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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL Ne 3551

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS,
First District, Bohol

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill proposes natural resources and cultural heritage management through
tourism.

It is an understatement to say that tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors
in the Philippines and is a stable economic factor in the recent years. In 2000, the
Philippines’ tourist arrivals totaled 2.2 million. Twelve years after, or in 2012, the
country recorded 4.27 million tourist arrivals.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), a total of 884,014 visitors were
received by the Philippines from January to February of this year alone which
represented a 3.49% increase over the same months of 2013 with registered arrivals of
854,187. The month of January supplied 461,383 visitors which lodged a 5.80%
increase while the month of February provided 422,631 visitors for a growth of 1.08%.

The main attractions for tourism remain our natural resources and cultural
heritage sites. Necessarily, the growth in the tourism sector adds unwarranted strain
in these natural resources and cultural heritage sites. Equally important, and a
pressing reality, is the challenge of climate change to the environment.

It, thus, becomes imperative that additional mechanism be set in place to
ensure a cycle of use, preservation, conservation, development, promotion and
protection of the natural and cultural resources in the country.

The imposition of environmental or “green fees” is thus proposed. These green
fees, which will initially be in the minimal amount of one hundred pesos (Php 100.00),
shall be charged to all visitors who will go and visit the provinces and shall be collected
in all ports, airports and terminals in the province concerned.

Proceeds of this collection will be used exclusively for the development and
conservation of the province's natural and cultural heritage. These funds will fill a
significant gap in improving tourism products and services at the same ensure that all
sectors get a benefit from the tourism industry and ultimately work for the advantage
of these natural and cultural heritage.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of the instant bill is earnestly sought.

RENE ibe RELAMPAGOS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3551

Introduced by HON. RENE L. RELAMPAGOS.
First District, Bohol

AN ACT
MANDATING NATURAL RESOURCES AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
MANAGEMENT THROUGH TOURISM WITH THE IMPOSITION OF
ENVIRONMENTAL FEES OR “GREEN FEES” FOR THE USE,
PRESERVATION, CONSERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTION AND
PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRY’S NATURAL RESOURCES AND
CULTURAL HERITAGE

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Green Fee Act of 2016.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The State declares tourism as indispensable
element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and 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, among others, ensure the
development of Philippine tourism that is for and by the people, conserve and
promote their heritage, national identity and sense of unity as well as promote a
tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible participative, culturally
sensitive, economically viable, and ethically and socially equitable’ for local
communities.

SEC. 3. Green Fees. There shall be imposed environmental fees or “green
fees” on all tourists going in the country and in the province-destinations in the
amount of one hundred pesos (Php 100.00). This amount may later be changed upon
recommendation by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in consultation with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC) and Climate Change Commission (CCC).

Green fees shall be collected in all entry points in the respective provinces such
as, but not limited to airports, ports, terminals and other points of entry.

DOT shall coordinate with DILG and DOTC on the manner and details of
collection.


SEC. 4. Coverage. The Green Fee shall be imposed on all foreign visitors and
guests in the country.

SEC. 5. Green Fund. Proceeds of this collection, which will be referred to as
the “Green Fund,” shall be used exclusively for the use, preservation, conservation,
development, promotion and protection of the country’s natural resources and
cultural heritage, including, but not limited to the development of new tourism
destinations; improvement of tourism products and services; research; promotion for
the awareness of, and preparedness for, climate change and others.

Plans and programs of DOT in implementing this law shall, as far as
practicable, complement and harmonize efforts already done by other agencies which
are also mandated to preserve and promote natural resources and cultural heritage
sites.

Thus, the Green Fund shall not be used for plans, programs and activities which
are already funded from other sources or by other government agencies. Provided
that, local government units shall be allowed to apply for the Green Fund subject to
one hundred percent (100%) counterpart from their own fund and provided further,
that they comply with the guidelines as well as the requirements as may later be
declared by the DOT.

The collection, disbursement and use shall be laid out in the implementing
rules and regulations.

The Green Fund shall be subject to the usual auditing rules and regulations.

SEC. 6. Implementing Agency. DOT shall be primarily responsible for the
management and operation of the Green Fund.

There shall be a Secretariat attached to the DOT which will be headed by an
Executive Director who shall have the level and rank of an undersecretary.

SEC. 7. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. The Joint Oversight
Congressional Oversight Committee (“Oversight Committee”), created under Republic
Act No, 9593, shall monitor implementation of this Act.

SEC. 8. Submission of Reports. DOT shall submit, after nine (9) months
from the enactment of this law, it ial report on the implementation of this Act to
the Oversight Committee and every year thereafter.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. DOT in consultation with
DENR, DILG, DOTC, CCC and other relevant government agencies shall promulgate
the necessary implementing rules and regulations within six (6) months from the
passage of this law.

SEC. 10. Appropriation. The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations
of the DOT.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. — The provisions of this Act are declared
separable and in the event of any such provision is declared unconstitutional, the
other provisions, which are not affected, shall remain in force and effect.


SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. ~ All other laws, decrees, rules and regulations
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,