House Approves Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act
The House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act, creating a clear mechanism and criteria for declaring a state of imminent disaster. This new law aims to strengthen government responses to disasters and minimize the loss of lives, properties, and livelihoods.
House Bill No. 11430, approved with 177 affirmative votes, enables faster and better preparation by national and local governments as well as communities. “The proposed Declaration of State of Imminent Disaster Act will enable the national government, local government units (LGUs), and our communities to better prepare for and respond to disasters or natural calamities. Better preparation and responses will save lives, properties, and livelihoods,” said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the bill’s principal author.
Empowering Local and National Government Responses
Given the Philippines’ location along the Pacific typhoon belt, the country faces an average of 20 storms annually, disrupting lives and economic activities. Climate change has intensified these weather disturbances, making a robust disaster response system vital.
Under the new law, the President can declare a State of Imminent Disaster over defined areas such as barangays, municipalities, cities, provinces, or regions based on guidelines from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Similarly, local chief executives can issue such declarations through executive orders upon recommendations from their local disaster councils.
Scope and Use of Resources
The declaration covers various emergencies including natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, and other public health concerns that disrupt community functions. Once declared, national and local disaster councils can access resources to implement anticipatory measures effectively.
Local governments must integrate planned interventions into their regular programs and budgets. National agencies will fund their disaster responses from the National DRRM Fund, ensuring financial support is readily available.
Penalties to Ensure Accountability and Protect Aid
The law also introduces strict penalties for misconduct during disasters. It penalizes dereliction of duty that results in loss of lives or property and misuse of funds. It prohibits blocking the entry or distribution of relief goods, technology, equipment, and shelter materials to affected areas.
Furthermore, the act bans the buying or selling of relief goods intended for disaster victims, including resale or consumption by unauthorized parties. It also forbids forcibly seizing aid meant for specific groups and diverting relief items away from rightful recipients.
These measures aim to safeguard relief efforts and ensure that assistance reaches those in urgent need without interference or corruption.
For more news and updates on disaster management, visit Filipinokami.com.