TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill was approved by the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress. 
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is the pioneer institution in maritime 
education in the country and has produced finest Filipino merchant marine officers. For many 
years, it has produced many master mariners, chief engineers, shipping executives, naval 
officers, and excellent educators and trainors now serving in marine and maritime related 
industries in our country and abroad. 
Throughout the years, the PMMA has become the gold standard in terms of producing 
Filipino seafarers from the perspective of the European, American, Asian ship owners and 
employers. The PMMA develops and updates its curriculum based on the ship owner's 
requirements such as keeping up with the technology development, world geo-political 
situation, theoretical and practical academic process developed inside the academy, to 
include regimental system.  
With the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity of the situation in the 
country, the PMMA is not just responding to its merchant or commercial needs anymore; and 
unfortunately, having a limited merchant marine image due to its name from 1963 (RA 3680) 
reduces its ability to get more funding from the national government for its requirements 
resulting to depleting foreign flag employment of the Filipinos. From 2016 to 2018 the 
Philippine ship manning agencies loss 105,318 seafarers due to loss of confidence and failure 
to meet EMSA standards in maritime training.  
The PMMA is now utilized by the Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard as one of their 
major sources of highly qualified officers to meet their fleet modernization. PMMA is also still 
the preference of the foreign shipping companies' despite of its very limited number of 
students. Therefore, it is about time to change the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy into 
the Philippine National Maritime Academy with a new campus in Mindanao (under RA 11782) 
to expand economic gains of the country and increase the source of maritime officers for the 
country's defense and maritime law enforcement. 
This will also upgrade the and modernize the curriculum of the Academy which will 
produce graduates who are responsive to the needs of the current situation. It will also address 
the strategic needs of the changing international and domestic maritime industry. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
July 14, 2025
8:01 am
1802


TWENTIETH CONGRESS   
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session  
 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY BY RENAMING IT 
AS THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL MARITIME ACADEMY, EXPANDING ITS MANDATE, 
CURRICULAR OFFERINGS, AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD, 
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR     
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 "Philippine National Maritime 
Academy Charter". 
SEC. 2.  Declaration of Policy. – The State shall promote quality education accessible and 
relevant to the changing needs of the people and society. It shall establish, maintain, and 
support a complete, adequate, and integrated maritime education and training system by 
strengthening the curricula of the various maritime and other related courses consistent with 
the standards set by the world's leading institutions of maritime learning. 
To this end, the Philippine National Maritime Academy shall: 
a) Utilize the country's marine assets and resources as a backbone and strategic addition
to the country's national development efforts;
b) Encourage the development of a robust domestic maritime industry that can support
the needs of domestic and international trade;
c) Develop human resource pool for maritime industry development, maritime law
enforcement, and national security;
d) Develop and implement maritime education and training programs for the basic and
continuing higher education and training of maritime professionals in the maritime
industry, maritime law enforcement, and maritime defense and security, among others;
e) Establish and maintain autonomous higher education and training institutions that can
cater to the education and training needs of maritime professionals in the Asia Pacific
region and the world; and `
f)
Establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of
maritime education, training, and research relevant to the needs of the country, at par
with international standards.
SEC. 3. Philippine National Maritime Academy. – The existing Philippine Merchant Marine 
Academy (PMMA), as the national professional institution for maritime education, is hereby 
renamed as the Philippine National Maritime Academy, hereinafter referred to the PNMA. As 
such, the PNMA shall specialize in maritime and maritime-related programs.  
SEC. 4. Purpose of the PNMA. – The PNMA shall provide holistic education and training for 
human resource development of maritime students, professionals, and leaders in support of 
maritime industry development, maritime law enforcement, and national security. The PNMA 
shall be primarily responsible for molding maritime professionals and leaders imbued with 
1802


nationalism and positive character development and who constantly pursue excellence in their 
professions, and endeavor to contribute positively to society and their respective communities. 
 
SEC. 5.  Responsibilities, Powers and Functions of the PNMA. — The PNMA shall be the 
primary institution for the basic and continuing higher education and training of maritime 
students and professionals for national development and security. The PNMA may serve as 
the lead academic partner of the MARINA and the CHED in the development of curriculum 
and innovations in maritime education. 
The PNMA shall have the following responsibilities: 
a) Produce efficient and well-trained maritime professionals in such fields as Marine 
Transportation, Marine Engineering, Maritime Business, Maritime Administration, 
Maritime Logistics, Ship Management, Port and Shipyard Management, naval 
engineering, 
electro-technology, 
automation, 
robotics, 
artificial 
intelligence, 
autonomous ships, digitalization, marine environmental protection, maritime security, 
the Law of the Sea, and related fields of study and whose technical capacities are 
comparable to their counterparts in other progressive countries and who can ably 
respond to the needs of domestic and international trade and commerce; 
b) Produce a pool of highly trained human resource capable of serving as naval and 
maritime law enforcement officers; 
c) Serve as the center for research in maritime and allied fields, enabling the PNMA to 
support knowledge accumulation and policy development for the maritime sector, law 
enforcement, and national security;  
d) Serve as a regional and global hub on maritime education and training, in cooperation 
with international maritime organizations, networks of universities, scholarly and 
professional associations, especially in the Asia Pacific region; and 
e) Hold annual Maritime Education Summit to get the inputs of maritime stakeholders on 
the enhancement of its curricular offerings, its research agenda, and extension 
programs. 
 
