Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS “NICK” C. ENCISO VIII 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Food is one of the necessities of humans. Over the years, mankind has progressed 
from being hunters to secure food for daily sustenance moving to the modern world of 
cooking, and other means of food processing and preservation not only to enrich the 
flavor of the ingredients but also to make the most of available resources. 
Advancements in food technology have allowed man to combat limitations in food 
supply brought about by the climate such as extreme winter or drought. 
In the modern world, there is such as Food and Science Technology, a multi-
disciplinary field of study that ensures food safety, food quality, and availability of 
nutritious food. Through this, we produce our food and grow our supply without having 
to be imported from other countries.  
This bill recognizes the importance of food technology to the general health and 
welfare of Filipino families, as well as its contribution to the national economy. In 
pursuit of this end, the bill proposes the strengthening of food technology in the country 
as a profession and a field of study. First, the bill seeks to mandate the registration of 
all food technologists in the country or those who have successfully passed the Food 
Technologists Licensure Examination. Currently, there is no licensure examination 
and mandatory registration of food technology professionals. Additionally, a Code of 
Ethics and Technical Standards will be introduced to these professionals, as well as 
guidelines for continuing professional development. Second, the bill endeavors to 
institutionalize the study of food technology at the tertiary level across the country to 
ensure the consistent supply of young blood in this profession. 
It is a reality that while blessed with abundant natural resources from its numerous 
bodies of water and landforms, the Philippines still suffers from food insecurity or the 
state of having no reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food. In fact, 
Filipino farmers and fishermen are the most food insecure. Having the research and 
education in Food Technology will hopefully result in more production of safe and 
nutritious food. 
September 13, 2022
8:00 am
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Food technology in the Philippines should no longer remain underutilized. Through it, 
we can ensure a safe and abundant food supply for all Filipinos, as well as reduce our 
reliance on imported food products. In light of the foregoing, this bill seeks the 
institutionalization of food technology in tertiary curricula, the registration and 
regulation of food technology professionals, as well as the establishment of a 
Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology for the most effective 
implementation of this Act.  
The swift approval of this bill is respectfully sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
 MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. HORIBATA 
NICOLAS “NICK” C. ENCISO VIII 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY “HORI” G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS “NICK” C. ENCISO VIII 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE REGISTRATION, LICENSURE AND PRACTICE OF FOOD 
TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
TITLE, STATEMENT OF POLICY, AND DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Food Technology Act". 
SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. – The State recognizes the importance of food 
technology in nation-building. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent, virtuous, 
productive, and well-rounded professional food technologists whose standards of 
practice and service shall be excellent, world-class and globally competitive through 
inviolable, honest, effective and credible licensure examinations and through 
regulatory measures, programs and activities that foster their continuing professional 
growth. 
SECTION. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
mean: 
a)
Food refers to any substance or product whether processed, partially
processed or unprocessed that is intended for human consumption. It includes
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drinks, chewing gum. water and other substances, which are intentionally 
incorporated into the food during its manufacture, preparation and treatment. 
 
b) 
Food Technology is the application of science and related fields of study in 
post-harvest handling, preparation, processing, packaging, storage and 
distribution of food to ensure food security and well-being of individuals, 
families and communities. It includes the social, cultural, economic, 
managerial and environmental aspects of the food system. 
 
c) 
Food Technologist refers to a person qualified to practice food technology as 
provided in this Act and who is a holder of a valid certificate of registration and 
a valid professional license issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of 
Food Technology and the Professional Regulation Commission. 
 
d) 
Microbiological specification is a certification of the microbiological, physical, 
chemical, sensory and functional properties of food. 
 
SECTION 4. Scope of Practice of Food Technology. – The following, and similar 
activities, shall be the functions of a registered food technologist: 
a. 
Specification of raw materials and supervision of their procurement; 
b. 
Supervision of food processing operation; 
c. 
Evaluation of the microbiological, physical, chemical, sensory and functional 
properties of food; 
d. 
Certification of the analysis of microbiological, physical, chemical, sensory and 
functional properties of food; 
e. 
Technical transactions (e.g., sale, trading) of food, food ingredients and 
additives, machineries, equipment and implements used in safe and quality 
food production and distribution; 
f. 
Conduct of basic and applied research towards development and/or 
improvement of the safety and quality of food products; 
g. 
Teaching, lecturing and reviewing of subjects under the Bachelor of Science 
in Food Technology curriculum in any college, university or training or review 
center, or any other educational institution or certification body, as well as 
those subjects covered in the licensure examination for food technologists; 


h. 
Compliance with food laws and regulations in the manufacture and distribution 
of food products in local and international markets; 
i. 
Implementation of quality management systems, food safety, laboratory 
management, quality requirements, and quality audit; 
j. 
Provision of assistance in waste management for environmental safety; 
k. 
Consultation work related to any or all of the above functions; and 
l. 
Procurement of chemicals, reagents, equipment, apparatus and other 
materials for the conduct of food analysis, research and development. 
 
