NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } 
Third Regular Session 
}
SENATE 
s.B. No. 2996
ni;r
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
CREATING THE TALAMPAS NG PILIPINAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
(TPDA), DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Talampas ng Pilipinas is composed of more or less 24 million-hectare 
undersea region on the east of Luzon and inciudes a 13.5 million-hectare outer section 
that was upheld in 2012 by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the 
Continentai Shelf as part of our territory. It stands as both a pillar of national 
sovereignty and a reservoir of untapped potential. Recently, its strategic significance 
is enshrined in our domestic iaw through Section 8 of Repubiic Act No. 12064 
(Phiiippine Maritime Zones Act) which safeguards our sovereign rights to explore and 
sustainably utilize its resources. In addition, the submission of the "Talampas ng 
Pilipinas" chart to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has further solidified our 
claim over the area.
This maritime territory promises transformative opportunities—from renewabie 
energy sources and marine biodiversity conservation to eco-tourism development— 
that could catalyze inclusive economic growth, generate employment, and uplift 
communities nationwide. However, uniocking this potential requires overcoming 
systemic barriers: fragmented governance, uncoordinated research, and the absence 
of a unified strategy for sustainabie development.
To address these challenges, this biii proposes the estabiishment of the 
Talampas ng Pilipinas Development Authority (TPDA). As the centrai governing body, 
the TPDA will spearhead integrated planning, policy formulation, and multisectoral 
collaboration to ensure the region's resources are harnessed responsibly. Its mandate 
includes:


1. Crafting a science-based, holistic development framework aligned with 
national priorities.
2. Coordinating government agencies, local governments, private enterprises, 
and civil society to optimize resource management and investment.
3. Promoting public-private partnerships and innovation in renewable energy, 
blue economy initiatives, and eco-tourism.
4. Safeguarding ecological balance through strict environmental protocols and 
marine biodiversity protection.
Rooted in constitutional principles of national patrimony and social justice, the 
TPDA will operationalize our commitment to UNCLOS, ensuring all activities respect 
Philippine sovereignty while prioritizing transparency, equity, and environmental 
stewardship. By consolidating expertise and authority under one institution, the TPDA 
eliminates bureaucratic redundancies, accelerates decision-making, and secures long­
term benefits for present and future generations.
The urgency of this legislation cannot be overstated. As global interest in 
maritime resources intensifies, the TPDA will serve as a bulwark against external 
encroachment while positioning Talampas ng Pilipinas as a beacon of sustainable 
progress. Immediate passage of this bill is critical to transforming this national asset 
into a cornerstone of economic resilience, ecological preservation, and sovereign 
integrity.
In view of the immense benefits this bill will bring to our country, its immediate 
passage is earnestly sought.
CJOl” N. TOLENTINO
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } 
Third Regular Session 
}
SENATE 
S.B. No. ^996
Introduced by Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino
AN ACT
CREATING THE TALAMPAS NG PILIPINAS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
(TPDA), DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
1 
SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the " Taiampas ng Piiipinas
2 
Deveiopment Authority Act of2025".
3 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. The Philippines recognizes the potential of
4 
Benham Rise now known as "Taiampas ng Pilipinas" as a strategic national asset. It is
5 
hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the sustainable development,
6 
conservation, and equitable utilization of its resources in a manner that upholds the
7 
sovereignty, environmental integrity, and economic prosperity of the Filipino people.
8 
Moreover, the State shall protect and preserve the marine wealth of Taiampas ng
9 
Pilipinas, ensuring that its exploration, development, and utilization are conducted in
10 
a manner that benefits the nation and prioritizes the welfare of its citizens. Consistent
11 
with the principles of national patrimony, the State shall ensure that the resources of
12 
Taiampas ng Pilipinas are reserved exclusively for Filipinos or entities majority-owned
13 
by Filipinos, unless otherwise provided by law.
14 
In line with the State's duty to protect and enhance the environment, the
15 
development of Taiampas ng Pilipinas shall adhere to the principles of sustainable
16 
development, balancing economic growth with ecological preservation. The State shall
17 
prioritize measures to safeguard the marine biodiversity and ecological integrity of the
18 
area, ensuring that its resources are managed responsibly for present and future
19 
generations.
20 
In addition, the State shall promote the development of Taiampas ng Pilipinas
21 
as a driver of national economic progress, ensuring that the benefits derived from its