In order to effectively and efficiently perform its responsibilities, the PNMA shall have 
the following Powers and Functions: 
a) Assess students or graduates to the respective levels of competency for maritime 
officers and ratings;  
 
b) Assess TVET graduates to the respective levels of competency, in collaboration 
with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other assessing 
and certifying institutions in the Philippines, and assist in securing the issuance of the 
corresponding national certificates; 
 
c) Facilitate the conduct of marine officers' licensure examination and assessment in 
collaboration with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA);   
 
d) Adopt modern and innovative modes of transmitting knowledge for the promotion of 
greater access to education such as the use of information technology, ladderized education, 
dual training system, open distance learning, and community laboratory; 
 
e) Enter into partnerships or join consortia of education and training institutions for 
purposes of developing and/or implementing common education and training programs; 
 
f) Import education and training materials and resources; 
 
g) Undertake academic exchanges, cross-training, coordination, and cooperation for 
appropriate academic programs, joint research, and extension programs with any of the 
following education and training institutions: 
1. Development Academy of the Philippines; 


2. University of the Philippines;  
3. National Defense College of the Philippines; 
4. Philippine Military Academy; 
5. Philippine National Police Academy; 
6. Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Navy (PN); 
7. Coast Guard Education Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Coast 
Guard (CGETDC-PCG); 
8. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Education, Training, and Doctrine 
Command; 
9. Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC); and 
10. Foreign education, research, and extension institutions with which the 
Philippines has existing diplomatic relations. 
 
h) Engage the services of technical consultants from local and foreign maritime 
academic institutions or maritime industry-related companies such as shipyards, port 
operators, fisheries, and maritime software developers for maritime industry innovation; and 
 
i) Receive donations and endowment funds necessary for the fulfillment of its 
mandate subject to the provisions of existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SEC. 6.  Curricular Offerings. –The PNMA shall offer postsecondary TVET, undergraduate, 
graduate and post-graduate degree programs in maritime education such as Marine 
Transportation, Marine Engineering, Maritime Business, Maritime Administration, Maritime 
Logistics, Ship Management, Port and Shipyard Management, naval engineering, electro-
technology, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous ships, digitalization, 
marine environmental protection, maritime security, the Law of the Sea and related fields of 
study: Provided, That all TVET programs below the baccalaureate level shall be registered 
with TESDA and shall comply with TESDA requirements. 
The PNMA shall also develop, implement, and maintain short-term technical-
vocational education and training (TVET) programs and other short professional courses such 
as Professional Development Courses (PDCs), among others, that may support the maritime 
industry in terms of technical, safety, and security matters.  
To meet the needs of the national government, as well as local and international 
maritime industry requirements, the PNMA may add, remove, or revise any undergraduate 
and graduate degree programs or diploma courses according to its capabilities and as the 
Board of Trustees may deem necessary to carry out its objectives: Provided, That no 
undergraduate and graduate degree programs shall be offered without the approval of the 
CHED and the MARINA. 
 
SEC. 7.  Jurisdiction. – The PNMA shall be under the jurisdiction of the Commission on 
Higher Education (CHED) or MARINA depending on the area of concern. 
 
SEC 8. Administration. – The PNMA shall have the general powers of a corporation set forth 
in Republic Act No. 11232, otherwise known as the “Revised Corporation Code of the 
Philippines”. The administration of the PNMA and the exercise of its corporate powers shall 
be vested exclusively in the Superintendent of the PNMA and the Board of Trustees of the 
PNMA. 
 
SEC 9. The Board of Trustees. - The governing body of the PNMA shall be the Board of 
Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which shall be chaired by the Chairperson of 
the CHED, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), vice-
chaired by the PNMA Superintendent, and with the following as members: 
(a) Chairperson, Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education of the 
Senate;   


(b) Chairperson, Committee on Higher and Technical Education of the House of 
Representatives;   
(c) Administrator, MARINA;   
(d) Flag Officer-in-Command, PN;   
(e) Commandant of the PCG;   
(f) President of the PNMA Alumni Association;   
(g) President of the PNMA Corps of Professors, representing all personnel; 
(h) Student Trustee of the PNMA;  
(i) Representative of the non-teaching personnel of the PNMA; and 
(j) A prominent member of the maritime industry. 
 
