Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5053

Introduced by Representative Florencio Gabriel “Bem” G. Noel

EXPLANATORY NOTE

“Never underestimate the heart of a champion.”
- Rudy Tomjanovich, Former Head Coach of the Houston Rockets

The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. Sports imparts on us
lessons and values that the four walls of the classroom simply cannot teach as competently.
The impact that sports can have on the youths’ overall development knows no bounds. It shows
them that there is no substitute for discipline, consistency, hard work, and dedication, and that
we only reap the fruits of our labor.

The Philippines is a country home to the world’s most passionate and nationalistic athletes,
with the Filipino people being equally passionate in showing their support for them. We have
proven time and time again that we embody every meaning of the word “Pinoy Pride.”
Currently however, our athletes find themselves at a disadvantage competing in the global
landscape. The times that the Philippines has made a name for itself in international
competition are few, far and compared to some athletes, such as Senator Manny Pacquiao and
Hidylin Diaz to name a few. Much of this may be attributed to how inadequate as a government
we've been showing our support to our athletes.

It is our duty to our athletes, that when they represent the country in all manner of sports,
that they have a whole nation giving them support so that regardless if they come out victorious
or not, they will come home with heads held high knowing that he or she has something to
fight for.

‘What we have is a rare opportunity to start supporting our athletes in the early development
of their athletic careers. This country has athletes of unlimited potential, and it is imperative
that we strike while the iron is hot and establish a Philippine High School for Sports in order
to hone our athlete’s skills and capabilities at the age where it will have the most impact.


For the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. Towards this end,
the State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league
competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, and foster
self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.
The State shall provide adequate training for students with athletic abilities for competitive
sports to foster the holistic development of the youth and to prepare the students for a long-
term career in sports development.

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

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FLORENCIO GABRIEL G. NOEL
‘An Waray Party-list Representative


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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Queson City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
First Regular Session

5053
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Florencio Gabriel “Bem” G. Noel

AN ACT
CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE HIGH SCHOOL FOR SPORTS
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Philippine High School for Sports
Act of 2019."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Principles. - The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-
building and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social
well-being. Towards this end, the State shall promote physical education and encourage sports
Programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international
competitions, and foster self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a
healthy and alert citizenry. The State shall provide adequate training for students with athletic
abilities for competitive sports to foster the holistic development of the youth and to prepare
the students for a long-term career in sports development.

Sec. 3. Creation and Establishment of the Philippine High School for Sports. - There is
hereby created and established a Philippine High School for Sports (PHSS) to develop the
athletic skills and talents of high school students. This shall be attached to the Department of
Education (DepEd) which shall also coordinate with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)
for policy and program formulation and implementation on subjects pertaining to sports. The
organizational structure and staffing pattern of the school shall be submitted by the DepEd, in
coordination with the PSC, to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for
evaluation and approval.

Sec. 4. Purpose of the PHSS. - The PHSS shall offer, on a full or partial scholarship basis, a
secondary course with special emphasis on developing the athletic skills of the students through


subjects pertaining to physical education and sports development, with the end in view of
educating its students who have shown their early potential of excelling in sports for a sports-
related career while undergoing quality secondary education. The Board of Trustees, as created
under Section 7 of this Act, may agree to accept paying students based on the criteria that it
will hereafter establish.

Sec. 5. Site, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of the PHSS. - After a period of
planning not exceeding one (1) year upon the effectivity of this Act, the necessary sports
facilities and amenities, which are at par with international standards, shall be constructed at
New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) shall provide the land for
the site, by way of usufruct, and shall be in charge of the construction of classrooms,
dormitories, sports facilities, and other related amenities at the New Clark City campus.

The PHSS shall be in charge of its annual operation expenses and maintenance costs.

Sec. 6. Director of the PHSS. - Upon the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, the
President shall appoint the Director who shall serve as head for a period of six (6) years. The
functions, powers, and duties of the Director, in addition to those specifically provided for
under this Act, shall be those usually pertaining to the office of the principal of any high school
in the Philippine educational system.

Sec. 7. Board of Trustees. - The PHSS shall have a Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to
as the Board, which shall be composed of the Secretary of the DepEd as Chairperson, the
Chairperson of the PSC as Vice Chairperson, and the following members: the Director of the
PHSS; one (1) representative each from the House of Representatives and the Senate; the
President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC); and, three (3) representatives from
different POC-accredited national sports associations to be nominated by their respective sports
associations and appointed by the Chairperson of the Board.

The three (3) representatives from the different POC-accredited national sports
associations shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years, renewable every two years by the
Chairperson of the Board in due consultation with the Vice Chairperson

In case of vacancy in the Board, the appointee shall serve the unexpired term of the
predecessor.

All members who are not receiving regular compensation from the government shall
receive per diem for every meeting of the Board, subject to existing rules and regulations of
the DBM for the purpose

Sec. 8. Powers and Functions of the Board of Trustees. - The exercise of the corporate powers
of the PHSS is hereby vested exclusively in the Board of Trustees. The Board shall have the
following specific powers and duties, in addition to its general powers of administration and
the exercise of all the powers granted to the board of directors of a corporation under Section
35 of Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the Revised Corporation Code of the
Philippines:

(a) To identify the satellite branches and regional campuses of the PHSS;

(b) To approve the curricula, course of study, and rules of discipline drawn up by the Executive
Council as hereinafter provided;


(©) To receive and appropriate for the ends herein specified such sums as may be provided by
law for the support of the PHSS;

(d) To approve appointments made and contracts entered into by the Director in connection
with the employment of teachers, lecturers, and other employees of the school, fix their
compensation and other conditions of employment, and remove them for cause after proper
investigation;

(e) To provide and approve fellowships and trainings for faculty members;

(f) To fix the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the Board may deem proper
to impose, after due and comprehensive consultation with the students concerned.

