REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 933

Introduced by MAGDALO Party List Representatives Gary C. Alejano
andFranciscoAshley L. Acedillo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act No. 6975 established the Philippine National Police (PNP) under a
Reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government. This law stated that PNP
is supposed to have a Maritime Police Unit, to absorb the police functions of the Coast
Guard and to be provided with sea capabilities.

‘Admittedly, this move is impractical in view of the fact that the PNP has already a great
deal of obligations on land to be burdened with additional responsibilities at sea, Other
agencies, such as the Coast Guard and the Navy, are better oriented to cover our
territorial waters. Likewise, the rivers, lakes and coastal areas within localities are better
covered by the local government units.

The concept of a Maritime Police Command only conveys a duplication of work that can
create conflicts with the functions of other existing agencies. Coordination and
rationalization of law enforcement agencies on land, as it is, has already been
problematic. With this reality, additional difficulties at sea will no longer be necessary.

In this light, this bill seeks to amend Republic Act No. 6975 by removing the maritime
functions of the PNP.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is eamestly sought.

. <

ARY C. ALEJANO iCISCO ASHLEY L. ACEDILLO-


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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.

Introduced by MAGDALO Party List Representatives Gary C. Alejano
and Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo

TO REMOVE THE moma A eaTEN OF THE PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL POLICE, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED 6975
Be in enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. The last paragraph of Sec. 24 of R.A. 6975 is hereby amended to
read as follows:
“In addition, the PNP shall absorb the office of the National Action
Committee on Anti-Hijacking (NACAH) of the Department of National Defense,
AND all the functions of the present Philippine Air Force Security Command
(PAFSECOM) [, as well as the police functions of the Coast Guard]. In order to
perform its powers and functions efficiently and effectively, the PNP shall be
provided with adequate land [, sea,] and air capabilities and all necessary material

means or resources.”

SEC. 2. The first paragraph of Sec. 35 of R.A. No. 6975 is hereby amended to
read as follows:
“SEC. 35. Support Units. - The PNP shall be supported by administrative

and operational support units. The administrative support units shall consist of the Crime


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Laboratory, Logistics Unit, Communication Unit, Computer Center, Finance Center and
Civil Security Unit.

The operational support units shall be composed of the [Maritime Police Unit,] Police
Intelligence Unit, Special Action Force, Narcotics Unit, Aviation Security Unit, Traffic
Management Unit, the Medical and Dental Centers and the Civil Relations Unit. To
enhance police operational efficiency and effectiveness, the Chief of the PNP may
constitute such other support units as may be necessary subject to the approval of the
Commission: Provided, That no support unit headed by a chief superintendent or a higher

rank can be created unless provided by law.”

SEC. 3. Sub-paragraph (1) on Maritime Police Unit of paragraph (b) of Sec. 35
of R.A. 6975 is hereby deleted, and subsequent sub-paragraphs (2) to (10) are hereby

renumbered accordingly as (1) to (9), respectively.

SEC. 4. Nothing in this Act shall prevent particular local units of the PNP from
performing police functions over rivers, lakes and coastal areas in their jurisdiction,
especially those not reached by the Coast Guard, nor prevent said units from developing

the capability to cover such rivers, lakes and coastal areas.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval and publication in the

Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,