The Board may elect additional members in pursuit of the objectives of this Act. 
The Board shall appoint a prominent member of the maritime industry who shall be 
selected from a list of at least five (5) qualified persons from the maritime industry, as 
recommended by a Search Committee constituted by the Superintendent of the PNMA, in 
consultation with the Chairperson and other members of the Board, based on the guidelines 
on qualification standards set by the Board.  
The terms of office of the Presidents of the Alumni Association of the PNMA and the 
Student Trustee of the PNMA, federation of faculty associations, and the Representative of 
the non-teaching personnel shall be coterminous with their terms of office, as provided under 
their respective constitutions and bylaws.  
In case of vacancy among appointive positions in the Board, the vacancy shall be filled 
by the Board following the guidelines set by it, and the appointee shall hold office only for the 
unexpired portion of the term. 
 
SEC. 10.  Powers and Duties of the Board. – The administration of the PNMA and the 
exercise of its corporate powers are vested in the Board, which shall have the following 
specific powers and duties in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise 
of all the powers granted to the Board of Directors of a Corporation under Section 35 of RA 
No. 11232:  
a)  Formulate and promulgate policies, as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes 
and functions of the PNMA; 
 
b) Approve the curricula and program of instructions of the PNMA; 
 
c) Appoint, upon recommendation of the Superintendent of the PNMA, the Deputy 
Superintendents, deans, directors, heads of departments, faculty members, and other officials 
and employees of the PNMA; 
 
d) Appoint and commission the corps of officers, faculty members, and other officials 
and employees, to draw up a position classification and compensation plan for its faculty and 
staff and notwithstanding the provision of any law to the contrary, to fix and adjust salaries and 
benefits of the faculty members and other employees of the PNMA; 
 
e) Extend the tenure of faculty members of the PNMA beyond the compulsory 
retirement age, notwithstanding the provision of any law to the contrary, on recommendation 
of the concerned units upon endorsement of the Superintendent of the PNMA, whenever their 
services are especially needed: Provided, however, That no extension of tenure shall be made 
beyond the age of seventy (70); 
 
f) Set the policies on admission and graduation of the midshipmen and students of 
other programs; 
 
g) Confer undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees; 
 


h) Fix the tuition and other necessary school charges, such as matriculation, 
graduation, and laboratory fees, as the Board may deem proper to impose, after due 
consultation with the concerned sectors. The fees and charges, including government 
subsidies and other income generated by the PNMA, shall constitute special trust funds and 
shall be deposited in any authorized government depository bank. All interests that shall 
accrue therefrom shall form part of the same funds for the use of the PNMA. 
Any provision of existing law, rule or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding, any 
income generated by the PNMA from tuition fees and other charges, as well as from the 
operation of auxiliary services and land grants, shall be retained by the PNMA and may be 
disbursed by the Board for instruction, research, extension services and other programs or 
projects of the PNMA: Provided, That all fiduciary fees shall be disbursed for the specific 
purposes for which these are collected: Provided however, That if, for reasons beyond its 
control, the PNMA shall not be able to pursue any project for which the funds have been 
appropriated and allocated under its approved program of expenditures, the Board may 
authorize the use of said funds for any reasonable purpose which, in its discretion, may be 
necessary and urgent for the attainment of the objectives and goals of the PNMA; 
 
i) Authorize the Superintendent of the PNMA to allow privatized management of 
nonacademic services such as health, food, building or grounds or property maintenance, and 
such other similar activities where most advantageous to the PNMA; 
 
j) Adopt and implement a socialized scheme of tuition and other school fees for 
greater access of poor but deserving students in accordance with RA No. 10931, otherwise 
known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act”; 
 
k)   Authorize an external management audit of the PNMA, to be financed by the 
CHED, subject to the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit, and institute reforms, 
including academic and structural changes, on the basis of the audit results and 
recommendations; 
 
l) Receive and appropriate sums as may be provided by law, and all other sums in 
the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to carry out the purposes and functions of the 
PNMA; 
 
m)  Establish research and extension centers to promote the development of the 
PNMA; 
 
n) Enter into joint ventures with business industry for the profitable growth and 
management of economic assets, the proceeds of which shall be used for the development 
and strengthening of the PNMA;  
 
o) Delegate any of its powers and duties to the Superintendent and other officials of 
the PNMA, as it may deem appropriate, so as to expedite the administration of the affairs of 
the PNMA; 
 
p) Authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and other 
facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real property, including the necessary supplies, 
materials, and equipment; and 
 
q) Promulgate rules and regulations, as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes 
and functions of the PNMA. 
 
