Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 9550

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On July 28, 2010, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right
to water and acknowledged that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the
ion of all human rights. The resolution calls upon States and international
organizations to provide financial resources, help capacity-building and technology transfer to
help countries, in particular developing countries, to provide safe, clean, accessible and
affordable drinking water and sanitation for all.’

Despite this, out of 105 million Filipinos, nearly seven million rely on unimproved, unsafe and
unsustainable water sources and more than 24 million lack access to improved sanitation ?
‘Some families which do not have a safe water source in or near their homes are thus forced
to spend significant time and energy collecting water.

Add to this the El Nifio phenomenon and climate change which uncontrollably affect the
country's water sources. The most recent water shortage in Metro Manila exemplifies the most

glaring but ignored fact that water, particularly safe and potable water, is not an unlimited
resource,

As such, this bill seeks to create the Department of Water Resources Management (OWRM)
to be the sole government agency that would provide a unified and coordinated service to all
Filipinos with regard their human right to water. It behooves the government to have a single
voice which should be focused in addressing water-related issues and concems so that we
can prevent the happening of another water crisis.

In this regard, the passage of this bill is most earnest)

* hutp://wunw.un org/waterforifedecade/human right to water shtm!
2 https://water.org/our-
impact/philippines/#~ 1-Out94200f%620105%20milion’¢20Filipinos,time%20ands.20ener ingts20wat


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5558

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, DEFINING
ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

CHAPTER |
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Department of Water
Resources Management Act.”

SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
recognize, protect, realize and enhance the right of all Filipinos to safe, clean, affordable, and
accessible drinking water, sanitation, and irrigation as essential to the full enjoyment of life
and all human rights and the protection and sustainability of the environment.

In pursuit of said policy, this Act shall have the following objectives:

a) To prioritize and pursue the immediate attainment of universal access to safe,
adequate, and sustainable water supply and sanitation services for all Filipinos and
adopt all necessary measures directed towards the realization of the human right
to water and sanitation; and

b) To strengthen and coordinate water resource planning and policy-making to ensure
sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use of water resources between
completing water uses and users, including but not limited to domestic and
municipal use, irrigation, power generation, farming, fisheries, commercial and
industrial use.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby
defined:

@) Department refers to the Department of Water Resources Management.

b) Sanitation refers to sewage, sanitation and septage management.

©) Sewerage refers to any system or network of sanitary pipelines, ditches, channels
‘or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service
connections including other constructions, devices or appliances appurtenant
thereof, which includes the collection, sanitary piping transport, pumping, and
treatment of water-borne human or animal waste removed from residences,


buildings, institutions, and industrial and commercial establishments to point of
sewage treatment plant disposal.

d) Sewage refers to water-carried waste in solution or suspension, including sanitary
waste (waste products of normal living), commercial waste, industrial waste,
agricultural waste, and surface runoff, conveyed by a sewerage system for
treatment or disposal. For purposes of this Act, the definition of seepage shall be
included in the use of sewage

€) Septage refers to sludge produced on individual on-site wastewater disposal
systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools.

The terms “infrastructure” and “public works" as used in this Act should be ready to
apply only to wholly or primarily water-related projects and shall not be read to incorporate
projects which would not otherwise fall within the purview of the objectives, powers, and duties
of the Department.

CHAPTER Il
ORGANIZATION

‘SEC. 4, The Department of Water Resources Management. ~ There is hereby created
and established the Department of Water Resources Management, hereinafter referred to as
the “Department”, which shall be organized within one-hundred twenty (120) days after the
effectivity of this Act. The Department shall be tasked with developing and implementing a
comprehensive water, irigation, sewage, and sanitation program forthe Philippines, including,
but not limited to:

a) Implementing necessary policy and resource reforms with respect to tge
management of water, irrigation, sewage and sanitation;

b) Monitoring and evaluating compliance with the national goals relating to water,
irrigation, sewage and sanitation;

©) Formulating a national updated road map to address the water, sewage, and
sanitation requirements of the State; and

4) Improving conservation of water and increasing system efficiencies.

