FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENA")l: 
S.B. No. :t!445 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The purpose of this bill is to promote the country as a prime film tourist 
destination showcasing the various destinations of the country as the perfect setting for 
movies, TV shows, music videos and other media projects. 
The passage of this bill will in effect highlight the country's globally competent 
filmmakers, state-of-the-art production facilities and capable technical crew who are 
willing and ready to assist foreign production and media outfits. 
In order to encourage involvement in the film tourism industry, accredited film 
productions and institutions and other service providers actively participating in the said 
industry shall be exempt from payment of EVAT and customs duties for the importation 
of. cinema equipment and facilities necessary for their operation. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MANNY ILLAR 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENA2
i;. 
S.B. No .. 1&45 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT TO DEVELOP AND PROMOTE FILM TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES, 
PROVIDING FUNDS AND INCENTIVES THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "The Film Tourism Act". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to promote the country's potential as a prime film tourist destination, showcasing the 
various islands of the country as the perfect setting for movies, TV shows, music videos 
and other media projects and highlighting the country's globally competent filmmakers, 
state-of-the-art production facilities and capable technical crew willing and ready to 
assist foreign production and media outfits. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. When used in This Act, the following terms 
shall mean: 
a) Accreditation- the certification issued by the Department of Tourism (DOT) 
recognizing the holder as having complied with the minimum standards and 
requirements prescribed by the Department for the operation and maintenance of 
film tourism services; 
b) Film Tourism- the traveling of persons to other countries for the purpose of 
filming movies, TV shows, music videos and other media projects. 
SECTION 4. Film Tourism Information. The Department of Tourism, in 
coordination with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, the Film 
Development Council, and officials of all local government units nationwide, and in 
consultation with various groups involved in cinema, film production, theater arts, 
communications and promotions, and other aspects of film-making shall identify the 
world-class cinema-related service providers that have the capability to engage in film 
tourism services. 
A system of continuing information dissemination on film tourism shall be 
adopted. 
SECTION 5. Promotion of Film Tourism-The consular officers and employees 
of the various Philippine embassies and consulates based in other countries shall have 
ready information and data on film tourism services available in the country. 
They shall likewise encourage the officers and members of the Overseas Filipino 
Workers (OFW) associations to promote and disseminate information regarding film 
tourism in the country as their contribution towards a sustainable industrial growth. 


SECTION 6. Accreditation of World-Class Film Tourism Providers. The DOT 
is hereby mandated to conduct a national accreditation and affiliation program to 
identified providers of world-class filmmaking, tour operators, service providers, 
production companies and facilities, theater groups and cinema guilds, and other film 
service providers in the country. 
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SECTION 7. Assistance for International Accreditations. The Department of 
Tourism (DOT), in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall assist 
the various film companies, actors guild, theater groups, media outfit, and other film 
service providers in seeking accreditation from foreign governments so that they may 
qualify to serve foreign productions and clients. 
SECTION 8. Fiscal Incentives. Accredited film productions and institutions and 
other service providers actively participating in the film tourism industry shall be exempt 
from payment of EVAT and customs duties for the importation of cinema equipment and 
facilities necessary for their operation. 
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SECTION 9. Preferential Treatment on Government Transactions on Film 
Tourism. To ensure active promotion and full development of the film tourism in the 
country, 
all 
government transactions 
concerning the business operation film 
productions,. media companies, and all organizations, groups, entities and institutions 
involved in the film tourism industry shall be given preferential treatment. 
SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of 
Tourism (DOT) shall promUlgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 11. Appropriations. The amount necessary to implement the 
provisions of this Act Shall be included and incorporated and incorporated in the annual 
general appropriations of the various agencies of the government involved in the 
implementation of this Act. 
SECTION 11. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules or regulations which 
are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or 
repealed accordingly. 
SECTION 13. EFFECTIVITY -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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