SEC. 11.  Meetings of the Board. – The Board shall regularly convene once every three (3) 
months. The Chairperson of the Board may, however, call a special meeting whenever 


necessary: Provided, That members are notified in writing at least three (3) days prior to the 
conduct of said meeting. 
A quorum of the Board shall consist of a majority of all its members holding office at 
the time of the meeting: Provided however, That the Chairperson or the Co-Chairperson of 
the Board is among those present in the meeting.  
In case the Chairperson of the CHED cannot attend a meeting of the Board, the Co-
Chairperson shall preside over the meeting. 
In case the Chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and 
Vocational Education and the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education shall not 
be able to attend the Board meeting, they may designate their respective representatives who 
shall have the same rights and responsibilities as regular members of the Board. 
The members of the Board shall serve without compensation other than 
reimbursements for actual and necessary expenses incurred, either for their attendance to the 
meetings of the Board or in connection with other official business authorized by resolutions 
of the Board, subject to existing laws and regulations. 
 
SEC. 12. National Maritime Research and Policy Center. — As part of its commitment to 
national Research development, there is hereby created a National Maritime Research and 
Policy Center of the Academy (NMRPC), hereinafter referred to as the Center, which shall 
engage in research and policy development for the advancement of the maritime industry, law 
enforcement, and security sectors, among others. It shall also serve as the direct link of the 
Academy to the private sector and the different government departments, agencies, and 
instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs). 
 
SEC. 13. Official Service Academy for Naval, Coast Guard, Maritime Law Enforcement 
Institutions, and other maritime-related agencies. — The PNMA shall serve as an official 
Service Academy of naval and maritime law enforcement agencies and other institutions 
performing marine and maritime related functions.  The PNMA shall also cater to the Basic 
Maritime Education and Training requirements for Naval Reservist and Coast Guard Auxiliary. 
It shall ensure that its academic programs, curricula, and program of instruction meet the 
needs of the following government agencies, the private sector, and the world maritime 
industry: 
(a) Philippine Navy; 
(b) Philippine Coast Guard; 
(c) Philippine National Police Maritime Group; 
(d) international shipping and maritime industry; 
(e) international and national maritime industry as ship surveyors, 
shipping/crewing managers, port managers, maritime academic institution 
deans; 
(f) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; 
(g) National Mapping and Resource lnformation Authority; 
(h) Philippine Ports Authority; and the  
(i) National Maritime Council. 
 
SEC. 14. PNMA as Assessment Center. - The PNMA may apply and be recognized as a 
practical assessment center for TESDA and MARINA assessment: Provided, That it is fully 
compliant with the requirements of the TESDA, for TVET graduates, and the MARINA, for 
maritime professionals/seafarers: Provided, further, That it cannot assess its own 
graduates/alumni. 
 
SEC. 15.  The PNMA Superintendent. — The PNMA shall be headed by a Superintendent, 
who shall be in charge of the overall management and leadership of the PNMA and shall serve 
as its overall administrator and academic director. The Board shall elect and appoint the 
Superintendent who shall have the rank of Vice Admiral, which shall be conferred by the 
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of the Philippines. 


The Superintendent shall render fulltime service and shall be selected and appointed 
by the Board subject to its guidelines on qualification standards and based on the 
recommendation of a Search Committee duly constituted for the purpose of selecting the 
Superintendent. The Superintendent shall have a term of four (4) years and be eligible for 
reappointment to another term: Provided, That in order to effect a smooth transition upon the 
effectivity of this Act, the incumbent Superintendent of the PMMA shall continue to serve as 
such until the completion of the unexpired term prior to the effectivity of this Act.  
The salary and compensation of the Superintendent of the PNMA shall be in 
accordance with the rates prescribed under the existing Salary Standardization Law, and such 
other laws amendatory thereto, which may hereinafter be enacted, and on the joint circular for 
state universities and colleges’ leveling instruments, and guidelines of the CHED and the 
DBM. 
The powers and duties of the Superintendent of the PNMA, in addition to those 
specifically provided under this Act, shall include those usually pertaining to the Office of the 
Superintendent or Office of the President of a chartered institution for higher education, and 
those delegated by the Board. Within six (6) months before the expiration of the term of office 
of the incumbent Superintendent, the Board shall constitute the Search Committee for 
Superintendence. In case of a vacancy in the Office of the Superintendent by reason of death, 
compulsory retirement, resignation, removal for cause, or incapacity of the Superintendent to 
perform the functions of the office, the Board shall designate an Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of 
the PNMA within six (6) months from the date of vacancy, pending the appointment of a new 
Superintendent: Provided, That the OIC is preferably an alumnus/alumna of the 
undergraduate degree program of the PNMA and shall come from its line officers and shall 
serve only during the unexpired portion of the term: Provided further, That the OIC shall not 
be allowed to join as candidate in the search process for the Superintendent. 
 