SEC. 5. Powers and Duties of the Department. - The Department shall have the
following powers and duties, among others:

‘@) Develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and
sustainable water supply, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation services for all
Filipinos;

b) Coordinate with relevant government agencies or entities to provide policy
directions, strategies, and targets to meet the goals and objectives for water
supply, irrigation, sewage, and sanitation. Such policies shall, among other things,
integrate the issues of water, irrigation, sewer, energy, environment, and food
‘security;

c) Manage and protect the country’s water resources to ensure the optimal use
thereof for domestic water supply, sewage, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower,
navigation, flood control and recreation, including the enhancement and
maintenance of water quality, conservation of watersheds, control of water
pollution, and environmental restoration, without compromising the natural
ecosystem functions and services;

d) Manage the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development,
conservation, and protection of water resources and rights to land related thereto
and their competing demands;

e) Undertake and coordinate with other agencies and government entities in data
gathering, scientific research, and studies on water resources management and


9)

h)

D}

k)

development, and conduct nationwide hydrologic surveys to determine the annual
renewable water available per water region;

Formulate and enforce rules and regulations in the administration and
management of the country's water resources management and implement rules
and guidelines for the enforcement of water-related laws;

Conduct continuing surveys and studies of the country’s renewable water supply
with a view towards formulation of long-term policies to balance the sustainability
and optimal use of water resources, defining the hydrologic boundaries of basins
of the existing water supply sources, and creating and implementing countrywide
master plans for water resources management and development;

Coordinate with and assist other government agencies in all aspects of data
gathering, conduct studies and research, and classify and establish water quality
standards for surface and ground water, including national standards for drinking
water and wastewater effluence in coordination with relevant government
agencies;

Coordinate with other relevant agencies to engage in flood control and flood risk
management, formulate integrated water resources management (IWRM) policies
and plans, and coordinate the implementation, promotion, revision, and
enhancement of IWRM plans;

Effect and compel inter-sectoral, inter-agency and inter-departmental coordination
on water, irrigation, energy, environmental, sewage and sanitation resources
development planning with the aim of operationalizing the integrated approach
water resources management;

Regulate and control the utilization, exploitation, abstraction, diversion, and
development of water resources, taking into its equitable distribution, and
determine the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in times of crisis
and national emergencies;

Assist and provide the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with
Tequired data and inputs from and for the water sector in the formulation of the
country's short-term and long-term strategic development plans and actions;

m) Coordinate with other relevant government agencies and develop policies and

n)

°)

P)

)

plans in respect of water resources for farming, including sustainable mechanisms
for irrigation;

Pass upon, approve, or disapprove all plans, programs, or development projects
of private individuals, corporations and government agencies, whether national or
local, that affect water resources, its diversion or abstraction, and the construction
of hydraulic facilities, including but not limited to plans and projects in watershed
or basin areas of water supply sources, which have direct or indirect impact on the
affected locality's water resources;

Review from time to time regulations prescribed by any government agency
pertaining to water use, exploitation, development, conservation, or protection of
waters, water resources, and watershed or basin areas;

Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any property of public
dominion or any private land, building, or enclave, whether inhabited or not, for the
purpose of conducting hydrologic surveys and investigations, including assessing
and evaluating the conditions of water facilities installed and determining
compliance with water laws and standards;

Reguire Local Government Units (LGUs) and national agencies to submit zoning
and land use management plans to ensure the integration of water resource
management plans, Provided, That no zoning and land use plan shall become
effective and enforceable unless and until a certification of integration of water,
‘sewage, and sanitation resource management plan has been issued by the
Department. Should the Department have serious concerns affecting conservation
and sustainability of water supply, such concems must first be resolved by the
Department and the concemed LGU and/or national agency. However, in the



‘absence of such concems, the concerned LGU and/or goverment agency may,
ninety (90) days from the submission of its zoning and land use plan and after
submitting to the Department a written notice of compliance with this provision,
proceed with the implementation of its zoning and land use plan without prejudice
to later integration of the water resource management plan for the locality;

1) Provide technical assistance to water, irrigation, sewer and sanitation users,
whether directly or in coordination with other agencies, to assist them in applying
for water and irrigation permits and providing data on water, irrigation, sewage, and
sanitation resources usage;

