Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10873 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The illegal drug trade remains one of the most significant threats to national security, public 
health, and social stability in the Philippines. The far-reaching impacts of drug abuse include the 
deterioration of social order, the rise of criminal activities, and the weakening of public trust in 
government institutions. Despite intensified efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs, 
seaports continue to be critical entry points for drug traffickers due to the country's vast coastline 
and archipelagic nature, which makes the monitoring and securing of these points challenging. 
The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act No. 9165) laid the 
groundwork for a coordinated and strategic approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines. 
However, the enforcement of this law, particularly in regions with seaports, has been hampered by 
the lack of adequate resources at the local level. Seaports are among the most vulnerable points 
for drug smuggling due to the high volume of goods and the complexity of maritime trade. Without 
proper monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, these areas become convenient corridors for drug 
traffickers. 
Local Government Units (LGUs) play a crucial role in safeguarding their jurisdictions 
against illegal activities, including drug trafficking. Being embedded in the communities they 
serve places them in a unique position to act swiftly and decisively against threats. However, the 
lack of specialized resources, such as canine (K9) units trained for drug detection, reduces LGUs 
and law enforcers to less optimal drug detection capacities. Many LGUs, particularly those in rural 
or underdeveloped regions, do not have the financial or technical capacity to establish such units 
independently. 
This bill seeks to mandate all LGUs with seaports to establish and maintain their own 
canine teams specifically trained for anti-drug enforcement. These K9 units are proven to be highly 
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effective in detecting illegal drugs, even in the most concealed locations. The presence of these K9 
units will enhance the detection capabilities of LGUs, improve security at seaports, and serve as a 
strong deterrent to drug traffickers. By intercepting illegal drugs at the point of entry, LGUs can 
significantly reduce the distribution of these substances within their communities, thereby 
protecting the health and safety of their constituents. 
Moreover, this legislation recognizes the importance of capacity-building at the local level. 
By providing LGUs with the necessary tools and resources, such as training and certification 
through the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), this bill ensures that canine teams are 
equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties effectively. This initiative 
also encourages collaboration between national and local government agencies, fostering a more 
unified and efficient approach to combating illegal drugs. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.        
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10873 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
MANDATING ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS WITH SEAPORTS TO 
ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN CANINE TEAMS FOR ANTI-DRUG ENFORCEMENT 
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 Anti-Drug Canine 
Enforcement Act." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy.  — It is the policy of the State to protect and promote the 
well-being of its citizens by preventing the entry and proliferation of illegal drugs through all 
means available. To this end, the State recognizes the vital role of Local Government Units (LGUs) 
in 
securing 
seaports 
and 
preventing 
illegal 
drugs 
from 
entering 
the 
country. 
SEC. 3. Mandate. — All LGUs with operational seaports are hereby mandated to establish 
and maintain their own canine teams specifically trained for anti-drug enforcement. These K9 units 
shall be deployed at seaports under the jurisdiction of the respective LGUs. 
 SEC. 4. Functions of Canine Teams. — The canine teams established under this Act shall 
have the following functions: 


 
(a) Conduct regular inspections and monitoring at seaports to detect illegal drugs and other 
contraband; 
(b) Assist law enforcement agencies in anti-drug operations within seaports; 
(c) Serve as a deterrent to drug trafficking activities; and 
(d) Provide support in the implementation of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as 
the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002," and other related laws. 
  
SEC. 5. Training and Certification. — The canine teams shall undergo rigorous training 
and certification conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) or other 
accredited institutions. The training shall include drug detection, handler training, and other 
necessary skills to ensure the effectiveness of the K9 units. 
  
SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The funds necessary for the establishment and maintenance of 
the canine teams shall be sourced from the annual National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the respective 
LGUs, as well as from other available funds or grants. The national government, through the 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), may also provide additional financial 
assistance to LGUs in need. 
  
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DILG, in coordination with PDEA, 
and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act within sixty (60) 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. 
 
     
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 or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
     
 
 
Approved,