1 
resources contribute to the equitable distribution of wealth and opportunities. Through
2 
scientific research, technological innovation, and collaborative partnerships, the State
3 
shall unlock the full potential of Talampas ng Pilipinas as a source of renewable
4 
energy, marine resources, and eco-tourism, fostering inclusive growth and
5 
development.
6 
Furthermore, the State shall assert and protect its sovereign rights over
7 
Talampas ng Pilipinas, in accordance with international law, including the United
8 
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The State shall ensure that the
9 
exploration and development of Talampas ng Pilipinas adhere to its international
10 
commitments while safeguarding the national interest.
11 
Towards these ends, the State shall establish an effective institutional
12 
mechanism to coordinate and integrate development plans, programs, and projects,
13 
ensuring that the exploration and utilization of Talampas ng Pilipinas are conducted
14 
in a sustainable, inclusive, and transparent manner, in harmony with the nation's
15 
constitutional principles and development goals.
16 
SEC. 3. Creation of the Talampas ng Pilipinas Development Authority.
17 
There is hereby created a Talampas ng Pilipinas Development Authority (TPDA),
18 
hereinafter referred to as the Authority, as a body corporate vested with the powers
19 
necessary to promote, coordinate, and facilitate the exploration, study, and
20 
sustainable development of Talampas ng Pilipinas.
21 
The Authority shall serve as the lead agency for scientific research, resource
22 
management, and the enforcement of the State's sovereign rights over the territories
23 
covered by the Talampas ng Pilipinas. In close coordination with the Department of
24 
Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Energy (DOE), it shall ensure
25 
the active participation of all stakeholders, including government agencies, local
26 
governments, the private sector, and civil society, in achieving its objectives.
27 
The DOE and DOST shall provide technical assistance, funding, and program
28 
support for TPDA-led projects, including shared personnel and laboratories, subject to
29 
applicable laws.
30 
The Authority shall be organized within one hundred eighty (180) days from
31 
the approval of this Act. It shall have an initial term of fifty (50) years, renewable for
32 
another fifty (50) years, unless otherwise provided by law. The Authority shall be an
33 
attached agency under the Office of the President. Its principal office shall be located
34 
in the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport, with the authority to establish
35 
branch offices as necessary.
36 
SEC. 4. Coverage. The Authority shall cover all natural resources located at
37 
the Talampas ng Pilipinas, encompassing more or less twenty-four (24) million
38 
hectares in size, which includes but is not limited to the thirteen and one/half (13.5)
39 
miiiion-hectares approved by the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the
40 
Continentai Sheif as being part of the extended continentai sheif of the Phiiippines.


1 
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Talampas ng Pilipinas
2 
Development Authority. In the exercise of its mandate, the Authority shall have
3 
the following powers and functions:
4 
(a) Formulate an integrated development framework for Talampas ng Pilipinas
5 
that is consistent to the development initiatives of the national government, as
6 
far as practicable;
7 
(b) Integrate, prioritize, program and implement, whenever allowed and authorized
8 
by applicable laws, programs, activities and projects at the Talampas ng
9 
Pilipinas, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, subject to
10 
such limitations prescribed by existing laws, rules and regulations;
11 
(c) Recommend to and, whenever necessary, call upon the proper agencies on the
12 
technical support, physical assistance and, generally, the level of priority to be
13 
accorded to environmental, agricultural, fisheries, energy, industrial,
14 
commercial, infrastructure, tourism, technological and scientific programs and
15 
projects soliciting or requiring direct or indirect help from or through the
16 
national government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities;
17 
(d) Advocate national policies that will foster the integrated, balanced and
18 
sustainable development of Talampas ng Pilipinas;
19 
(e) Promote and facilitate public and private investments in any field that would
20 
enhance the economic development of Talampas ng Pilipinas in close
21 
coordination with agencies primarily mandated to undertake such functions;
22 
(f) Explore other sources of financing, if applicable or necessary, for priority
23 
Talampas ng Pilipinas related programs, projects and activities;
24 
(g) Coordinate and facilitate the extension of necessary planning, management and
25 
technical assistance to prospective and existing investors, complementary and
26 
in support of agencies primarily mandated to execute such functions;
27 
(h) Establish a comprehensive and integrated database on Talampas ng Pilipinas
28 
needed for planning and decision making;
29 
(i) Monitor, evaluate and formulate recommendations in the implementation of
30 
development programs, activities and projects involving Talampas ng Pilipinas;
31 
(j) Provide strategic direction for the sustainable and long-term development of
32 
Talampas ng Pilipinas;
33 
(k) Establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure the timely implementation of
34 
Talampas ng Pilipinas projects, whenever necessary, as far as practicable,
35 
including, but not limited to, public-private partnership;
36 
(I) Review and recommend for approval by the Department of Economy, Planning
37 
and Development (DepDev) Board such Talampas ng Pilipinas programs,
38 
projects, and plans by the national government and donor agencies subject to
39 
existing laws, rules and regulations;


