Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6275

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ARNULFO “NOLI’P. FUENTEBELLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The transportation industry is crucial to economic development as it facilitates
trade and movement of people, goods and services within a state and across borders.
Efficient transportation systems are vital to the growth of both domestic and
international economy. Efficient air, land, and marine transportation systems require
seamlessness and accessibility. However, these requirements for efficiency make
transportation systems highly vulnerable to terrorist attacks and other forms of
unlawful interference, which undermine the security of the commuting public;

The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks of the United States Pentagon and the
twin towers of the World Trade Center, the train bombing in Madrid (Spain); and the
bus explosion in Northern Israel are just some of the many incidents demonstrating
such vulnerability, In the Philippines, the sinking of the Super Ferry and the Rizal Day
bombings of the LRT and the takeover of an air traffic control tower in NAIA by armed
elements, in 2003, are some incidents which illustrate the susceptibility of the various
modes of transport to acts of unlawful interference;

On August 23, 2010, twenty one (21) tourists from Hong Kong and four Filipinos
had been taken hostage, by a policeman with a professional grievance, at the Quirino
Grandstand in Manila, resulting to the tragic death of eight foreigners. The hostage
crisis also resulted to diplomatic fallout between the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong and Chinese officials demanded an investigation, compensation for
the victims, and an official apology. Hong Kong also imposed sanctions —issuing a
travel ban against the Philippines and revoking visa~free privileges for Manila's
government officials while angry Hong Kong employers threatened to fire their Filipino
domestic helpers. Indeed, the repercussion of such incidents appears to be incalculable;


Recent events, such as the destruction of a Russian passenger jet above the Sinai
Peninsula on October 31, 2015, apparently by a bomb aboard the aircraft, and the
bombings in Brussels, Belgium, on March 22, 2016, renewed concerns over the security
vulnerabilities of airport terminals and mass transit stations. Once again, the security of
transportation systems became a major focus of policy discussions worldwide;

Transportation security has always been and will always become a global
concern due to the continuing threat of terrorism and other forms of unlawful
interference. Disruptions in air, sea and land commerce operations; and, the
diminishing confidence in transportation systems that goes along with such disruptions,
significantly hamper economic growth. This is the reason why countries all over the
world have incorporated transportation security measures in conventions and codes on
civil aviation and maritime transportation and for the increasing regional and
international discussions and dialogues on transportation security for land, rail and
inland waterways transportation.;

As member of the community of nations and signatory state to international
conventions, the Philippines is expected to dutifully comply with the provisions of the
transportation security administration in Maritime travel under International Maritime
Organization (IMO) as stated in the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
(ISPS CODE) and in Civil Aviation provided in Annex 17 of the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO);

As a responsible member of the international community, the Philippine
government performs its international obligation in ensuring security of the
international travels. On January 30, 2004, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued
Executive Order No. 277 creating the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), an
agency attached to the Department of Transportation Communication. Executive Order
277 reconstituted the National Council for Civil Aviation Security (NCCAS) to
the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC). As response to the
international mandate calling for a single authority for securing all modes of
transportation in the Philippines per the ICAO and IMO guidelines, President Arroyo
issued Executive Order No. 311 on April 26, 2004, amending E.O. 277, and designating
the OTS as the single authority responsible for the security of all transportation modes
in the country;

Transportation security governance in the Philippines is characterized by
institutional and the technical complexity arising from the numerous entities
performing transportation security related functions such as the Civil Aeronautics
Board (CAB), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Ports
Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Subic Bay Metropolitan
Authority (SBMA), Cebu Ports Authority (CPA), Bases Conversion Development
Authority (BCDA), Philippine Veterans Investment and Development Corporation

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(PHIVIDEC), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising
Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group (PNP-
ASG), Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG), Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG), Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP), when appropriate, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),
Airport Police (AP), Customs Police (CP), Metro Manila Development Authority
(MMpA), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), Philippine National Railways (PNR),
Metro Rail Transit (MRT 3 Office), and Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao.
Most of these agencies perform regulatory functions while some are involved in both
regulation and operations, and some, to a certain extent, in service provision to end-
users. This raises concerns about lines of supervision and control, the system of checks
and balances, conflicts of interest, and accountability. Hence the need for an oversight
body to check and ensure compliance to international standards by these implementing
and regulatory agencies. Transforming OTS into a commission performing oversight
and policy determining functions is, therefore, a logical conclusion;