ARTICLE II 
Creation of the Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology 
 
SECTION 5. Creation and Composition of the Board. – There is hereby created a 
Professional Regulatory Board of Food Technology, hereinafter called the Board, 
under the administrative supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission 
(PRC), hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The Board shall be composed of a 
Chairman and two (2) members who shall be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines from a list of three (3) recommendees for each position recommended by 
the Commission, from a list of five (5) nominees for each position chosen and ranked 
by the integrated and accredited association of food technologists. 
The Board shall be organized not later than six (6) months after the effectivity of 
this Act. 
 
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Board. – The Board shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
a) 
Promulgate, administer, and enforce rules and regulations necessary for 
carrying out the provisions of this Act; 
b) 
Supervise and regulate the registration, licensure, and practice of food 
technology in the Philippines; 
c) 
Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act; 
d) 
Adopt an official seal of the Board; 
e) 
Maintain a roster of food technologists indicating therein the basic information 
about the registered professionals; 


f) 
Issue, reinstate, suspend or revoke the certificate of registration and/or 
professional license or cancel special permits for the practice of food 
technology; 
g) 
Monitor the conditions affecting the practice of food technology and adopt 
such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement of the 
profession and/or the maintenance of high professional, ethical and technical 
standards; 
h) 
Ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
that all educational institutions offering food technology education shall 
comply with the policies, standards, and requirements of the course 
prescribed by CHED in the areas of curriculum, faculty, library and facilities; 
i) 
Prescribe and/or adopt a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards 
for the practice of food technology; 
j) 
Hear or investigate any violation of this Act, its implementing rules and 
regulations, and the Code of Ethics for food technologists as shall come to the 
knowledge of the Board, and for this purpose, to issue subpoena duces tecum 
to secure the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents in 
connection therewith: Provided, That the decision of the Board shall, unless 
appealed to the Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15) 
days from receipt of judgment or decision; 
k) 
Prescribe guidelines and criteria in the Continuing Professional Development 
(CPD) program for food technologists; 
l) 
Adopt a program for the full computerization of the licensure examination; 
m) 
Prepare, adopt, and issue the syllabi of the subjects for the licensure 
examination by determining and preparing the questions which shall strictly 
be within the scope of the syllabus of the subject for examination; 
n) 
Grant registration without examination subject to approval by the Commission; 
o) 
Issue special permits to persons admitted to the practice of food technology 
for a specific duration of time, and certificates of recognition for advanced 
studies researches and accomplishments that contribute to the enrichment of 
the profession; and 
p) 
Discharge such other powers functions as the Board may deem necessary for 
the practice of the profession and the upgrading, enhancement, development, 
and growth of food technology in the Philippines. 


 
The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations, orders or decision issued or 
promulgated by the Board shall be subject to the review and approval of the 
Commission. 
 
SECTION 7. Qualifications of the Chairman and Members of the Board. – The 
Chairman and Members of the Board shall, at the time of their appointment, possess 
the following qualifications: 
a) 
Must be a natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines for the last five 
years; 
b) 
Must be a holder of a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology degree or an 
advanced degree in Food Science/Technology as conferred by a school, 
college, or university in the Philippines or abroad whose food technology 
program is recognized by CHED; 
c) 
Must be a duly registered food technologist under this Act, with a valid 
certificate of registration and professional license and has been in the active 
practice of the profession in the Philippines for at least ten (10) years prior to 
his appointment; 
d) 
Must be a member in good standing of the integrated and accredited 
association of food technologists; 
e) 
Must have no pecuniary interest, directly or indirectly, in any school, academy, 
college, university or institution conferring an academic degree necessary for 
admission to the practice of food technology or where review classes in 
preparation for the licensure examination are being offered or conducted, nor 
shall he be a member of the faculty or of the administration thereof at the time 
of his appointment to the Board; and 
f) 
Must not have been convicted by any competent court of an offense involving 
moral turpitude. 
 
