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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill NO. 1905 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines faces significant and evolving challenges in combating criminal activities 
and the proliferation of illegal drugs, issues that profoundly impact national security, public safety, 
and the overall well-being of its citizens. Seaports and airports, being critical nodes in the national 
transportation network, are frequently exploited by criminal syndicates for smuggling and 
trafficking operations.  
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the country’s strategic 
location in Southeast Asia makes it a major transit point for illegal drugs. The 2023 Annual Report 
from PDEA shows that the Philippines remains a key hub for drug trafficking, with sophisticated 
smuggling techniques continually evolving to evade detection efforts. A notable example is the 
2018 shabu (methamphetamine) shipment from China, which revealed complex smuggling 
methods and highlighted the urgent need for enhanced inspection protocols at these critical entry 
points. 
Moreover, these transportation hubs are not only used for drug trafficking but also serve as 
conduits for other criminal activities, including human trafficking and contraband smuggling. The 
Department of Justice (DOJ) has documented several instances where airports and ports were 
exploited for illegal labor trafficking and the transport of stolen goods.  
For instance, in 2021, a major international firearms smuggling operation was uncovered 
at the Manila International Container Port, demonstrating the need for more effective oversight 
and security measures at these crucial locations. Such incidents illustrate the breadth of criminal 
activities that can be facilitated through these entry points, necessitating a more robust and 
coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. 
July 15, 2025
11:30 am


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Despite existing legal frameworks like Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive 
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, known as the Comprehensive 
Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, there remain significant gaps in the jurisdiction and 
resources available for effective enforcement at seaports and airports. These laws provide essential 
mechanisms for addressing drug-related crimes and regulating firearms, but they do not 
specifically empower Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct inspections at these critical 
points of entry. The current setup often leaves these transportation hubs vulnerable to criminal 
exploitation due to limitations in coverage and coordination among national agencies. 
To address these gaps, the proposed bill seeks to authorize LGUs to collaborate with the 
Philippine National Police (PNP) in conducting anti-criminality and anti-drug inspections at 
seaports and airport grounds. This bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts 
by expanding the roles and responsibilities of LGUs in maintaining public safety. By empowering 
LGUs to work directly with the PNP, this measure seeks to create a more integrated and 
community-focused approach to crime prevention. The bill aligns with the principles of Republic 
Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers LGUs to undertake 
functions essential for the welfare of their constituents, including public safety initiatives. 
Additionally, the bill supports national security objectives as outlined in the National Security 
Policy (NSP) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), which emphasize the need for 
comprehensive measures to address transnational crimes and enhance national security. 
Internationally, many countries have adopted similar frameworks that allow local 
authorities to collaborate with national agencies for border security and law enforcement at critical 
infrastructure points. For example, in the United States, local police have the authority to work 
with federal agencies for inspections at international airports and seaports. This model of shared 
responsibilities for border security has proven effective in various international contexts and serves 
as a precedent for the proposed legislation. 
This bill represents a strategic and necessary step towards addressing the persistent 
challenges of drug trafficking and criminal activities in the Philippines. By authorizing LGUs to 
work in tandem with the PNP for inspections at seaports and airport grounds, the bill aims to bridge 
existing gaps in the current law enforcement framework, enhance the effectiveness of crime 
prevention efforts, and support national security objectives. This legislative measure seeks to foster 
a more coordinated and community-oriented approach to addressing the complex issues of border 
security and public safety, in line with both national and international best practices. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session  
House Bill NO. 1905 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT AUTHORIZING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUs) AND THE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) TO CONDUCT ANTI-CRIMINALITY AND 
ANTI-DRUG INSPECTIONS IN SEAPORTS AND AIRPORT GROUNDS 
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 "LGU and PNP Sea Port and 
Airport Inspection Act of 2025." 
 SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the 
safety, security, and general welfare of the Filipino people. In this pursuit, it is necessary to 
authorize Local Government Units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct 
anti-criminality and anti-drug inspections within seaports and airport grounds. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. —  For purposes of this Act: 
a.
Local Government Unit (LGU) refers to the political subdivisions established by
law, namely, provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays;
b. Philippine National Police (PNP) refers to the national police force of the
Republic of the Philippines as established by Republic Act No. 6975, as amended;
c.
Seaports refer to areas designated for the docking, loading, unloading, and storage
of ships and cargo; and


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d. Airport Grounds refer to the areas within the jurisdiction of an airport, including 
runways, taxiways, terminals, and surrounding facilities. 
 
SEC. 4.  Authority to Conduct Inspections. — Local Government Units (LGUs), in 
coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), are hereby authorized to enter seaports 
and airport grounds within their respective jurisdictions to conduct: 
 
a. Anti-Criminality Inspections - Inspections aimed at preventing and responding to 
criminal activities; and 
 
b. Anti-Drug Inspections - Inspections aimed at detecting and preventing the 
trafficking and use of illegal drugs. 
 
SEC. 5. Scope and Limitations. —  
 
a. Inspections shall be conducted with due respect for the rights of individuals and 
adherence to existing laws and regulations, including Republic Act No. 9165, 
otherwise known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;" 
 
b. The conduct of inspections shall be done in coordination with the relevant national 
agencies, such as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Civil Aviation 
Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), to ensure the efficient and orderly operation 
of seaports and airports; and 
 
c. The LGUs and PNP shall coordinate with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the 
Bureau of Immigration (BI) for matters that fall within their respective jurisdiction. 
 
         SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The necessary funds for the implementation of this Act shall 
be sourced from the annual budget of the respective LGUs, with additional funding as needed from 
the national government. 
 
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Department of the Interior and 
Local Government (DILG), in consultation with the PNP, PPA, CAAP, BOC, and BI, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within 
ninety (90) days from its effectivity. 
 
         SEC. 8. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 


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         SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
         SEC. 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
         Approved,