NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Third Regular Session 
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■ffi.r -jf .
25 .IAN 22 P8 *15
SENATE
S. No. 2945
RECEIVED BV
(In substitution of S. No .. 2282, taking into consideration H. No. 8001)
Prepared jointiy by the Committees on Economic Affairs; Locai Government; Ways and 
Means; and Finance, with Senators Vilianueva and Zubiri as authors thereof
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING FURTHER THE POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE 
AUTHORITY OF THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN (AFAB), AMENDING FOR 
THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9728, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
"FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN (FAB) ACT OF 2009, AS AMENDED BY 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11453
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Section 2 of Repubiic Act No. 9728, as amended, is hereby
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amended to read as follows:
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"Section 2. Deciaration of Policy.
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PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 12, SECTION 1 OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION, 
THE GOAL OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY INVOLVES A SUSTAINED 
INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF GOODS AND SERVICES PRODUCED BY 
THE NATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE AND AN EXPANDING 
PRODUCTIVITY AS KEY TO RAISING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL. THE 
STATE LIKEWISE SHALL PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION AND FULL 
EMPLOYMENT THROUGH INDUSTRIES THAT MAKE FULL AND


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EFFICIENT USE OF HUMAN AND NATURAL RESOURCES, AND WHICH 
ARE COMPETITIVE IN BOTH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MARKETS.
THE DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT, OPERATION, AND 
REGULATION OF FREEPORTS AND SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES (SEZS) 
SHALL BE ALIGNED WITH INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES THAT 
PROMOTE SIGNIFICANT AUTONOMY AND EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE, 
ENSURING THAT THESE AREAS BECOME HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND 
ATTRACTIVE TO BOTH DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES 
AND FOSTERING AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO INDUSTRIAL 
GROWTH, INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, AND FULL EMPLOYMENT, 
THEREBY CONTRIBUTING TO NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 
AND RAISING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL CITIZENS.
THE OPERATION AND REGULATION OF FREEPORTS AND SEZS 
ADHERE TO THE PRINCIPLE OF THE CROSS-BORDER DOCTRINE 
WHICH SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHED CONCEPT THAT FREEPORTS 
AND ECOZONES ARE DEEMED SEPARATE CUSTOMS AND FRANCHISE 
TERRITORY WHERE GREATER AUTONOMY ALLOWS THEM TO MANAGE 
CROSS-BORDER TRADE AND INVESTMENT MORE EFFECTIVELY AND 
TO IMPLEMENT INNOVATIVE POLICIES AND PRACTICES THAT 
PROMOTE INDUSTRIALIZATION, PRODUCTIVITY, AND 
COMPETITIVENESS IN BOTH DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MARKETS.
THE SUCCESS OF FREEPORTS AND SEZS INVOLVES A FLEXIBLE 
APPROACH THAT EFFECTIVELY ENABLES THEM TO EVOLVE FROM 
TRADITIONAL RELIANCE ON FISCAL INCENTIVES TOWARDS 
FOSTERING A MORE CONDUCIVE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS 
ENHANCING FIRM-LEVEL COMPETITIVENESS, SPURRING 
INNOVATION, AND TACKLING SIGNIFICANT MACROECONOMIC 
CHALLENGES AND UNFORESEEN OBSTACLES THAT TEND TO 
INFLUENCE THE ECOZONE LANDSCAPE.


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THE STATE SHALL FOCUS ON PROVIDING NOT ONLY THE 
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IN WHICH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS 
ALLOWED TO THRIVE IN FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES, BUT ALSO 
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES, MOST NOTABLY HIGH- 
QUALITY PORTS AND ROAD CONNECTIONS TO THE ZONES LINKING 
THEM TO GLOBAL AND DOMESTIC MARKETS.
SEZS ARE EFFECTIVE PROVIDERS OF DOORSTEP SERVICES AS 
THEY ARE ABLE TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL SERVICES DIRECTLY AND 
EFFICIENTLY TO THEIR INVESTORS AND LOCATORS. DUE TO THEIR 
PROXIMITY AND DIRECT OVERSIGHT, FREEPORTS AND SEZS CAN 
RESPOND QUICKLY AND TAILOR THEIR SERVICES TO THE SPECIFIC 
NEEDS OF THEIR LOCATORS, THEREBY JUSTIFYING THE NEED FOR 
THEIR INCREASED AUTONOMY IN TERMS OF PROVIDING 
REGULATORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS."
