NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1 330
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*22 SEP 19 P3 38
Rl'CEiVi.u oV
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE RISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DEFINING 
ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "the State shall 
pursue an Independent foreign policy- i^s relations with other states, the paramount 
consideration shall be national sovereignty, territorial Integrity, national interest, and 
the right to self-determination. "Further, Article XII, Section 2 mandates that, "the State 
shall protect the nation's marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, and 
exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino 
citizens."
The "Philippine Rise", formerly known as the "Benham Rise," as per Executive 
Order No. 25, series of 2017, is a twenty-four (24) million hectare undersea feature 
sea located within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well 
as the outer limits of the continental shelf in accordance with the recommendations of 
the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) issued in April 2012.
It serves as the "gateway" and is a solution to countries located and near the 
Pacific region in lessening the challenges paves by long distance travel such as fuel and 
labor expenses. Its strategic location permits navigation to the Pacific Region and 
serves as a critical entry point for neighboring countries; thereby an ideal base 
business.
Further, according to the University of the Philippines - Institute of Maritime 
Affairs and Law of the Sea Director Jay Batongbacal, the underwater plateau contains 
untapped natural gas and heavy metals. In addition, the area is rich in manganese 
deposits which is a vital component of steel production and as an ingredient of fertilizers 
and ceramics. While, Armed Forces of the Philippines Researcher Rowena Tatad


reported that the Benham Bank, the shallowest part of the plateau, has minerals such 
as methane hydrate to which Geologist Hobart King anticipates to be a "next energy 
game changer" in the coming years since it stores an immense amount of energy when 
harnessed. Aside from that, the bank also houses a diverse community of marine life, 
including various soft and hard corals, algae, sponges, and fish.
Considering its substantial size and the existence of marine, oil, and other 
natural resources, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered the conduct of 
extensive research and exploration to tap and accelerate the sound and sustainable 
development of the Philippine Rise particularly on its potential to be a tourism 
destination and possible source of alternative energy and marine resources. He also 
directed the relevant naval forces to protect the area from external threats.
Therefore, an effective institutional mechanism is imperative to be established 
to address the need for an integrated approach in the formulation and implementation 
of various development plans, programs, and projects that will optimize the full 
potential of the Philippine Rise. Thus, this bill seeks to create the Philippine Rise 
Resource Development Authority which shall promote, coordinate, and facilitate the 
active and extensive participation of all sectors to effect the exploration, study, 
utilization, and development of the Philippine Rise. The Authority shall also be the lead 
agency to enforce the rights of the State over the area, including the conduct of 
research and exploration.
Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1330
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•22 SEP 19 P3 38
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Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE RISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, DEFINING 
ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Philippine Rise Resource
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Development Authority Act".
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to give paramount
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consideration to the State's national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest,
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and the right to self-determination. The "Philippine Rise", formerly known as the
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"Benham Rise," as per Executive Order No. 25, series of 2017, is a twenty-four (24)
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million hectare undersea feature sea located within the Philippine exclusive economic
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zone and continental shelf, as well as the outer limits of the continental shelf in
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accordance with the recommendations of the Commission on the Limits of the
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Continental Shelf (CLCS) which has a rich source of alternative energy, marine resources
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and a possible tourism destination. The creation of a Philippine Rise Resource
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Development Authority shall promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active and extensive
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participation of all sectors to effect the exploration, study, utilization, and development
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of the Philippine Rise.
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SEC. 3. Creation of the Philippine Rise Resource Development Authority. - There
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is hereby created a "Philippine Rise Resource Development Authority", hereinafter
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referred to as the "Authority", which shall promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active


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and extensive participation of all sectors to effect the exploration, study, utilization, and 
development of the Philippine Rise. The Authority shall also be the lead agency to 
enforce the rights of the State over the area, including the conduct of research and 
exploration.
It shall be an attached agency to the National Economic Development Authority 
(NEDA) and shall establish its principal office in the Aurora Pacific Economic and 
Freeport Zone otherwise known as the "APECO" and may put up such branches as may 
be necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act.
SEC. 4. Coverage. - The Authority shall cover all natural resources located at 
the Philippine Rise, encompassing more or less 13-million hectare underwater plateau 
within coordinates 119o30'E to 132°00,E and IZolO'N to 20°30'N latitude, as provided 
in the decision of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which 
states that the aforementioned landmass is part of the Philippine's continental shelf and 
territory.
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Philippine Rise Resource Development 
Authority. - In the exercise of its mandate, the Authority shall have the following powers 
and functions:
a) Formulate an integrated development framework for the Philippine Rise that 
is consistent with the development initiatives of the national government, as 
far as practicable;
b) Integrate, prioritize, program, and implement, whenever allowed and 
authorized by applicable laws, programs, activities, and projects at the 
Philippine Rise, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, 
subject to such limitations prescribed by existing laws, rules and regulations;
c) Recommend to and, whenever necessary, call upon the proper agencies on 
the technical support, physical assistance and, generally, the level of priority 
to be accorded to environmental, agricultural, fisheries, energy, industrial, 
commercial. Infrastructure, tourism, technological and scientific programs 
and projects soliciting or requiring direct or indirect help from or through the 
national government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities;
d) Advocate national policies that will foster the integrated, balanced, and 
sustainable development of the Philippine Rise;
e) Promote and facilitate public and private investments in any field that would 
enhance the economic development of the Philippine Rise in close 
coordination with agencies primarily mandated to undertake such functions;


