Modernized Zone Improvement Rian (Zip) Code System Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 A11:09 SENATE S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero AN ACT MANDATING THE PHILIPPINE POSTAL CORPORATION TO ADOPT A MODERNIZED ZONE IMPROVEMENT PLAN CODE SYSTEM EXPLANATORY NOTE A Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) Code is a four-digit number that represents a specific locality. First introduced in the United States by the Postal Service in 1963, it was later adopted by the Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost). ZIP Codes significantly improved postal services by minimizing sorting and delivery errors caused by illegible or incomplete addresses. Currently, PhilPost utilizes around 1,400 ZIP codes, which are assigned to cities and municipalities. The current ZIP Code system, however, is far from standardized. For instance, large cities often have multiple ZIP codes, while certain institutions, such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, are assigned their own unique codes. Taking cognizance of the wisdom behind House Bill No. 11255, primarily authored and sponsored by Reps. Olivarez and Singson in the Nineteenth Congress, this proposed measure aims to assign a unique ZIP code to each of the 42,011 barangays in the Philippines. By doing so, it seeks not only to enhance the delivery of mail but also to optimize the use of ZIP codes for providing basic services. In light of the above, the swift approval of this measure is earnestly sought. FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 A11:09 SENATE S. No. - Introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero AN ACT MANDATING THE PHILIPPINE POSTAL CORPORATION TO ADOPT A MODERNIZED ZONE IMPROVEMENT PLAN CODE SYSTEM Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Modernized Zone

2 Improvement Plan (ZIP) Code System Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - it is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 enable the economical and speedy transfer of mail and other postal matters, from 5 sender to addressee, with full recognition of their privacy or confidentiality. Toward this end, and in recognition of the need to ensure that the collection, 7 sorting, storage, transporting, and delivery of letters, parcels, and other mail letters 8 are performed with utmost dispatch in the most economical, reliable and secure manner, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST) is hereby mandated to adopt and institutionalize a modernized alphanumeric ZIP Code System to be adopted by all national government agencies and instrumentalities.

Sec. 3. Modernized ZIP Code System. - The modernized alphanumeric ZIP Code

system shall be composed of two (2) alphabetic characters (A-Z), representing the province, and five (5) Arabic numerals (0-9), representing the city or municipality and barangay. Each of the current forty-two thousand and eleven (42,011) barangays shall be assigned a unique alphanumeric zip code: Provided, That the PHLPOST shall ensure 17 that the system allows flexibility in accommodating the creation, division, merger, or

1 abolition of a barangay, through a law or ordinance, and shall regularly coordinate with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other concerned 3 government agencies: Provided, further, That the modernized ZIP Code System shall 4 be adopted and applied in the operations of all agencies and instrumentalities of 5 government: Provided, finally, That the government shall encourage the private sector to adopt and utilize the modernized ZIP Code System in their transactions and 7 operations.

Sec. 4. ZIP Code Locator. - Utilizing the modernized system, the PHLPOST shall

9 update its ZIP Code Locator to enable the public to locate and identify the ZIP Code of 10 any barangay in the Philippines.

Sec. 5. Transition Period. - A transitory period of thirty-six (36) months

reckoned from the effectivity of this Act shall be set for all national government agencies, local government units, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and private sector entities to update their database using the new ZIP Code System. Within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act, the PHLPOST shall develop and implement an information and education campaign on the modernized ZIP Code System in collaboration with all government agencies concerned,.

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive

orders, issuances, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof, which are contrary to and inconsistent with any provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. Approved,