Responsibility for Road Maintenance and Funding
- The Secretary of Public Works and Highways is tasked to include the improvement, repair, and maintenance of the said road in the department’s official programs.
- Funding for these activities shall be allocated through the annual General Appropriations Act, thereby ensuring budgetary support from the government.
Implementation and Regulatory Authority
- The Secretary of Public Works and Highways is empowered to issue all necessary rules, orders, and circulars to effectively implement the provisions of the Act.
- This grants the Secretary regulatory authority to manage administrative and operational aspects related to the road’s conversion and maintenance.
Effectivity and Publication
- The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
- This publication requirement ensures public awareness and transparency before the law becomes enforceable.
Legislative Process and Approval
- The Act underwent the standard legislative process, originating in the House of Representatives.
- It was finally passed by the House of Representatives on March 5, 2012, and by the Senate on December 19, 2012.
- It was signed into law by the President of the Philippines on March 14, 2013.
Key Legal Concepts
- Conversion of local roads into national roads involves transferring jurisdiction to the DPWH.
- Government responsibility includes ensuring adequate funding and regular maintenance of national roads.
- Implementation mechanisms include issuance of administrative guidelines by executive agencies.
- Publication prior to effectivity serves as a constitutional safeguard for transparency and public information.