SEC. 16.  Qualifications of the Superintendent. — The Superintendent shall be elected by 
the Board based on the following qualifications: 
a) The candidate must be between 40 and 60 years old at the time of appointment and 
hold a master's degree in a maritime-related discipline, public administration, or education 
management, from a recognized institution; 
b) Must possess management-level certification or command-level positions, 
competence, experience, and international exposure and linkages: Provided, That graduates 
of the PNMA currently serving in a management and leadership role for at least three (3) years 
may be given preference in the selection and election; 
c) Preferably alumni of the undergraduate degree program who have meritoriously 
excelled in a chosen field of endeavor in an executive or managerial position in the maritime 
industry, may it be in the private or government sector, shall be given preference in the 
selection and appointment of Superintendent; and 
d) The candidate must possess additional qualifications, as may be required by the 
Board, for the selection of the Superintendent. 
 
SEC 17. The Deputy Superintendents. - The Superintendent of the PNMA shall be assisted 
by the following officials: Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Finance;  Deputy 
Superintendent for Academics and Training;  Deputy Superintendent for Research, 
Development, and Extension; and Deputy Superintendent for Midshipmen Affairs, who shall 
all be appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the PNMA Superintendent.  
 
SEC. 18.  The Secretary of the PNMA. – The Board shall appoint a Secretary who shall serve 
as such for both the Board and the PNMA and shall keep all records and proceedings of the 
board in addition to other duties and responsibilities. The Secretary of the PNMA shall serve 
upon each member of the Board the appropriate notice of Board meeting 
 
SEC. 19.  The Treasurer of the PNMA. – The Treasurer of the Philippines shall be the ex 
officio Treasurer of the PNMA. 


 
SEC. 20. Admission. — The Board, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, shall 
determine the basic requirements for admission to the PNMA for TVET, undergraduate, 
graduate, and post-graduate degree programs. The standard qualifications and policies for 
admission of the AFP and the PCG shall be used as reference in determining the admission 
qualifications, policies, and procedures.  
 
SEC 21. Compensation. - Salary grades of the members of the commissioned officers of the 
PNMA shall be patterned after the equivalent salary grade of the AFP/PCG-Naval rank to 
compensate and attract experienced professional merchant marine and other professionals to 
join the ranks of the PNMA with proper compensation appropriate to their operational, 
managerial level in the international shipping industry.  
 
SEC 22. Mandatory Government Service. — Graduates of the merchant marine courses of 
the PNMA shall serve in the government for an accumulated duration of at least four (4) years: 
Provided, That the PNMA shall, in partnership with other maritime government agencies, 
develop appropriate return service programs: Provided, further, That cadets who entered into 
service contracts with government agencies which provide for service obligations longer than 
four (4) years, such as the PCG and the PN, prior to the effectivity of this Act shall be retained: 
Provided, further, that graduates of other courses of the PNMA may serve the government or 
the domestic shipping industry at any time after graduation, and within a certain period, as 
navy reservists, consultants or technical experts.  
 
SEC 23. Congressional District Billeting. — To ensure the proper distribution throughout 
the country of the cadets availing the quality education and opportunities in the PNMA, it shall 
establish a system by which every Congressional District is given an opportunity to send 
cadets. Provided, That access to education to the PNMA shall be governed by the principle of 
merit and fitness. Provided, further, that the poor shall be given preferential treatment in the 
selection and admission of midshipmen. Provided, even further, that the objectives of 
Congressional district billeting shall be taken into account in the admission system that will be 
established by the PNMA. 
 
SEC. 24. The PNMA Campuses. — The PNMA may establish  campuses in any part of the 
country, subject to the approval of the Board, to meet the human resource requirements of the 
local maritime industry and the law enforcement and security sectors: Provided, That the 
Cagayan De Oro  Campus, created by virtue of Republic Act  No. 11782, and other campuses 
that may be created in the future shall be under the command and control of the PNMA Main 
Campus: Provided further, That in order to democratize access and entry to the PNMA, it shall, 
to the extent possible, establish satellite campuses in strategic locations in Luzon, Visayas, 
and Mindanao. 
 
SEC 25. Assistant Superintendents of the PNMA Campuses. — The PNMA Campuses 
shall each be headed by an Assistant Superintendent who shall serve as the Campus Director. 
Assistant Superintendents shall have the rank of Rear Admiral which shall be conferred by the 
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of the Philippines. They shall have the 
same qualifications as the Superintendent. 
 