8) Plan, design, construct and/or improve all types of irrigation projects and
appurtenant structures;

t) Operate, maintain, and administer all national irrigation systems (NIS);

u) Supervise the operation, maintenance, and repair, or otherwise, administer
temporarily all communal and pump irrigation systems constructed, improved
and/or repaired wholly or partially with government funds;

v) Delegate the partial or full management of NIS to duly organized cooperatives or
associations;

w) Construct multiple-purpose water resources projects designed primarily for
irrigation and secondarily for hydraulic power development and/or other uses such
as flood control, drainage, land reclamation, domestic water supply, roads and
highway construction, and reforestation, among others, Provided, that the plans,
designs, and the construction thereof, shall be undertaken in coordination with the
agencies concemed;

x) Charge and collect from the beneficiaries of the water from all irrigation systems
constructed by under its administration;

y) In coordination with other relevant government agencies, develop and implement
effective codes, standards and reasonable guidelines to ensure the safety of all
public and private structures in the country and assure deficiency and proper
quality in the construction of water, irrigation, sewage and sanitation
infrastructures;

Z) Coordinate with relevant government agencies, including the Department of
Natural Resources, to ensure that the agencies’ respective standards complement
each other when taken as part of a larger whole;

aa) In coordination with other relevant agencies, ascertain that all plans and project
implementation designs are consistent with current standards and guidelines;

bb) Provide the works supervision function for all public works construction and ensure
that actual construction is done in accordance with approved government plans
and specifications;

cc) Assist other government agencies, including LGUs, in determining the most
suitable entity to undertake the actual construction of water, irigation, sewage and
sanitation projects;

dd) Maintain and cause to be maintained all flood control, water resource development
systems, irrigation systems, and other public works throughout the country except
those that are the responsibility of other agencies as directed by the President of
the Philippines or as provided by law;

ee) Provide integrated planning for flood control, flood risk management, and water
resource development and management systems, other public works;

ff) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to
implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act;

99) Determine and require the monitoring and submission of such data, statistics, and
other information as may be necessary for the effective and efficient exercise of its
duties, functions, powers and responsibilities;

hh) Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer
interests;



ji) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the
performance of any of the powers and functions of the Department;

ji) Appoint, hire, and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers and/or
consultants, with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary;

kk) Manage funds course through it under General Appropriations Act intended as
financial assistance to LWDs or LGUs for the development andior improvement of
water supply and sanitation facilities;

|) Exercise such other powers and functions necessary or incidental to the effective
administration and management of the country’s water, imrigation, sewage and
sanitation resources;

mm) Exercise such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to
attain the objectives of this Act; and

nn) Carry such other functions as the President may from time to time assign to the
Department consistent with the aims and provisions of this Act.

SEC. 6. Secretary of the Department.— The authority and responsibility for the

exercise of the mandate of the Depart ment and for the discharge of its powers and functions
shall be vested in the Secretary of the Department, who shall have the supervision and control
over the Department and shall be appointed by the President. For such purposes, the
Secretary shall:

a) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders,
regulations, proclamations, and other issuance relative to matters under the
jurisdiction of the Department;

b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant
to the President's guidelines;

©) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out Department objectives,
policies, and functions;

) Exercise supervision and control over all Bureaus and Offices under the
Department;

e) Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law;

f) As deemed appropriate by the Secretary, delegate authority for the performance
of any power or function, as defined herein or as delegated by the President, to
officers and employees under his direction; and

9) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by law.

SEC. 7. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall be composed of

the Secretary and his immediate staff.

SEC. 8. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than five (5)

Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the
Secretary, as follows:

1) One for the Finance Service;

2) One for the Administrative Service;

3) One for the Planning and Engineering Services;

4) One for the Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and
5) One for the Operations.

Within his/her functional area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall have the

following functions:

a) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of
Department policies, plans, programs, and projects:


b) Supervise all the operational activities of the units assigned to her/him, for which
she/he is responsible to the Secretary; and

©) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by
the Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public
services or as may be required by law.

SEC. 9. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by one (1)
Assistant Secretary for Internal Audit and the five (5) Undersecretaries shall each be assisted
by not more than three (3) Assistant Secretaries likewise appointed by the President of the
Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary.

