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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “MIMAROPA Act”.

SEC. 2. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote efficiency in the government to enable it to pursue programs consistent with national goals for accelerated social and economic development. Further, it will also enhance intergovernmental relations for efficient and effective delivery of services.

Pursuant to this policy, the State shall promote administrative decentralization to strengthen the autonomy of the local government units and accelerate the economic and social growth and development of the region.

SEC. 3. The Southwestern Tagalog Region is hereby established to be known as the MIMAROPA Region which shall be composed of the following provinces and cities:

(a) Provinces:

1. Mindoro Oriental;

2. Mindoro Occidental;

3. Marinduque;

4. Romblon; and

5. Palawan.

(b) Cities:

1. Calapan City; and

2. Puerto Princesa City.

SEC. 4. The same privileges under the rules and regulations covering the regions shall remain in force.

SEC. 5. Within sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the National Economic and Development Authority, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, shall formulate and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the establishment of the regional center.  The implementing rules and regulations issued pursuant to this section shall take effect thirty (30) days after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

SEC. 6. All laws, decrees, orders and rules and regulations which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) FRANKLIN M. DRILON President of the Senate

(Sgd.) FELICIANO BELMONTE JR. Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which originated in the House of Representatives was passed by the House of Representatives on May 19, 2015, amended by the Senate on May 23, 2016, and which amendments were concurred in by the House of Representatives on May 23, 2016.

(Sgd.) OSCAR G. YABES Secretary of the Senate

(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved;

BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
Lapsed into law on JUL 17 2016
Without the signature of the President,
In accordance with Article VI, Section
27 (1) at the Constitution