SEC 26. The Chief of Staff. — There shall be a Chief of Staff, designated by the 
Superintendent, who shall assist the Superintendent in coordinating with the Central Staff. The 
Chief of Staff shall enjoy benefits for one equivalent to the rank of Commodore until the end 
of their term. That the Chief of Staff shall be co-terminus with the Superintendent. 
 
SEC 27. The Central Staff. — There shall be eight (8) Central Staff, each with the rank of 
Captain, which shall include the following: 
a) PNMA1 — Administrative Officer; 


b) PNMA2 — Information, Safety, and Security Officer; 
c) PNMA3 — Operations Officer; 
d) PNMA4 — Finance Officer; 
e) PNMA5 — Procurement Officer; 
f) PNMA6 — Supply and Logistics Officer;   
g) PNMA7 — Engineering, Repairs, and Maintenance Officer; and 
h) PNMA8 — Plans and Programs Officer. 
 
SEC 28. Regimental Organization. — The PNMA is a Regimental Civilian Uniformed 
Academic Unit with a military-naval rank and tradition for its Corps of Officers, Corps of 
Professor, and members of the Faculty. The operation of the PNMA shall be underpinned by 
the principle of unity of command. Its corps of officers may be integrated into the PCG or the 
AFP in times of war or national emergency, upon the directive of the President and 
Commander-In-Chief of the Republic of the Philippines. 
As part of the annual uniform allowance of the PNMA, appropriate uniforms shall be 
provided to all of its commissioned members. 
  
SEC 29. Departments and Offices. — The PNMA shall have the following departments and 
offices: 
a) Department of Midshipmen Affairs, which shall: 
1. Ensure the proper and efficient reception of applicants to the cadetship program of 
the Academy, including their accounts, documents, medical, and issue of items; 
2. Transform students to become midshipmen, characterized by self-discipline,  
teamwork, and leadership; cognizant of the value of the principle of chain of 
command. It shall ensure that every midshipmen complies with policies, rules, and 
standards of the PNMA and that orders and directives of higher authorities are 
properly carried out or complied with; 
3. Ensure the sound physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of 
midshipmen; 
4. Ensure that all activities and training of midshipmen within the Department are 
planned, coordinated and executed efficiently by providing proper supervision, 
guidance, and direction; and  
5. Shall be headed by a one (1)-Star Officer or Commodore with a minimum 
qualification of master's degree in Maritime Academics and a Licensed Merchant 
Marine. 
 
b) Department of Academic Affairs, which shall: 
1. Be responsible for the development, implementation, modification, and updating of 
all the academic programs of the PNMA; 
2. Ensure that the academic programs of the PNMA meet local and international 
standards. It shall review the  curricular offerings every two years and shall submit 
to the Board the recommendations on how to enhance them to meet the needs of 
the times; 
3. Shall be headed by a one (1)-Star Officer or Commodore with a minimum 
qualification of master's degree in Maritime Academics and a Licensed Merchant 
Marine; and 
4. Be assisted by the deans of the following academic departments: Marine 
Transportation with a rank of Academy Captain; Marine Engineering with a rank of 
Academy Captain; Graduate/Postgraduate Studies with a rank of Academy 
Captain; Technical Studies (Ratings, TESDA and Training Courses) with a rank of 
Academy Captain; and Sports Department (Sports and Martial Arts) with a rank of 
Academy Captain. 
 
 
 


c) Department of Shipboard Training, which shall: 
1. Ensure that all cadets are given the opportunity to go onboard a seagoing ship to 
receive systematic practical training and experience in the task, duties and 
responsibilities and receives the corresponding Sea Service Certificate that will 
qualify the cadets for graduation; 
2. Help ensure that the onboard training of cadets is closely supervised and 
monitored by qualified officers aboard the ships in accordance with relevant 
regulations and standards; 
3. Ensure that the onboard training of cadets is properly documented to ensure the 
proper certification, verification, and authentication of the seagoing service of 
cadets; and  
4. Be headed by a one (1)-Star Officer or Commodore with a minimum qualification 
of master's degree in Maritime Academics and a Licensed Merchant Marine. 
 
d) Department of Academy Fleet Management, which shall: 
1. Ensure the safe operation of the PNMA training vessels and of ensuring that they 
are properly maintained in seaworthy condition; 
2. Ensure that the vessels are manned properly with qualified crew, capable of 
performing technical and commercial tasks; and  
3. Shall be headed by a one (1)-Star Officer or Commodore with a minimum 
qualification of master's degree in Maritime Academics and a Licensed Merchant 
Marine. 
 
e) Department of Naval Science and Tactics, which shall: 
1. Be in charge of the military training and development of Cadets and ensure that 
they qualify for commissionship to the Philippine Navy and to prepare them in their 
Active, Reserve or Auxiliary duties. 
 
f) Department of Coast Guard and Maritime Law Enforcement, which shall:  
1. Be responsible for the development of cadets who will be joining the PCG, NAMRIA 
and PNP Maritime Group and other maritime law enforcement agencies as part of 
the education and training doctrine commands; and 
2. Ensure that relevant curricula of the PNMA, including Program of Instructions 
(POIs), are responsive to human resource requirements of the law enforcement 
agencies.  
 