SEC. 10. Organizational Structure. —The Department shall be composed of the
following organization units

a) Department Proper consisting of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit, Finance Service,
Administrative Service, Planning and Engineering Services, Regulatory and
Financial Assistance Services and Operations and;

b) Regional Offices, as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Secretary.

SEC. 11. Interal Audit. — The Intemal Audit is hereby created for the purpose of
conducting comprehensive audit of various Department activities and shall have the following
specific functions:

‘@) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to management control and operations
audit;

b) Conduct management and operations performance audit of Department activities
and units and determine as to compliance with established objectives, policies,
methods, and procedures, government regulations, and contractual obligations of
the Department;

c) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets
management practices, accounting, and other records, reports and performance
standards of the Department Proper and Regional Offices;

d) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top management to.
solve problems by recommending realistic courses of action; and

€) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

‘SEC. 12. Finance Service. - The Finance Services is hereby created to provide the
Department with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget,
cash, accounting, and all financial matters not falling under other Services. For such purposes,
it shall have the following functions:

a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of government
expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances, and
financial systems and procedures;

b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, undertake
budget executing, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper
offices;

¢) Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets management systems,
procedures, and practices in the Department Proper and Regional Offices in
accordance with the existing government accounting and auditing rules and
regulations;


d)

e)

Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Department, and
when requested, to government corporations, councils, and boards attached to the
Department; and

Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 13. Administrative Service. — The Administrative Service is hereby created to
provide the Department with services relating to human resources development, personnel
records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental, gender and development (GAD), security,
property and procurement services. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions:

a)

b)

°)

d)

e)

9)

h)
i)

dD

Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal administration and human
resources management;

Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that shall include provisions
‘on merit promotion, performance evaluation, job rotation, suggestions and
incentive awards systems, and health and welfare services;

Provide services related to human resource training, education, and development,
including manpower, career planning and forecasting and development of
indigenous training materials;

Prepare and/or implement Department GAD plans and budgets and GAD
accomplishment reports;

Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and cost-effective property
procurement system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with
relevant agencies, whether government or private, for the purpose of developing
or upgrading the system;

Secure and maintain necessary Department facilities, and develop, establish, and
maintain an efficient and effective security system covering, among others,
personnel, physical installations, equipment, documents, and materials including
the conduct of security investigations;

Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more efficient conduct
of administrative processes;

Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system;

Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Department Proper and
Regional Offices and, when requested, the government agencies and corporations
attached to the Department; and

Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary of as may be required by law.

SEC. 14. Planning and Engineering Services. - The Planning and Engineering
Services is hereby created to provide the Department with the capability to undertake
infrastructure development planning, programming and implementation. For this purpose, it
shall have the following functions:

a)

b)

°)

d)

Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to infrastructure planning and
implementation;

Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development consistent with
national development objectives and initiate or undertake relevant surveys for
development planning;

Formulate and implement long-range, medium-term and annual development
plans and programs, and other public works projects, including phasing of
implementation and review and integrate land use plans with such water
development plans;

Identify and implement priority packages for infrastructure development, including
flood control, water resource development systems, and other public works


e)

9)
h)
i)
dD

projects, and undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of feasibility studies
and project preparation and implementation thereof,

Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other resources
and package project proposals for funding and implementation;

Evaluate and appraise all regional and interregional infrastructure development
plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved strategies
and long and medium-term plans;

Initiate regular Department-wide planning exercises and act as the secretariat
thereof;

Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information;

Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other Services and
Regional Offices as needed;

Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 15. Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services. - The Regulatory and
Financial Assistance Services is hereby created to provide the Department with services on

all legal

affairs, compliance of attached government corporations, LWDs, RWSAs,

cooperatives, and other associations, including private entities under contractual or
concession arrangement with them, and other private water service providers on the
established standards, rules and regulations relating to: water quality; infrastructure and
facilities design and construction; equipment, materials and supplies; operations and
maintenance; personnel; organization; accounting; tariffs; and other matters subject to
regulation. It shall also provide the Department services on the management of the financial
assistance available and granted to LWDs and RWSAs. For this purpose, it shall have the
following functions:

a)

b)

c)

qd)

9)
h)

Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal affairs and regulation of the
‘operation of the attached corporations; LWDs; RWSAS, cooperatives and other
associations;

Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper and Regional Offices and, when
requested, the attached corporations and boards;

Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review of administrative
charges against officers and employees of the Department, members of the top
management of the attached corporations and boards;

Conduct administrative investigation as well as the review of administrative
charges against officers and employees of the Department, members of the top
management of the attached corporations and boards;

Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices;

Establish standards for: water quality; design and construction of facilities; optimum
selection of equipment, materials and supplies; procedures for operations and
maintenance of water and sewer equipment and facilities; training of personnel;
organization; uniform accounting system; tariffs;

Review all water rates or charges; and

Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs, RWSAs, and
other qualified water utilities.

SEC. 16. Operations. ~ The Operations is hereby created to provide the Department
through Regional Offices with the Capability to plan, design, and implement projects for water
resource development systems, irrigation, flood control, and other public works in different
regions of the country. For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:

a)

Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, construction, and works supervision
functions of the Department for the above-mentioned infrastructure within the
region;


b)

c)

d)

e)

9)

Undertake the maintenance of the above-mentioned infrastructure within the
region and supervise the maintenance of such local infrastructure receibing
national government financial assistance as the Secretary may determine;
Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations
regarding the above-mentioned infrastructure as well as public and private physical
structures;

Provide technical assistance related to their functions to other agencies within the
region;

Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and organizations within
the region, in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects;

Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take appropriate
measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the needs of the
general public, compile and submit such information to the central office, and
Tecommend such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and

Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 17. Regional Director. - Each Regional Office shall be headed by a Regional
Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of the Regional Office. She/he shall also perform such other related duties and
responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by

law.

The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Regional Directors who
shall exercise supervision respectively over (1) the planning, project design, evaluation, and
technical assistance functions of the Regional Office, and (2) the construction, maintenance,
and works supervision functions in the region.

CHAPTER Ill
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 18. Interface with Other Sector Regulators. - The Department is mandated to
coordinate with the different sector regulators as follows:

a)

b)

°)

qd)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall continue to
have the primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment and for
the conservation of water and related natural resources, including protecting water
bodies from waste and pollution and shall promulgate rules, regulations and
standards in this regard. The Department shall coordinate with the DENR with
fespect to the conservation of water resources, protection from sewage and
septage waste, and restoration from environment damage.

The Department of Health (DOH) shall have the primary authority and responsibilty
for determining and enforcing drinking water quality and sanitation standards. The
Department shall coordinate with the DOH to achieve an integrated approach for
sanitation, including toilets, collection, treatment, and evaluation of wastewater.
The Department shall subsume responsibility from the Department of Public Works
and Highways (OPWH) for wholly or primarily water-related public works projects
including flood control, water resources development, sewerage, sanitation, and
the hamessing and impounding of water. The Secretaries of each department shall
coordinate on the development of evaluation criteria, as necessary, to determine
proper allocation of public works projects between the two departments.

‘The Department shall absorb the responsibilty from the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) on the management and operation of water supply
systems of local government units.


SEC. 19. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. ~ The Department, shall by virtue of this,
Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the relevant parts of any
government agency or unit whose powers and duties have been transferred to the
Department, including the DPWH, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Water
Resources Board (NWRB), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Local
Water Utlities Administration (LWUA), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)

The transfer of powers and functions in Section 18 above, as applicable, and agencies
attached thereto, as herein provided for, shall take effect within one hundred eighty (180) days
afier the effectivity of this Act. The foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall include all
applicable funds, personnel, records, property and equipment, as may be necessary. All
offices shall continue to function under their present mandates until transition is effected as
provided for under this Act.

All rights and obligations of said government agencies are hereby transferred to and
assumed by the Department and shall be acted upon in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 20. Separation from Service. - Employees separated from government service
‘as a result of this Act shall be entitled to the benefits that they may receive under existing laws,
rules and regulations.

SEC. 21. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the maintenance and operations
of the Department shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 22. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repeaied, modified or amended accordingly

SEC. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation with its Implementing Rules and Regulations
promulgated by the MPPPC within sixty (60) days from the formal organization of the Council,

Approved,