Republic of the Philippines
| HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
| First Regular Session

| 1818

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative ZALDY “JECOY” S. VILLA

THE

ROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE OF TOURISTS

|
| EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN RC ESTABLISHING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCE FOR

Repubife Act No. 9593 otherwise known as Tourism Act of 2009 provides:

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — The State declares tourism as an
indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest
it importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socio-economic growth
and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and
employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all
Filipinos.

‘Towards this end, the State shall seek to:

XXX
(b) Recognize sustainable tourism development as integral to the national socio-
economic development efforts to improve the quality of life of the Filipino people,
providing the appropriate attention and support for the growth ofthis industry

XXX.

Further, “Sustainable tourism development” refers to the management of all resources that
meets the needs of tourists and host regions while protecting the opportunities for the future,
in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining
cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support
systems,

Pursuant to the above- -quoted policy, this measure provides for uniform standards on signage
for use throughout the Philippines that would facilitate travel in the country. The measure
also provides the provision of directional signages in tourism facilities and destinations,



including airports, seaports, land border crossings, highways, and bus, train and other public
transit locations. Furthermore, under the bill, the Task Force is expected to prepare and
disseminate multilingual travel and tourism information and promotional materials and
establish a toll-free telephone assistance system run by multilingual operators to provide
assistance to domestic and foreign tourists.

With the advent of the Pandemic, the impact on tourism is drastically felt. The mechanism
under this measure will ensure revitalization of tourism in the country.

It is worthy to note that nothing can be more daunting for a tourist in a country that a tourist
visits and the tourist has no idea where to go for assistance, especially if said tourist becomes
a victim of an untoward incident. With this in mind the protection and assistance of tourists
is of utmost importance.

of the foreggifg, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

House BILL NoL818

Introduced by Representative ZALDY “JECOY” S. VILLA

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCE FOR

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'ROTECTION AND ASSISTANCE OF TOURISTS

racted by the Senate and the House of Representative of the Philippines Congress
led:

ON 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as “Tourists Protection and Assistance

IN 2. Declaration of Principles. - The State recognizes tourism as a major
itor to the country’s economic growth. Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to
jeasures for the protection and assistance of tourists, both domestic and foreign,
heir travel around the country.

IN 3. Tourists Protection and Assistance Task Force. — Within Nine (9) months
approval of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT) shall
an intergovernmental task force to be known as “Tourists Protection and

Assistance Task Force”, hereinafter referred to as the “Task Force”.

It shall be the duty of the Task Force to facilitate, through the concerned national

gover

ent agencies and local government units (LGUs), the following

(a) Adoption of uniform standards on signage for use throughout the Philippines in
order to facilitate travel in the country;

|

(b) Provision of directional signages in tourism in tourism facilities and destinations,
| including airports, seaports, land border crossings, highways, and bus, train, and
| other public transit locations;
|
|
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|

(c) Preparation and dissemination of multilingual travel and tourism information
and promotional materials,

(d) Establishment of a toll-free telephone assistance system run by multilingual
operators to provide assistance to domestic and foreign tourists;



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(e) Coordination with LGUs the establishment of tourist help desk in identified
tourist destinations; and

(f) Institution of measures to prevent unlawful acts or harassment committed on
tourists.

IN 4. Composition of the Task Force. — The Task Force shall be composed of the
g:

(a) Secretary of DOT or the duly designated representative, as Chairperson;

(b) Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government or the duly
designated representative, as Vice Chairperson;

(c) Secretary of the Department of Transportation or the duly designated
representative;

(d) Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways or the duly
| representative;

‘e) Secretary of the Department of Justice or the duly designated representative;

) Director General of the Philippine National Police or the duly designated
representative;

‘g) A representative from the Road Board of the Philippines; and

h) Such other representatives of other government agencies and private sector
entities as may be determined to be appropriate to the mission of the Task Force
by the Chairperson, as members.

The Task Force shall meet whenever necessary

IN 5. Funding. — The amount necessary to cover the expenses for the operation of

the Task Force shall be charge against the existing appropriation of the DOT as contained

in the

ual General Appropriations Act.

Funds for the implementation of the programs and projects that shall be approved by the
Task Force shall be included in the appropriation of the implementing agencies
concerned. For LGUs, funding shall be taken from their internal revenue allotment and other
internally generated income.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.



SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive
orders, letter of instruction, administrative orders, rules and regulations contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazeite or in newspaper of general circulation

Approved,