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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by CIBAC Party-List Representative 
HON. EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA 
AN ACT  
AMENDING SECTION 16 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article II, Section 5 of the Philippine Constitution declares that the 
promotion of the people’s general welfare is essential to the enjoyment “of 
the blessings of democracy.” 
Thus, the State must find and take advantage of every opportunity 
available with which it can improve the welfare and condition of its people. 
In pursuit of this objective, the State seeks the aid of local governments, 
which have been its constant and most important partner in delivering 
essential and basic social services to the people. Under Section 16 of the 
Local Government Code of 1991, police power for the promotion of the 
general welfare of the people has been delegated in favor of local 
governments. Section 16, however, is couched in general terms to give 
local governments the leeway and freedom to focus and prioritize issues 
which are most pressing in their jurisdictions.  
This bill seeks to amend the existing provision of Section 16 of the 
Local Government Code of 1991 by strengthening the initiatives of the 
State, through the local governments, toward promoting the welfare of 
senior citizens and persons with disability. Specifically, the proposed 
November 7, 2022
8:05 am
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amendments mandate local governments to formulate policies and 
implement welfare programs, including healthcare benefits, and programs 
intended to maximize employment opportunities for senior citizens and 
persons with disabilities. The amendments also ensure their convenient 
and priority access to government services, welfare programs, utilities, 
and facilities.  
 
 
Indeed, improving the plight of and giving extra care to our senior 
citizens and persons with disability are equally pressing. The State must 
invest not only in their care but also in ensuring their full integration as 
productive members thereof. 
 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
HON. EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by CIBAC Party-List Representative 
HON. EDUARDO “BRO. EDDIE” C. VILLANUEVA 
AN ACT  
AMENDING SECTION 16 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
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Philippines in Congress assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known 
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as the Local Government Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as 
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follows: 
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Section 16. General Welfare. - Every local government unit 
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shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those 
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necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, 
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appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective 
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governance, and those which are essential to the promotion 
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of the general welfare. Within their respective territorial 
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jurisdictions, local government units shall ensure and 
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support, among other things, the preservation and 
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enrichment 
of 
culture, 
promote 
health 
and 
safety, 
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INCLUDING PROGRAMS FOR THE PROVISION OF FREE 
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HEALTHCARE TO SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS 
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WITH DISABILITY, enhance the right of the people to a 
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balanced ecology, encourage and support the development 
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of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological 
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capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic 
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prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among 
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their residents, INCLUDING SENIOR CITIZENS AND 
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PERSONS WITH DISABILITY, maintain peace and order, 
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and preserve the comfort and convenience of their 
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inhabitants. IN ALL CASES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS 
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SHALL ENSURE THAT SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS 
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WITH DISABILITY ARE GRANTED CONVENIENT, EASY, 
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AND PRIORITY ACCESS TO SOCIAL AND OTHER 
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SERVICES, FACILITIES AND OTHER UTILITIES.  
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SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within thirty (30) 
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days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Interior and Local 
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Government, in consultation with other relevant stakeholders, shall 
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promulgate the implementing rules and regulations for the effective 
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implementation of this Act. 
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SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, issuances, rules and 
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regulations or part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
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hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.  
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SEC. 4. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
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days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
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newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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