Such fees and charges and other internally-generated income by the PHSS shall
constitute the Sports High School Fund, as created under Section 18 of this Act, and shall be
deposited in any authorized government depository bank, and all interests which shall accrue
therefrom shall form part of the same fund for the use of the PHSS.

Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary notwithstanding,
any income generated by the PHSS from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the
operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the PHSS, and may be
disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension, or other programs or projects of the
PHSS: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which
they were collected;

(g) To approve the grant of scholarships, stipends, and such other allowances to deserving
‘students;

(h) To establish the criteria for the selection and admission of students which shall include,
among others, national competitive trials and examinations;

(i) To develop the athletic potential of every student together with a sound and strong academic
base,

() To provide a training program for students with the end goal of creating athletes who are
competitive in the national. South East Asian, Asian, and Olympics levels;

(k) To approve the issuance of certificates or diplomas to successful candidates for graduation;

(I) To receive, in trust, legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal properties of all kinds
and to administer the same for the benefit of the PHSS or for aid to any of its students;

(m) To enact rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes and functions of the PHSS; and

(n) To perform any and all other acts incident to or required by virtue of its creation

Sec. 9. Meetings and Quorum of the Board of Trustees. - The Board shall regularly convene
at least once every quarter. The Chairperson of the Board may call a special meeting whenever
necessary: Provided, that members are notified in writing at least three (3) calendar days prior
to said special meeting.


‘A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all the members holding office at
the time the meeting is called: Provided, That the Chairperson of the Board is among those
present in the meeting. In the absence of the Chairperson, an Undersecretary of the DepEd,
duly designated by the Chairperson, shall represent him/her in the meeting,

Sec. 10. Reporting Requirements and Auditing of Accounts. - The Board shall submit to the
Commission on Audit (COA), DBM, Office of the President of the Philippines (OP), and
Congress a detailed report on the progress, condition, and needs of the PHSS containing, among
others, the financial statements, statement of assets and liabilities, other revenue sources and
program for expenditures, physical and financial accountability reports, and other similar
reportorial requirements on or before the fourteenth (14th) day of February of each year. All
accounts and expenses of the PHSS shall be audited by the COA or its duly authorized
representative.

Sec. 11. Executive Council. - There shall be an Executive Council, hereinafter referred to as
the Council, consisting of the Director, the Assistant Director whose position is created under
Section 12 of this Act, the heads of departments of PHSS, and such other ranking faculty
members or officials of the PHSS as may be determined by the Board.

The Council shall have the power to screen and select the students subject for
admission, select students who shall be recipients of scholarships, stipends and other
allowances, and develop the curricula, course of study, and rules of discipline. The Council
shall implement and execute the policies laid down by the Board and exercise such other
powers, functions, and duties as the Board may prescribe.

Sec. 12. Assistant Director of the PHSS. - There shall be an Assistant Director who shall assist
the Director. In the absence of the Director, he/she shall assume the administrative and
supervisory functions of the Director. He/she shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the
Board, subject to the approval of such Board which shall also fix his/her compensation.

Sec. 13. Registrar of the PHSS. - There shall be a Registrar of the PHSS who shall also act as
Secretary of the Board, to be appointed by the Director with the approval of the Board. The
Registrar shall keep all records of the PHSS.

Sec. 14. Treasurer of the PHSS. - There shall be a Treasurer of the PHSS who shall be
appointed by the Director with the approval of the Board

Sec. 15. Personnel of the PHSS. - The Director shall, upon approval of the Board, employ
professional and highly skilled managers, educators, teachers, and personnel with long and vast
experience in sports administration, education, and management to ensure proper operation and
maintenance of the PHSS

Any officer or employee of the Government engaged as a lecturer at the PHSS may
receive a compensation in addition to his/her salary at the rate to be fixed by the Board
Provided, that his/her duties as such lecturer are performed outside of the regular office hours.

Sec. 16. Payment of National Taxes and Customs Duties. - The payment of national taxes,
including customs duties, of the PHSS shall be charged against the Tax Expenditure Fund
(TEF) provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act.

The PHSS shall be exempt from withholding taxes on the honoraria or fees paid by the
PHSS to visiting lecturers or professors from abroad.


Sec. 17. Tax Deduction and Exemption of Donations and Contributions. - All legacies, gifts
and donations for the benefit of the PHSS, its support and/or maintenance, or for aid to any of
its students shall be tax- exempt and fully deductible from the gross income of the donors in
accordance with the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended

Sec. 18. Sports High School Fund. - Ail incomes and monetary donations to the PHSS created
under this Act shall be formed into a fund to be known as the Sports High School Fund, which
the PHSS shall be authorized to retain without need of a separate approval from any
government agency and subject to existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and
regulations. This fund shall be expended as authorized by the Board and exclusively for the
purpose of this Act.

Sec. 19. Funding. - The Secretary of the DepEd shall immediately include in the department's
programs the operation of the PHSS whose funding shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

Sec. 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and the PSC, in consultation and
coordination with the DBM, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the BCDA, and other relevant stakeholders shall
promulgate, not later than sixty (60) days upon the effectivity of this Act, the necessary rules
and regulations for its effective implementation: Provided, That the failure to promulgate such
tules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity.

‘Sec. 21. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional
or invalid, other provisions thereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full
force and effect.

Sec. 22. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, executive orders, and other administrative
issuances and parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
modified, superseded or repealed accordingly.

Sec. 23. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a major daily newspaper of national circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,