TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 984
';'i;::.v 'L0ffirp of tin*
25 AUG “6 A9:19
RHCt!«’. UdV
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AND ORGANIZING THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRONIC SPORTS 
COMMISSION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines has emerged as a significant player in the global electronic 
sports (e-sports) ecosystem, with Filipino athletes consistently demonstrating world- 
class talent and competitiveness in international competitions. The explosive growth 
of e-sports in the country has created new opportunities for Filipino youth, not only in 
professional gaming but also in related industries such as game development, content 
creation, and event management.
Recent achievements highlight our country's potential in this field. Filipino e- 
sports athletes have earned multiple medals in various international tournaments, 
including the Southeast Asian Games, where e-sports was officially recognized as a 
medal sport. The success of local e-sports organizations and teams has also attracted 
substantial investments from both domestic and international partners, contributing 
to the industry's rapid expansion.
However, the absence of a centralized governing body has led to fragmented 
development of the sector, limiting our ability to fully harness its economic and social


potential. There is a pressing need for a coordinated approach to regulate, develop, 
and promote e-sports in the Philippines.
This bill seeks to establish the Philippine Electronic Sports Commission (PESC) 
as an independent body that will serve as the primary agency responsible for the 
development and regulation of e-sports in the country. The PESC will be tasked with 
creating comprehensive programs for athlete development, establishing industry 
standards, facilitating international partnerships, and ensuring the sustainable growth 
of the e-sports ecosystem.
The proposed commission will also address crucial aspects such as player 
welfare, education integration, and professional development. By implementing 
structured programs and policies, we can protect our athletes while maximizing their 
potential to compete at the highest levels of international e-sports.
Furthermore, the establishment of PESC will help position the Philippines as a 
premier e-sports hub in Southeast Asia, attracting international tournaments, 
investments, and opportunities that will benefit our economy and provide meaningful 
employment for our youth.
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
NGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(©ffiri* of li»f Ru:.rl-.rj»
25 AUG-6 A 9-.19
SENATE 
S. No. 984
RHCElVtO 8V- _ _
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AND ORGANIZING THE PHILIPPINE ELECTRONIC SPORTS 
COMMISSION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine E-sports
2 
Development Act.
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the significant role of
4 
electronic sports (e-sports) in youth development, digital innovation, and economic
5 
growth. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote and develop e-sports
6 
as a legitimate sporting discipline and creative industry, while ensuring the welfare
7 
and protection of e-sports athletes and stakeholders.
8 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
9 
a) E-sports means electronic video games in online or streaming platforms in
10 
which players, individually or by teams, compete with one another for a score
11 
or for victory;
12 
b) E-sports industry the industry of creating added value with goods and
13 
services related to e-sports;
14 
c) E-sports player means a person registered with an e-sport organization;
15 
d) E-sports organization means a corporation or organization established for
16 
the purpose of engaging in activities or a business relating to e-sports;
17 
e) 
E-sports facilities means stadiums, gadgets, equipment, machineries and
18 
other facilities for e-sports.


1 
Sec. 4. Establishment of Philippine Electronic Sports (E-sports) Commission
2 
(PESC). - The Philippine Electronic Sports (E-sports) Commission is hereby established
3 
as the governing body to organize, oversee and monitor e-sports activities in the
4 
country. It shall be an independent body from the existing Philippine Sports
5 
Commission.
6 
Sec. 5. Board of Trustees. - The PESC shall be administered by a Board of
7 
Trustees hereinafter referred as the Board, to be composed of the following:
8 
a) Secretary of the Department of Education, as Chairperson;
9 
b) Secretary of the Department of Tourism, as Vice-Chairperson;
10 
c) Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications
11 
Technology;
12 
d) Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education;
13 
e) Chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission;
14 
f) Two representatives from the private sector; and
15 
g) Chairperson of the Philippine E-sports Commission.
16 
The members of the Board enumerated in subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and
17 
(e) shall serve as ex-officio members. The ex-officio members of the Board may
18 
designate their respective alternates who shall be the officials next-in-rank to them
19 
and whose acts shall be considered as the acts of their principals.
20 
The members of the Board enumerated in subparagraphs (f) and (g) shall be
21 
appointed by the President of the Philippines.
22 
The appointive members of the Board shall serve for four (4) years and may
23 
be reappointed for a second term, unless sooner removed for a cause.
24 
Sec. 6. Powers and Functions. - In order to achieve the purposes of this Act,
25 
the Board shall have the following powers and functions:
26 
a) Serve as the national sports association for e-sports and the sole accrediting
27 
body of e-sports organizations;
28 
b) Formulate and implement uniform policies, rules and format for e-sports
29 
activities in the Philippines;
30 
c) Establish a master plan for the medium and long-term development of e-
31 
sports;


1 
d) Promote international tournaments and events relating to e-sports and
2 
international cooperation and exchange in e-sports;
3 
e) Promote scientific activities for e-sports and the creation of the
4 
infrastructure therefor;
5 
f) Secure financial resources for the development of e-sports;
6 
g) Establish an e-sports industry support center which shall extend counseling
7 
services, among others;
8 
h) Come up with mechanisms promoting a well-balanced family-education-e-
9 
sports life of the student players; and
10 
i) Select individuals, organizations, enterprises, etc., that have significantly
11 
contributed to the development of e-sports to reward them for their
12 
contributions.
13 
Sec. 7. Organizational Structure and Staffing Pattern. - The Board shall
14 
determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the PESC subject to the
15 
evaluation by the Civil Service Commission and of the Organizational Position
16 
Classification and Compensation Bureau of the Department of Budget and
17 
Management.
18 
Sec. 8. Chairperson of PESC. - The PESC shall be headed by a Chairperson who
19 
shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of four (4) years and
20 
may be reappointed for a second term:
21 
The Chairperson shall have the following powers and functions:
22 
a) Execute the policies, rules and format approved by the Board and be
23 
responsible for the efficient discharge of management and operational
24 
functions;
25 
b) Submit for the consideration and approval of the Board proposed measures,
26 
policies, and rules as deemed necessary or proper for the effective
27 
implementation of the purposes and objectives of the Act;
28 
c) Represent the PESC in all dealings with other persons or entities, whether
29 
domestic or foreign, and whether government or private; and
30 
d) Exercise other functions and powers and perform such other duties as may
31 
be vested or reposed by the Board.


1 
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
2 
Act shall have an independent line item in the annual General Appropriations Act
3 
(GAA).
4 
Sec. 10. Impiementing Ruies and Regulations (IRR). - Within sixty (60) days
5 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Chairperson of the Philippine Sports Commission
6 
(PSC), in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of
7 
Tourism (DOT), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT),
8 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other concerned agencies, shall
9 
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations and other issuances as may be
10 
necessary to ensure the effective Implementation of this Act.
11 
Sec. 11. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
12 
unconstitutional or invalid, the portions or provisions which are not affected shall
13 
continue to be in full force and effect.
14 
Sec. 12. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances,
15 
rules and regulations which may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act,
16 
are hereby deemed repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
17 
Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
18 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation
19 
in the Philippines.
Approved,