QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11957)
RA 11957 is titled “An Act Recognizing the Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora as the ‘Birthplace of Philippine Surfing’.” Its purpose is to recognize Baler’s historical significance as a premier surfing site and to promote tourism heritage associated with Philippine surfing origins.
Section 1 states that the State recognizes tourism as a driver of economic growth and development, and thus must cultivate, strengthen, and promote the heritage of tourism destinations by underscoring their historical significance and origins.
Section 2 declares that the Municipality of Baler in the Province of Aurora is the “Birthplace of Philippine Surfing.”
No. The law mainly contains a declaration of policy and an official recognition/labeling of Baler as the birthplace of Philippine surfing; it does not establish regulatory agencies, requirements, or enforcement mechanisms.
The law provides an official statutory recognition of Baler’s status and historical association with Philippine surfing origins, primarily serving symbolic and promotional purposes consistent with the stated tourism policy.
Section 3 repeals, amends, or modifies all laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof, that are contrary to or inconsistent with RA 11957.
The text states it lapsed into law on August 6, 2023 without the President’s signature in accordance with Article VI, Section 27(1) of the 1987 Constitution, which provides for enactment by lapse into law after the President does not sign within the prescribed period.
Under Article VI, Section 27(1), the lapse into law mechanism means the law becomes valid and effective as if enacted, despite the absence of presidential signature, provided constitutional conditions are met.
Section 4 provides that it takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
The law may be published either in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation. This publication is essential for determining the start of the statutory 15-day effectivity period.
It was passed by the Senate as Senate Bill No. 1615 on May 8, 2023, and adopted by the House as an amendment to House Bill No. 5961 on May 22, 2023.
The text includes signatures/sgd of the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Secretary General/Secretary of both Houses, and the President of the Philippines (with the note that it lapsed). These show the typical legislative passage process and constitutional enactment status.
Conflicting provisions are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly, depending on the nature and extent of inconsistency.
It is mainly a tourism/heritage recognition statute. It declares a birthplace and promotes historical significance, without imposing regulatory prohibitions, penalties, or administrative controls typical of police power measures.
It has four sections: (1) declaration of policy on tourism and promoting heritage/historical origins; (2) substantive declaration that Baler is the birthplace of Philippine surfing; (3) repealing clause for inconsistent laws/issuances; and (4) effectivity clause tied to publication and the 15-day period.