Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
81
HOUSE BILL NO. _ 2884

INTRODUCED BY REP. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The key to effective and relevant government policy is open
consultation where people's opinions are heard and channels are open
to participative governance. There is, however, a limit to participation
in governance, and a line should be drawn where consultation ends
and the possibility of interference begins.

When a non-government entity occupies a portion of a
government office, the physical closeness creates an impression of
intimacy and the possibility of mutual influence. This simple presence
of a non-government entity also operates as the government's
unintentional endorsement for whatever purpose of the non-
government entity. More importantly, communications, or even
private information or confidential documents in the custody of
government offices should be protected and secured at all times.

This measure prohibits the actual occupation by non-government
entities of government office premises, as well as the provision of any
material support by the government to the offices of these non-
government entities. Without necessarily creating an impression of
distrust or skepticism, this measure merely ensures that the interest of
the government is protected.

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

aS"

JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO, ©8384

INTRODUCED BY REP. JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO

AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE GOVERNMENT FROM ALLOWING
ANY NON-GOVERNMENT ENTITY FROM OCCUPYING
ANY BUILDING, OFFICE OR OTHER PREMISES WHERE
GOVERNMENTAL FUNCTIONS ARE BEING PERFORMED

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

SECTION 1. Unless otherwise provided by law, all government
departments, agencies, bureaus, offices or instrumentalities are
prohibited from leasing, renting, lending or otherwise allowing any
non-government entity, whether domestic or foreign, to occupy any
building, office or other premises where such department, agency,
bureau, office or instrumentality is holding office or otherwise
performing governmental functions.

SEC 2. Unless otherwise provided by law, the government is likewise
Prohibited from using government funds for the provision of any
material, supplies, utilities or goods for the maintenance or functioning
of any office of any non-government entity, whether domestic or
foreign and whether or not they are located in any government
building, office or other premises. This prohibition shall include the
provision of government personnel hours for the maintenance of
functioning of any office of any non-government entity, whether
domestic or foreign.

SEC 3. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this Act shall be
imprisoned for a period of not less than one (1) year but not more
than six (6) years in the discretion of the court and a fine of not more
than twenty thousand pesos (P 20,000.00).

SEC 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,