THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF 7 HE 
Second Regular Session 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHlrLIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The world was shocked with the spate of terrorist attacks upon transportation 
systems and facilities which all resulted to lost of lives and enormous damage to 
properties. Worth mentioning is the train bombing in Madrid, Spain and, of course, 
the 9/11 bombings in the United States of America wherein terrorists used various 
airplanes to succeed in instilling fears not only in the hearts and minds of Americans 
but in the hearts and minds of the people of the world. 
Here in the Philippines, we are not spared of these terrorist attacks: the 
sinking of the Super ferry off the coast of Quezon Province, the Rizal Day bombing 
of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the bombing of the Davao International Airport. 
These local and international terrorist attacks necessitate the formulation of a 
comprehensive security program to protect the air, water and land transport system, 
under a singular administrative authority armed with law enforcement powers to 
prevent, if not eradicate, security threats and incidents to precious human lives. 
This bill seeks to create the Philippine Transport Security Authority, under 
the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), to consolidate the 
civil aviation, maritime, land and rail national security programs throughout the 
country to prevent lawless violence and terrorist attacks. 
Immediate passage is earnestly urged. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
j 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 2372 
Introduced by Senator Franklin M. Drilon 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY AUTHORITY, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Transportation 
Security Authority Act of 2006”. 
Section 2. 
Declaration of Policy. The State recognizes the vital role of 
public transportation and commerce in nation building and in the promotion of 
international and domestic trade relations for economic growth and comity among 
nations. 
The State, in preserving and protecting the rights of its people to a secured 
public transport system, supports and promotes the installation and implementation 
of a consolidated transportation security management to improve and maintain an 
effective inter-modal (aid, land and water) transportation system by fostering state of 
the 
art 
security 
measures 
in 
full 
compliance 
with 
the 
international 
standards/practices. 
The State supports the implementation and enforcement of the strictest 
measures to stamp out terrorism, economic sabotage and all forms of criminal 
interference that tend to breach the integrity, safety and security of international and 
domestic transportation systems. 
The State adopts generally accepted principles of international law and 
universal recommendations on the standards and practices on transportation 
security measures as part of the laws of the land and adheres to the policy of comity 
and cooperation with other nations. 
Section 3. Creation and Mandate of the Philippine Transportation Security 
Authority. There is hereby created an Authority to be known as the Philippine 
Transportation Security Authority, hereinafter referred to as Authority, which shall 
be the central security agency for all transport systems in the Philippines. The 


Authority 
shall 
be attached 
'LO 
the 
Department of Transportation 
and 
Communications (DOTC) for general direction and administ,ration. 
The Authority shall be organized, trained and equipped to perform law 
enforcement functions in purs.uit of its mandate and in coordination with other law 
enforcement agencies. 
The Authority shall render reciprocal support, assistance and coordination 
with the following agencies: 
1. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB); 
2. Air Transportation Office (ATO); 
3. Philippine Ports Authority (PPA); 
4. Land Transportation Office (LTO); 
5. Maritime industry Authority (MARINA); 
6. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA); 
7. Cebu Ports Authority (CPA); 
8. Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA); 
9. Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB); 
10. Philippine National Police -Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG); 
11. Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG); 
12. Philippine National Police - Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG); 
13.Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); 
14. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); 
15.Airport Police (AP); 
16.Customs Police (CP); 
17. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA); 
18. Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA); 
19. Philippine National Railways (PNR); 
20.Metro Rail Transit - 3 Office; 
21 .Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, and 
22. such other agencies related to and/or undertaking, promoting and 
pursuing transportation security. 
The Authority shall encourage, promote, formulate, implement and ensure 
the installation of standard security and safety measures and policies that are 
internationally acceptable for the prevention of transportation disasters and for the 
protection, security, and safety of passengers, transportation facilities and properties. 
Section 4. Powers and Functions. The Authority shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
a. Exercise control and supervision over all police and security agencies 
performing, pursuing or rendering transportation security services; 
b. Responsible for the security of all modes and means of public 
transportation system in the Philippines including, but not limited to, 
screening of passengers, baggage or cargoes; hiring and retention of 
security screening personnel; training and testing of personnel in security 
screening, inspection, verification and audit; 
c. Advise the President, through the Secretary of the Department of 
Transportation and Communications (DOTC), on all matters involving 
security concerns in the transportation sector. In cases of urgency or 