An independent and single authority performing oversight function for
transportation security becomes essential given the network characteristics of
international and domestic travel and the consequent accountability challenges that
exist in the transportation sector, which includes: (1) organizations’ propensity to
blame-shift because of sheer number involved in any one regulatory regime, and
because of the scale and scope of the regulatory landscape (2) technical complexity and
contestability of regulatory tasks involved; (3) opacity of the regulatory processes; and
(4) unwillingness of accountee to be called to account by the accountor;

The transformation of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) into the
National Transportation Security Regulatory Commission (NTSRC) could pave the way
for the development and improvement of transportation security governance necessary
for bringing about a competitive and world-class transportation industry that is
responsive to the needs of a fast-growing economy and to ensuring reliability and
security of transportation services and infrastructure;

Just like the first world countries in America and Europe, as well as in Asia, the
transportation industry in the Philippines is facing several challenges in the area of
transportation security which, if not systematically addressed, could potentially
jeopardize the phenomenal and unprecedented growth the country has been
experiencing in the recent years.

The fast growing economy of the Philippines, itself, presents a significant
challenge because intensified economic activities result to a more intensified movement
of people, goods and services.

With this comes a greater exposure to safety and security risks that may result in
accidents or disasters that will ultimately have a negative impact on the economy and
endanger the lives of the country’s citizens. Thus, defining and criminalizing acts of
unlawful interference transportation systems, and imposing stringent penalties and
sanctions to such acts or to any violations of transportation security regulations becomes

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mandatory. Moreover, further improvement in the present institutional arrangement for
transportation security to enhance the system of accountability becomes necessary in
light of the continuing threats to the security of transportation systems in the country.
The system of accountability ensures that relevant government agencies, as well as
industry players, task to perform functions geared towards deterrence, protection, and
response to terrorist attacks and other acts of unlawful interference, are performing their
functions effectively and efficiently, thereby reducing the possibility and mitigating the
consequences of terrorist attacks.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

ARNULFO “NOLIKP. HUENTEBELLA

Fourth an) arines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6275

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ARNULFO “NOLI”P, FUENTEBELLA.

AN ACT
TRANSFORMING THE OFFICE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY INTO THE
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY REGULATORY COMMISSION AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

CHAPTER I
TITLE AND DECLARATION OF POLICY

SEC. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Transportation
Security Act of 2016”, It shall hereinafter be referred to as the Act.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State:

a) To recognize the vital role of public transportation in nation building economic
growth, protecting and promoting the rights of its people to a secured
transportation system through the adoption and promulgation of Transportation
Security Programs covering all modes of transport : civil aviation, maritime, land
and rail, and inland transportation systems, following international standards
and practices.

b) To ensure compliance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation
(Chicago Convention) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974 (SOLAS Convention). As a member of the community of nations and
signatory State to international conventions, the Philippines shall faithfully
comply with the provisions of: Chapter XI-2 otherwise known as, the
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS CODE) of the
International Maritime Organization (IMO); Annex 17 of International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its other security related annexes; and such


other transport security related international conventions, agreements and

protocols.

To ensure that responsibilities are properly delineated and allocated among and

between government agencies responsible in the security of transportation

system to avoid conflict of interest and establish accountability.

To ensure that prescribed transportation security standards, policies, and rules

and regulations are in accordance with international agreements and conventions

and the practices are in accordance with international norms. The National

Transportation Security Regulatory Commission, created under this act, shall

ensure that policies and standards are enforced.

e) To harmonize all regulatory policies which are being implemented by various
government regulatory agencies and ensure that they are consistent with the
State’s commitment under various international conventions.

°

d)

CHAPTER II
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY STRUCTURE

SEC. 3. Organization. - The transportation security structure shall be divided
into three (3) sectors, namely: civil aviation, maritime, land and rail.

In line with the policy declaration of the State, the following agencies shall be
subject to the oversight power of the National Transportation Security Regulation
Commission (NTSRC): Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP); Maritime
Industry Authority (MARINA); Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); Land Transportation
Office (LTO); and Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB);
including government and private airport, sea port, and land transportation operators.

CHAPTER III
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY PROGRAM

SEC 4. Adoption and Formulation of National Transportation Security Programs.-The
State shall adopt the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP), in accordance
with the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention); a National
Security Program for Sea Transport and Maritime Infrastructure (NSPSTMI) in
accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS
Convention); and shall develop and formulate National Security Programs for Land and
Rail transportation.

SEC 5. Promulgation of Transportation Security Programs.- Within six (6) months
from the effectivity of this Act, the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP),
the National Security Program for Sea Transport and Maritime Infrastructure
(NSPSTMN), and the National Security Program for Land and Rail Transportation
(NSPLRT) shall be promulgated by the Commission. The Commission shall conduct


sectoral consultations with various stakeholders. The various transportation Security
Programs shall undergo mandatory review every five (5) years.

