Clean Gateway Cities Act of 2025

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 JUL 14 A11:52 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY. S. No._ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING CLEANLINESS, ACCESSIBILITY, AND THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC SPACES AND FACILITIES IN MAJOR CITIES, ESTABLISHING A CLEANLINESS AUDIT SYSTEM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The condition of our public streets, sidewalks, and shared facilities has long been overlooked in the broader push for urban development. Across gateway cities like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other major urban centers, broken walkways, foul-smelling alleys, dilapidated public restrooms, and poorly maintained government buildings have become an unfortunate norm. These spaces, however, are not peripheral-they are central to national identity, urban functionality, and the daily experience of Filipino citizens and international visitors alike. Gateway cities serve as the physical and symbolic entry points to the Philippines. They are the first impression we offer to tourists, investors, returning overseas Filipinos, and dignitaries. When the streets surrounding our airports, ports, terminals, or heritage sites are dirty, broken, and neglected, it sends a clear message of disorder and decay. This undermines not just tourism and commerce, but also the Filipino people's sense of pride and belonging in their own cities. Beyond aesthetics, the lack of walkable, well-maintained streets contributes to broader systemic problems. In cities where sidewalks are cracked, obstructed, or unsafe, people are discouraged from walking, even for short distances. As a result, many resort to using motorcycles, cars, or jeepneys unnecessarily, thereby adding to traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and air pollution. Promoting walkability through

well-kept streets and public spaces has the potential to shift behavior, reduce emissions, ease road congestion, and enhance quality of life. This bill seeks to institutionalize a national standard for the routine cleaning, maintenance, and repair of public roads, sidewalks, and buildings in highly urbanized and first-class component cities. It expands the responsibility of local governments to include the regular upkeep of public restrooms, drinking fountains, trash receptacles, and public-use structures. It encourages the use of green infrastructure, indigenous materials, and energy-efficient upgrades to promote ecological and cultural sustainability. It also empowers citizens to report maintenance issues and holds LGUs accountable through a Cleanliness Audit and Scorecard system. Importantly, the responsibility placed on LGUs under this Act is aligned with the constitutional and fiscal framework established by the Supreme Court in the landmark Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which broadened the share of national taxes due to local governments. With increased funding comes increased responsibility. This bill operationalizes that mandate by ensuring that gateway cities use their greater resources to fulfill one of the most basic expectations of the public: clean, safe, and well-maintained public spaces. Public space is not just the backdrop of civic life-it is a shared reflection of how we care for our country. Clean streets and dignified public facilities are not luxuries; they are the foundation of decent urban living. The Clean Gateway Cities Act seeks to reclaim this dignity by establishing clear standards, enabling citizen oversight, and making local governments truly accountable for the spaces we all share. In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is sought. LOREN LEGARDA

After nfl TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES A11 :52 First Regular Session JUL 14 SENATE RECEIVED S S. No._ Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING CLEANLINESS, ACCESSIBILITY, AND THE REGULAR MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC SPACES AND FACILITIES IN MAJOR CITIES, ESTABLISHING A CLEANLINESS AUDIT SYSTEM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 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 "Clean Gateway Cities

2 Act of 2025."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote dignity,

4 health, accessibility, and civic pride by ensuring that public spaces and facilities in 5 major cities are well-maintained, clean, and safe. The State recognizes that the 6 physical condition of roads, sidewalks, buildings, and other shared infrastructure 7 directly affects urban mobility, environmental quality, economic opportunity, and the 8 nation's global image. Public spaces must reflect the care and responsibility of both 9 government and citizens. To this end, the State shall institutionalize routine cleaning, 10 repair, greening, and beautification of urban areas, and instill a culture of respect for shared environments.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all highly urbanized cities and first-

class component cities, especially those serving as domestic and international gateways. Priority areas shall include: a) Roads, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and public transport access routes; b) Government buildings, plazas, waiting sheds, terminals, and markets; and

c) Areas near airports, seaports, historical and tourist sites, schools, and hospitals.

Sec. 4. Maintenance of Public Roads, Sidewalks, and Spaces. - Local

government units (LGUs) covered by this Act shall ensure that: a) Monthly deep-cleaning and degreasing are conducted on public roads, sidewalks, and walkways, including underpasses and overpasses; b) Broken, cracked, or unsafe sidewalks and pedestrian paths are repaired within thirty (30) days of inspection or verified citizen report; c) Public walkways are free from unauthorized obstructions and comply with minimum standards for width, continuity, and safety; d) Cleaning and maintenance schedules are clearly posted online and in physical locations; and e) Walkways are made safe, inclusive, and compliant with universal design and accessibility standards.

Sec. 5. Upkeep of Public Buildings and Facilities. - LGUs shall likewise be

responsible for the regular upkeep of the following public facilities: a) Government buildings and public-use structures, including external and internal walls, roofs, signage, and fencing, which shall be regularly cleaned, painted, and maintained in good condition; b) Public restrooms, which shall be kept clean, functional, and supplied with basic hygiene materials; c) Public drinking fountains, which shall be regularly cleaned, tested, and maintained for safe use; d) Trash bins and waste receptacles, which shall be appropriately located, regularly emptied, and well-maintained; and e) Public seating, railings, and structures such as benches, lampposts, and shade areas, which shall be safe, durable, and aesthetically maintained.

Sec. 6. Promotion of Sustainable, Green, and Culturally Appropriate Designs. -

To uphold sustainability and national identity, LGUs shall be encouraged to: a) Use locally-sourced, indigenous, and climate-resilient materials in the repair and enhancement of public facilities and spaces;

b) Integrate greenery, tree planting, and landscaping in sidewalks and building perimeters using native plant species; and c) Apply eco-friendly design and energy-efficient upgrades, such as LED lighting, solar panels, or low-flow water fixtures, where feasible.

Sec. 7. Cleanliness Audit and Scorecard System. - The Department of the

6 Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall establish an Independent Cleanliness 7 Audit Team (ICAT) which shall: a) Develop national standards and benchmarks for urban cleanliness and maintenance; b) Conduct quarterly inspections and assess LGU performance through a publicly accessible Clean City Scorecard; and c) Submit an annual report to Congress and the Office of the President indicating compliance levels, issues encountered, and recommendations for improvement.

Sec. 8. Citizen Reporting and Feedback Mechanism. - All covered LGUs shall

create and promote a citizen reporting platform, accessible via mobile app, hotline, website, or designated local office, for the public to report: a) Dirty, broken, or neglected streets, sidewalks, and public facilities; b) Non-functional public restrooms, drinking fountains, or waste receptacles; c) Obstructions and hazards to walkability and access; and d) Failure to observe cleaning schedules or visible neglect of facilities. All verified reports must be acknowledged within three (3) working days and resolved or acted upon within fifteen (15) working days. The DILG shall monitor responsiveness through periodic audits.

Sec. 9. Penalties for Non-Compliance. - Any LGU that fails to meet the minimum

standards of cleanliness and maintenance for two (2) consecutive quarters shall be subject to: a) Suspension of national discretionary or performance-based fund releases for urban development programs; b) Mandatory submission and implementation of a Corrective Action Plan to the DiLG within a prescribed period; and

c) Inclusion in a national registry of non-compliant LGUs, published online and subject to oversight review.

Sec. 10. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

4 of this Act shall be charged against current appropriations of concerned agencies. 5 Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary shall be included in the annual General 6 Appropriations Act.

Sec. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from

the effectivity of this Act, the DILG, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health 10 (DOH), and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations.

Sec. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or

unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

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