1 
(m) Act as the official and permanent lead agency of the government in
2 
coordinating the formulation and impiementation of poiicies and programs;
3 
(n) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts, in
4 
cash or in kind, from foreign governments, international agencies, private
5 
entities and other sources, inciuding ODA, to be used in the deveiopment of
6 
Taiampas ng Pilipinas, subject to existing iaws, rules and regulations;
7 
(o) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire, purchase, hoid, iease,
8 
transfer, dispose of property of any kind or nature to carry out the purposes to
9 
this Act; and. Discharge other functions that may be deemed necessary or as
10 
may be provided by law.
11 
The Authority, through the Administrator, shall submit to the President and
12 
both Houses Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and activities.
13 
SEC. 6. Board of Directors. The power of the Authority shall be vested in
14 
and exercised by a Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall
15 
manage and supervise the overaii directions and thrusts. It shaii be composed of the
16 
foiiowing:
17 
(a) The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) Secretary,
18 
which shall act as the Chairman of the Board;
19 
(b)The Administrator of the Taiampas ng Pilipinas Deveiopment Authority, which
20 
shall act as the Vice-Chairman of the Board; and
21 
(c) Ten (10) other members composed of the foiiowing:
22 
(i) Department of Environment and Naturai Resources (DENR) Secretary or
23 
the duiy authorized representative;
24 
(ii) 
Department 
of Energy 
(DOE) Secretary or the duiy authorized
25 
representative;
26 
(iii) Department of Agricuiture (DA) Secretary or the duiy authorized
27 
representative;
28 
(iv) Department of Science and Technoiogy (DOST) Secretary or the duly
29 
authorized representative;
30 
(v) 
Department 
of Finance 
(DOF) Secretary or the duly authorized
31 
representative;
32 
(vi) 
Department of Nationai Defense (DND) Secretary or the duiy authorized
33 
representative;
34 
(vii) 
Department 
of Tourism 
(DOT) Secretary or the duly authorized
35 
representative;


1
2
3
4
5
6
(viii) Three (3) representatives from the private sector to be appointed by the 
President, upon the recommendation of the other members of the Board, 
comprising of one (1) representative each from the:
(1) Business Sector;
(2) Academic Sector; and
(3) Non-govermental Organization (NGO) Sector.
7 
The term of the three (3) representatives from the private sector shall be six
8 
(6) years: Provided, That at the initial appointment of such members, the second
9 
member to be appointed shall only serve a term of four (4) years and the third member
10 
to be appointed shall only serve a term of two (2) years: Provided, further. That they
11 
shall continue to hold office until their successors shall have been appointed. All
12 
vacancies, prior to the expiration of the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term
13 
only.
14 
Members of the Board shall receive a per diem at a rate to be determined by
15 
the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations
16 
(GCG), in accordance with existing rules and regulations: Provided, however. That the
17 
per diem collected per month does not exceed the equivalent per diem of four (4)
18 
meetings: Provided, further. That the amount of per diem for every Board meeting
19 
may be increased by the President or GCG but such amount shall not be increased
20 
within two (2) years from its last increase.
21 
The Board shall have the following functions:
22 
(a) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority's work and thrusts for
23 
the Talampas ng Pilipinas;
24 
(b) Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent with
25 
the overall national development goals and objectives;
26 
(c) Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent with regional
27 
and local development plans, programs and projects and vice versa for
28 
purposes of harmonization;
29 
(d) Explore sources for financing of priority Talampas ng Pilipinas pians,
30 
programs, projects and activities;
31 
(e) Create committees/task forces as may be deemed necessary in the
32 
accomplishment of duties and functions;
33 
(f) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the
34 
constitution of a quorum and other rules and regulations in the conduct
35 
of Board meetings; and
36 
(g) Perform such functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
37 
of this Act.