Pursuant to the Transportation Security Programs, the Commission shall also
establish and implement, for the three (3) modes of transportation, a National
Transportation Security Training Program (NTSTP), for the training of personnel
involved in or responsible for the implementation of transportation security measures;
and a National Transportation Security Quality Control Program (NTSQCP), for
measuring compliance with and validating effectiveness of the Transportation Security
Programs.

CHAPTER IV
REGULATION FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

SEC. 6. Transformation of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS). - The
OTS, created by virtue of Executive Order No. 277, as amended by Executive Order No.
311, is hereby transformed into the National Transportation Security Regulatory
Commission (NTSRC), hereinafter referred to as the Commission, an independent and
single regulatory oversight body for the security of transportation systems, with quasi-
judicial and quasi-legislative powers.

The Commission is the authority with respect to the implementation of Annex 17
to the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) and other civil
aviation security related conventions; and shall be the Designated Authority and
Administration with respect to the implementation of the International Ship and Port
Facility Security (ISPS) Code of the 1974 Safety of Life as Sea (SOLAS) Convention.

The Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and four (4) members to be
appointed by the President of the Philippines. The Chairman and the members of the
Commission shall be natural-born citizens and residents of the Philippines, persons of
good moral character, at least thirty-five (35) years of age, and of recognized
competence in any of the following fields: transportation security, transportation
engineering, transportation security management, with at least three (3) years actual
and distinguished experience in their respective fields of expertise: Provided, That of the
five (5) members of the Commission, one shall come from the civil aviation sector, one
from the maritime sector and another from land transport or rail sector, with at least
five (5) years of experience in active practice in their respective field. Provided further,
that one (1) shall be a member of the Philippine Bar with at least five (5) years of
experience in the practice of law, preferably in the field of transportation.

Within three (3) months from the creation of the Commission, the Chairman shall
submit, for the approval by the President of the Philippines, a new organizational
structure, staffing pattern and position classification necessary to carry out the powers
and functions of the Commission.


The Chairman of the Commission shall act as the Chief Executive Officer of the
Commission.

All members of the Commission shall have a term of seven (7) years: Provided,
That for the first set of appointees, the Chairman shall hold office for seven (7) years,
two (2) members shall hold office for five (5) years and the other two (2) members shall
hold office for three (3) years; Provided further, that there shall be no reappointment for
another term and in no case shall any member serve for more than seven (7) years in the
Commission, Members of the Commission shall not be suspended or removed from
office except for just cause as specified by law. In case of vacancy in the position of the
Chairman of the Commission, the President shall appoint a new Chairman from among
the two most senior members of the Commission who shall continue to serve as
Chairman until the completion of seven (7) years of service in the Commission.

The Chairman and members of the Commission shall assume office at the
beginning of their terms: Provided, that if upon the effectivity of this Act, the
Commission has not been constituted and the new staffing pattern and plantilla
positions have not been approved and filled up, the current and existing personnel of
OTS shall continue to hold office.

The existing personnel of the OTS shall be given priority in the filling up of
plantilla positions created for the Commission, subject to existing civil service rules and
regulations,

The Chairman and members of the Commission shall avoid conflict of interest
and shall be prohibited from holding any interest whatsoever, either as investor,
stockholder, officer or director, in any company or entity engaged in the business of
transportation and must, therefore, divest, through sale or other legal disposition, any
and all interest in the transportation sector upon assumption of office.

The Chairman and members of the Commission shall ensure transparency in
governance and shall submit to the President and the congressional committees with
jurisdiction to the Commission, the list of their relatives, within the fourth civil degree
of consanguinity or affinity, legitimate or illegitimate, holding any interest whatsoever,
either as investor, stockholder, officer or director, in any company or entity engaged in
the business of transportation and of any and all interest they have in the transportation
sector.

The Commission shall meet at least once a month to tackle its order of business.
Majority members of the Commission may call for a special meeting if the need arises.
The President may, at any time, direct the Commission to convene to discuss important
transportation security issues.

The presence of at least three (3) members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum and the majority vote of members in a meeting where a quorum is present shall


be necessary for the adoption of any rule, ruling, order, resolution, decision, or other
acts of the Commission.

The organizational structure of the Commission shall be defined in the IRR of this
Act.