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Sec. 2. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is hereby amended
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to read as follows:
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"Section 4. Governing Principles. - The FAB shall be managed and operated 
under the following principles:
(a) Within the framework and limitations of the Constitution and 
applicable provisions of the Local Government Code, the FAB shall be developed 
into and operated as a decentralized, self-reliant, EFFICIENT and self- 
sustaining HUB AND AUTHORITY FOR ALL INDUSTRIES, COMMERCE 
AND TRADE [Industrial, commercial—trading], research and development, 
engineering, medical AND HEALTH, education, information and 
communications technology, including emerging and future technologies such 
as, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, artificial technology blockchain, business process 
outsourcing, E-COMMERCE, cloud computing, cybersecurity, distributed ledger 
technology, financial technology solutions, internet of things, and virtual reality, 
retirement and healthcare services, agro-industrial, and investment center with 
provision for suitable residential areas;


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(b) XXX
(C) XXX
(d) XXX
(e) XXX
(f) XXX
(g) The areas comprising the FAB may be expanded or reduced when 
necessary. For this purpose, the AFAB, with the concurrence of the appropriate 
and affected local government units (LGUs) and the agreement of appropriate 
AND AFFECTED national government agencies, government-owned and - 
controlled corporations and instrumentalities, and approval of the Board in 
accordance and in compliance with existing laws [and local ordinances] shall 
have the power to [acquire procure, and/or] expand ITS REGULATED 
TERRITORY AND JURISDICTION either by purchase, negotiation, 
AGREEMENT, REGISTRATION, LAND RECLAMATION UNDER ITS SOLE 
AUTHORITY, EXPROPRIATION OR condemnation proceedings, [or any 
other arrangement,] OR THROUGH A DECLARATION AS A FAB 
EXPANSION AREA UNDER THE SUCCEEDING SECTION, THROUGH 
EXPANSION AGREEMENT OR ANY ARRANGEMENT, any privateLY 
OWNED LANDS or [alienable and disposable] public lands INCLUDING 
[and/or] their respective MUNICIPAL water [territories] within the territorial 
jurisdiction of the Province of Bataan, if any, for ANY OF the following purposes: 
(1) consolidation of lands for FAB development; (2) [arid] establishment of new 
industrial estates [and^ OR economic zones TO BE REGULATED AND 
MANAGED BY THE AFAB; [(2^ (3) acquisition of right of way to the FAB; 
[and^ OR (4) the protection, and safeguard of watershed areas and the 
maintenance and improvement of its water yield and natural assets valuable to 
the prosperity of the FAB, the LGU, and the National Government, the effective 
management of solid and water waste in compliance with existing national laws 
and local ordinances, and its impact to adjacent areas within the local 
government concerned; Provided, that any expansion shail be aiigned with the 
comprehensive land use plan of the affected LGUs: Provided further, that the 
expansion outside the Municipaiity of Mariveies may be revoked by the President


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of the Philippines; Provided finally, that the AFAB and the relevant LGUs and 
National Government agencies shall provide for immediate and responsive 
mechanisms, best management practices and suitable environmental protection 
programs for land and coastal management to address any abuse and/or 
exploitation of the natural environment within the jurisdiction of the FAB as 
provided in Section 3 of this Act.
[h] (I) X X X
[i] (J) X X X
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Sec. 3. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is hereby further
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"Section 7. Incentive to Investors.- Any foreign national who invests an 
amount of seventy-five thousand US dollars (US$75,000.00), either in cash, 
ASSET OR ITS EQUIVALENT, equipment, and/or CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURE, IN ANY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OR ENTERPRISE in
THE FAB [a rcgiGtcrGd ontGrpriSG] shall be entitled to an investor's visa, 
provided, that he has the following qualifications:
(a) He is at least eighteen (18) years of age;
(b) He has not been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude;
(c) He is not afflicted with any loathsome, dangerous or contagious disease; 
and
(d) He has not been institutionalized for any mental disorder or disability.
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As a holder of AN investor's visa, an alien shall be entitled to reside 
in the Philippines while his investment subsists. For this purpose, he should 
submit an annual report, in the form duly prescribed for the purpose, to prove 
that he has maintained his investment in the FAB [country,] should said 
alien withdraw his investments THEREFROM, then the investor's visa issued 
to him shall BE automatically EXPIRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, THE AFAB MAY, IF 
DEEMED NECESSARY TO ATTRACT MORE INVESTMENTS IN THE


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FAB, ADJUST THE REQUIRED INVESTMENT AMOUNT HEREIN 
PROVIDED.
ANY FOREIGN NATIONAL WITH DEPENDENTS WHO INVESTS AN 
AMOUNT OF TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00) IN 
CASH, ASSETS, OR THEIR EQUIVALENT, INCLUDING EQUIPMENT 
AND/OR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, IN ANY ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OR 
ENTERPRISE WITHIN THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN (FAB), MAY BE 
ENTITLED TO AN INVESTOR'S VISA. IN ADDITION, EACH DEPENDENT 
OF THE INVESTOR'S VISA HOLDER MAY BE GRANTED DEPENDENT'S 
VISA, PROVIDED THAT AN ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT OF TWENTY- 
FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000.00) PER DEPENDENT IS MADE."
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Sec. 4. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is hereby further
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amended and to read as follows
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"SEC. 13. Powers and Functions of AFAB. The AFAB shall have the following 
functions:
"(a) xxx;
"(b) xxx 
"(c) xxx;
"(d) xxx;
"(e) xxx;
"(f) To authorize or undertake, on its own or through others, and to 
regulate the establishment, construction, operation and maintenance of public 
utilities INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, services, and infrastructure in the 
FAB such as TRANSSHIPMENT HUBS, shipping, barging, stevedoring, cargo 
handling, hauling, COLD STORAGE FACILITIES, warehousing, storage of 
cargo, PORTS, AIRPORT AND AIR TRANSPORT, SEA TRANSPORT, 
CARGO SERVICES, OFFSHORE MARINE BIOLOGY AND AQUATIC 
RESEARCH PLATFORMS, RENEWABLE ENERGY, RECYCLING, port 
services or concessions, piers, wharves, bulkheads, bulk terminals, mooring 
areas, storage areas, roads, bridges, reclamation projects, terminals, conveyors.


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water supply and storage, sewerage, drainage, DESILTING, SEAPORT 
operations, and airport OPERATIONS in coordination with the Civil Aviation 
Authority of the Philippines and such other services or concessions or 
infrastructure necessary or incidental to the accomplishment of the objectives of 
this Act: Provided, however, That the private investors in the FAB shall be given 
priority in the awarding of contracts, franchises, licenses, or permits for the 
establishment, operation and maintenance of utilities, services and infrastructure 
in the FAB;
(G) TO RECLAIM AND DEVELOP, OR TO UNDERTAKE, ON ITS 
OWN OR THROUGH PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP, JOINT 
VENTURE WITH A PRIVATE ENTITY OR OTHER GOVERNMENT 
AGENCY, CONTRACTING OF A PRIVATE ENTITY OR DEVELOPER, 
AND OTHER SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS ALLOWED BY LAW, LAND 
RECLAMATION INTENDED AS A FAB EXPANSION AREA, AND 
APPROVE RECLAMATION AND RELATED PROJECTS, IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH RELEVANT LAWS INSOFAR AS APPLICABLE TO 
THE AFAB, AS WELL AS TO OWN, HOLD, PURCHASE OR LEASE 
FORESHORE AREAS WITHIN OR ADJACENT OR APPROXIMATE TO 
THE AREAS, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE AFAB SHALL 
COORDINATE WITH THE LGUS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS, 
ACTIVITIES AND OPERATION OF THE RECLAIMED AREA IN THE FAB 
AND ITS EXPANSION AREAS. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE AFAB SHALL 
BE THE SOLE AUTHORITY TO ALLOW, APPROVE AND ISSUE 
PERMITS FOR SAID RECLAMATION PROJECTS INTENDED AS FAB 
EXPANSION AREAS AND RECLAMATION PROJECTS.
