Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 0092

Introduced by Representative GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

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

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
EO. 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 (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 (MMDA), 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

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— enna

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 (NISRC) 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
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.

Therefore, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

GLORIA PAGAL ARROYO
2nd District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.0 092

Introduced by Representative GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO.

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Philippine
Transportation Security Act of 2017”. It shall hereinafter be referred to as the Act.

SECTION 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,
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.
d) 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

b)

iS


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.

CHAPTER IL
TRANSPORTATION SECURITY STRUCTURE

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

Inline 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 IIL
NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SECURITY PROGRAM

SEC 8, 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 9. 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 (NSPSTM1), 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. 10. Transformation of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS). The OTS,
cteated 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 11. 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 12. 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

7


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 13. 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 shall 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 NTSRC. 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 14. 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. Review, revise and approve National Transportation Security Programs, its
training and quality control program and other related programs.

b. 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

d. Promote desirable and inhibit undesirable transportation policies of regulatory
agencies through the facilitation of evidence-based decision making;

e. Assist the DOTr and other regulatory agencies within the transportation industry
in strategic planning and design of regulatory policies;

f. Issue guidelines on the quality of; or, conduct security assessments and other
evaluative tools related to transportation. security standards, rules and
regulations;

g. 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;

h. Review proposed rules and regulations related to transportation security and
recommend or require security assessment and/or changes;

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

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

k. 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.

1. Promote capacity building on transportation security;

m, Adjudicate cases arising from non-compliance to transportation security
standards, rules and regulations, provided, the decisions of the Commission 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;

8. 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 securi

Sec. 16. 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 shall be composed of the following:

Chairman, NTSRC Ex-Officio Chairman
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. 17. 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 TSRE.

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

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, rules
and regulations issued by the Commission;

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

SEC. 19. 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 VIL
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 22. Statutory Construction. - The provisions of this Act shall be liberally
construed to achieve the preservation and promotion of transportation security.

SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission shall adopt
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) within sixty (60) days upon approval of this
Act.

SEC. 24. 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. 25. Applicability and 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. 26. Effectivity Clause. - ‘This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
following its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in

the Official Gazette of the Philippine Government,

Approved,