Republic of the Philippines THE.
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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4169

H.B. No.

Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG" T. HARESCO, JR.

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 7157, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE FOREIGN SERVICE ACT OF 1991, TO INCREASE EDUCATIONAL
ALLOWANCE FOR FOREIGN SERVICE PERSONNEL, APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In this day and age of globalization, the vital role of Foreign Service Officers, as a
facet of growth, is one that cannot be overemphasized. Our Foreign Service Officers are
at the front lines of diplomacy and in many times, serve as the emissaries of our
government to Filipinos in distress worldwide.

‘These public servants are a class of their own. In response to the call of service,
they incessantly dedicate their time and energy for the betterment of the Philippines, all
the while being in foreign soil. Foreign Service Officers, on top of performing public duty,
make the ultimate sacrifice of leaving the comfort of their home country. And while it is
impossible to measure in monetary terms the sacrifice laid down by these gallant public
servants, it is the State's bounden duty to at least recognize and reciprocate their efforts.

As such, this bill was crafted to alleviate the plight of Foreign Service Officers,
even if a little. This bill seeks to amend Sections 63 (f) and 72 of Republic Act Number
7157, or the Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, to increase the amount and coverage
of education allowance for Foreign Service Officers. Particularly, the proposed
amendments will increase the reimbursable amount of education allowance to the actual
costs incurred in education of legal dependents of foreign service officers numbering not
more than four (4),

Said amendments are in conformity with the declared State Policies under Section
12, Article 2, 1987 Constitution, which states in part that “t]he State recognizes the sanctity
of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution.”
Furthermore, Section 17 of the same Article provides in part that “[t[he State shall give


priority to education.” These amendments seek to encourage Foreign Service Officers to
bring their family in their country of assignment and to give their children the best
possible education befitting of their status, in recognition and vindication to the
invaluable service the Foreign Service officers give to our country.

Wherefore, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

al

HON. TEODORICO “NO! ” T. HARESCO, JR.
Representative
24 District, Province of Aklan


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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session

4169

H.B. No.

Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR.

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 7157, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE FOREIGN SERVICE ACT OF 1991, TO INCREASE EDUCATIONAL
ALLOWANCE FOR FOREIGN SERVICE PERSONNEL, APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 63 (f), of Republic Act Number 7157, otherwise known as the
Philippine Foreign Service Act of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Title XI
“ALLOWANCES, PER DIEMS, TRAVEL EXPENSES AND BENEFITS
“Part A. Allowances
“Section 63. System of Allowances. ~ xxx:
(a) xxx;
“005,
“(f) Education allowance. ~ To compensate for additional educational cost
incurred by officers and employees assigned abroad for legal dependent
children not exceeding FOUR (4) in number who are enrolled in the
primary and elementary grades and high school OR ITS EQUIVALENT
where free public education is absent,”

SEC. 2. Section 72 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows:
“Section 72. Education Allowances. ~ Education allowance may be granted
to officers and employees assigned abroad who are citizens of the
Philippines of their legal dependent children not exceeding FOUR (4) in
number, who are enrolled in the primary, elementary and high school levels

OR ITS EQUIVALENT. This grant shall not, however, be payable in
respect to post where free educational is provided for.


The allowance may be granted as reimbursement of ALL actual costs
INCURRED FOR EDUCATION AND THOSE RELATED THERETO
subject to presentation of receipts and other evidence of payment of
matriculation, tuition, books and other school fees.”

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or
other issuances or parts thereof contrary to inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4, Separability Clause. - If any provisions of this Act or the application of such
provision to any person or circumstances be declared unconstitutional, the remainder of
this Act or the application of such provision to other person or circumstances shall not be
affected by such declaration.

SEC. 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval.

Approved,