1 
SEC. 7. Administrator. The Authority shall be headed by an Administrator
2 
which shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon recommendation
3 
of the Board of Directors. The Administrator shall also be a member of the Board of
4 
Directors of the Talampas ng Pilipinas Oil Corporation. The Administrator shall serve
5 
a term of six (6) years from the date of his/her appointment unless sooner separated
6 
from service due to death, voluntary resignation or removal for cause: Provided, That
7 
no person shall be appointed as Administrator unless he/she is a holder of a degree
8 
in law or a masters degree in any of the following fields: economics, business, public
9 
administration, law, management or their equivalent and have at least ten (10) years
10 
relevant experience in said fields: Provided, further. That he/she shall be a resident of
11 
the Philippines for at least (5) years before the appointment.
12 
SEC. 8. Powers and Duties of the Administrator. The Administrator shall
13 
have the following powers and duties:
14 
(a) To direct and manage the affairs of the Authority in accordance with the
15 
policies laid down by the Board;
16 
(b) Call and preside meetings of the Board and see to it that the policies, programs
17 
and rules and regulations are implemented properly;
18 
(c) Call on outstanding and credible individuals in the formulation and
19 
implementation of a comprehensive and integrated development plan for
20 
Talampas ng Pilipinas, the preparation of investment programming priorities,
21 
annual reports and other pertinent documents approved by the Authority;
22 
(d) Identify solutions to key issues and concerns, taking into account related risks,
23 
affected parties and impact, in coordination with the Board and key
24 
stakeholders:
25 
(e) Advocate the Authority's work among the various concerned sectors and
26 
stakeholders;
27 
(f) Call on any agency, group, individual member of the Board, local government
28 
unit, and host community to address issues and concerns relating to
29 
implementation of major programs, projects and activities;
30 
(g) Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of Taiampas ng Pilipinas
31 
related programs, projects and activities;
32 
(h) Endorse to the Board all policy recommendations, plans and programs for
33 
approval;
34 
(i) Accept, on behalf of the Authority, donations, contributions, grants and
35 
bequests or gifts, in cash or in kind, from members, foreign governments,
36 
international agencies, private entities or any individual for purpose that will
37 
realize the functions of the Authority;


1 
(j) Supervise administrative operations inciuding disbursement of any fund of the
2 
Authority, subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures, and submit
3 
reports thereon;
4 
(k) Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the Board;
5 
(I) Appoint all employees of the Authority, and remove, dismiss or otherwise
6 
discipline for cause, such employees in accordance 
with the standard
7 
guidelines for recruitment, employment, and 
discipline in the Civil 
Service
8 
Code:
9 
(m) Represent the Authority in all dealings with other offices, agencies, and
10 
instrumentalities of the government and with all persons and entities, public
11 
or private;
12 
(n) Sign agreements and/or contracts on behalf of the Authority, including those
13 
for expert and consultant services and other reports of accountabilities
14 
emanating from the Authority; and
15 
(o) Perform such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out the
16 
provisions of this Act or which are necessary or incidental to his/her office.
17 
SEC. 9. Secretariat. A Secretariat is hereby established to serve and assist
18 
the Board in the effective implementation of this Act. The Secretariat shall be headed
19 
by an Executive Director, to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon
20 
recommendation of the Administrator: Provided, That no person shall be appointed as
21 
Executive Director unless he/she is a holder of a degree in any of the following fields:
22 
economics, business, public administration, law, management or their equivalent and
23 
have at least five (5) years relevant experience in said fields: Provided, further. That
24 
he/she shall be a resident of the Philippines five (5) years prior to his/her appointment
25 
and has the requisite eligibilities for third level career service position pursuant to the
26 
career executive rank system.
27 
Section 10. Organizational Structure. The Administrator shall determine
28 
the organizational structure, staffing pattern and pay scales of the Authority subject
29 
to existing civil service and compensation laws. The Administrator may reorganize the
30 
Authority and may create or abolish divisions, units or branches therein as the
31 
exigencies of the affairs of the Authority may require.
32 
SEC. 11. Merit System. All officials and employees of the Authority shall be
33 
selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance with civil service
34 
iaw, ruies and regulations. The recruitment, transfer, promotion, and dismissal of all
35 
its personnel including temporary workers shall be governed by a merit system that
36 
will be established by the Authority in compiiance with existing laws, rules and
37 
regulations.
38 
SEC. 12. Appropriations. Such amounts necessary to finance the initial
39 
implementation of this Act shall be sourced from the unprogrammed funds in the
40 
current General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such amounts necessary for its


1 
continued implementation shall be included in the annual GAA: Provided, That such
2 
amounts necessary for energy resource development and exploitation programs and
3 
projects in Talampas ng Pilipinas shall be sourced from the proceeds of the Malampaya
4 
Fund, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
5 
SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Board, in consultation
6 
With other stakeholders shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of effectivity of this
7 
Act, promulgate and publish the rules and regulations for the effective and faithful
8 
implementation of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the promulgation of the said
9 
rules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its
10 
effectivity.
11 
SEC. 14. Separability Clause. If any portion or provision of this Act is
12 
subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are
13 
not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
14 
SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
15 
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations or parts
16 
thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are
17 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
18 
SEC. 16. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
19 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
20 
circulation.
Approved,