” HOUSE CF REPRESENTATIVES

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Republic of the Philippines pate 0 JUN 201

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TIME:

Quezon City f

i
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

BY:

PrereTRATION UNIT
s X SERVICE’

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 486

Introduced by: Hon. Karlo A. B. Nograles and Hon. Jericho Jonas B, Nograles

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Office of the Ombudsman unlike other vital government agencies lacks
fiscal autonomy. The Office of Ombudsman cannot attract and employ top notch
people and experts because, with this lack of fiscal independence, the salaries it offers
are much lower compared to those given in the private sector. Its employees cannot
fully perform their duties due to lack of equipment and logistic support. Worse. with
their meagre salaries the officers and employces of the Office of the Ombudsman are
susceptible to commit graft and corruption

Under Republic Act No, 6770 or the “Ombudsman Act of 1989", the
Ombudsman and his deputies, shall act promptly on complaints filed against officers
or employees of the Government, or any of its subdivision, agency or instrumentality.
including government-owned or controlled corporation, and enforce their
administrative, civil and criminal liability in every case where the evidence warrants
in order to promote efficient service by the Government to the people.

With this huge responsibi it is imperative that the Office of the
Ombudsman be granted enhanced fiscal autonomy to be able to fulfil its duty as a
pillar of good governance.

KARLO A. B, NOGRALES JERICHOWONWYB. NOGRALES


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

486
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Karlo A. B, Nograles and Hon. Jericho Jonas B, Nograles

AN ACT
TO STRENGTHEN THE FISCAL AUTONOMY OF THE OFFICE OF THE
OMBUDSMAN, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 38 OF R.A.
6770, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “OMBUDSMAN ACT OF 1989”

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House or representatives of the Philippines
Congress assembled:

Section 1, Section 38 of Republic Act No. 6770, otherwise known as the
“Ombudsman Act of 1989”, is hereby amended to read as follows:

“Section 38. Fiscal Autonomy ~ The Office of the Ombudsman shall
enjoy fiscal autonomy, PURSUANT THERETO, THE OFFICE OF THE
OMBUDSMAN IS HEREBY EXEMPTED FROM THE PROVISION OF R.A. 6758.
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “SALARY STANDARDIZATION LAW”, AND.
SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO EST, , FIX, REVIEW, REVISE AND.
T THE APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR ITS
ICERS AND EMPLOYEES. — PROVIDED, THAT THE AMOUNT
NECESSARY TO EFFECT THE ADJUSTED COMPENSATION SHALL BE
SOURCED FOM, AND CHARGED AGAINST THE REGULAR
APPROPRIATION AND SAVINGS THEREON, IF ANY, OF THE OFFICE OF
THE OMBUDSMAN AND FROM OTHER SOURCES SUCH AS, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, FINES, CHARGES. AWARDS, AND FEES THE OFFICE OF THE
OMBUDSMAN IS AUTHORIZED TO ASSESS AND COLLECT IN
ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING LAWS, INCLUDING EXECUTIVE ORDER
NO. 292 AND BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 325. PROVIDE, HOWEVER, THAT
SHOULD SUCH AMOUNTS BE INADEQUATE, THE NEEDED BALANCE
SHALL BE TAKEN FROM ANY FUND OF THE NATIONAL TREASURY NOT
OTHERWISE APPROPRIATED. THEREAFTER, THE FUNDS SHALL BE
INCLUDED IN THE ANNUAL GENERAL APPROPRIATED ACT
Appropriations for the Office of the Ombudsman may not be reduced below the
amount appropriated for the previous years and, after approval, shall be automatically
and regularly released.”



Section 2. Nothing in this Act shall prejudice the position, emoluments.
security of tenure and other privileges enjoyed by the incumbent officers and
employees of the Office of the Ombudsman before the implementation of this Act.

Section 3. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 4, If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional, other
provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding.

Section 5. All laws, decrees, order and issuance inconsistent with the
provision of this Act shall be considered amended or modified accordingly.

Section 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) newspaper of general circulation,

Approved,