEC. 8. Components of Modernization. - The PHIVOLCS modernization shall have the 
following components:
(a) Upgrading and Maintenance of Physical Resources and Operational
Techniques. - This shall entail the acquisition and/or upgrade of state-of- 
the-art instruments, equipment, facilities, systems, and operational 
techniques, with emphasis on volcano, earthquake and tsunami monitoring 
and warning system: Provided, that prior to such acquisition and/or upgrade, 
an inventory of 
existing government and private, volcanic and
seismological instruments nationwide shall be undertaken: Provided, further, 
that the acquisition of new instruments, equipment and systems shall be 
harmonized with the phase-out of uneconomical and obsolete instruments, 
equipment and systems in the PHIVOLCS inventory;
(b) Sustained development of Volcano Monitoring network infrastructure for all 
active volcanoes of the Philippines that will ensure early-warning of volcanic 
activity even at volcanoes of long dormancy.
(c) Sustainable development of continually evolving technologies for eruption 
early-warning will help the national government keep abreast with the latest 
in S&T while maximizing its investment in public safety amidst technology 
shifts and changes. From state-of-the-art systems to customized off-the- 
shelf instruments interfaced by the Internet-of-Things, such technologies 
provide quality scientific data while instilling a culture of dynamic technical 
learning, vital to long-term organizational growth and performance.
(d) Earthquake Monitoring and Information System Development. Establish, 
operate and maintain an advanced infrastructure for earthquake and


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tsunami monitoring throughout the Philippines that operates with high 
performance standards, gathers critical technical data, and effectively 
provides information products and services to meet the needs of the 
Philippine government and the public
(e) Reliable Monitoring. Continuously monitor earthquakes and other seismic 
disturbances throughout the Philippines, including earthquakes that may 
cause a tsunami or precede a volcanic eruption, with special focus on regions 
of moderate to high hazard and risk.
(f) Long-term Protection/ Conservation of Built Environment. Thoroughly
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strong earthquake shaking at ground sites and in buildings
and critical structures. Focus should be in urban areas and near major active 
fault zones to gather greatly needed data and information for reducing 
earthquake impacts on buildings and structures.
(g) Development of Forecasting Capability for Impending Large Earthquakes/ 
Tsunami Events. Develop machine learned capability to determine 
earthquake parameters and the resulting information will automatically be 
broadcast to mobile phones and social media accounts whenever a 
significant earthquake occurs, for immediate assessment of impacts. In 
areas feasible, for sites at a distance from the epicenter, an early warning 
will be broadcasted seconds before strong shaking arrives. Provide similar 
capabilities for automated warning and alert for tsunamis.
(h) Establishment of permanent PFIIVOLCS building including land acquisition 
to house the Data Receiving/ Operation Centers for real-time volcano, 
earthquake and tsunami monitoring. This shall ensure stability and 
protection of government investments on scientific, technical equipment and 
research laboratories.


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(i) Enhancement of Research and Development Capability. - This shall involve 
the enhancement of research and development capability through a more 
rationalized and totally integrated approach with established earthquake and 
volcano research laboratories, focusing on improvement of operations, as 
well as the strengthening of specialized services with cost recovery 
measures;
(j) Enhancement of Public Information and Linkages with Local Government 
Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. -This shall include continuous sharing 
of information to LGUs and other stakeholders that help in the disaster 
planning, preparation, disaster mitigation, among others;
(k) Enhancement of Volcanic and Earthquake Data and Information 
Dissemination Services. - This shall involve the development and use of 
communication strategy for ensuring the use of plain and local language, 
nontechnical terms and familiar graphical presentations, in combination with 
science-based information that will ensure the delivery of accurate, up-to- 
date and timely earthquake, tsunami, and volcano-related information to 
create greater public awareness and draw appropriate response for disaster 
risk reduction: Provided, that PHIVOLCS shall partner with the Komisyon sa 
Wikang Filipino (KWF), various Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, Philippine 
Commission on Women, and other rights-based organizations for the 
development or enhancement of socially-inclusive products. PHIVOLCS shall 
collaborate with both public and private organizations to effectively 
disseminate data and products.
(l) Strengthening of the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP). - The 
HRDP of PHIVOLCS will continue to be aligned with the strategic goals of the 
Institute. This shall ensure that personnel are provided equal opportunities 
for self-improvement to be competent, motivated to work and rewarded.