The Board may create additional departments in pursuit of the objective of this Act, 
upon the recommendation of the Superintendent. Provided, That the Superintendent shall 
determine the internal structures of these departments. Provided further, That the Board may 
set the qualifications of other officials of the Academy not provided in this Act. 
 
SEC 30. Administrative Council. — An Administrative Council shall be created which shall 
be composed of the PNMA Superintendent, as Chairperson, and the Deputy Superintendents, 
Assistant Superintendents, deans, directors, and other officials of equal rank as members. 
The Administrative Council shall review and recommend, in accordance with the direction of 
the Board, appropriate policies governing the administration, management, and development 
planning of the PNMA. 
 
SEC 31. Academic Council. — An Academic Council shall be created with the 
Superintendent as the Chairperson, the Deputy Superintendent for Academics as the Vice-
Chairperson, and all faculty members with a rank not lower than assistant professor—or its 
equivalent rank in the military—as members.  
 
The Academic Council shall: 


a) Determine, review, and recommend for approval of the Board the course offerings of 
the PNMA; 
b) Formulate, review, and update, for approval of the Board, academic policies for the 
PNMA; and  
c) Fix the requirements for the admission of students to the PNMA, as well as for their 
graduation and the conferment of degrees, and submit the same to the Board for 
review and approval in accordance with Section 4, Subsection (j) of RA No. 8292. 
 
SEC 32. Industry-Academe Consultative Council. — There shall be established an 
advisory body called the Industry-Academe Consultative Council (IACC) chaired by the 
Superintendent, with the Deputy Superintendent for Academics as the Vice Chairperson and 
all other Deputy Superintendents as council members. The remaining composition of the IACC 
shall be determined by the Superintendent. The IACC shall meet at least once a year to 
discuss developments related to maritime industry development, law enforcement, and 
security, including their implications on the curricular offerings of the PNMA. 
 
SEC 33. National Security Service. — The President and Commander-in-Chief of the 
Republic of the Philippines shall direct the Chief-of-Staff of the AFP to provide institutional 
mechanisms for the mobilization of midshipmen and graduates of the PNMA in times of war 
or national emergency. 
 
SEC 34. Commission to the AFP and PCG Force, and Other Maritime Law Enforcement 
Units. — All graduates of the PNMA who are under the cadetship program of the PN or the 
PCG shall be directly commissioned to the regular force of the PN or the PCG, respectively: 
Provided, That the PN and the PCG shall set the annual quota of the number of graduates to 
be integrated into the regular force of the PN and the PCG: Provided further, That graduates 
who are not originally part of the PN and the PCG Billet who opt to join the PN, PCG, and 
other maritime law enforcement units after graduation shall be eligible for direct 
commissionship to the Regular Force of the AFP, PCG or other Maritime Law Enforcement 
Units: Provided finally, That they shall comply with all the requirements for commissionship to 
the regular force. 
 
SEC 35. Training Vessels. — To effectively carry out the provisions and achieve the 
purposes of this Act, the PNMA shall have an appropriate number of Multi-Role Training 
Vessels (MRTVs) that can be used as training ships for all maritime students nationwide. 
 
The PNMA may acquire the MRTVs through grants and loans through official 
development assistance: Provided, That the PNMA can enter into a multi-year contract to be 
financed from funds to be allocated by Congress:  Provided further, That the PNMA may give 
shipboard training opportunities for deserving cadets nationwide. 
In order to maximize the utilization of the MRTVs, the Superintendent, with prior 
approval of the Board, may utilize the MRTVs for the following purposes: 
a) as standby vessel for mass repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers anywhere in the 
world, if needed; 
b) for Anti Marine Pollution operations; 
c) for search and Rescue operations; 
d) for Naval Reservist and Coast Guard Auxiliary shipboard familiarization and Training; 
and  
e) as research vessels. 
Provided, That, whenever used for purposes other than Ship Board Training, the 
PNMA shall be the carrier and operator of the MRTVs: Provided further, That in no case shall 
the MRTVs be used for purposes and activities that will pose imminent danger on the safety 
and security of cadets on board the training vessels.  
 


