NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ] 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ] 
First Regular Session 
]
SENATE
S.B. No. 1055
Senate
of tlii?
■22 AUG-8 filO ;08
RI’CEIVEO BY:
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE RISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
One of the greatest blessings bestowed upon the Filipino people is the 
abundance of ecological diversity and natural wealth found throu^out the islands and 
seas of the Philippines. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of many in advocating 
for the preservation and responsible development of these rich natural resources, our 
country's natural wealth has continually declined due to unjust exploitation and, at 
times, pure negligence.
Since the beginning, the Philippine scientific community and the Government 
of the Republic of the Philippines have worked hand-in-hand to estabiish and solidify 
our claim to sovereign rights over the Philippine Rise and the waters surrounding it. 
After 11 iong years of scientific research and international legal advocacy, the United 
Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continentai Shelf finally approved the claim 
of the Philippines in 2012 and recognized our sovereign rights over 13 million hectares 
of the Philippine Rise region as part of the Philippine Extended Continental Shelf. With 
11.4 million hectares of the Rise already falling within our Exclusive Economic Zone, 
this brought the entire 24.4 million hectares of the Rise under our jurisdiction.


Truly, the Philippines has been made richer by its successful claim over the 
Philippine Rise. The reefscapes and varieties of fish found in the shallower Benham 
Bank, and throughout the entire Philippine Rise region, are important for their 
contributions to marine biodiversity. This is significant not only for ecological purposes, 
but also for bioprospecting. Meanwhile, the large volume of various tuna species found 
in the region showcases a huge potential for commercial fishing as well.
Last, but certainly not least, the seabed of the Philippine Rise holds a potentially 
massive treasure trove of rare and precious mineral resources, the most impactful of 
which may be methane gas hydrates which are composed of natural gas encased in 
ice and usually found deep under the ocean in the seabed. They are highly touted for 
their potential as the so-called "fuel of tomorrow".
This measure takes a responsible, proactive, and forward-looking approach to 
developing the natural resources of the Philippine Rise by establishing the institutional 
mechanism needed to facilitate a coordinated and integrated approach to optimizing 
the full potential of the Philippine Rise, while conserving its ecology and resources for 
the benefit of future generations. This institutional mechanism comes in the form of 
the Philippine Rise Development Authority (PRDA) - a coordinating, policymaking, and 
regulatory body which will serve as a sort of "one-stop-shop" for everything 
concerning the Philippine Rise. The 15-member Board or the PRDA will be chaired by 
the President of the Philippines and will include representatives from pertinent cabinet 
departments and technical agencies. The numerous areas of interest to be covered by 
the PRDA - policy formulation and advocacy, coordination and support for scientific 
research and exploration, environmental protection, and investments promotions - 
backs up the necessity of Its creation.
This is a forward-looking piece of legislation that creates this institutional 
mechanism now, while the Philippine Rise remains pristine and undeveloped, so that 
we will be prepared to meet threats of ecological degradation and irresponsible 
development when they present themselves in later years.


However, on May 16, 2022, it was reported1 there were foreign incursions in 
the Philippine Rise, and that the Department of Foreign Affairs was set to file a 
diplomatic protest over such actions.
In view of the foreign interest lurking around the corner, which threatens once 
again the sovereign rights of the Philippines over our natural resources, and in this 
case, over our definite territory, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought, 
as the creation of the PRDA is a definite exercise of Philippine jurisdiction over our 
extended continental shelf.
1 Philippine Daily Inquirer. “DFA to protest incursions in Philippine Rise, says Palace.
https://globalnation.inquirer.net/203038/clfa-to-protest-incursions-in-philippine-rise-says-
palace#ixzz7W3dJVMXE


