Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A REGULAR DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA) 
CONSULAR OFFICE IN WEST AKLAN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Consular offices under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) provide a range of 
services to Filipino citizens, including passport applications and renewals, consular reports of 
birth abroad, and authentication of documents. These consular offices also assist Filipinos in 
emergency situations, such as the death or arrest of a loved one abroad, as well as provide 
information on visa requirements for foreign countries. DFA consular offices play a critical 
role in supporting and protecting the rights and welfare of Filipinos abroad and ensuring that 
they have access to essential government services. 
Despite Western Visayas being the home to 9.7% of our Overseas Filipino Workers 
(OFWs) and their families, there are only two established DFA Consular Offices in the region 
– one in Iloilo City, and another in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Residents of Aklan had
to travel to these cities just to avail of the services of the Consular Offices. The additional
expenses incurred in this undertaking provides more burden for Filipinos and Akeanons who
seek to pursue opportunities outside the country.
February 8, 2023
4:16 pm
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This bill seeks to establish a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in 
West Aklan, to address the growing demand for consular services in the region. This new office 
will provide more accessible and convenient services for the people of West Aklan, reducing 
the need for them to travel to other consular offices for their passport and other consular needs. 
By setting up a DFA Consular Office in the area, the government affirms its commitment to 
serve the public by enhancing its consular services and improving the delivery of services to 
its citizens in West Aklan and nearby regions. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
TEODORICO T. HARESCO, JR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
Introduced by Representative TEODORICO “NONONG” T. HARESCO, JR. 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A REGULAR DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA) 
CONSULAR OFFICE IN WEST AKLAN, 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 “West Aklan DFA Consular Office 
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Act." 
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SECTION 2. Establishment of the Consular Office. – There shall be established a regular 
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Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office in Ibajay, West Aklan. 
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SECTION 3. Nature of the Consular Office. – The consular office sought to be established 
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through this bill is a regular office and not a satellite office. 
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SECTION 4. Functions. – The regular consular office sought to be established shall perform 
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functions the same as those which are being performed by the existing regular consular offices 
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of the Department of Foreign Affairs. 
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SECTION 5. Appropriations. – The amount needed for the initial implementation of this Act 
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shall be charged against the current year’s savings of the DFA. Thereafter, the amount needed 
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for the operation and maintenance of the office shall be included under the DFA in the General 
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Appropriations Act. 
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SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within thirty (30) days after the 
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effectivity of this Act, the DFA shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
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implementation of this Act. 
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SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional 
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or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect. 
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SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
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letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with 
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the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
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the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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