The House of Representatives on Monday, Nov. 29 approved on third and final reading a bill making it compulsory for all international airlines landing in the Philippines and establishments catering to tourists to play Philippine music.
With 179 congressmen voting in the affirmative and none registering a negative vote, House Bill 10305 was approved in the Lower Chamber and will be sent immediate to the Senate for its approval.
Authored by Deputy Speaker and Buhay Partylist Rep. Lito Atienza, HB 10305 was strongly endorsed for approval in the plenary by the House Committee on Tourism.
The bill underscores the policy of the State, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, to give priority to science, arts, culture and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism.
HB 10305 also seeks to showcase the culture of the Philippines through music and promote Filipino culture.
Under the bill all flights coming from international destinations will, upon landing on Philippine soil, devote at least 50 percent of its piped-in music to Philippine music.
It also mandates all hotels, resorts and restaurants to prepare musical playlists in a manner that it will contain at least 25 percent Filipino music during operating hours of the establishments.
On the other hand, tourist buses will be required to include in its playlists at least 50 percent of Filipino music.
Penalties for non-compliance include a fine of P300,000 for airline companies.
ON the other hand, tourist bus owners violating the provision of the measure will be fined P50,000 for eery offense committed.
For hotels, resorts and restaurants, non-compliance will mean a P20,000 fine for every offense.
Atienza said the legislative proposal is intended to be part of a more effective tourism promotion program in the Pnilippines.
“We believe that if the Department of tourism incorporates this into the tourism promotion program, every tourist would bring home a very vivid and clear impression of our country’s arts and culture that would make her or himwant to come back,” explained Atienza, a candidate for president int he 2022 elections.