SEC 7. Compensation and Other Emoluments for Personnel of the Commission.-
The compensation and other emoluments for the Chairman and members of the
Commission and its personnel shall be exempted from the coverage of Republic Act No.
6758, otherwise known as the “Salary Standardization Act”, For this purpose, the
schedule of compensation of the Commission personnel, except for the salaries and
compensation of the Chairman and members of the Commission, shall be submitted for
approval to the President of the Philippines. The new schedule of compensation shall
be implemented within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act and may be
upgraded by the President of the Philippines as the need arises: Provided, That in no case
shall the rate be upgraded more than once a year.

The Chairman and members of the Commission shall be entitled to the same
salaries, allowances and benefits as those of the Justices of the Court of Appeals. The
Chairman and the members of the Commission shall, upon completion of their term or
upon becoming eligible for retirement under existing laws, be entitled to the same
retirement benefits and the privileges provided for Justices of the Court of Appeals.

SEC 8. Enhancement of Technical Competence. - The Commission shall establish
rigorous training programs for its staff for the purpose of enhancing the technical
competence of the Commission in the following areas: impact assessment, evaluation
and audit of technical performance and monitoring of compliance with service and
performance standards, environmental standards, transportation security standards,
transportation infrastructure standards, transportation education and training, and such
other areas as will enable the Commission to adequately perform its functions or
exercise its powers.

The Commission shall establish its own educational and training institute for the
enhancement of knowledge and skills of personnel performing transportation security
related responsibilities within the transportation security industry. Provided, that the
Commission shall prioritize education and training programs not provided by private
entities. Provide further that education and training for the development of core
competencies necessary in the exercise of regulatory power of the Commission shall be
given priority in the education and training budget of the Commission.

SEC 9. Budget and Assets of the Commission. - The amount of FIVE HUNDRED
MILLION PESOS (P500,000,000.00) is hereby allocated for the initial operation of the
Commission. Any deficit shall initially be sourced from the Office of the President of the
Philippines. Thereafter, the annual budget of the Commission shalll be included in the
regular or special appropriations, The existing assets and/or liabilities, if any, of the
OTS shall likewise be assumed by the NISRC. Not less than two (2) percent of the total


allocation for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) budget shall be
used for relevant trainings of personnel of the Commission.

SEC 10. Powers and Functions of the NTSRC. -The Commission shall serve as the
single regulatory oversight body for promoting security in the transportation industry
in order to ensure public welfare and penalize violations of transportation security
regulations. Towards this end, it shall be responsible for the following key functions in
the security of the transportation systems:

a.

b.

Review, revise and approve National Transportation Security Programs, its
training and quality control program and other related programs.

Ensure compliance with international minimum standards for transportation
security, especially for international conventions and multilateral/bilateral
agreements where the Philippines is a state party, through promulgation of
protocols, standards, rules and regulations;

- Provide technical inputs to agreements being negotiated between the

Philippines and other countries in relation to transportation security concerns;

|. Promote desirable and inhibit undesirable transportation policies of

regulatory agencies through the facilitation of evidence-based decision
making;

. Assist the DOTr and other regulatory agencies within the transportation

industry in strategic planning and design of regulatory policies;

Issue guidelines on the quality of; or, conduct security assessments and other

evaluative tools related to transportation security standards, rules and
regulations;

. Review existing rules and regulations related to transportation security

undertaken by transportation industry participants and agencies, and
recommend or require impact assessment or changes to improve quality;

.. Review proposed rules and regulations related to transportation security and

recommend or require security assessment and/or changes;

Review newly issued rules and regulations related to transportation security
and recommend or require impact assessment and/or changes;

Formulate and issue, after due notice and hearing, transportation security
standards, rules and regulations, including penalties and sanctions;

. Issue specific security directives to transportation operators, law enforcement

agencies and other relevant entities charged with the security of the
transportation system;

“Transport operators” are any person holding government franchise or
permit to operate any public means of transport and/or public transport
facilities.

Promote capacity building on transportation security;

. Adjudicate cases arising from non-compliance to transportation security

standards, rules and regulations, provided, the decisions of the Commission

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on such cases are immediately executory; and, which may only be restrained
or enjoined by Court Order;

n. Issue subpoena duces tecum and/or ad testificandum in any investigation or
hearing;

