Republic Act No. 1294

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1

There is created under the Bureau of Public Works and in each representative district a mobile artesian wells repair unit, which shall have the function of taking charge of the operation, maintenance and repair of all artesian wells within the district. Each unit shall have one wells mechanic and one clerk-toolkeeper-driver who shall receive an annual salary of one thousand six hundred eighty pesos and one thousand four hundred forty pesos, respectively. Each unit shall be provided with one truck, commonly known as "pick-up," and tools and other accessories for ordinary repair work of artesian wells.Provided, That in districts where the mileage of roads does not justify the use of a truck, the means of transportation being by water, the appropriation herein provided for the purchase of a truck may be used for the acquisition of an outboard motor of not less than twenty-five horse-power capacity and the construction or acquisition of a suitable boat or launch for the purpose.

Section 2

There is appropriated, out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of three hundred thousand pesos, which shall constitute a revolving fund to defray the expenses for materials and supplies needed for the repair or replacement of artesian wells: Provided, However, That all the actual expenses for materials and supplies needed for the repair or replacement of artesian wells located in any city, municipality or municipal district shall be paid by such city, municipality or municipal district, and any payment made by such city, municipality or municipal district pursuant to this provision shall accrue to and form part of said revolving fund.

Section 3

The city or municipal treasurer of any city, municipality or municipal district which has artesian wells, shall collect from every person required to pay the residence certificate A or who pays such certificate, a fee of ten centavos, which shall be known as the artesian wells fee. Collections from artesian wells fees shall constitute a special fund of such city, municipality or municipal district, to be known as the Artesian Wells Special Fund, which shall be used exclusively for the expenses of the city, municipality or municipal district for materials and supplies needed for the repair or replacement of artesian wells within its territorial jurisdiction.

Section 4

There is appropriated, out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of one million pesos for the purchase of one hundred two trucks, commonly known as "pick-up," and hand tools and accessories for ordinary repair work of artesian wells, as well as for the salaries of wells mechanics and clerk-toolkeeper-drivers of the mobile artesian wells repair units herein created for the fiscal year nineteen hundred and fifty-six. The sum necessary for the maintenance and operation of the mobile artesian wells repair units herein created in subsequent fiscal years shall be included in the appropriations for the Bureau of Public Works in the annual General Appropriation Act.

Section 5

Executive Order Numbered Twelve, series of nineteen hundred twenty-three, is repealed.

Section 6

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: June 15, 1955.