SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S, No. 1273 
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Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
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The Earth Hour is an annual worldwide activity that aims to raise awareness on 
the need to take a stand on climate change by turning off non-essential lights for an 
hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., every last Saturday of March. The first time the 
Philippines participated in Earth Hour, there was a registered drop in power 
consumption by about 78.63 megawatts in Metro Manila and up to 102.2 megawatts in 
Luzon. The Philippines has been recognized as being the top participant in Earth Hour 
with 1,671 cities, municipalities, towns, and provinces joining the event. 
Participation in this global initiative supports state policy as set out in Section 16 
of Article II of the Constitution, stating that "The State shall protect and advance the 
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature". It is therefore state policy to enact measures that will help 
resuscitate a failing environment by rousing the consciousness of its citizens on efforts 
geared towards environmental conservation and protection. 
This proposed measure seeks to raise aWarlilness on climate change by requiring 
everyone to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour every last Saturday of the 
month from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., during which the demand for energy consumption 
shall be limited, therefore optimistically reducing the production of greenhouse gases 
In view of the foregOing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MANUEL "LITO" M. LAP~ 
Senator 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC. 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
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Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
DECLARING THE LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH AS EARTH HOUR. 
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 known as the "Monthly Earth Hour 
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Act of 2013." 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
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reaffirm the fundamental right of every person to a balanced and healthful ecology in 
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accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
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SEC. 3. Information, Education and Communication (lEC) Campaign. - The 
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Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of 
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Education (DepEd), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the 
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Philippine 
Information 
Agency 
(PIA), 
in 
coordination 
with 
Non-governmental 
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Organizations (NGOs), shall conduct a nationwide information, education, and 
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communication (IEC) campaign in order to inform the general public of and raise 
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awareness on the need to conserve energy as a means to combat climate change and 
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other related environmental concerns by promoting the practice of turning off non-
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essential lights for one hour every last Saturday of the month from 8:30 p,m. to 9:30 
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p.m. 
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SEC. 4. Implementing Rules and Regalations (IRR). - Within six (6) months 
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from the date of effectivity of this Act, the DENR, in consultation with the DepEd and the 
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DILG, shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations necessary to implement 
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the provisions of this Act. 
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SEC. 5. Appropriations Clause. - The amount necessary to implement the 
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provisions of this Act shall be included in the general annual appropriations of the year 
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when it is enacted into law. 
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SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, other provisions or parts thereof not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SEC. 7. Repealing Clause.- All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
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rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this 
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Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
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circulation. 
Approved, 
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