The House of Representatives ratified the bicameral conference committee report pertaining to conflicting provisions between House Bill (HB) 10107 and Senate Bill (SB) 2455, which will ultimately become the “Philippine Creatives Industry Development Act.”
Following disagreeing provisions in the House and Senate versions, the 18th Congress ratified the bicameral report during its 3rd Regular Session on Tuesday, May 31–mere days before the 18th Congress transitions into the 19th Congress on June 3.
Under the so-called Creatives Industry Act, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council–an attachment to the Department of Trade and Industry–will be established to support the Filipino creatives industry to boost employment security, opportunities, and promote the welfare of creative workers.
“While the House and Senate versions differed in a number of ways, the spirit and intent were identical as both enjoyed significant and multi-level interventions from the stakeholders. Both measures called for the creation of the Creative Industries Development Council, which will oversee the development and promotion of the Philippines Creative Industries as a legitimate economic sector,” said Pangasinan 4th district Rep. Christopher De Venecia during his plenary speech endorsing the Congress ratification on May 31.
De Venecia is a principal author and sponsor of the House version of the bill.
“All that is needed now are either the signature of President Rodrigo Duterte or for it to lapse into law 30 days after it is sent to and received by the Office of the President and then within 60 days after effectivity, the Implementing Rules and Regulations,” said the House Committee on Creative Industry And Performing Arts Chair.
De Venecia, who was re-elected as Pangasinan’s 4th legislative district solon in the 19th Congress, ensured that the law would be funded within the 2023 national budget; also saying that he would coordinate with Alfredo Pascual whom President-elect Marcos appointed as Trade and Industry Secretary.
“I will seek to meet soon with the incoming DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual so we can discuss the details of implementation with key DTI officials. I hope execution can be rolled out within the fourth quarter of this year,” De Venecia said.
“I will make sure this legislation will be fully-funded in the 2023 national budget and in succeeding years, especially the allocation for the Creative Voucher System, which the law creates and serves as the way for businesses and creative workers to receive direct cash and noncash assistance. It is now time to build the database for this voucher system,” he concluded.