d. 
e. 
f. 
g. 
h. 
i. 
I. 
I<. 
I. 
necessity where time is of the essence, the Aurhority, through the 
Administrator, may report directly to the President on matters pertaining 
to national or international transportation security concern; 
Formulate, promulgate and develop, in coordination with appropriate 
government agencies, comprehensive and flexible security plans, 
policies, measures and programs to ensure the safety and security of all 
means of transportation in the Philippines. 
The Authority shall implement, review and continue to upgrade such 
plans, 
policies, 
measures and programs periodically to improve 
transportation security and safety on sound professional concepts and 
principles; 
Examine, verify and audit the transport security performance, activities 
and facilities of all modes of transportation system; 
Prepare a comprehensive and separate National Transport Security 
Program, prescribing rules and regulations for the efficient operation of 
landhail, aidcivil aviation and watedmaritime transportation security, 
including procedures and screening for the issuance of security access 
pass and the determination of levels of security clearance on 
transportation facilities and infrastructures; 
Prescribe transport security standards in all modes of transportation 
systems in the Philippines in accordance with existing laws, rules, 
regulations and international conventions; 
Exercise law enforcement power over all matters involving transportation 
security incident and/or unlawful interference upon all modes of 
transportation system. The Authority may enlist the assistance of other 
law enforcement agencies or appoint and/or deputize their personnel 
and/or the agency itself to carry out its mandate; 
Actively pursue the investigation and prosecution of any act of unlawful 
interference 
against 
public transportation 
system, 
facilities 
and 
infrastructure; effect the arrest of offenders in accordance with law, and 
file appropriate charges related thereto through the appropriate 
government agencies; 
Acquire, purchase, own, administer, lease, mortgage, sell or otherwise 
dispose of or encumber any real or personal property, equipment, assets 
and rights in furtherance of its mandate. The Authority shall be exempt 
from payment of any or all direct and indirect taxes, import fees and 
charges, capital gains taxes, local and national taxes, interests, import 
duties, fees, taxes and charges of any kind or nature, on all of its real and 
personal 
properties, 
assets, 
income and 
revenues, 
importations, 
transactions, loans and obligations (principal or interests) as required and 
incurred in the exercise of its mandate under the provisions of this Act; 
Sue and be sued with its consent; 
Procure, own and carry firearm; and have the authority to issue mission 
orders thereon, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations, and 


m. Perform such other Functions necessary to effectively carry out the 
provisions of this Act and as the President of the Philippines or the 
Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications 
(DOTC), may direct. 
Section 5. Adminisfrafor and Deputy Administrator: Their Qualifications, 
Appointments and Terms of Office. The Authority shall be headed by an 
Administrator with the rank of an Undersecretary, and is responsible for the general 
administration and management of the Authority. He must be a natural-born citizen 
of the Philippines; at least forty-five (45) years of age; have an extensive experience 
in a field directly related to transportation and/or security; with at least five (5) years 
experience in the management of a field directly related to security or allied 
services. 
The Administrator shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines 
upon recommendation of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and 
Communications (DOTC). The Administrator shall serve a fixed term of seven (7) 
years which shall commence from the time he takes his oath of office. 
The Administrator shall be assisted by a Deputy Administrator with the rank 
of Assistant Secretary and shall have the same qualifications and term of office as the 
Administrator. 
For purposes of this Act, the Administrator and the Deputy Administrator 
shall be deemed as persons in authority. All subordinate officials and personnel are 
deemed agents of persons in authority. 
Section 6. Functions, Powers and Duties of fhe Adminisfrator. The 
Administrator shall have the following functions, powers and duties: 
a. Exclusive power to interpret the provisions of this Act subject to review 
on certiorari by the Court of Appeals on the ground of grave abuse of 
discretion amounting to excess or lack of jurisdiction; 
b. Promulgate rules, regulations and impose sanctions to effectively 
implement the provisions of this Act; 
c. The sole and unilateral responsibility to determine sensitive security 
information (SSI). 
The Administrator shall prohibit the disclosure of 
information, files or records or date of any sort, if in his opinion, the 
disclosure of such information: 
1. 
is detrimental to the security of persons and things in the 
transportation sector; 
2. will reveal trade secrets or privileged or confidential information 
obtained from any person, natural or juridical; 
3. 
will constitute unwarranted invasion of privacy of persons, 
including but not limited to information contained in any 
personnel, medical or similar file; 
will undermine public trust and confidence in duly constituted 
authorities in the exercise of judgment calls and discretions in 
any or all risk managements and preventive/preemptive actions 
undertaken. 
4. 