SECTION 8. Term of Office. – The Chairman and members of the Board shall hold 
office for a term of three (3) years or until their successors shall have been appointed 
and duly qualified: Provided, that members of the first appointed Board shall hold office 
for the following terms: one (1) member as Chairman for three (3) years, one (1) 
member for two (2) years and one (1) member for one (1) year. 


The Chairman or member of the Board may be reappointed for another term, but 
in no case shall he serve continuously for more than six (6) years. Any vacancy in the 
Board be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each member of the Board 
shall automatically be registered as a food technologist and issued a certificate of 
registration and professional license. He shall take the proper oath of office prior to 
assumption of duty. 
 
SECTION 9. Compensation and Allowance of the Board. – The Chairman and 
Members of the Board shall receive compensation and allowances comparable to that 
being received by the Chairman and Members of existing regulatory boards under the 
Commission, as provided for in the General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 10. Removal of Board Members. – Any vacancy in the Board shall be 
filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. The Chairman or any member of the 
Board may be suspended or removed by the President of the Philippines upon the 
recommendation of the Commission for neglect of duties; incompetence; malpractice; 
commission or tolerance of irregularities in any examination given by the Board, 
manipulation or rigging of the said examination, tampering of questions prior to the 
conduct of the said examinations, or tampering of grades; or unprofessional or 
unethical conduct and acts inimical to the profession as determined by the Board, after 
due notice and hearing where his right to be heard, to defend himself, and to be 
assisted by counsel shall be respected in a proper administrative investigation, or final 
judgment involving criminal offense. 
 
SECTION 11. Supervision of the Board, Custodian of its Records, Secretariat, 
and Support Services. – The Board shall be under the administrative supervision of 
the Commission. All records of the Board, including applications for examination 
papers and results, minutes of deliberation, administrative cases, and other 
investigations involving food technologists shall be kept by the Commission. 
The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide 
the Secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 12. Annual Report. – The Board shall, at the close of each calendar year, 
submit an annual report to the Commission, giving detailed account of its proceedings, 


accomplishments during the year, and recommending measures to be adopted, with 
the end in view of upgrading and improving the conditions affecting the practice of food 
technology in the Philippines. 
 
ARTICLE III 
Examination and Registration 
 
SECTION 13. Licensure Examination. – Except as otherwise provided in this Act, 
every applicant seeking to be a registered and licensed food technologist shall 
undergo an examination to be given by the Board in such places and dates as the 
Commission may designate. 
 
SECTION 14. Qualification for Examinations. – An applicant for the licensure 
examination for food technologist shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that: 
a) 
He is a citizen of the Philippines or a foreigner whose country has a reciprocity 
agreement with the Philippines; 
b) 
He has not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude; and 
c) 
He must be a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology degree 
from a school, college, or university in the Philippines or abroad whose food 
technology program is recognized by the Commission on Higher Education. 
 
SECTION 15. Scope of Examination. – The licensure examination shall cover the 
following subjects: 
a) 
Physical, Chemical, Biological, and Microbiological Principles; 
b) 
Food Processing, Preservation, and Food Engineering; 
c) 
Quality Evaluation of Food; and 
d) 
Food Laws and Regulations. 
The Board may revise or exclude any of the above subjects and add new ones 
in case the need arises. 
 
SECTION 16. Examination Fees. – Every applicant admitted to take the food 
technology examination shall pay such fees as may be prescribed by it before he or 
she is allowed to take the examination. 
 


SECTION 17. Report of Rating and Release of the Results of Examination. – The 
Board shall complete the correction of examination papers within ten (10) days from 
the last day of the examination. The Commission shall report the rating of the 
examinees not more than ten (10) days after the board has completed the correction 
of examination papers. 
 
SECTION 18. Ratings in the Examination. – To pass the licensure examination, a 
candidate for food technologist must obtain a general weighted average rating of at 
least 75%. Provided, however, that a candidate who obtains a rating in the other 
subject/s below 75% but not lower than 60% shall be allowed to take one removal 
examination on the subject/s where he/she failed to obtain the passing rating. 
Provided, that should the examinee fail to obtain a passing rating in the removal 
examination, he/she shall be considered as having failed the entire licensure 
examination. Provided, finally, that any candidate who fails to pass the examination in 
three successive attempts shall not be admitted in the fourth examination unless 
he/she could present to the Board a certification that the examinee had enrolled and 
undergone within the year preceding, a pre-board review course from a review center 
duly recognized by the Commission. 
 
