Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 170

Introduced by Hon. Kenneth T. Gatchalian

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Flooding remains one of the most destructive and recurring natural disasters in
the Philippines, exacting heavy tolls on human life, public infrastructure, economic
productivity, and national development. According to the World Bank, 64% of the
country’s land area is vulnerable to multiple hazards, with flooding as the most
common and costly event, affecting an average of 20 typhoons a year and impacting
millions of Filipinos annually."

At present, various national government agencies and local government units
implement flood control initiatives, often on a per-project or per-region basis.
However, the absence of a unified, long-term, and science-based national framework
has resulted in fragmented planning, duplicated efforts, inefficient resource utilization,
and inconsistent implementation. These systemic gaps have led to suboptimal flood
management outcomes and the persistent recurrence of flooding across the country.

This bill seeks to establish a National Flood Management Masterplan (NFMM)
as a long-term, science-based, and integrated strategy to reduce flood risks and
strengthen climate resilience nationwide. The NFMM will serve as the official
national framework for all flood-related initiatives — ensuring policy coherence,
setting technical standards, and providing implementation roadmaps that align the
efforts of national government agencies, local government units, and civil society
organizations.

* https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/philippines/vulnerability


Moreover, the proposed Masterplan aligns with the country’s international
commitments under the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030,
the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, and the National Climate Change
Action Plan

Similar bills were filed during the 19" Congress, filed by Rep. Stella Quimbo
(H.B. No. 492), Rep. Gus Tambunting (H.B. 8961), and Rep. Michael L. Romero,
Ph.D. (H.B. 10653).

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.

District, Valenzuela City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City, Metco Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _170

Introduced by Hon. Kenneth T. Gatchalian

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING A MASTERPLAN FOR FLOOD MANAGEMENT,
INCREASING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
LAWS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Flood
Management Act of 2025”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State
to protect life, health, property, and the environment by developing and
institutionalizing a comprehensive, science-based, and climate-resilient flood
management program.

SEC. 3. Establishment of a National Flood Management Masterplan. —
‘There is hereby established a National Flood Management Masterplan to serve as
the comprehensive and integrated framework for all flood risk reduction,
mitigation, and resilience efforts in the country. Within two (2) months from the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development

(DepDev) is hereby directed to review and assess the current Flood Management


Masterplan for Metro Manila and Surrounding Areas (the “Masterplan”) approved
by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board in 2012 and
identify targets and reforms, as needed, for the purpose ensure its expedient and
efficient implementation.

‘The Department is likewise directed to expand the Masterplan to cover
other areas of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with concentrated efforts in
metropolitan areas.

SEC. 4. Inter-agency Task Force for Flood Management. — There is
hereby created an Inter-Agency Task Force for Flood Management (the “Task
Force”) which shall ensure oversee the implementation of the adopted Masterplan
and coordinate the programs and activities of its member-agencies.

The Task Force shall be headed by the DepDev Secretary as Chairperson,
with the Secretary of Public Works and Highways, Secretary of Environmental and
Natural Resources, Chairperson of the National Commission in Indigenous
Peoples, Director of the University of the Philippines-Diliman-National Institute
for Geological Sciences, Administrator of the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and the chief
executives of concerned LGUs as members.

The Task Force is hereby directed to coordinate with national government
agencies and local government units for the efficient implementation of the
Masterplan. It shall also submit an annual report to the Oversight Committee
referred to in Section 12 hereof regarding the status of the structural and non-
structural interventions in the Masterplan.

SEC. 5. Duties and Functions of the DPWH. — The Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH is hereby designated as the lead implementing
agency of the Masterplan. As such, it shall:

a. Implement the Masterplan immediately after the DepDev has

established the same;


b. Propose a budget for the implementation of the Masterplan, in
coordination with the Task Force;

c. Submit a quarterly report to the Task Force regarding the progress of the
implementation of the Masterplan; and

d. Coordinate and consult with concerned agencies, including but not
limited to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and PAGASA, regarding complementary activities within the
purview and the technical expertise of the said agencies which are
necessary for the effective implementation of the Masterplan.