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f) Explore other sources of financing, if applicable or necessary, for priority 
Philippine Rise-related programs, projects and activities;
g) Coordinate and facilitate the extension of necessary planning, management 
and technical assistance to prospective and existing investors, 
complementary and in support of agencies primarily mandated to execute 
such functions;
h) Establish a comprehensive and integrated database on the Philippine Rise 
needed for planning and decision making;
i) Monitor, evaluate and formulate recommendations in the implementation of 
development programs, activities and projects involving the Philippine Rise;
j) Provide strategic direction for the sustainable and long-term development of 
the Philippine Rise;
k) Establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure the timely implementation of the 
Philippine Rise projects, whenever necessary, as far as practicable, including, 
but not limited to, public-private partnership;
l) Review and recommend for approval by the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA) Board such Philippine Rise programs, 
projects, and plans by the national government and donor agencies subject 
to existing laws, rules and regulations;
m) Act as the official and permanent lead agency of the government in 
coordinating the formulation and implementation of policies and programs;
n) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests or gifts, in 
cash or in kind, from foreign governments. International agencies, private 
entities and other sources, including ODA, to be used in the development of 
the Philippine Rise, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations;
o) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire, purchase, hold, lease, 
transfer, dispose of property of any kind or nature to carry out the purposes 
to this Act; and,
p) Any other function/s that may be deemed necessary or as may be provided 
by law.
The Authority, through the Administrator, shall submit to the President and 
Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and activities.
SEC. 6. Board of Directors. - The power of the Authority shall be vested in and 
exercised by a Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the "Board", which shall 
manage and supervise the overall directions and thrusts of the Authority. It shall be 
composed of the following:


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a) The NEDA Director-General, which shall act as the Chairman of the Board;
b) The Administrator of the Authority, which shall act as the Vice-Chairman of 
the Board; and
c) Nine (9) other members composed of the following:
i. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary or 
his/her duly authorized representative;
ii. The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary or his/her duly authorized 
representative;
iii. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary or his/her duly authorized 
representative;
iv. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary or his/her duly 
authorized representative;
V. The Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary or his/her duly authorized 
representative;
vi. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant or his/her duly authorized 
representative;
vii. Three (3) representatives from the private sector to be appointed by the 
President, upon the recommendation of the other members of the Board, comprising of 
one (1) representative each from the following:
(1) Business Sector;
(2) Academic Sector; and
(3) Science Sector
The term of the three (3) representatives from the private sector shall be six (6) 
years: Provided, That at the initial appointment of such members, the second member 
to be appointed shall only serve a term of four (4) years and the third member to be 
appointed shall only serve a term of two (2) years: Provided, further. That they shall 
continue to hold office until their successors shall have been appointed. All vacancies, 
prior to the expiration of the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term only.
Members of the Board shall receive a per diem at a rate to be determined by the 
Governance Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GCG), in 
accordance with existing rules and regulations. Provided, however. That the per diem 
collected per month does not exceed the equivalent per diem of four (4) meetings. 
Provided, further. That the amount of per diem for every Board meeting may be