RECLAIMED AREAS AND SUCH SHARES OF THE AFAB OR 
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN THESE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES 
SHALL BE TITLED FOR AND IN THE NAME OF AFAB. THE LAND 
REGISTRATION AUTHORITY SHALL PROMPTLY ISSUE SUCH TITLE 
TO AFAB AND ITS PROPONENT OR ITS PARTNER AGENCIES OR 
LGUS UPON SUBMISSION BY THE [LATTER] AFAB OF SUFFICIENT 
DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION, WITHOUT


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PREJUDICE TO OTHER MODES OF TITLING THAT THE LATTER MAY 
AVAIL.
(H) TO EXERCISE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE PORT REGULATORY 
AND ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY WITHIN ITS TERRITORIAL 
JURISDICTION, WHICH SHALL INCLUDE ALL SEAS, LAKES, RIVERS, 
AND ALL OTHER NAVIGABLE INLAND WATERWAYS WITHIN THE 
FAB MAIN ZONE AND ITS EXPANSION AREAS.
[g] (!) To ISSUE licenses, set fees, regulate, MANAGE, and 
undertake the establishment, operation and maintenance of utilities, other 
services, educational and medical institutions and infrastructure in the FAB 
such as, but not limited to, heat, light and power, water supply, 
telecommunications, MEDIA STREAMING, mobile, SATELLITE AND 
SPACE TECHNOLOGIES INCLUSIVE OF GATEWAYS, ANTENNA'S, 
SATELLITE CONTROL, AND OPERATIONS FOR LOW EARTH, MID 
EARTH, HIGH EARTH, MESH AND GEO STATIONARY, BEYOND 
EARTH OPERATIONS, COMMUNICATION, internet and other data 
facilities, EMBEDDED POWER PLANTS, transport INCLUDING 
NETWORK VEHICLE SERVICES, toll roads and bridges, port services, 
SPACE PORTS AND LAUNCH FACILITIES, VERTICAL AND SHORT 
TAKE OFF FACILITIES, VEHICLE IMPORTATION, etc. and to fix just, 
reasonable and competitive rates, fares, charges and prices thereof;
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(J) TO RECOGNIZE, REGULATE AND REGISTER MICROGRID 
SYSTEMS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE ENERGY, DATA, DIGITAL 
ASSETS, COMMUNICATIONS, WATER AND OTHER UTILITIES 
LANDSCAPE FOR THE ENHANCEMENT AND PROMOTION OF 
RESILIENCY IN RENEWABLE ENERGY, DATA, DIGITAL ASSETS, 
COMMUNICATIONS, WATER AND OTHER UTILITIES IN AREAS 
WITHIN FAB.
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[h] (K) To construct, acquire, own, lease, operate and maintain on its 
own or through contracts, franchises, licenses, bulk purchase from the 
private sector or [under a joint venture with}] THROUGH PUBLIC-


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PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP, JOINT VENTURE WITH A PRIVATE ENTITY 
OR OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY, CONTRACTING OF A PRIVATE 
ENTITY, AND OTHER SIMILAR ARRANGEMENTS ALLOWED BY LAW,
[the private sectors,] any or all of the public utilities and infrastructure 
required or needed for the operation and development of the FAB, including 
transportation, access, and connection to, and out of the FAB, in coordination 
with appropriate national and local government authorities and in conformity 
with applicable laws thereon. For this purpose, the AFAB shall exercise the 
power of eminent domain over private lands granted in paragraph (b) of this 
section insofar as it may be reasonably necessary, without prejudice to the 
execution of agreements with public agencies, and subject to the limitations 
prescribed therein and the observance of the prerequisites of taking of 
possession and the determination and payment of just compensation in 
accordance with Republic Act No. 10752, otherwise known as "The Right-of- 
Way-Act."
(L) TO EXERCISE JURISDICTION OVER AREAS FORMING 
ACCESS TO AND FROM THE FAB, WHETHER BY AIR, SEA OR LAND 
AREAS, INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION, UTILITIES, 
COMMUNICATION AND OTHER FORMS OF MEDIA, WIRELESS AND 
SPACE TECHNOLOGY;
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[i] (M) To operate on its own, either directly or through a SUBSIDIARY 
ENTITY, OR license to others, tourism - related activities, including games,
EXCEPT PHILIPPINE OFFSHORE GAMING OPERATION (POGO) AND 
OTHER SIMILAR GAMING OPERATIONS BUT NOT INCLUDING 
ANCILLARY SERVICES BEING PROVIDED TO OFFSHORE GAMING 
OPERATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE PHILIPPINES, amusements, recreational 
and sports facilities AND ACTIVITIES, ELECTRONIC SPORTS (E-SPORTS) 
SPORTS BETTING, COMBAT SPORTS, [subject to the approval and 
supervision of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR),]
RACING, AND OTHER SIMILAR AND RELATED ACTIVITIES, UNDER 
PRIORITIES AND STANDARDS SET BY THE AFAB;


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[j] (N) XXX 
0] (O) XXX
[k] (P) To exclusively enforce and administer the provisions of the 
National Building Code of the Philippines and the Fire Code of the Philippines, 
as amended, AND MAY PRESCRIBE MEASURES AND GUIDELINES TO 
DEAL WITH NATURAL CALAMITIES SUCH AS EARTHQUAKES, 
FOREST FIRES, TYPHOONS AND STORM SURGES, within the territorial 
jurisdiction of the FAB; Provided, that the AFAB shall be fully responsible and 
accountable for the enforcement and administration of the National Building 
Code of the Philippines and the Fire Code of the Philippines, as amended, 
AND RELEVANT LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND GUIDELINES THERETO 
within the FAB. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE AFAB FIRE AND EMERGENCY 
DIVISION AND ITS DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES SHALL 
HAVE THE POWERS AND DUTIES TO INVESTIGATE ARSON AND 
OTHER FIRE INCIDENTS WITHIN THE FABt
The AFAB Administrator, or his official designate, shall function as the 
AFAB Building Official, who shall issue all building permits and other related 
permits subject to the collection by AFAB of the corresponding permit fees. 
