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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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JUL -8 1\8 :47 
SENATE 
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538 
Senate Bill No. ___ _ 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Science and Technology constitutes a vital tool for national economic 
development. Studies have shown a positive relationship between economic 
development and scientific and technological capability. 
In an era of rapid scientific and technological development, the State 
should provide mechanisms to enable the country to be globally competitive. One 
mechanism is to create a science and technology educational program that will 
propel our country to be at par with our Asian neighbors. 
To meet the demands of the times, we must start improving our Science 
and Technology educational system. We must increase infrastructure support to 
build and upgrade laboratory rooms and provide facilities in all public elementary 
and secondary schools. We must also provide venue and materials for students 
direct and hands-on experiences in Science and Technology learning. Finally, we 
must make provision for operation, repair, maintenance and upgrading of 
acquired laboratory equipment. 
In view thereof, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
Senator 


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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No: 
539 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING 
THE 
ESTABLISHMENT OF 
FULLY-EQUIPPED SCIENCE 
LABORATORIES IN EVERY PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY 
SCHOOL AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Science Lab~ratory 
for Basic Education Act of 2013". 
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the state 
to give priority to scientific and technological efforts vital to national development. 
It has been proven that industrialization can be achieved if schools adopt modern 
methods of teaching science and technology during the early stages of 
education. 
Furthermore, the Constitution provides that the right of teachers to 
professional advancement should be enhanced. With this mandate, quality 
education shall be ensured. 
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act aims to attain the following objectives 
within the period of five (5) years. 
1. To improve the quality of science and technology education in the country; 
2. To provide basic and advance 8&T education in high school, respectively in 
preparation for higher education; 
3. To teach the students the effective use and operation of modern laboratory 
equipment and facility related to science and technology; and 
4. To train 8&T teachers the use of modern laboratory equipment so that they will 
be more effective in demonstrating their uses. 
SEC. 4. Funding Source. - In addition to the funds to be provided by the 
Legislature, this Act shall receive funding support from the following: 


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a. Twenty percent (20%) share from the gross proceeds of travel tax collections 
over and above the share of the National government therefrom; 
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b. Twenty percent (20%) share from the net income of the Philippine Games and 
Amusement Corporation (PAGCOR) over and above the franchise tax and the 
corporate income tax therefrom. 
SEC. 5. Incentives. - Incentives shall be given to the following: 
a. Tax Incentives shall be given to private entities engaging in S&T development; 
b. Private schools who shall import laboratory equipment/facilities for the 
exclusive use in their school shall be given a twenty percent (20%) tax deduction 
from the total revenue obligations; 
c. Private entities engaged in the manufacture of laboratory equipment needed in 
public schools shall be given a three percent (3%) tax incentive/deduction from 
the importation of raw materials. 
SEC. 6. Proposed System. - This Act shall provide the following: 
1. Construction of laboratory buildings; 
2. Provide required laboratory equipment and facilities; 
3. Continuous development and updating of standards for facilities 
4. Strengthen partnership between public and private institutions in promoting 
science and technology. 
5. Strengthen the coordination between the regional Science and Technology 
Teaching Centers (RSTCs) and the Department of Education, regional Offices in 
monitoring / utilization of laboratory equipment; 
6. Train math and science teachers the proper use, repair and maintenance of 
the laboratory facilities equipment; 
7. Create required laboratory technician positions at least for every elementary 
and secondary schools for operation, repair and maintenance of the laboratory 
equipment (or alternative scheme of maintenance) and facilities. 
8. Provide replacement and assistance of science and technology 
9. The number of laboratory rooms/facilities per school shall be determined by 
science and technology experts of DOST and ISMED. 
10. The building, plans apd design shall be drawn and approved by DOST-SEI. 
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SEC. 7 .. Disposition of Funds. - The Fund shall be utilized for the 
construction of school laboratories including equipment / facilities and the 
creation of requir(')d positions of a technician in every public elementary and high 
schools throughout the country. 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Science 
Education Institute (SEI) in coordination with the regional offices of DepEd and 
the RSTCs shall implement the program. The above-mentioned offices shall also 
monitor the utilization and maintenance of the equipment. 
SEC. 8. Implementation. - The implementation of the activities of this Act 
shall be undertaken by SEI in coordination with the RSTCs and DECS Regional 
Offices. 


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The initial implementation of this Act shall be undertaken in every electoral 
district to be funded and spearheaded by the Congressman who has jurisdiction 
of the district therein. 
The maximum number of pupil/students in every laboratory class must not 
exceed fifty (50) and there must be at least one laboratory room for every forty 
five (45) pupils I studens. 
SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act 
is declared invalid or unconstitutional; the remaining provision not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders or regulations or 
part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 1~ • Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following 
the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper 
of general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,