d. To administer and implement, subject to existing laws, rules and 
regulations, the mandate, powers and functions of 
the Authority. 
Provided, That, the Administrator solely designates an officerlemployee 
of the Authority to serve as a law enforcement officer of the Authority; 
e. To direct and supervise the management, operation, and administration 
of the Authority 
in complying with international standards of 
transportation security measures and to ensure transportation security in 
accordance with the approved security program, plan, policy, procedure 
and guideline; 
f. To 
administer, 
implement 
and 
enforce 
decisions, 
orders 
and 
transportation security rules and regulations prescribed by law and/or 
issued by the Authority; 
g. To exercise visitorial and inspection powers over all transportation 
facilities, complexes, buildings, offices, seaports and airports, tarmacs, 
wharfs, terminals, infrastructures and the likes; issue travel and mission 
orders for the purpose; 
and coordinate with the corresponding 
transportation entities for the implementation of the same. All 
transportation systems must provide, within its premises, adequate 
operational office space and quarters for the localized security functions 
of the Authority; 
h. To undertake researches, studies, investigations and other activities 
related to contemporary transportation system security and future 
innovative requirements thereof, on his own initiative or upon 
instructions of the higher authorities, and to submit comprehensive 
reports and appropriate recommendations to the Secretary of the 
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for his 
information and action; 
i. To formulate, develop, implement, revise and update inter-modal (air, 
land and water) national transportation security programs and operational 
planshnanuals; 
j. To appoint, transfer, suspend, remove or otherwise discipline any 
subordinate officer or employee of the Authority, subject to Civil Service 
laws, rules and regulations; 
k. To provide for employees benefit program and policies on promotions 
and Salary Standardization Program at par with the international 
transportation security service but subject to approval of the Department 
of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission 
(CSC); 
I. To organize or re-organize the structure of the Authority respecting the 
major services to meet the changing conditions, subject to existing laws 
and rules on the matter: 
m. To assess threats to transportation security and to receive, assess and 
distribute on a timely basis, all intelligence related to transport security; 


n. To develop policies, strategies, and plans in dealing with prevention and 
management crises and threat to transportation security; and ensure the 
formulation, installation, and enforcement of the respective national 
security program in all nnodes of transportation systems in the Philippines; 
0. To perform such other functions necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act; and as the President of the Philippines or the Secretary of the 
Department of Transportatiori and Communications (DOTC), may direct. 
Section 7. Services. For purposes of carrying out its duties and powers as 
provided for in this Act, the Authority shall have the following transportation 
security services which shall be headed by Service Directors: 
a. Civil Aviation Security Service fCAS.5) - shall conduct continuous 
inspection, monitoring, audit of facilities and operations at all levels of air 
transportation system and shall monitor and/or directly implement the 
Authority’s projects, programs and regulations relative to security of air 
transportation; to conduct investigation on all matters involving illegal 
acts or unlawful interference committed upon or directed to air 
transportation facility and submit recommendation relative thereto; 
b. Maritime Security Service (MARS) - shall conduct continuous 
inspection, monitoring, audit of facilities and operations at all levels of 
maritime transportation system; and shall monitor and/or directly 
implement the rules and regulations relative to security of maritime 
transportation; to conduct investigation on all matters involving illegal 
acts or unlawful interference committed upon or directed to maritime 
transportation facility and submit recommendation relative thereto in 
adherence to reciprocal support, assistance and coordination with the 
appropriate law enforcement agencies; 
c. Land and Rail Security Service (LARS) - shall conduct continuous 
inspection, monitoring and audit of facilities and operations at all levels 
of land and rail transportation systems and shall monitor and/or directly 
implement the Authority’s projects, programs and regulations relative to 
security of land and rail transport systems; to conduct investigation on all 
matters involving illegal acts or unlawful interference committed upon or 
directed 
to 
land 
and 
rail 
transportation 
systems 
and 
submit 
recommendations relative thereto; 
d. intelligence and Communications Security Service (ICSS) - shall conduct 
continuous 
intelligence 
gathering and evaluation to direct and 
substantiate policy directions of the agency. It shall likewise promulgate 
programs to strengthen the intelligence capability of the Authority in 
securing the different modes of transportation including transportation 
communications systems, facilities, services and infrastructure in the 
country; 
e. Administrative and Finance Service (AFS) - shall provide necessary 
services relating to finance and administrative matters; keep records, 
correspondence, supplies, property, equipment and general services, and 
the maintenance and utilization of facilities; and provide services relating 
to manpower, career planning and development, personnel placements 
and employees welfare; 


