Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
____________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative 
MICHAEL L. ROMERO 
______________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to support the nation’s maritime 
security and stability through appropriate technology, research and 
development, with adequate financial, equipment and other related services. 
 This House bill seeks to guarantee the enhancement of our maritime 
forces. 
Furthermore, this House bill seeks to ensure our evolving accessibility, 
available maritime strategies and counter measures at all times.  
This house bill seeks to establish a comprehensive Maritime 
Development Program. 
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D. 
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April 29, 2024
11:34 am


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
_________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative 
MICHAEL L. ROMERO 
_________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE MARITIME 
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE REPUBLIC OF 
THE PHILIPPINES, TO FOSTER A FAST AND MASSIVE 
MARITIME BUILD-UP, TO PROMOTE STABILITY AND 
SECURITY IN OUR MARITIME DOMAIN, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
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 " 
MARITIME DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2024 ". 
SECTION 2. 
DECLARATION 
OF 
POLICY. 
The 
State 
shall 
recognize the importance of a strong maritime security force in ensuring the 
well-being of its nation. 
 There shall hereby be a declared policy of the state to elevate our 
maritime capacity to preserve and protect its citizenry, territory and 
boundaries.   
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The State recognizes that an imminent upgrade and extensive 
modernization is long overdue.  
Furthermore, the state clearly identifies that the establishment of a 
comprehensive maritime development program shall vastly improve the 
efficiency of our nation`s maritime capabilities. 
the State shall hereby provide the necessary support to fund and 
establish the immediate build-up of our maritime forces.  
The State shall spearhead acquisition of modern and more powerful 
equipment’s, machinery and technology to ensure the preservation and safety 
of its people and sovereignty. Thus to ensure the well-being of the entire 
nation. 
SECTION 3. 
ESTABLISHMENT 
OF 
A 
COMPREHENSIVE 
MARITIME DEVELOPMENT PRGRAM — There shall be established a 
comprehensive maritime development program.  
Existing structures, facilities and equipment’s that would meet the 
standard requirements could be upgraded to effectively serve and be 
designated as such in compliance with rules and regulations set by the 
National Security Council (NSC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 
Department of National Defense (DND), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and 
subject matter experts. 
SECTION 4. 
SUPERVISING AND ASSESSMENT CONCERNS. — 
the National Security Council (NSC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 
Department of National Defense (DND) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), shall 
provide the necessary technical and financial assistance to ensure the effective 
operations and build-up. 
SECTION 5. 
IMPLEMENTING AGENCY. — The National Security 
Council (NSC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Department of National 
Defense (DND) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 


 
SECTION 6. 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. — 
Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the National Security 
Council (NSC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Department of National 
Defense (DND) Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shall, in consultation with other 
concerned government and private agencies, promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 7. 
TRANSITORY PROVISION – Existing industries, 
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given 
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other 
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act. 
SECTION 8. APPROPRIATION. — The amount necessary for the initial 
implementation to fund this act shall be charged under the Department of 
National Defense.  
Thereafter, such amounts necessary for the implementation of this act shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). 
The agencies concerned shall provide for the continued maintenance, 
operation, and management of all the facilities and equipment’s. 
SECTION 
9. 
CONTINUING APPROPRIATION. - The Department 
of Budget and Management (DBM) is hereby mandated to include annually 
in the next five (5) years, in the President's Program of expenditures for 
submission to Congress, and release, an amount not less than twenty (20) 
billion pesos (Php 20, OOO, OOO, OOO.OO) for the implementation of this 
Act. 
SECTION 10. 
PERIODIC REPORTS - The Secretary of the 
Department of National Defense (DND) shall submit periodic reports on its 
findings and make recommendations on actions to be taken by both Congress 
and Senate and the appropriate departments, in order to carry out the 
objectives and mandates of this Act. 
SECTION 
11. 
AUTOMATIC REVIEW - Every three (3) years after 
the effectivity of this Act, an independent review panel composed of experts 


 
to be appointed by the President of the Republic shall review the policies and 
programs 
in 
the 
defense 
and 
security 
sector 
and 
shall 
make 
recommendations, based on its findings, to the President and to both Houses 
of Congress. 
SECTION 12. 
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. — If any provision of this 
Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions which 
are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 13. 
REPEALING CLAUSE. — All laws, decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, contrary 
to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby modified, amended or repealed 
accordingly. 
SECTION 14. 
EFFECTIVITY. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 
circulation. 
Approved,