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Complementation and capacity-building of a wide-range of experts in 
volcanology and seismology and to efficiently develop, operate and maintain 
advanced monitoring systems and distill accurate volcano, earthquake and 
tsunami information for public guidance. Support to continued professional 
learning will further ensure skills development and motivation that will translate 
to better S&T services.
SEC. 9. Collaboration or linkages with Local Government Units (LGUs). With this 
institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS, the roles of the local government will also 
be enhanced to cover the following areas:
(a) Public Intermediary. The local government, together with national Sn. local 
news media and the emergency management community, shall frequently 
act as intermediaries between PHIVOLCS and its complex target audience 
including the general public, institutional decision makers, and emergency 
responders, especially In crafting plans attuned to the local needs of its 
constituents to increase public resilience to earthquakes, tsunami and 
volcanic eruptions, to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to human life and 
property and shorten recovery periods based on risk assessments.
(b) Information Dissemination. It is critically important for PHIVOLCS to work 
closely with the national and local disaster agencies to craft appropriate 
information messages, to regularly test and evaluate their dissemination 
communication channels, and to identify gaps and dissemination problems, 
so that the tsunami messages reach the intended users when an event 
occurs.
(c) Awareness and Promotion. Outreach and communication with the public is 
crucial to their understanding and awareness of the nature of the 
geotectonic hazards, the risks to personal safety and property, and the steps 
to reduce those risks including the deployment of sustainable, reliable and 
effective monitoring and warning systems. With this, the local government


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is expected to promote in local and international recognition programs, its 
own interfaces with the enhanced PHIVOLCS system with its increased 
coverage and explore avenues to enjoy its full benefits.
(d) Technical Review. The local government shall contribute in the review of 
local research, exchange information and coordinate local projects during 
regular local meetings to ensure readiness to disasters, that appropriate 
guidelines are consistently crafted and that local support infrastructure to 
the enhanced systems are funded;
SEC. 10. Components of the HRDP. - This component shall include the following:
(a) New Salary Scale for PHIVOLCS Personnel. - The Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PHIVOLCS 
personnel in consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, as amended otherwise 
known as the "Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other 
Science and Technology Personnel in Government" with a corresponding 
increase in the base pay, allowances and other benefits;
(b) PHIVOLCS Personnel Retention Incentive. - An additional incentive to be 
known as the "Personnel Retention Incentive" shall be provided to qualified 
PHIVOLCS personnel, to be determined by PHIVOLCS in consultation with 
DBM in an amount not exceeding twenty percent (20%) of the monthly basic 
salary subject to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which shall 
be hereinafter formulated; and
(c) Scholarship Program. - Not later than three (3) years from the enactment 
of this Act, scholarships shall be provided for undergraduate and graduate 
studies in volcano- and seismology-related fields as well as for specialized 
training programs, in coordination with the DOST, Commission on Higher 
Education (CHED) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Cooperation on