Provided, that the AFAB Building Official shall also be authorized to require 
owners of houses, buildings, or other structures constructed without the 
necessary AFAB permit/s, or those that are condemned and/or abated by the 
AFAB in accordance with the conditions set forth in the National Building 
Code or Civil Code, as the case may be, whether constructed on public or 
private lands, to remove or demolish such houses, buildings, or structures 
within fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice. Upon failure of such owner to 
remove or demolish such house, building, or structure within such period, 
the AFAB may summarily cause its removal or demolition at the expense of 
the owner and the occupants.
The AFAB may evict any person who refuses to vacate such premises in 
accordance with Republic Act No. 7279, otherwise known as the "Urban 
Development and Housing Act of 1992," and other existing laws. A temporary
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or permanent relocation site shall be made available for qualified individuals 
or families.
[I] (Q) To [provide] BE THE PRINCIPAL PROVIDER OF security IN 
the FAB in coordination with the national and local governments. For this 
purpose, the AFAB, SHALL may establish and maintain its security forces 
and firefighting capability or hire others to provide the same, AND TO 
IMPLEMENT EFFECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES INCLUDING, BUT 
NOT LIMITED TO, INSTALLATION OF PERIMETER SURVEILLANCE 
SYSTEM, SECURITY PATROLS, PERIMETER INTRUSION DETECTION 
SYSTEMS (PIDS), CHECKPOINTS AND SECURITY GATES TO 
ENCLOSE, RESTRICT, AND REGULATE THE INGRESS TO AND 
EGRESS FROM LOCAL AND NATIONAL ROADS. In the event that an 
assistance of the military force is necessary, it shall not interfere in the 
internal affairs of the FAB except to provide the necessary security and 
defense, and their expenses shall be borne by the National Government. To 
ensure the maintenance of law and order within the boundaries of the FAB, 
including conducting police investigations, arrests, search and seizure for 
violation of penal laws inside the FAB, the AFAB MAY SEEK ASSISTANCE 
FROM the Philippine National Police (PNP) WHICH shall establish A police 
UNIT DEDICATED TO THE FAB, [if necessary,] THAT SHALL BE [-uftder 
the-supcrvision of the PNP Provincial Director] HEADED BY A POLICE 
BRIGADIER GENERAL, to be manned by such number of personnel as will 
allow them to effectively and efficiently pursue its mandate.
FOR POLICE INVESTIGATIONS, ARRESTS, SEARCHES AND 
SEIZURES, SURVEILLANCE, INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTER­
INTELLIGENCE AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS FOR 
CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND VIOLATION OF PENAL LAWS INSIDE 
THE FAB, THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE AND OTHER LAW 
ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OR BODIES SHALL COORDINATE WITH 
AFAB ALL THEIR ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE FREEPORT ZONE AND 
FREEPORT EXPANSION AREAS, ENSURING THAT AFAB IS DULY 
INFORMED AND INVOLVED, PRIOR TO AND DURING THE CONDUCT
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OF SUCH ACTIVITIES. ANY SUCH ACTIVITY SHALL BE CONDUCTED 
WITH PRECISION, TARGETING ONLY THE INDIVIDUALS DIRECTLY 
INVOLVED, AND CARRIED OUT IN A MANNER THAT MINIMIZES 
DISRUPTION TO THE OVERALL OPERATIONS OF THE AFFECTED 
LOCATORS. VIOLATION BY ANY LAW ENFORCER OF THIS 
PROVISION, INCLUDING FAILURE TO COORDINATE, THAT 
RESULTS TO THE STOPPAGE OR CRIPPLING DISRUPTION OF 
COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN FAB SHALL CONSTITUTE A CRIME OF 
ECONOMIC SABOTAGE AND SHALL BE METED THE PENALTY OF LIFE 
IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF FIVE MILLION PESOS.
IN APPLYING FOR SEARCH WARRANTS AND SIMILAR COURT 
ORDERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES MUST ENSURE THAT 
SUCH APPLICATIONS ARE SUPPORTED BY CLEAR, SUFFICIENT, 
AND VERIFIED EVIDENCE TO ESTABLISH A STRONG BASIS FOR 
CONVICTION.
The AFAB shall also be authorized to install control gates at strategic 
points of the national roads within the FAB, through which access into and 
departure from the FAB shall be fully controlled by the AFAB;
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[m] (R) To protect, preserve, maintain and develop the forests, 
beaches, coral and coral reefs, and maintain ecological balance within the 
FAB. For this purpose, the rules and regulations of the Department of 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other government agencies 
involved in the above functions shall be implemented by the AFAB: Provided, 
That the issuance, enforcement and monitoring of environmental compliance 
certificates (ECCs), tree cutting permits, foreshore leases, 
MISCELLANEOUS LEASES, APPROVED PLANS, PATENTS, SURVEYS, 
AS WELL AS THE PERMIT TO OPERATE AIR POLLUTION SOURCE 
AND CONTROL INSTALLATION, AND IMPLEMENTATION 
PERTAINING TO THE ISSUANCE OF DISCHARGE PERMIT, WATER 
PERMIT AND DRILLING PERMITS, and all other related permits and 
clearances [issued by the DENR and other government agencios] shall be
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under the exclusive control and jurisdiction of the AFAB, SUBJECT TO 
APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS INCLUDING THE 
AUTHORITY TO UNDERTAKE OR AUTHORIZE DESILTING 
OPERATIONS FOR FLOOD CONTROL AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL 
MANAGEMENT PURPOSES.;
THE authority OF THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN (AFAB) 
SHALL ADOPT MEASURES ALIGNED WITH GREEN AND BLUE 
ECONOMIES. THESE INCLUDE PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY 
AND SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES, MARINE-BASED INDUSTRIES LIKE 
AQUACULTURE, ECO-TOURISM, AND OFFSHORE ENERGY. AFAB 
WILL ALSO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO CONSERVE MARINE 
BIODIVERSITY AND OTHER ECOSYSTEMS.