f. 
Legal, Policy Research and Adjudication Service (LPRAS) - shall provide 
the efficient and effective service as in-house legal counsel; draft or study 
contracts affecting the Authority; review reports relative to investigations 
conducted by the Authority and submit recommendations pertaining 
thereto; render legal opinions arising from the administration and 
operation of the Authority and adjudicate matters affecting the regulatory 
issuances relative to matters of national policy on civil aviation, maritime 
and land and rail transportations security; 
g. Transportation Security Training and Development Institute (TSTD/) - 
shall formulate, develop, provide and maintain an effective, efficient and 
continuing trainingre-training 
program for 
transportation 
security 
personnel and all allied agencies and their personnel who will apply 
standards and recommended level of security for the secured operation of 
all modes of transportation covering but not limited to: 
screening, 
verifying, auditing and inspecting of personnel, equipment and facilities 
involved in providing transportation security; conduct tests and qualifying 
procedures for transportation security equipment and such other 
undertaking to maintain the quality participation/contribution of man and 
machine in sanitizing the integrity of all modes of the transportation from 
criminal acts. The TSTDI undertakes the training development and the 
upgrading process of all course materials, monitoring and supervision of 
other security training entities, liaison and cooperation with other states 
training institutes, coordination and cooperation with industries and 
operations for the research and development of new technology and 
other endeavors which shall be essential to conform with national 
security training program, transportation security policy and oversight 
function. 
Incidental matters that may be uncovered and which may pertain to another 
office, agency, bureau or division, holding or operating within the transportation 
facilities and complexes must be reported to the appropriate enforcement agencies 
and the same may be subjected to direct control and police action by the operatives 
and elements of the Authority. 
Provided, 
That, 
the Authority 
may from time to time change its 
organizational structure and thus create, merge, consolidate or abolish functional 
offices or divisions, as it may deem proper and appropriate to achieve in maximum 
its transportation security mandate. Provided, further, that the Authority establish 
and maintain regional offices which shall be primarily responsible for the 
implementation of this Act and for the policies, programs and projects of the 
Authority imtheir respective regions. 
The Service Directors shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Department 
of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) upon recommendation of the 
Administrator of the Authority. 
Section 8. Removal; Filling of Vacancy. The Administrator may only be 
removed from office by the President of the Philippines for cause after due process 
and in accordance with the Civil Service laws, rules and regulations. 
In case of vacancy in the Authority due to death, resignation, removal or 
permanent disability of the incumbent Administrator, the Deputy Administrator shall 


serve as Acting Administrator in a concurrent capacity until a new Administrator is 
appointed, has qualified and assumed office for the full term. 
Section 9. Prohibition. The Administrator, Deputy Administrator, Service 
Directors and all officials, officers, staff and personnel of the Authority shall not own 
stock in or bonds of a transportation or security enterprise or in an enterprise that 
manufactures equipment that could be used for transport security purposes. 
Section 
IO. 
Membership in the National Security Council. 
The 
Administrator or his duly qualified representative is hereby designated as member of 
the National Security Council and shall report directly to the President of the 
Philippines regarding sensitive transportation security information. 
Section 1 1 .  Poke Control, Supervision and Delegation of Powers. The 
Authority shall have sole jurisdiction and precedence in control, over the movement 
of persons, cargoes, or both, within the operational area of any mode of 
transportation system and shall, therefore, possess authority to prescribe and issue 
security access passes within the transport operational area. 
The designated law enforcement officer and personnel of the Authority or 
those that maybe deputized to carry law enforcement power, shall have the power 
to effect arrest or take law enforcement action on any criminal act committed within 
its jurisdictional area or in their presence or endorse the records of arrest and 
apprehension to the local police officer with jurisdiction over the area where the 
transportation security incident happened. 
The Authority exercises primary jurisdiction over acts of unlawful 
interference against any transport system but may delegate or endorse the same to 
any government agency for effective enforcement, who is likewise obliged to accept 
the same and see its prompt conclusion. 
The Authority reserves its right to 
supervise, monitor and coordinate the stages of such investigation. 
Section 12. Personnel Complement. 
For purposes of implementing the 
provisions of this Act, personnel of units/offices of the Philippine Coast Guard 
(PCC); Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) police; Airport Police; Customs Police; 
Philippine National Police - Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG); Philippine National 
Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP-ASG); Philippine National Police - Traffic 
Management Group (PNP-TMG); Philippine National Railways (PNR) police; Civil 
Security Unit - Air Transportation Office (CSU-ATO) and all other government 
agencies having the primary duty and function of providing transportation security 
shall be under the operational direction and supervision of the Authority. 
Provided, That, subject to the limitations in this Act, the Office for 
Transportation Security (OTS) under the Department of Transportation and 
Communicatioiis (DOTC), created under Executive Order No. 277 and Executive 
Order No. 31 1, is hereby abolished and the present officers and staff of said office 
are hereby absorbed to the Authority and shall serve as the initial personnel 
complement of the Authority. 
Section 13. Entry Level info the Authority. The entry eligibility of the 
absorbed personnel of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) under the 
Department'of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), shall be waived by the 
Civil Service Commission (CSC), Provided, that, the absorbed personnel possesses 
equivalent qualifications in terms of training in basic security of not less than one 