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human resources upgrading and capability enhancement with regional and 
international organizations shall also be undertaken.
(d) Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program. - This 
shall entail the development of appropriate collaborative arrangements with 
relevant regional and international bodies and government institutions to 
complement the national effort for modernization.
SEC. 11. Disaster Preparedness, Public Information and Dissemination Services -The 
Institutional modernization of PHIVOLCS shall enhance public Information, education 
and advocacy on earthquake, tsunami and volcano hazards and risks. To facilitate the 
appropriate appreciation and delivery of science-based information to target 
stakeholders for proper response actions before and during the occurrence of these 
hazards, there shall be provision for:
(a) Fully-equipped and well-staffed learning / training center that will serve as 
a platform for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating capacity 
development programs for various stakeholders regarding mitigation and 
preparedness for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunami-related 
hazards.
(b) A knowledge management system (composed of people, process, 
infrastructure, and strategy) that will ensure that researches are attuned to 
the public's needs and that research and development outputs are translated 
into culturally-relevant, gender-responsive, and disability-inclusive capacity 
development programs, and warning and risk information products and 
services for key stakeholders and the public.
(c) A multi-channel and multi-directional communication strategy and 
standardized procedures that shall ensure access to and effective
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dissemination of useful information on volcano, earthquake and tsunami 
disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response to intended 
stakeholders and the public.
SEC. 12. Formulation and Submission of the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program. - The 
Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS in coordination with the Secretary of the DBM and 
the Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 
shall formulate the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program and oversee its implementation 
based on the policy objectives provided in this Act.
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Program shall indicate among others:
(a) PHIVOLCS requirements in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities 
during the various stages of modernization;
(b) The modernization projects, which shall indicate the equipment and 
technology acquisitions, including major construction or upgrade of facility 
and the particular objective and component to which such intended 
acquisition, construction and upgrading belongs to; and
(c) The priorities, schedules and estimated cost of each modernization project.
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive Director of 
the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and 
auditing rules and regulations.
SEC. 13. Period of Implementation. The modernization program under this Act shall 
be implemented for an initial period of three (3) years: Provided, that payments for 
multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend beyond this period.
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Provided, further, that PHIVOLCS shall continue to modernize and constantly update 
its operational capabilities to keep pace with best international practices.
SEC. 14. PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund. - There is hereby created the PHIVOLCS 
Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the PHIVOLCS Modernization Program, 
which shall be sourced from the following:
(a) The amount of five billion pesos (P10,000,000,000.00) to be taken from the 
share of the National Government in the gross income of the Philippine 
Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Bases Conversion and 
Development Authority (BCDA). For two (2) years after the effectivity of this 
Act, an amount of five billion pesos (P5,000,000,000.00) per year shall be 
released to the PHIVOLCS. The entire amount of ten billion pesos 
(P10,000,000,000.00), including any interest income thereon, shall be used 
exclusively for capital outlay.
(b) Loans, grants, bequests, and donations whether from local or foreign sources. 
The Secretary of the DOST with the approval of the NEDA and subsequently the 
Department of Finance (DOF) is hereby granted the authority to enter into loan 
agreements with foreign financial institutions.
The PHIVOLCS Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Executive Director of 
the PHIVOLCS in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and 
auditing rules and regulations.
SEC. 15. Annual Report. - The Executive Director of the PHIVOLCS shall prepare an 
annual report on the status of the implementation of the PHIVOLCS Modernization 
Program which shall be submitted through the DOST Secretary, to the President and 
to the Chairpersons of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Senate and 
the House of Representatives not later than June 30 of the succeeding year.
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SEC. 16. Tax Exemptions. - Donations, grants, gifts, endowments, legacies, and
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contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the purpose for PHIVOLCS shall
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be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction
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from gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor, in
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accordance with Sec. 34 (H)(2)(a) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as
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amended. Likewise, such other transfers of ownership and/or possession of real or
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personal properties of all kinds shall be exempt from all taxes.
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SEC. 17. Procurement of Scientific and Technical Materials, Equipment, and Services.
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- The PHIVOLCS shall undertake the procurement of scientific and technical materials,
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equipment, and services in its operation and administration, in the most expeditious
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manner, and adopt the most suitable or appropriate method of procurement that it
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deems fit based on its identified needs and requirements depending on the existing
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conditions and requirements that justify the use of a particular alternative modality
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provided for by Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the "Government
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Procurement Reform Act" and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
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Sec. 18. Exemption from Import Duties, Taxes and Restrictions - Importation and
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consignments of equipment shall benefit from:
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(a) Exemption from all duties and taxes;
(b) Waiver of economic prohibitions and restrictions except for categories of 
special goods and equipment that may be indicated by the PHIVOLCS;
(c) Clearance without regards to the country of origin or the country from which 
the goods have arrived, subject to monitoring for reasons of public health 
and security and
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(d) Immediate release of urgent, necessary monitoring equipment when there 
is an ongoing volcanic eruption.
Sec. 19. A land area equivalent to at least ten (10) hectares out of the vast land which 
are under the administration of BCDA within the Clark Special Economic Zone in 
Pampanga and Tarlac, shall be allocated for free exclusively for the PHIVOLCS office 
and its stations.
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Sec. 20. Simplification of Documentation Requirements
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(a) Consignments of equipment sent by international collaborative research 
partners shall be cleared or released on the basis of a simplified equipment 
declaration providing the minimum information necessary for the Bureau of 
Customs to identify the equipment and object, when deemed necessary, to 
completion of a more complete declaration within a specified period.
(b) The requirements for the declaration for all imports of equipment by or on 
behalf of international collaborative research partners and any supporting 
documents relating to it, release and clearance shall be simplified and lodged 
without fee.
SEC. 21. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the implementation of 
this Act shall be initially charged against the current fiscal year appropriations of the 
DOST - PHIVOLCS. Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation 
of the modernization program, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act.
SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) - Within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the PHIVOLCS shall issue the IRR for the effective 
implementation of this Act in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
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SEC. 23. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid 
or unconstitutional, the other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and regulations or 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed 
or modified accordingly.
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SEC. 25. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in one (1) national newspaper of general circulation.
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