SECTION 19. Issuance of the Certificate of Registration and Professional 
Identification Card. – A certificate of registration shall be issued to examinees who 
pass the licensure examination for food technologists subject to payment of fees 
prescribed by the Commission. The certificate of registration shall bear the signature 
of the Chairman of the Commission and the Members of the Board, stamped with the 
official seal, indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice the 
profession with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. This certificate shall remain in 
full force and effect until revoked or suspended in accordance with this Act. 
A professional license bearing the registration number, date of issuance, expiry 
date, duly signed by the Chairman of the Commission, shall likewise be issued to every 
registrant who has paid the required registration fees. This license will serve as 
evidence that the licensee can lawfully practice his profession until the expiration of its 
validity. 
 


SECTION 20. Refusal to Register. – The Board shall not register any successful 
examinee who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal 
offense involving moral turpitude or has been found guilty of immoral or dishonorable 
conduct after investigation by the Board, or has been declared to be of unsound mind.  
The reason for the refusal shall be set forth in writing. 
 
SECTION 21. Registration Without Examination. – The Commission shall issue a 
certificate of registration and professional license to the Chairman and members of 
the first Board of Food Technology and to those who, on the date of the effectivity of 
this Act, have passed the examination for food technologists given by the Civil Service 
Commission. 
The Commission through the Board shall grant a certificate of registration and 
professional license to qualified applicants who shall apply for registration without 
taking the prescribed licensure examination and who are holders of a Bachelor’s 
Degree in Food Technology or allied fields of Nutrition, Agriculture, Biochemistry or 
Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Fishery, Chemical Engineering, and who have been 
actively practicing the profession of food technology for a period of at least five (5) 
years immediately preceding the effectivity of this Act. 
Qualified applicants shall tile their applications in the form prescribed for the 
purpose no later than two (2) years from the date of the effectivity of this Act. 
 
SECTION 22. Revocation or Suspension of the Certificate of Registration and 
Cancellation of Special Permit. – The Board may after giving proper notice of 
hearing to the party concerned, revoke the practitioner’s certificate of registration, 
suspend him from the practice of his profession, or cancel his special permit for any 
unprofessional or unethical conduct, malpractice, or violation of any of the provisions 
of this Act, its rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics, and the Code of Technical 
Standards for food technologists. 
 
SECTION 23. Reinstatement, Reissuance or Replacement of Certificate of 
Registration and Professional License. – Two years after the date of revocation, 
the Board may, upon application, and for reasons deemed proper and sufficient, 
reinstate any revoked certificate of registration and reissue a professional license, and 
in so doing, may, in its discretion, exempt the applicant from taking another 


examination. A new certificate of registration or professional license or special permit, 
to replace lost, destroyed or mutilated ones may be issued subject to the rules as 
implemented by the Board. 
 
SECTION 24. Roster of Food Technologists. – The Board shall prepare, update, 
and maintain a roster of food technologists which shall contain the name of each 
registered food technologist, his residence and office addresses, the date of 
registration and issuance of certificates, and other data which the Board may deem 
pertinent. The roster shall be open to the public, copies of which shall be mailed to 
each person listed therein. 
 
SECTION 25. Issuance of Temporary or Special Permits. – Without prejudice to 
the requirements of existing laws on the practice by foreigners in the Philippines, the 
following foreigners may be issued temporary or special permits to practice food 
technology in the Philippines. Provided, however, that this practice of the profession 
shall be limited to the particular work for which they are commissioned: Provided, 
further, That the said temporary or special permit shall be renewed every year: 
a) 
Food scientists or technologists called to the Philippines to provide 
consultancy services; 
b) 
Food scientists or technologists employed as exchange professors or 
instructors in recognized local schools, universities, colleges, or instructors to 
teach Food Science and Technology subjects; and 
c) 
Food scientists or technologists attached to international agencies or 
organizations assigned to perform certain work in the Philippines relative to 
the practice of food technology. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
Practice of Food Technology 
 
SECTION 26. Prohibition on the Practice of Food Technology. – No person shall 
practice or offer to practice food technology in the Philippines or offer himself as food 
technologist, or use the title, word, letter, figure, or any sign tending to convey the 
impression that he is a food technologist or advertise or indicate in any manner 
whatsoever that he is qualified to perform the work of food technologist unless he has 


satisfactorily passed the licensure examination given by the Board, except as 
otherwise provided in this Act, and is a holder of a valid certificate of registration and 
a valid professional license or a valid temporary/special permit duly issued to him by 
the Board and the Commission. 
 