©. Impose fines and penalties for non-compliance with or breach of this Act, or
the IRR, standards, rules and regulations issued by the Commission,
including but not limited to the suspension or revocation of any license,
permit or certificate which authorizes the operation of public means of
transport or public transport facilities;

p. Before the end of April of each year, submit to the Office of the President of
the Philippines and Congress, copy furnished the DOTr, an annual report
containing such matters or cases which have been filed before or referred to it
during the preceding year, the actions and proceedings undertaken and its
decision or resolution in each case. The Commission shall make copies of such
reports available to any interested party upon payment of a charge which
reflects the printing costs. The Commission shall publish all its decisions in at
least one (1) newspaper of general circulation, and/or post electronically and
circulate to all interested transportation industry participants copies of its
resolutions to ensure fair and impartial treatment;

q. Monitor the activities in the transportation industry with the end view of
promoting security; consequently, enjoin the transportation sector to
cooperate and coordinate with the Commission;

r, Initiate legal action against any person for violation of transportation security
related laws, rules and regulations;

s. In coordination with law enforcement agencies, access premises of any
transportation operators in case of an act of unlawful interference and if the
access is necessary to prevent such act;

t. In the exercise of its oversight function, inspect, audit, survey and test motu
proprio through its duly authorized representative documents, records,
facilities or systems, at any time for purposes of determining compliance with
transportation security standards, rules and regulations;

u. Enforce the Implementing Rules and Regulations of this Act;

v. Perform such other functions as are appropriate and necessary in order to
preserve and promote transportation security.

SEC. 11. Transportation Security Committees. It is hereby created the National

Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) to coordinate security activities between or
among departments, agencies and other instrumentalities of the government, airport
and aircraft operators, air traffic service providers and other entities concerned with or
responsible for the implementation of the various aspects of the National Civil Aviation
Security Program (NCASP).

‘The NCASC shalll be composed of the following:

Chairman, NTSRC Ex-Officio

u


Secretary, Department of Transportation Vice Chairman
Secretary, Department of Interior and Local Government Vice Chairman
General Manager, Manila International Airport

Authority Member
General Manager, Mactan-Cebu International

Airport Authority Member
President, Clark International Airport

Corporation Member
Administrator, Subic Bay Metropolitan

Administration Member
Director General, Civil Aviation Authority of the

Philippines Member
Director, Philippine National Police Aviation

Security Group Member
Commissioner, Bureau of Customs Member
Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration Member

Undersecretary for Policy, Department of Foreign Affairs | Member
Director General, National Intelligence Coordinating
Agency Member

The NCASC, through its Chairman, may invite resource persons from other
agencies of the government and from the private sector, as may be necessary.

The Commission may also create security committees for maritime and land
transportation systems to facilitate the allocation of tasks and coordination of
responsibilities and activities between or among government agencies.

SEC. 12. Transportation Security Regulation Fund (TSRF). The Commission may
collect or levy fees and charges for licenses, permits, certificates issued and other
services rendered to transportation security stakeholders, which shall form part of the
TSRF.

The seaport and airport authorities, including privately operated airport and
seaports, are hereby authorized and directed to collect transportation security fees
which shall also form part of the TSRF. The TSRF shall accrue to the Commission to
support its operation, subject to usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.
The TSRF shall be released annually to the Commission, subject to the schedule to be
determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

CHAPTER V
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFENSES AGAINST TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

SEC. 13. Other Offenses. Administrative liability shall attach to any person or entity
who:

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a. refuses or fails, without reasonable justification, to provide information or to give
access to transportation facilities, necessary in the performance of the regulatory
or oversight functions of the Commission;

b. refuses or fails, without reasonable justification to comply with the standards,
tules and regulations issued by the Commission;

¢. refuses or fails, without reasonable justification to comply with security
directives issued by the Commission;

SEC. 14. Administrative Penalties. The Commission shall have the power to impose
fines and penalties for violation of Sec. 18 hereof, consisting of:

a. a fine of not less than one hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) but not exceeding
one million pesos (P1,000,000); and/or

b. suspension or revocation of any license, permit or certificate to operate public
transportation;

(CHAPTER VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 15. Separation Benefits of Officials and Employees of the Office for
Transportation Security (OTS). - Officials and employees of OTS who opt to be
separated from the service as a result of the transformation of the OTS into the
Commission, shall be entitled to either separation pay and other benefits in accordance
with existing laws, rules or regulations or benefits and other privileges provided under
a separation plan which shall be proposed by the Commission subject to the approval of
the President. In no case shall there be any diminution of benefits under the separation
plan until the full implementation of the transformation of OTS into the Commission.

Officials and employees of OTS who opted to be separated may re-apply to and
be absorbed by the Commission; provided, however, that they shall start their
government service anew.

CHAPTER VII
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 16, Statutory Construction, - The provisions of this Act shall be liberally
construed to achieve the preservation and promotion of transportation security.

SEC. 17. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission shall adopt

Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within sixty (60) days upon approval of this
Act.

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SEC. 18. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 19. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, letters of instructions,
rules and regulations and other issuances, or provisions thereof, inconsistent with any
of the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed and amended accordingly.

SEC. 20, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,