Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

5480
House Bill No.__

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ALAN PETER “COMPANERO” S. CAYETANO,
PAOLO Z. DUTERTE, ROMAN T. ROMULO, FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ,
MARIA LAARNI L. CAYETANO, ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” N. TOLENTINO, LUIS RAYMUND
“LRay” VILLAFUERTE, JR., AND ERIC M. MARTINEZ

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

EXPLANATORY VOTE

The Constitution states that “We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of
Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that
shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop
our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and
democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and

peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.”

Sports is one way of attaining this kind of society. The people and the community
can learn so much from sports as it instills values of discipline, teamwork, dedication,
passion, sportsmanship, and sacrifice. There are a myriad of things that schools,
households, the Church, and any other institution try to teach Filipinos ~ even at a young
age. However, it is inevitable that there are values and characteristics that can be learned

especially through engagement in sports.

It is with this reason that we aim to create a world-class grassroots sports program
in the Philippines where formal education forms a significant part of it. The creation of the
first and main campus of the Philippine Academy of Sports (PAS) in New Clark City, and
later on establishing more campuses in other regions, will serve as the premier training
center to develop the athletic skills and talents of students and will be a catalyst that would


ignite sports development in the country. The PAS will provide scholarships and other
benefits for deserving students who have shown potential and talent in the field of athletics

and sports

in the same manner that schools grant scholarships to students who excel

academically.

Moreover, the PAS shall serve as a guiding light for the development of the sports
curriculum in the Philippine education system - from elementary to senior high school. As
a distinguished academy, it will have a research function that would provide up-to-date
information on sports science, human Kinetics, among others. To further train and
capacitate the PAS and its student athletes, exchange programs will also be offered to

ensure the quality and timeliness of the courses offered.
Through this measure, we hope to inspire our youth to engage in sports and
subsequently allow them to develop the essential traits to usher in a new generation of

well-rounded and upright members of society.

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

fe - (

ALAN PETER “COMPANERO” S. CAYETANO PAOLO A\DUTERTE
Representative Representative
1 District of Taguig-Pateros 4° Districhor Davao
ROMAN T. ROMULO DINA! IN G.ROMUALDEZ.
Representative Representative
Lone District of Pasig City 1 District of Leyte
L. CAYETANO ABRAHAMT“BAMBOL” N. TOLENTINO
ntative Representative

24 District of Taguig 8" District of Cavite


F, VILLAFUERTE, JR.
tative
marines Sur

District of Valenzuela City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

54
House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ALAN PETER “COMPANERO” S. CAYETANO,
PAOLO Z. DUTERTE, ROMAN T. ROMULO, FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ,
MARIA LAARNI L. CAYETANO, ABRAHAM “BAMBOL” N. TOLENTINO, LUIS RAYMUND
“LRay” VILLAFUERTE, JR., AND ERIC M. MARTINEZ

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

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

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as “Philippine Academy for Sports
(PAS) Act of 2019.”

Section 2. Declaration of Principles. - The State recognizes that it aims to build a
just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody the country’s ideals
and aspirations, promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and
secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of independence and democracy under
the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace.

‘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, foster
self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert
citizenry. Student athletes of PAS will have full support of the State and it 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.


Section 3. Creation and Establishment of the Philippine Academy for Sports. -
There is hereby established a Philippine Academy for Sports (PAS), otherwise known as the
National High School for Sports, to develop the athletic skills and talents of qualified high
school students. This shall be attached to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in
coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), for policy and program
formulation and implementation. The organizational structure and staffing pattern of the
school shall be submitted by the DepE<, in coordination with the PSG, to the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM), for evaluation and approval.

Section 4. Purpose of the PAS - The PAS shall offer full scholarships 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.

Furthermore, student athletes shall receive full scholarship and further be entitled
to benefits including, but not limited to: free board and lodging, free textbooks and school
supplies, and a monthly stipend for living allowances and other expenses that may be
incurred by the student in the duration of his or her stay at the PAS, subject to the approval
of the Board of Trustees. A student may choose to waive the full scholarship and other
benefits upon his or her admission to the PAS.

The PAS shall conduct research and development of sports science, human kinetics
and sports management to further its expertise. The PAS shall then engage in knowledge
sharing of the findings and application thereof to all relevant levels in schools, sports
organizations, and the general public.

To further modernize and bring international quality standards and proficiency to
our country, with a view of making our sports program globally competitive, the PAS shall
also promote and provide for collaborative exchange programs and arrangements with

international schools and training institutes.

Section 5. Site, Construction, Operation Maintenance of the PAS. - The necessary
sports facilities and amenities, which are at par with international standards, shall be
constructed at New Clark City, 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 PAS shall be in charge of its annual operation expenses and maintenance costs.


Section 6. Director of the PAS. - The President shall appoint the Director who will
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.

The Director, upon the effectivity of the Act, shall be at the helm for monitoring of
the construction and initial operations of the PAS.