[n] (S) xxx;
"[0] (T) xxx;
"[p] (U) xxx;
H (W) THE AUTHORITY OF THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN 
(AFAB) SHALL ESTABLISH A REGULATORY SANDBOX FRAMEWORK 
WITHIN THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN FOR START-UP, 
TECHNOLOGY-BASED INVESTMENTS OR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES. 
AFAB MAY ALLOW THESE START-UPS TO OPERATE UNDER RELAXED 
CONDITIONS WHILE PROVIDING INVESTORS PROTECTION 
THROUGH CLEAR INVESTMENT GUIDELINES. INVESTMENTS MADE 
IN THESE STARTUPS SHALL BE TREATED AS TAX DEDUCTIONS 
AGAINST ANY APPLICABLE FUTURE TAX OBLIGATIONS OF THE 
INVESTORS.
TO QUALIFY FOR THE SANDBOX ENVIRONMENT AND ITS 
BENEFITS, STARTUPS AND INVESTORS MUST MEET THE 
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA SET BY AFAB AND COMPLY WITH 
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES 
ISSUED THEREFOR. AFAB SHALL MONITOR AND EVALUATE THE 
BUSINESS INCUBATOR AND SANDBOX ENVIRONMENT TO ENSURE
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ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND ALIGNMENT WITH THE STRATEGIC 
GOALS OF THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN.
Subject to Republic Act No. 7653, otherwise known as 'The New 
Central Bank Act,' other issuances of the BSP, Republic Act No. 8799, 
otherwise known as The Securities Regulation Code,' existing applicable 
laws, and such other laws as may be required that are consistent with the 
objectives of the AFAB, to act as an offshore financial centre that engage in, 
or allow, any or all international financial and business services, including 
banking, offshore fund management, collective investment schemes, and 
cryptocurrency mining, and provide the necessary and pertinent fiscal 
incentives as provided for under Republic Act No. 7916, as amended by 
Republic Act No. 8748, also known as 'The Special Economic Zone Act of 
1995,' and/or those provided under Executive Order No. 226, as amended, 
otherwise known as 'The Omnibus Investments Code of 1987.' Banks and 
financial institutions engaged in quasi-banking functions to be established in 
the FAB shall be under the supervision of the BSP, and shall be subject to 
existing banking laws, rules and regulations. Other financial institutions not 
engaged in quasi-banking functions, and those engaged in collective 
investment schemes and cryptocurrency mining within the FAB shall be under 
the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission;
[s] (X) XXX
(Y) FOR PURPOSES OF PROCESSING THE APPLICATIONS FOR 
INVESTOR'S VISA AND THE REGISTRATION OF FAB REGISTERED 
ENTERPRISES, THE AFAB, DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, 
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION, AND OTHER CONCERNED AGENCIES 
SHALL STREAMLINE THE INVESTOR'S VISA APPLICATION, APPROVAL, 
AND ISSUANCE PROCESSES THAT IS MOST CONVENIENT AND 
PRACTICAL FOR THE APPLICANT.
[t] (Z) XXX}
[u] (AA) xxx;
(BB) TO UNDERTAKE ON ITS OWN OR THROUGH PUBLIC- 
PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP, JOINT VENTURE WITH A PRIVATE ENTITY OR
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OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND OTHER SIMILAR 
ARRANGEMENTS ALLOWED BY LAW, REGULATE AND ADMINISTER 
YACHT CLUBS OR YACHT DEVELOPERS FOR THEIR BERTHING 
FACILITIES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE FAB; TO REGISTER, AS FLAG 
OF CONVENIENCE OR OTHERWISE, BOAT AND YACHTS OF 
INDIVIDUALS, JOINT OWNERS, CORPORATIONS, OR YACHTING 
ENTITIES FROM ANY COUNTRY, WHETHER FOR PERSONAL, 
BAREBOAT OR COMMERCIAL USE, DOCKING, BERTHING OR 
ENTERING THE FAB'S TERRITORIES AND IN RELATION THERETO, 
MAINTAIN THE CORRESPONDING OPEN VESSEL REGISTRY;
(CC) THE AFAB MAY LIKEWISE ESTABLISH A DIGITAL NOMAD 
VISA PROGRAM TO ATTRACT FOREIGN INDIVIDUALS ENGAGED IN 
REMOTE WORK OR ONLINE BUSINESSES, KNOWN AS "DIGITAL 
NOMADS", TO RESIDE AND WORK IN THE PHILIPPINES THROUGH 
ESTABLISHMENT OF A RESIDENCE IN THE FREEPORT AREA OF 
BATAAN. THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA SHALL BE VALID FOR AN INITIAL 
PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF RENEWAL 
BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS, 
AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED BY THE AFAB IN ACCORDANCE WITH 
RELEVANT LAWS.
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA HOLDERS SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO 
RESIDE AND WORK IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR THE DURATION OF 
THEIR VISA. THEY SHALL BE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO 
OBTAIN A WORK PERMIT OR ENGAGE IN LOCAL EMPLOYMENT. 
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA HOLDERS SHALL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER AND 
EXIT THE PHILIPPINES FREELY DURING THE VALIDITY OF THEIR 
VISA. SUCH VISA SHALL BE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM THE 
FOREIGN INVESTOR VISA. THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA SHALL BE 
ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION.
