FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

1406

House Bill No.,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Presidential Decree No. 26 dated 21 October 1972 extends franking privilege
to judicial tribunals, one of which was the Court of Industrial Relations (CIR), with
respect to correspondence connected with judicial proceedings. This is to enable
said court to act swiftly, since one of the causes for the delay of judicial proceedings
is the lack of postage stamps.

Two years after, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) was
created under PD 442 on November 1, 1974 and, in effect, abolished the Court of
Industrial Relations and the interim NLRC. However, the NLRC inherited the same
functions and adjudicatory jurisdiction of the abolished agencies.

The foregoing is even bolstered by the fact that the abolished CIR which was
then handling similar cases and exercising similar functions as what the NLRC under
PD 442 is handling and exercising right now, was categorically classified as a “court
of justice” in the landmark case of Metropolitan Transportation Service vs. Parades
et al., G.R. No. L-1232, January 12, 1948.

Indeed, the grant of franking privilege would be of great help to the NLRC
considering that its funds basically depend upon the appropriated budget and it is not

allowed to disburse any income it may earn. Eamings of the NLRC are remitted to
the National Treasury.

On the basis of the foregoing observation, early passage of the bill is hereby

eamestly sought.
Gy
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

1406

House Bill No.

AN ACT
GRANTING FRANKING PRIVILEGE TO THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS
COMMISSION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES:

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as “NLRC Franking Privilege Act.”

SEC. 2. All official communications and papers of the National Labor
Relations Commission (NLRC) addressed for delivery within the Philippines shall be
received, transmitted and delivered in the mails of the Philippines free of postage:
Provided, that such privilege shall only be utilized to assist and expedite the conduct
of the official businesses, activities and duties of the National Labor Relations
Commission and shall not be used for matters which are of a purely personal nature.

SEC. 3. All official mail matters availing of this franking privilege must be
sealed in an official envelope or wrapper indicating therein the name of the National
Labor Relations Commission with its official seal on the upper left hand comer and
the printed penalty clause on the lower right hand comer which reads: “Private or

unauthorized use to avoid payment of postage is penalized by fine or imprisonment
or both.”

SEC. 4, There is hereby appropriated annually, out of any fund in the National
Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to carry out
the purposes of this Act.

SEC. 5. The National Labor Relations Commission shall issue the necessary
Tules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6. Penal Provision. - Any person who shall violate the provisions of this
Act shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00)
Nor more than Ten Thousand Pesos (Php10,000.00) and/or imprisonment of not less
than One (1) month nor more than Six (6) Months or both such fine and
imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court. Prosecution under this provision shall

preclude prosecution for the same act under the Revised Penal Code, and vice
versa


SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, or parts hereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,