Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is the official national organization of 
lawyers in the country, established by the State under Republic Act No. 6397.1 It performs a 
critical role in upholding the rule of law, advancing the administration of justice, and fostering 
professional development within the legal sector. 
To fulfill its mandate, the IBP routinely communicates with its members, government 
agencies, and other key stakeholders across the nation. These communications are vital to its 
core functions, including legal aid, public interest advocacy, continuing legal education, and 
legal ethics enforcement.  
In various jurisdictions, franking privileges are extended to entities performing public 
or governmental functions to facilitate efficient and cost-free official correspondence. In the 
Philippines, this privilege is already granted to entities such as Members of Congress, the 
Judiciary, and certain constitutional offices.2  
This proposed bill aims to grant the franking privilege to IBP, recognizing the need for 
swift and reliable communication in the performance of their duties. By allowing the IBP to 
transmit official communications without postage, the measure helps reduce administrative 
burdens and operational costs, thereby enhancing the organization’s ability to reach its 
nationwide membership and effectively serve the public. The proposed bill confines the use of 
this privilege strictly to official communications, ensuring that it is used solely in furtherance of 
the IBP’s public service mission and not for personal gain. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
1 Republic Act No. 6397 (1971). An Act Integrating the Philippine Bar and Appropriating Funds Therefor. 
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1971/ra_6397_1971.html 
2 Presidential Decree No. 26 (1972). Granting Franking Privilege to Certain Officials and Offices in the Government. 
https://lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1972/pd_26_1972.html 
August 13, 2025
9:43 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
AN ACT GRANTING THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES (IBP) FRANKING 
PRIVILEGE 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 “Integrated Bar of the Philippines 
Franking Privilege Act."  
SECTION 2. Grant of Franking Privilege. —  The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) is 
hereby granted the franking privilege on all its official communications, packages, and parcels 
sent within the Philippines.  
SECTION 3. Scope and Limitation. —  The franking privilege granted herein shall cover 
a) Letters, circulars, and other printed matter of official business of the IBP; and b) Parcels
containing printed matter, including books and periodicals published by or for the IBP for
distribution. The privilege shall only be utilized to assist and expedite official duties of the IBP
and not be used for private, advertising, or profit-making purposes.
SECTION 4. Marking and Addressing. —  All mail matter availing of the franking privilege 
shall bear on the left-hand corner of the envelope, or in the case of parcels, on the top or any 
conspicuous place, the words: "Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Franked Mail” and the 
printed penalty clause on the right-hand corner. Such mail shall be distinctly addressed.  
SECTION 5. Funding. —  Any additional cost for the implementation of this Act shall be 
sourced from the current appropriations of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost). 
Thereafter, such funds as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. —  The PHLPost, in consultation with 
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from its effectivity.  
SECTION 7. Penalties for Misuse. —  Any person who uses or allows the use of this franking 
privilege for unauthorized purposes shall be subject to existing penalties provided for under 
Philippine postal laws and regulations.  
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. —  All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, or 
portions thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or 
modified accordingly.  
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SECTION 9. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,