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA HOLDERS SHALL COMPLY WITH THE 
LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND TAX OBLIGATIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES, 
UNLESS THEY APPLY FOR APPLICABLE INCENTIVES. THE AFAB MAY
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REQUIRE PERIODIC REPORTING OR DOCUMENTATION FROM 
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA HOLDERS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE 
VISA PROGRAM.
(DD) TO INSTITUTE A START-UP VISA PROGRAM WHICH SHALL 
HAVE AN INITIAL FIVE (5)-YEAR VALIDITY AND MAY BE RENEWED OR 
EXTENDED WITH A THREE (3)-YEAR VALIDITY IN LINE WITH 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11337.
(EE) TO HOST, AUTHORIZE, FACILITATE, GIVE INCENTIVES TO, 
REGULATE, AND SET GUIDELINES FOR THE OPERATION, 
IMPLEMENTATION AND CONDUCT OF ACTIVITIES ON OR IN 
RELATION TO DIGITAL ASSETS, DIGITAL TOKENS, FLAT COINS, E- 
COMMERCE, SMART CONTRACTS, DECENTRALIZED APPLICATIONS, 
DECENTRALIZED AUTONOMOUS ORGANIZATIONS, PAYMENT 
GATEWAYS, AND NEW, EMERGING AND FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES IN 
THE FAB, INCLUDING SUBMARINE CABLE LANDING STATIONS, 
SATELLITE UPLINK AND DOWNLINK FACILITIES, ARTIFICIAL 
INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES, MACHINE LEARNING, QUANTUM 
COMPUTING, BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGIES, BLOCKCHAIN, BUSINESS 
PROCESS OUTSOURCING, CLOUD COMPUTING, CYBERSECURITY, 
DISTRIBUTED LEDGER TECHNOLOGY, FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY 
SOLUTIONS, DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INCLUDING MILITARY AND 
DEFENSE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND MANUFACTURING, SPACE 
TECHNOLOGY, INTERNET OF THINGS, AND VIRTUAL REALITY, 
RETIREMENT AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES, AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, AND 
INVESTMENT CENTER WITH PROVISION FOR SUITABLE RESIDENTIAL 
AREAS: PROVIDED, THAT IN SO FAR AS THE DIGITAL TOKENS AND 
FLAT COINS ARE CONCERNED, WHEN THESE INVOLVE DOMESTIC 
APPLICATION AND UTILIZATION, SUCH WILL BE REGULATED BY THE 
BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS AND APPLICABLE BANKING AND E- 
COMMERCE LAWS.
[v] (FF) XXX
[w] (GG) XXX
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[x] (HH) XXX
(II) SUBJECT TO THE PURPOSE ENUMERATED IN PRECEDING 
SECTIONS, THE AFAB SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DECLARE PRIVATE 
LAND OR ESTATES AS FAB EXPANSION AREAS (FEA), WHICH SHALL 
FORM PART OF THE FAB UNDER SECTION 3 OF THIS ACT. THE 
DECLARATION, AS WELL AS THE METES AND BOUNDS OF THE FEA 
SHALL BE EMBODIED AND PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN A 
CERTIFICATE TO BE ISSUED BY THE AFAB, OR AN AGREEMENT 
ENTERED INTO BY THE AFAB AND THE FEA LAND OWNER/DEVELOPER.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING PARAGRAPHS, 
GOVERNMENT-OWNED LANDS OR PROPERTIES, WHETHER OWNED BY 
THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT OR ANY OF ITS AGENCIES, 
DEPARTMENTS, SUBDIVISIONS, INSTRUMENTALITIES, INCLUDING 
THEIR SUBSIDIARIES, OR GOVERNMENT OWNED OR CONTROLLED 
CORPORATIONS, IN WHATEVER NATURE OR LAND CLASSIFICATION 
IN WHICH THEY ARE FOUND, WHICH ARE IDLE OR UNDEVELOPED OR 
HAVE NOT BEEN USED FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THEY HAVE 
BEEN ORIGINALLY RESERVED OR SET ASIDE FOR AT LEAST TEN (10) 
YEARS, AND IDENTIFIED BY AFAB AS SUITABLE FOR ANY OF THE 
ACTIVITIES COVERED IN THIS ACT, CAN BE DECLARED, OWNED BY, 
OR BESTOWED UNTO AFAB POSSESSORY RIGHTS, AS FAB EXPANSION 
AREAS, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT.
REGULATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS OF FAB EXPANSION 
AREAS SHALL BE FORMULATED AND IMPLEMENTED BY AFAB IN CLOSE 
COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PROVINCIAL 
GOVERNMENT OF BATAAN.
THE DECLARATION AS FEA SHALL BE UPON THE APPROVAL OF 
AFAB'S BOARD AND CONCURRENCE OF THE APPROPRIATE AND 
AFFECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) IN SECTION 4 (G) OF 
THIS ACT.
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THE FEA SHALL BE REGULATED-BY THE AFAB AS SEPARATE 
CUSTOMS TERRITORY; PROVIDED, THAT PRIVATELY-OWNED 
DECLARED FEAS SHALL POSSESS OPERATIONAL AUTONOMY AND 
SHALL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE AFAB FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION 
OF INCENTIVES AND MONITORING OF OPERATIONS WHICH SHALL BE 
COMPLIANT WITH RELEVANT LAWS, AND THE AFAB'S POLICIES AND 
ISSUANCES.
THE AFAB SHALL EXERCISE THE AFOREMENTIONED POWERS 
AND FUNCTIONS WITH DUE INDEPENDENCE, WHILE ENSURING 
CLOSE COORDINATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, 
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED WITHIN THIS ACT."