hundred (100) hours and extensive experience for at least two (2) years in actual 
investigation, intelligence and security functions or assignments. 
Section 14. Promotion and Selection Board. There shall be a Promotion 
and Selection Board within the Authority which shall screen and evaluate organic 
personnel for promotion. Appointment and promotion process shall follow the 
procedures prescribed in this Act. 
All positions in the Authority hereinafter created shall be filled up in 
accordance with the Authority’s organizational and operational manual which shall 
define the qualification standards consistent with the minimum requirements of the 
Civil Service Commission (CSC). 
There shall be a Selection and Qualification Committee which shall 
recommend to the Administrator the appointment of all other personnel not herein 
provided. 
Section 15. Transfer of Existing Facilities. All existing facilities, equipment 
and all other assets and properties, rights, interests and privileges belonging to 
Office for Transportation Security (OTS) that may be absorbed by the Authority, are 
hereby transferred to the Authority. 
Immediately upon appointment and assumption of powers and authority by 
the Administrator, all financial and logistical resources, facilities and equipment 
shall be released and put under the control of the Authority. All organizations and 
agencies that may be absorbed by the Authority in the future shall use funds and 
resources of the Authority upon enactment of this Act. 
Section 16. lmplementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days 
from appointment, the Deputy Administrator and Service Directors of the Authority 
shall be the designated members of the Ad-Hoc Committee directed to formulate 
the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Authority. The Implementing 
Rules and Regulations shall cover all aspects of the administration, management, 
operations, logistics and finance, law enforcements, standard measures and 
practices of safety and security and all other matters affecting or related to the full 
operation of the Authority. 
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) shall be accomplished and 
recommended by the Administrator of the Authority, for approval by the President 
of the Philippines within one hundred and eighty (180) days from constitution of the 
Ad Hoc Committee. 
Section 17. Transfer and lntegration of Personnel, Facilities, Equipment, 
Property and other Assets and Liabilities. The absorption and integration process 
shall commence on the first day of the quarter of the year following completion of 
the Implementing Rules and Regulations. 
initially appointed members of the Ad-Hoc Committee may continue to serve 
in their official capacities with the Authority if duly qualified and appointed in 
accordance with civil service laws, rules and regulations on eligibility. Employees 
and personnel of the absorbed or integrated offices and agencies may opt to remain 
with their original government affiliation or be transferred and absorbed with the 
Authority which must be exercised within ninety (90) days from notice of the 
absorption and integration. 


Section 18. Headquarters, Offices and Location. 1-he Authority shall have 
its central office and headquarters at the office of the Office for Transportation 
Security (OTS) at Andrews Avenue corner Aurora Boulevard (formerly Tramo Street) 
in Pasay City, or to any place in Metro Manila as the Authority may deem proper 
and appropriate. 
The Authority may also establish field offices as may be 
determined by the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). 
The amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) 
or at least Ten Percent 
(10%) of the initial funding of the Authority shall be appropriated to refurbish and 
renovate the building of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) into a security 
center. 
Section 19. Appropriation. For purposes of reorganizing and constituting 
the Authority, and for carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Authority shall 
have an initial funding of Five Hundred Million Pesos (P500,000,000.00). 
In 
addition, the appropriation, funding and/or budget of the absorbed agency under 
Section 15 of this Act, shall be transferred to the Authority. Appropriation for the 
succeeding years shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. 
Section 20. Penalties for Violations of the Provisions of this Act. 
The 
penalty of not less than six (6) inonths but not more than one (1) year and a fine of 
not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,OOO.OO) but not more than one (1) year 
and a fine of not less than Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,OOO.OO) but not more than 
Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO) shall be imposed upon any person convicted of 
any offense involving violation of any other provisions of this Act. 
Section 21. 
Repealing Clause. 
All laws, executive orders, letters of 
instructions, rules and regulations and other issuances, or provisions thereof, which 
are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or 
inodified accordingly. 
Section 22. 
Separability Clause. 
The provisions of this Act are hereby 
If any provision or portion thereof shall be held invalid or 
declared separable. 
unconstitutional, the other provisions will remain in full force and effect. 
Section 23. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation or in 
the Official Gazette. 
Approved,