Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ 
Introduced by MARINO Party-list Representative 
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA) REGIONAL 
OFFICE IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Created by virtue of Republic Act No. 10879, the Southwestern Tagalog Region, also known 
as MIMAROPA representing its constituent provinces of Mindoro (Occidental and Oriental), 
Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, is an important geopolitical and economic subdivision 
envisioned to effect a more equitable distribution of wealth and spur countryside development. 
The region hosts an integral part of the Road Roll On/Roll Off (RoRo) Terminal System 
(RRTS) under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway via the Roxas-Calapan route and 
missionary routes linking its island provinces to Luzon. Its accredited maritime higher 
education institutions (MHEIs) and maritime training institutes (MTIs) also contribute to the 
increasing seafaring workforce of the Philippines for overseas deployment.  
MIMAROPA’s economy relies mostly on fishing, ecotourism and agriculture. It is one of the 
producers of the country’s top export products like rice, banana, coconut, cashew, and papaya; 
and also the second top producer of fish and seaweed in the country, all of which are transported 
via ships. 
The need for accessible government services through a Regional Office of the Maritime 
Industry Authority catering to the maritime-related activities in the region is intertwined with 
its archipelagic configuration and socio-economic importance. 
It is for these reasons that we enjoin our colleagues in the House to support the passage of 
this bill.   
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ 
Representative 
MARINO Party-list 
July 1, 2022
8:12 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ 
Introduced by MARINO Party-list Representative 
SANDRO L. GONZALEZ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A MARITIME INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (MARINA) REGIONAL 
OFFICE IN PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PROVINCE OF PALAWAN AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Creation of Regional Office – There shall be established under the Maritime 
Industry Authority (MARINA) a Regional Office in the City of Puerto Princesa, Province of 
Palawan.  
Section 2. Functions – The Regional Office in Puerto Princesa City shall provide 
frontline services of the MARINA, including, but not limited to, the processing and issuance 
of certificates of competency, endorsement, proficiency and documentary evidence required of 
seafarers; and processing and issuance of certificates of ship safety, public convenience, 
registration and documentary requirements of ships, in the exercise of its powers and functions 
under existing laws, orders, rules and regulations. 
Section 3. Appropriations – The amount necessary for the initial implementation of 
this Act shall be charged against the savings or current year’s appropriations of the MARINA. 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
Section 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations – The MARINA shall issue the 
necessary implementing rules and regulations in accordance with the provisions of this Act 
within ninety (90) days from the effectivity hereof. In the formulation of such rules and 
regulations, the MARINA shall ensure that the processes and procedures in providing frontline 
services shall be the most efficient and convenient way for its stakeholders including, but not 
limited to, computerization and automation, and elimination of redundant fees and charges. 
Section 5. Separability Clause – If for any reason any section or provision of this Act 
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections, or provisions hereof not affected by 
such declaration shall remain in force and in effect. 
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Section 6. Repealing Clause – All existing laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations 
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
 
 
Section 7. Effectivity – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
   Approved,