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Sec. 5. A new section denominated as Section 13-A is inserted after Section 13
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of RA 9728 as amended to be read as follows;
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"SECTION 13-A. SERVICES IN EXPANSION AREAS - RECOGNIZING THE 
VARYING CAPACITIES OF THE FAB MAIN ZONE AND ITS EXPANSION 
AREAS, THE AUTHORITY OF THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN (AFAB) 
SHALL ENSURE THAT ALL REGISTERED ENTERPRISES WITHIN THESE 
ZONES, INCLUDING SMALLER AND PRIVATELY-MANAGED FAB 
EXPANSION AREAS, RECEIVE ADEQUATE ESSENTIAL SERVICES 
NECESSARY FOR THEIR OPERATION. THESE SERVICES INCLUDE, BUT 
ARE NOT LIMITED TO, POWER SUPPLY, SECURITY, 
COMMUNICATIONS, WATER, AND WASTE MANAGEMENT.
THE AFAB OR THE FEA OWNER/DEVELOPER MAY ENTER INTO 
COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO FACILITATE THE PROVISION OF 
THESE SERVICES IN FAB EXPANSION AREAS. THESE ARRANGEMENTS 
MAY INVOLVE SHARING THE RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN OR 
AMONG THE AFAB, NATIONAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, AND 
PRIVATE PROPONENTS, TO ENSURE THAT EVEN SMALLER 
TERRITORIES CAN MAINTAIN THE OPERATIONAL STANDARDS 
EXPECTED WITHIN THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN."
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Sec. 6. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9728 is amended to read as follows:
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"Section 8. Administration, Implementation and Monitoring of 
Incentives. - For the proper administration, implementation and monitoring of 
tax incentives provided under this law, the following are herein mandated: (a) 
The AFAB shall be responsible for the administration and implementation of the 
incentives granted to its respective registered enterprises. Among others, it shall 
adopt and implement systems and procedures affecting trade and customs 
policies... The BOC shall set up and establish a custom's controlled area outside 
[the gate] of the FAB to facilitate payment of taxes on goods entering the 
Philippine customs territory; and (b) The AFAB shall likewise submit to the DOF 
its annual tax expenditures based on the tax incentives granted to its registered 
enterprises. The DOF, for its part, shall create a single database of all incentives 
provided by the governing authority. The DOF shall monitor the incentives 
granted, and submit all annual report to the President.
TO ENSURE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFECTIVE MONITORING 
OF INCENTIVE AVAILMENTS, THE AFAB SHALL ASSESS THE 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS OF REGISTERED 
ENTERPRISES, THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND REPORTS 
SHALL BE THE PRIMARY BASIS OF DECLARATION FOR PURPOSES OF 
FILING AND/OR COMPLIANCE WITH BIR AND OTHER CONCERNED 
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES."
Sec. 7. Section 5 of RA 9728 as amended is amended to read as follows:
"Section 5. Fiscal Incentives. - The registered enterprises operating within
the FAB SHALL BE EXEMPTED FROM PAYMENT OF VALUE ADDED TAX 
(VAT) ON IMPORTATION AND SHALL BE ENTITLED TO VAT ZERO­
RATING ON LOCAL PURCHASES FOR AS LONG AS THEY ARE 
REGISTERED WITH THE AFAB AND OPERATING WITHIN THE ZONE
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AND may be entitled to the existing pertinent fiscal incentives as provided for 
under Republic Act No. 7916, as amended by Republic Act No. 8748, also known 
as the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995, or those provided under Executive 
Order No. 226, as amended, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investment Code 
of 1987.
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SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES BY REGISTERED ENTERPRISES 
WITHIN THE FAB MAIN ZONE AND THE FAB EXPANSION AREAS SHALL 
LIKEWISE BE EXEMPT FROM VAT, PROVIDED THAT, SUCH SALES ARE 
NOT MADE IN WHOLESALE FOR RETAIL OUTSIDE THE FAB."
Sec. 8. Section 6 of RA 9728 as amended is amended to read as follows:
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"Section 6. Imposition of a SPECIAL CORPORATE INCOME TAX (SCIT) 
Rate. - A TAX RATE EQUIVALENT TO FIVE PERCENT (5%) BASED ON 
THE GROSS INCOME EARNED, IN LIEU OF ALL NATIONAL AND LOCAL 
TAXES AND LOCAL FEES AND CHARGES. THE SCIT COLLECTED SHALL 
BE DISTRIBUTED OR ALLOCATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING:
(a) One per centum (1%) to the National Government;
(b) One per centum (1%) to the Province of Bataan;
(c) One per centum (1%) to the host city/municipality; and
(d) Two per centum (2%) to the Authority of the Freeport of Area of 
Bataan."
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Sec. 9. Section 10 of RA 9728 as amended is amended to read as follows:
"Section 10. Duration of Incentives. - Enterprises registered with AFAB may 
enjoy the income tax holiday (ITH) or the net operating loss carryover (NOLCO) 
granted by the authority prior to the availment of the five percent (5%) SCIT.
Fiscal incentives under this Act shall be terminated after a cumulative period of 
twenty (20) years from date of registration or start of commercial operation.
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whichever is appiicabie, except that it couid be extended with regard to industries 
deemed indispensabie to nationai deveiopment.
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The industries exempted from this provision shaii be determined by the AFAB."
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Sec. 10. A new section denominated as Section 18 is inserted after Section 17
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of Repubiic Act No. 9728 as amended and shaii read as foiiows:
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"SECTION 18. SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION - THE 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) SHALL 
ESTABLISH AN OFFICE WITHIN THE FREEPORT AREA OF BATAAN 
WHICH SHALL CARRY OUT ITS MANDATE ON REGISTRATION OF 
CORPORATIONS OR ENTITIES, AND SHALL EXERCISE OTHER 
POWERS CONFERRED BY LAW."
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Section 18 and the succeeding Sections of Repubiic Act No. 9728, as amended,
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are accordingiy renumbered as Section 19 and consecutiveiy.
