Republic of the Philippines
= HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiLLNO. 3498

Introduced by: Christopher S. Co, Rodel M. Batocabe, and Hon. Alfredo A. Garbin Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

ng Presidential Security Group (PSG) into
highly professionalized civitian security organization to be named the Government Protection and
Security Service (GPSS). It aitns to insulate the organization from partisan politics while maximizing
its efficiency and effectiveness.

This is in pursuant to the 1987 Cor
insulated from partisan potitics. It probibi
indirectly, in any

itution which mandates that the armed forces shalt be
members of the military from engagement, directly or
lisan political activity, except to vote.

Currently, the PSG is an Army unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with
headquarters in the Malacanang Palace. Police personnel and operators from the PNP Special
Weapons and Tactics and Speciat Action Force are also assigned therein,

PSG posts are perceived to be the most sought-afier assignment as they are closest to the
seat of power ~ the presidency. Military and police officers and persoasiel are designated to the PSG
which serves as a spring board for their professional careers. It is also alleged that military or police
personnel assigned to he PSG are politicized as they are promised high-ranking positions in the AFP
‘of PNP and stay beholden to officiats they have seived. To date, there had been at feast ee (3)
PSG Commanders who had become AFF Chief-of-Staff who were perceived, rightly or wrongly, to
have been appointed because of their closeness to the President.

‘This perception should be eradicated as it demoralizes the meubers of the armed forces and
weakens the public’s confidence in its military. The creation of an institutionalized civilian agency,
independent from the AFP or PNP, ensures that the protective role of the agency, that is, ensuring
the safety of national leaders, their families, the Malacanang Palace, and foreign visitors, shall be
upheld and given utmost priority.

~~

In lighf of these ciecumstances, thie passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

. GARBIN, JR.

Horl. RODELM. BATOCABE Hon. ALFREL



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Republic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
_ Quezon City

FiE (EEN TH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Buiwo. 3493

Introduced by: Hon. Christopher S. Co, Kodei M. Batocabe and Alfredo A. Garbin, Je,

‘An Aci Creating and insiitutionalizing a Government Proieciion and Security Service (GPSS)
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 2. Title. This Act shal! be known as the “Government Protection and Security Service Act”,

SECTION 2. The Government Protection and Security Service. The Government Protection and Security
Service (hereinafter “GPSS") is hereby created under the direction and control of the Office of the
President.
SECTION 3. Functions. The GPSS shall perform the following functions:

(A) Itshall be the lead agency in the provi

n of security for the following:

1) the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice of the:
Philippines;

2). the First Family; and
3) the Malacafiang Palace and other buildings under the Office of the President

{B) It shall be the primary coordinating agency in the provision of security for the following:
1) visiting foreign heads of states or governments;

2) distinguished visitors and diplomatic delegates of foreign states of Intergovernmental
Organizations (IGO) to the Philippines; and

3) other individuals or events as officially designated by the Office of the President,

(C) The GPSS shall coordinate with all law enforcement agencies and lead Uhe investigation of crimes
related to the security of the individuals and events enumerated above; .

(D} The GPSS may atso provide support to different government agencies and provide assistance to"*
iie AFP and PWP in fis undertakings as ordered by the President,

SECTION 4. Transfer of Powers and Functions. For this purpose, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) is
hereby abolished. The powers and functions of the PSG not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act
are hereby transferred to the GPSS. The foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall include all
applicable funds and appropriations, records, equipment, property and personnel as may be necessary.

‘The AFP and PNP shall maintain close coordination with the GPSS on all matters refating to the security of
the President.

Section 5. Organization. The GPSS shall be headed by a Director with the rank of Undersecretary. The
Director shall be responsible for the general administration and management of the GPSS.


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the Director shall be assisted by Deputy Directors with the rank of Assistance Secretary for divisions
which include but shall not be limited to:

{A} Personnel and Fiscal Division;

(8) Intell

nice Division;
{C) Information and Communications Technology Division;

{D} Operations Divisio

(E) Special Tactics and Training Divison; and

SECTION 6. Staffing. bs

(A) The Director shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. All other personnel from’
Deputy Director and below shaft hold plantilla positions subject to civil service rules and
regulations.

{B) In addition to the taw enforcement positions, the GPSS shall rely on the capabilities and expertise
of civilian personnel from diverse professional backgrounds.

{C) upon the effectivity of this Act, the GPSS has not been composed and the new staffing patter
and positions have not been approved or filled up, the current PSG and its personnet shall
Continue to hold office. PSG personnel shall continue with the performance of their task as detail
‘service with the GPSS, subject to screening, until such time that the organizational structure of
the GPSS is fully operational.

{0} Personnel who are affected shall have the option of cither being Integrated into the GPSS oy
remain with the AFP or PNP and shall, thereafter, be immediately reassigned to other units
therein by the head of such agencies. The personnel absorbed and on detail service shall be given
until one (1) year fo finally decide to join the GPSS. Nothing in this Act shall mean a diminution of
the powers of the AFP or PNP.

(€) Such personnet who are transferred, absorbed and integrated in the GPSS shail be extended
appointments to positions similar or higher in rank, salary, and other emoluments and priviteges
granted to their respective positions in their original mother agencies.

(F) Members of the GPSS shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be suspended or removed from.
office except for just cause as specified by law.

Section 7. Training and nent of Technicat Competence. - The personnel ot staff composing the
GPSS shall undergo an intense selection process. The GPSS shail establish rigorous training programs for
its staff for the purpose of enhancing the tactical, operational, strategic, and technical competence of the
GPSS which should enable it to adequately perform ils duties and functions.

Section 8. Implementation. The GPSS, shall promulgate and issue the necessary Implementing Rules and
Regulations for the itnplementation of tiis Act.

SECTION 9. Funding. ~ Funds for the operation of the GPSS shalt initially be sourced from the current PSG"
and thereafier be included in tive appropriation for the Office of tive President.

SECTION 10. Repeal. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction,
administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is
hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two,
(2) newspapers of generat circulation.