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increased by the President or GCG but such amount shall not be increased within two 
(2) years from its last increase.
The Board shall have the following functions:
a) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority's work and thrusts for the 
Philippine Rise;
b) Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent with the 
overall national development goals and objectives;
c) Ensure that the programs of the Authority are consistent with regional and 
local development plans, programs, and projects and vice versa for purposes 
of harmonization;
d) Explore sources for financing of priority Philippine Rise plans, programs, 
projects and activities;
e) Create committees/task forces as may be deemed necessary in the 
accomplishment of duties and functions;
f) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the constitution 
of a quorum and other rules and regulations in the conduct of Board 
meetings; and
g) Perform such functions, as may be necessary, to carry out the purposes of 
this Act.
SEC. 7. Administrator. - The Authority shall be headed by an Administrator 
which shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon recommendation of 
the NEDA Director-General. The Administrator shall serve a term of six (6) years from 
the date of his/her appointment unless sooner separated from service due to death, 
voluntary resignation, or removal for cause. Provided, That no person shall be appointed 
as Administrator unless he/she is a holder of a degree in law or a masters degree in 
any of the following fields: economics, business, public administration, law, 
management or their equivalent and have at least ten (10) years relevant experience 
in said fields. Provided, further. That he/she shall be a resident of the Philippines for at 
least five (5) years before the appointment.
SEC. 8. Powers and Duties of the Administrator. - The Administrator shall have 
the following powers and duties:
a) To direct and manage the affairs of the Authority in accordance with the 
policies of the Board;


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b) Call and preside meetings of the Board and see to it that the policies, 
programs and rules and regulations are implemented properly;
c) Call on outstanding and credible individuals in the formulation and 
implementation of a comprehensive and integrated development plan for the 
Philippine Rise, the preparation of investment programming priorities, annual 
reports, and other pertinent documents approved by the Authority;
d) Identify solutions to key issues and concerns, taking into account related 
risks, affected parties and impact, in coordination with the Board and key 
stakeholders;
e) Advocate the Authority's work among the various concerned sectors and 
stakeholders;
f) Call on any agency, group, individual member of the Board, local government 
unit, and host community to address issues and concerns relating to the 
implementation of major programs, projects and activities;
g) Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of the Philippine Rise 
related programs, projects and activities;
h) Endorse to the Board all policy recommendations, plans and programs for 
approval;
i) Accept, on behalf of the Authority, donations, contributions, grants and 
bequests or gifts, in cash or in kind, from members, foreign governments, 
international agencies, private entities or any individual for purpose that will 
realize the functions of the Authority;
j) Supervise administrative operations including disbursement of any fund of 
the Authority, subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures, and 
submit reports thereon;
k) Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the Board;
l) Appoint all employees of the Authority, and remove, dismiss or otherwise 
discipline for any authorized cause, such employees in accordance with the 
standard guidelines for recruitment, employment, and discipline in the Civil 
Service Code;
m) Represent the Authority in all dealings with other offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the government and with all persons and entities, public 
or private;
n) Sign agreements and/or contracts on behalf of the Authority, including those 
for expert and consultant services and other reports of accountabilities 
emanating from the Authority; and
o) Such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out the provisions of 
this Act or which are necessary or incidental to his/her office.


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SEC. 9. Secretariat. - A Secretariat is hereby established to serve and assist the 
Board in the effective implementation of this Act. The Secretariat shall be headed by 
the Administrator which shall be assisted by four (4) Deputy Administrators. Provided, 
That no person shall be appointed as a Deputy Administrator unless he/she is a holder 
of a degree in any of the following fields: economics, business, public administration, 
law, management or their equivalent and have at least five (5) years relevant 
experience In said fields: Provided, further. That he/she shall be a resident of the 
Philippines for at least five (5) years prior to his/her appointment and has the requisite 
eligibilities for third level career service position pursuant to the career executive rank 
system.
Upon recommendation of the Administrator, the Board shall approve the 
appointment of the Deputy Administrators.
SEC. 10. Organizational Structure. - The Administrator shall determine the 
organizational structure, staffing pattern and pay scales of the Authority, as may be 
approved by the Board, subject to existing civil service and compensation laws. The 
Administrator, in coordination and with approval of the Board, may also reorganize the 
Authority and may create or abolish divisions, units or branches therein as the 
exigencies of the affairs of the Authority may require.
SEC. 11. Merit System. - All officials and employees of the Authority shall be 
selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance with civil service 
law, rules and regulations. The recruitment, transfer, promotion, and dismissal of all its 
personnel including temporary workers shall be governed by a merit system that will be 
established by the Authority In compliance with existing laws, rules and regulations.
SEC. 12. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall 
be included In the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Administrator, in 
coordination with the DENR, DOE, DA, DOST, DOF, PCG, and NEDA and in consultation 
with other stakeholders shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of effectivity of this 
Act, promulgate and publish the rules and regulations for the effective and 
implementation of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the promulgation of the said 
rules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its 
effectivity.


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SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason or reasons, any part or 
provision of this Act shall be declared as unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or 
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and 
effect.
Sec. 15. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof which are in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
Sec. 16. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the Philippines.
Approved,