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Sec. 11. Section 21 of Repubiic Act No. 9728, as amended, is hereby amended
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to read as foiiows:
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"Sec. 22 [2i]. Capitaiization. - The capitai stock to be contributed by the
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Government shaii be (a) FIVE biiiion pesos (Php 5,000,000,000.00),
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WITHIN TEN (10) YEARS FROM EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT WITH
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option to increase capitaiization upon the discretion of the AFAB, (b) Aii iands
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embraced and covered by the FAB, inciuding those properties conveyed to
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the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and/or the Sociai Security
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System (SSS) under Prociamation No. 740, as amended by Prociamation No.
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900, as weii as permanent improvements and fixtures upon proper inventory
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not otherwise aiienated, conveyed, or transferred to another government
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agency; and (c) Aii other assets which the President may transfer to the
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AFAB as part of the equity contribution of the government."
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Sec. 12. A new section denominated as Section 23 is inserted after Section 22
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of Republic Act No. 9728 as amended and shall read as follows:
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"SECTION 23. DECLARATION OF ALIENABLE AND DISPOSABLE 
LANDS. - ANY PROVISION OF EXISTING LAWS, ORDINANCES, 
EXECUTIVE ORDERS, PROCLAMATIONS, RULES OR REGULATIONS 
TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, ALL LANDS THAT FORM 
PART OF THE FAB INCLUDING ITS EXPANSION AREAS ARE HEREBY 
CONVERTED TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS AND, AS SUCH, ARE 
DECLARED AS ALIENABLE AND DISPOSABLE, AND MAY BE USED 
FOR INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL, OR OTHER 
LAWFUL USES, AS THE CASE MAY BE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE 
CONSTITUTION TO ENSURE THAT OTHER INALIENABLE LANDS 
SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED, SUBJECT TO VESTED PRIVATE RIGHTS."
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Section 22 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is renumbered as Section 24
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and renumber the succeeding sections accordingly.
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Sec. 13. Section 25 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is further amended
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to read as follows:
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"Section 25. Legal Counsel. - The AFAB shall have its own internal legal counsel 
which shall review contracts and render opinions on all matters referred to it by 
the AFAB management, among other legal functions, [under the supervision of 
the Government Corporate Counsel.] When the exigencies of its businesses and 
operations demand, the AFAB may engage the services of an outside counsel 
either on a case-to-case or on a fixed retainer basis."
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Sec. 14. Section 28 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is further amended
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to read as follows:
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"Section 30 [28]. Transitory Provisions. - AN properties, assets, funds, rights, 
obligations, and liabilities are hereby transferred to the AFAB except for the 
liabilities that are not properly accounted for as per the reports coming from 
the Commission on Audit, which shall be retained by the PEZA.
{The AFAB shall be responsiblo for the operations, administration,
management and dcvdopmcnt of the FAB. ] The AFAB shall effect the 
transfer herein provided in a manner that will ensure the least disruption of 
ongoing programs of the BEZ. The qualified and necessary personnel of the 
BEZ shall be transferred to and absorbed by the AFAB: Provided, that the 
tenure, rank, salaries and privileges of such personnel are not reduced or 
adversely affected. The personnel whose services are not retained by the 
AFAB shall be granted separation pay and retirement and other benefits they 
are entitled to under existing laws but in no case shall the separation pay be 
less than one (1) month for every year of service.
In the period prior to the actual assumption of duties by the AFAB, all 
officers and employees of the BEZ shall continue to exercise their functions 
and discharge their duties and responsibilities. The BEZ shall be deemed 
abolished upon the organization of the AFAB.
ANY AND ALL LAND TITLES AND TAX DECLARATIONS OF ALL 
REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTIES OWNED AND ADMINISTERED 
BY THE THEN EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE AUTHORITY (EPZA) AND 
PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC ZONE AUTHORITY (PEZA) SHALL BE 
AUTOMATICALLY TRANSFERRED TO AND BE OWNED BY THE AFAB 
BY OPERATION OF LAW."
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Sec. 15. A new section denominated as Section 8-A is hereby inserted after
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Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, and shall read as follows:
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"SECTION 8-A. PRINCIPLE OF SELF-DETERMINATION - THE AFAB 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY APPROVE THE REGISTRATION OF ALLIED 
BUSINESSES THAT EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ENHANCE THE 
EXISTING SUPPLY/VALUE CHAIN OR BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM WITHIN
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THE FAB. THESE BUSINESSES SHOULD DEMONSTRABLY CONTRIBUTE 
TO THE BROADER GOALS OF INCLUSIVE GROWTH, JOBS GENERATION, 
AND NATION-BUILDING, ENSURING THEIR INTEGRATION INTO THE 
ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK OF THE FAB.
LAWS OR POLICIES ON INCENTIVES OR TAX POLICIES THAT 
ARE MORE CONVENIENT AND BENEFICIAL TO BUSINESS ACTIVITIES 
OF FAB REGISTERED ENTERPRISES SHALL APPLY WITHIN THE FAB 
AND ITS EXPANSION AREAS."
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Sec. 16. For registration and titling of reclaimed lands located in the FAB,
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including its expansion areas, the plans, surveys and documents processed, approved
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and endorsed by the AFAB shall be recognized and considered by the land registration
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authority, registry of deeds and other appropriate government agencies.
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Sec. 17. Relative to the entitlement and issuance of visas provided in this Act,
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as part of due diligence and probity validation of investments in the FAB shall be subject
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to Republic Act No. 9160, or the "Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001," and related laws,
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rules and issuances.
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Sec. 18. Section 32 of Republic Act No. 9728, as amended, is further amended
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to read as follows:
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"Section 34 [32]. Repealing Clause. — Proclamation No. 740, as amended 
by Proclamation No. 900 and Presidential Decree No. 545, insofar as these 
laws convey the balance of the public land mentioned therein in favor of the 
GSIS and the SSS, and mandate said agencies to develop the land for 
construction of housing units and/or condominium houses, are hereby 
repealed.
All other laws, decrees, executive orders, INCLUDING R.A. NO. 
8424 AS AMENDED, ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS, ISSUANCES, rules 
and regulations or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly."
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Sec. 19. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force
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and effect.
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Sec. 20. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,
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