Section 7. Board of Trustees. - The PAS shall have a Board of Trustees, hereinafter
referred to as the Board, which shall be composed of the Secretary of the DepEd as Co-
Chairperson, the Chairman of the PSC also as a Co-Chairperson, and the following
members: the Director of the PAS, two (2) representatives from the PSC, a representative
from the DepEd specializing in Senior High School, the POC President or its representative,
and the Chairman of the Athletes Commission.

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.

Section 8. Hiring of Foreign Coaches, Trainers and Consultants. - In addition to
the powers and functions vested to the Board under Section 7 of this Act, the Board shall be
allowed to approve the hiring of licensed foreign coaches, trainers and consultants;
Provided, That the Philippine Sports Commission shall certify the necessity of hiring such
coaches, trainers and consultants, including their competence and skills which are not
available locally or proved to be incomparable with their local counterparts.

The Board shall provide guidelines and mechanisms to ensure that the new
knowledge and training methods introduced by the foreign coaches, trainers and
consultants shall be passed on to the student-athletes and local coaches, trainers and
consultants of the NAS.

Section 9. Powers and Functions of the Board of Trustees. - The exercise of the
corporate powers of the PAS 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:

@)
(b)

©

(d)

10)

(8)

(h)

@

@

13)

Q

(m)

To identify the satellite branches and regional campuses of the PAS;

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 PAS;

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, to fix their compensation and other conditions of employment,
and to remove them for cause after proper investigation;

To provide and approve fellowships and trainings for faculty members;

To determine the tuition fees and other necessary school charges, as the
Board may deem proper, after due and comprehensive consultation.

Any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations to the contrary
notwithstanding, any income generated by the PAS including but not limited
to the operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the
PAS, and may be disbursed by the Board of Trustees for instruction, research,
extension, or other programs/projects of the PAS: Provided, That all fiduciary
fees shall be disbursed for the specific purposes for which they are collected.
To approve the grant of scholarships, stipends and such other allowances to
deserving students;

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

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 level;

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

To receive, in trust, legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal
property of all kinds and to administer the same for the benefit of the PAS or
for aid to any of its students;

To enact rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be necessary to

carry to carry out the purposes and functions of the PAS; and


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

creation.

Section 10. Meetings and Quorum of the Board of Trustees. - The Board of
Trustees shall regularly convene at least once every quarter. Co-Chairpersons of the Board
of Trustees may call a special meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That members are
notified in writing at least three (3) days prior to said meeting.

A quorum of the Board shall consist of majority of all the members holding office at
the time the meeting is called: Provided, That the Co-Chairperson of the Board is among
those present in the meeting. In the absence of either of the Co-Chairpersons, a duly
designated representative can represent him/her in the meeting.

Section 11. Reporting Requirements and Auditing of Accounts. - The Board shall
SUbMIE to the Office of the President of the Philippines (OP), the Senate, and the House of
Representatives a detailed report on the progress, condition, and needs of the PAS
containing, among others, the financial statements, other revenue sources and program for
expenditures, physical and financial accountability reports, and other similar reportorial

requirements annually within 30 days after the last day of each academic year.

Section 12. 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 in Section 13 of this Act, the heads of departments of PAS, and such other ranking
faculty members or officials of the PAS, 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.

Section 13. Assistant Director of the PAS. - There shall be an Assistant Director
who shall assist the Difector. 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
Director, subject to the approval of such Board, which shall also fix his/her compensation.

Section 14. Registrar of the PAS. -There shall be a Registrar of the PAS 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 PAS.


Section 15. Treasurer of the PAS. - There shall be a Treasurer of the PAS who shall
be appointed by the Director, with the approval of the Board.

Section 16. Personnel of the PAS. - 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 PAS.

Any officer, or employee of the Government engaged as a lecturer at the PAS, may
receive a compensation in addition to his salary at the rate to be fixed by the Board:
Provided, That his duties as such lecturer are performed outside of the regular office

hours.

Sec. 17. Payment of National Taxes and Customs Duties. - The payment of
national taxes, including customs duties, of the PAS shall be charged against the Tax
Expenditure Fund (TEF) provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act.

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

Sec. 18. Tax Deduction or Exemption of Donations and Contributions. - All
legacies, gifts and donations for the benefit of the PAS, 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 National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), as amended.

Sec. 19. Sports High School Fund. = All incomes and monetary donations to the PAS
created under this Act shall be formed into a fund to be known as the Sports High School
Fund, which the PAS shall be authorized to retain without need of a separate approval from
any government agency, and subject to existing accounting and auditing rules and
regulations. This fund shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank,
and all interests shall accrue therefrom shall part of the same fund for the use of the PAS.
This shall be expended as authorized by the Board exclusively for the purpose of this Act.

Sec. 20. Funding. - The amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of
this Act shall be appropriated by Congress in the General Appropriations Act as
recommended and submitted by the PSC. This shall separate from the appropriations
allocated for the PSC and DepEd.


Sec. 21. 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 the rules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this
Act upon its effectivity.

Sec. 22. 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. 23. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, decrees, executive order and other
administrative issuances and parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of

this Act are hereby modified, superseded or repealed accordingly.
Sec. 24. 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,