SECTION 27. Prohibited Acts. – No person shall: 
a) 
Engage in the practice of food technology by representing himself as a food 
technologist without a valid professional license or a valid certificate of 
registration, or a valid temporary/special permit granted by the Board pursuant 
to this Act; 
b) 
Represent himself as a food technologist during the time that his professional 
license is not valid or that his certificate of registration has been suspended or 
revoked, or that his temporary/ special permit is cancelled; 
c) 
Allow anybody to use his certificate of registration and/or professional license 
or temporary/special permit as a food technologist to enable such unqualified 
individual to engage in the practice of food technology; 
d) 
Use as his own the certificate of registration and/or professional license or 
special/temporary permit of another; 
e) 
Commit fraud or deceit in the acquisition of the certificate of registration, 
professional license, temporary or special permit or renewal thereof; 
f) 
Aid or abet in the illegal practice of food technology by a non-registered or 
unauthorized person; 
g) 
Manufacture, export, import, distribute, sell or offer to sell counterfeit, 
substandard, falsified food products including raw materials; 
h) 
Commit acts in violation of Republic Act No. 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 
2013; the applicable provisions of Republic Act No. 3720, as amended by 
Executive Order No. 175, and Republic Act No. 9711 or the Food and Drugs 
Administration (FDA) Act of 2009; and other food laws, including their 
respective implementing rules and regulations; and 
i) 
Violate any provision of this act, its rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics 
for Food Technologists, Code of Technical Standards for the Professional 
Practice of the food technology profession, Code of Good Governance and all 
other guidelines, policies and regulatory measures of the board and/or the 
commission relating to the practice of the food technology profession. 


 
SECTION 28. Oath. – All successful examinees or those allowed to register without 
licensure examination given by the Board and the Commission shall be required to 
take their oath before the Board or any member thereof and/or any official of the 
Commission or any person authorized by law prior to the practice of food technology. 
 
SECTION 29. Code of Ethics and Code of Technical Standards for Food 
Technologists. – The Board shall adopt and promulgate the Code of Ethics and Code 
of Technical Standards for food technologists prescribed and issued by the integrated 
and accredited national association of food technologists. 
 
SECTION 30. Continuing Professional Development (CPD). – The CPD guidelines 
shall be prescribed and promulgated by the Commission upon consultation with the 
Board, which shall consult with the integrated and accredited association of food 
technologists, affiliated association of food technologists, and other concerned 
sectors. The Board shall create a CPD Council that shall be composed of a chairman 
coming from the Board, a member from the integrated and accredited association of 
food technologists and a member from the academe. 
 
SECTION 31. Integration of Food Technologists. – All food technologists shall be 
integrated into one (1) national organization, which shall be recognized by the Board 
and by the Commission as the one and only integrated and accredited association of 
food technologists. A food technologist duly registered with the Board shall 
automatically become a member of the integrated and accredited association of food 
technologists, and shall receive the benefits and privileges thereto, upon payment of 
the required fees and dues. Membership in the integrated and accredited association 
shall not be a bar to membership in other association of food technologists. 
 
SECTION 32. Foreign Reciprocity. – No foreign food technologist shall be allowed 
to take the examination or be given a certificate of registration and a professional 
license, or be entitled to any of the privileges under this Act unless the country of which 
he is a subject or citizen specifically permits Filipino food technologists to practice 
within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of such foreign 
state or country. 


 
SECTION 33. Indication of License and Privilege Tax Receipt. – The food 
technologist shall be required to indicate his registration/professional number and date 
of issuance, the duration of validity, including the privilege tax receipt number on the 
documents he signs, or issues in connection with the practice of his profession. 
 
ARTICLE V 
Final Provisions 
 
SECTION 34. Funding Provision. – Such sums as may be necessary to carry out 
the provisions of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the 
year following its enactment into law and thereafter. 
 
SECTION 35. Penal Provisions. – Any person who shall violate any of the provisions 
of this Act or any of its implementing rules and regulations as promulgated by the 
Board subject to the approval of the Commission shall, upon conviction, be punished 
by a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more 
than one million pesos (P1,000,000.00) or by imprisonment of not less than (6) months 
nor more than four (4) years, or both, at the discretion of the court. 
 
SECTION 36. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – To implement the provisions 
of this Act, the Board shall, subject to the approval of the Commission, promulgate the 
rules and regulations and the Code of Ethics for food technologists within thirty (30) 
days after the effectivity of this Act. 
 
SECTION 37. Separability Clause. – If any section or provision of this Act shall be 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, such shall not invalidate any other section or 
provision of this Act. 
 
SECTION 38. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, or parts 
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
 


SECTION 39. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a major daily newspaper of national circulation 
whichever comes earlier. 
 
Approved,