SEC. 36.  The Faculty. – No political belief, gender preference, cultural or community 
affiliation, ethnic origin, nor religious opinion or affiliation shall be a matter of inquiry in the 
appointment of faculty members of the PNMA: Provided, That the appointment shall be subject 
to the guidelines on qualification standards set by the Board: Provided further, That a member 
of the faculty shall not criticize, vouch for, recruit members in behalf of, or preach about any 
particular church or religious sect. 
 
SEC. 37.  Scholarship Programs and Admission. – The PNMA shall provide scholarship 
programs and other affirmative action programs to assist poor but deserving students who 
qualify for admission to the PNMA. No student shall be denied admission to the PNMA by 
reason of sex, religion, political, cultural or community affiliation, and ethnic origin. 
 
SEC. 38.  Authority to Loan or Transfer of Apparatus, Equipment or Supplies, and Detail 
of Personnel. – The heads of the bureaus and offices of the national government are hereby 
authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the Superintendent of the PNMA, such 
apparatus, equipment or supplies as may be needed by the PNMA and to detail employees 
for duty therein when, in the judgement of the head of the bureau or office, the apparatus, 
equipment, supplies or services of such employees can be spared without serious detriment 
to public service. The employees so detailed shall perform such duties as required of them by 
the President of the PNMA and the time so employed shall be counted as part of their regular 
service.  
 
SEC. 39.  Assets, Liabilities, and Personnel. – All assets, both real and personal, personnel 
and records of the PMMA, as well as its liabilities or obligations, shall be transferred to the 
PNMA: Provided, That the positions, rights, and security of tenure of faculty members and 
personnel therein employed under existing laws prior to the conversion into the PNMA shall 
be respected. 
All parcels of land belonging to the government occupied by the PMMA and all its 
satellite campuses are declared as property of the PNMA, and shall be titled under its name: 
Provided, That should the PNMA cease to exist or be abolished or should such 
aforementioned parcels of land be no longer needed by the PNMA, the same shall revert to 
local government unit concerned or to the Republic of the Philippines, as the case may be. 
 
  SEC. 40.  Tax Exemptions.  
a) All revenues and assets of the PNMA used for educational purposes or in 
support thereof shall be exempt from all taxes; 
b) Grants, bequests, endowments, donations, and contributions made to and 
used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes by the PNMA 
shall be exempt from the donor's tax and considered allowable deductions from 
gross income for purposes of computing the taxable income of the donor in 
accordance with the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, 
as amended; 
c) Importation by the PNMA of ships, equipment, lifesaving appliances, 
machineries, computer hardware, and software used pursuant to its academic 
objectives shall be exempt from customs duties; 
d) Importation by the PNMA of economic, technical, vocational, scientific, 
philosophical, historical, and cultural books, supplies, and materials made by 
the PNMA, upon certification by the CHED, including scientific and educational 
computer and software equipment, shall be exempt from customs duties in 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as 
the "Customs Modernization and Tariff Act”; 
e) The PNMA may avail of the tax expenditure subsidy administered by the Fiscal 
Incentives Review Board, subject to the provisions of Title XIII (Tax Incentives) 
of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
 


SEC. 41. Development Plan and Organizational Structure. - Within one hundred twenty 
(120) days after the approval of this Act, the PNMA shall accomplish the following: 
a) Submit a five (5)-year development plan, including its corresponding program budget 
to the CHED and the DBM; 
b) Submit the revised Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan in accordance with 
RA No. 11396, otherwise known as the “SUCs Land Use Development and 
Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) Act”; 
c) Undergo a management audit in coordination with the CHED and MARINA; and 
d) Set up the organizational, administrative, and academic structure, including the 
designation of the key officials and other administrative personnel of the PNMA. 
 
SEC. 42. Expansion of Institutional Capability. - The PNMA may re-employ retired 
personnel or retired seafarers who have acquired expertise in their respective fields to become 
part of the pool of professors and lecturers under a contract of service arrangement. Provided, 
That the PNMA shall implement and develop a Faculty Development Program to enhance the 
teaching competencies of its pool of professors and lecturers. 
  
SEC. 43.  Suppletory Application. – The provisions of RA No. 8292, otherwise known as the 
“Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997”, shall form part of this Act. 
 
SEC. 44.  Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriation of the PMMA. Thereafter, such 
amount shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 45. Transitory Provision. — Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the 
Superintendent shall propose to the Board the organizational structure of the PNMA. 
 
SEC. 46.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. –Within sixty (60) days from the approval 
of this Act, the Board shall, in consultation with the CHED, and in collaboration with the TESDA 
and MARINA, issue rules and regulations to implement its provisions.  
 
SEC. 47.  Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected are in full force and 
effect. 
 
 SEC. 48. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and rules and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are amended, repealed, 
or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 49.  Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,