SEC. 6. Panel of Experts. - The Task Force shall engage a panel of

international and local experts for technical support and to ensure that projects
implemented under the Masterplan adhere to international quality standards.

SEC.7. The Increased Penalty for Illegal Quarrying. — Section 108 of

Republic Act No. 7942 is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Section 108. Violation of the Terms and Conditions of the
Environmental Compliance Certificate. — Any person who willfully
violates or grossly neglects to abide by the terms and conditions of the
environmental compliance certificate issued to said person and which
causes environmental damage through pollution OR QUARRYING shall
suffer the penalty of imprisonment ef six-6}months-te-six-(6}yeers FOR A
MINIMUM OF SIX (6) YEARS TO A MAXIMUM OF TWELVE (12)
YEARS er AND @—fine-of Fify—theusand—peses—(P50,000.00}-te—Fwe

hundred—thousand—peses—{(P200,000-00}—er—beth, FIVE HUNDRES
THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00) TO FIVE MILLION PESOS

(P5,000,000.00), at the discretion of the court.”


Section 77 of Presidential Decree No. 705 is hereby amended to read as

follows:

“Section 77. Cutting, Gathering and/or collecting Timber, or Other Forest
Products Without License. ~ Any person who shall cut, gather, collect,
removed timber, or other forest products from any forest land, or timber
from alienable or disposable public land, or from private land, without any
authority, or possess timber or other forest products without the legal
documents as required under existing forest laws and regulations, shall be
punished with the penalties imposed under Articles 309 and 310 of the
Revised Penal Code AND A FINE OF AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED
THOUSAND PESOS (P500,000.00) BUT NO MORE THAN TWO
MILLION PESOS (P2,000,000.00): Provided, That in the case of
partnerships, associations, or corporations, the officers who ordered the
cutting, gathering, collection or possession shall be liable, and if such
officers are aliens, they shall, in addition to the penalty, be deported without
further proceedings on the part of the Cemmissienon BUREAU OF
Immigration and- Deportation.

XXX”

SEC. 8. Exclusive Authority to Issue Permit to Quarry. ~ Notwithstanding,

any law to the contrary, the DENR is hereby granted the exclusive authority to

issue and revoke permits to extract sand, gravel, and other quarry resources.

SEC.9. Authority of the President to Suspend the Requirements for

National and Local Permits, Licenses and Certifications, and to Streamline and
Expedite the Process for the Issuance thereof. - Notwithstanding any law, decree,

order or ordinances to the contrary, the President shall have the authority to

a. Accelerate and streamline regulatory processes and procedures for
applications for permits, licenses, clearance, certifications or

authorizations for constructing flood management infrastructures,


including fixing or shortening the periods provide under existing laws,
regulations, issuances, and ordinances; and

b. Suspend or waive the requirements in securing such permits, licenses,

clearance, certifications or authorizations.

SEC. 10. Upgrading the Salary of Forest Rangers. — the entry-level salary
of the forest ranger position shall be at Salary Grade 18. In coordination with the
Department of Budget and Management, the DENR shall create additional
positions where augmentation of its enforcement manpower is necessary.

SEC. 11. Creation of an Oversight Committee. — For this purpose,
Congress shall establish a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee composed of
four (4) members of each House to be appointed by the Senate President and the
House Speaker, respectively. This Committee shall determine whether such acts,
orders, rules, and regulations are within the restrictions provided herein.

SEC. 12. Appropriations. — The corresponding amount required for the
construction and maintenance of flood management infrastructure nationwide
pursuant to the Masterplan shall be appropriated on a multi-year basis and included
in the General Appropriations Act each year following the effectivity of this Act.

The DPWH may also tap the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of
the Philippines’ Donor countries and institutions for concessional loans on a long-
term repayment basis for additional funding as needed to implement the provisions
of this Act.

SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DepDev and DPWH
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall

remain in full force and effect.


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SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential
decrees or issuances, letter of instruction, administrative orders, rules, and
regulations as well as local ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,