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 1 0R5
of flj? fercrptnr^
’22 AUG-8 A10.D9 
received BV:
Introduced by SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN
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 the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Rise 
Development Authority Act" or "PRDA Act"
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State 
to tap and accelerate the sound management and sustainable development of 
the Philippine Rise, particularly on its potential to be a rich source of alternative 
energy and marine resources, and as a possible tourism destination. Towards 
this end, an effective institutional mechanism with due regard to the 
precautionary principle, as well as ecosystem-based and science-based 
approaches, shall be established to address the need for a coordinated and 
Integrated approach in the formulation and implementation of various 
development plans, programs, and projects that will optimize the full potential 
of the Philippine Rise while conserving Its ecology and resources for the benefit 
of future generations.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
SEC. 3. Creation of the Philippine Rise Development Authority. - There 
is hereby created a body corporate to be known as the Philippine Rise 
Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority, which shall 
promote, coordinate and facilitate the active and extensive participation of ail 
sectors to effect the exploration, study, and development, as well as the 
conservation and protection, of the natural resources within the Philippine Rise.
The Authority shall also be the lead agency in conducting scientific 
research and exploration and shall secure the rights of the State over the area. 
Explorations must be done In partnership with the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources - Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), 
Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA- 
BFAR), and academic institutions with the necessary competence to conduct 
rigorous and comprehensive studies in the Philippine Rise area.
The Authority shall be organized within one hundred eighty (180) days 
after the approval of this Act. It shall have a term of fifty (50) years ^^rom its 
organization and may be renewed for another fifty (50) years, unless otherwise 
provided by law. It shall be an attached agency to the Office of the President.
It shall establish its first office in the Aurora Pacific Economic and 
Freeport Zone and may put up such other offices as may be necessary to 
achieve the objectives of this Act.
SEC. 4. Coverage. - The PRDA shall cover all natural resources located 
in the undersea feature known as the Philippine Rise Region, within the 
Philippine exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, as well as the outer 
limits of the extended continental shelf pursuant to the recommendations of 
the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) issued on April 
12, 2012, and bo jnded by the coordinates 12o30'N to 20°30,N latitude and 
122o30'E to 12S°30'E longitude, excluding the fifteen-kilometer municipal 
waters of adjacent coastal areas.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the Philippine Rise Development 
Authority. - In the exercise of its mandate, the Authority shall have the following 
powers and functions:
(a) Formulate and advocate national policies that will foster the 
integrated, balanced, and sustainable development framework for the 
Philippine Rise that is consistent with the development initiatives of the national 
government, as far as practicable;
(b) Develop, plan, program, prioritize, integrate, and implement, 
whenever allowed and authorized by applicable laws, programs, projects, and 
activities at the Philippine Rise;
(c) Recommend to or coordinate with the proper government agencies 
programs, projects, and activities soliciting or requiring their direct or indirect 
assistance Including, but not limited to, technical support and physical 
assistance for the prioritization of the region's environmental, agricultural, 
fisheries, marine and non-marine biodiversity, energy, industrial, commercial, 
infrastructure, tourism, tecnnological, and scientific concerns;
(d) Review Philippine Rise programs, projects, and activities by the 
national government and donor agencies, subject to existing laws, rules, and 
regulations, for the purpose of ensuring consistency with national policies and 
plans, as well as monitor, evaluate, and formulate recommendations in the 
implementation of such programs, projects, and activities;
(e) Establish a complete, comprehensive, and integrated database on 
the Philippine Rise prior to the conduct of any exploration activities, whenever 
possible. For this purpose, the Authority may coordinate with academic 
institutions concerned to conduct comprehensive suio/ey and assessment and 
generate resource map of the Philippine Rise which shall be the underlying 
foundation for all poll :y and management decisions;
(f) Create an area research plan and coordinate research initiatives and 
exploration in the Philippine Rise region, establish a repository of research data, 
and provide incentives for such research and exploration activities;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
(g) Promote the protection and conservation of important marine 
biodiversity and fishery resources, including marine genetic resources, which 
are important for ensuring climate change resiliency and food security;
(h) Promote and facilitate public and private investments that would 
enhance the integrated, balanced, and sustainable development of the 
Philippine Rise, and explore other sources of financing for priority Philippine 
Rise related programs, projects, and activities, in close coordination with 
agencies primarily mandated to undertake such functions;
(i) 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 Official Development Assistance, 
subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations;
0) Sue and be sued, and as approved by the Board, enter Into contracts, 
acquire, purchase, hold, lease, transfer, or dispose of properties of any kind or 
nature to carry out the purposes of this Act;
(k) Issue clearances, including the necessary rules and standards, for all 
proposals, plans, programs, projects, or any activity involving the Philippine 
Rise Region including, but not limited to, marine science research, exploration, 
and exploitation, whether conducted by Filipino or foreign nationals, in 
accordance with Sec. 7 of this Act;
(l) Request the President of the Philippines and other government 
agencies for any needed assistance In the enforcement of all applicable laws, 
rules, and regulations, the exploration and scientific study of the entire region, 
the sustair.able exploitation of Its natural bounties, and the protection of 
national security and national interests. Including law enforcement against 
illegal intruders and poachers; and
(m) Discharge such other functions as may be deemed necessary to 
carry out its mandate under this Act or as may be provided by law.
The Authority, through Its Administrator, shall submit to the President 
and both Houses of Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and 
activities.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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 directons and thrusts. It shall be 
composed of the following:
(a) The President of the Philippines who shall act as the Chairperson of 
the Board;
(b) The Administrator of the Philippine Rise Development Authority who 
shall act as the Vice-Chairperson of the Board;
(c) Thirteen (13) other members composed of the following:
(1) The NEDA Director-General or the duly authorized representative;
(2) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 
Secretary or the duly authorized representative;
(3) The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary or the duly authorized 
representative;
(4) The Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary or the duly 
authorized representative;
(5) The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary or 
the duly authorized representative;
(6) The Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary or the duly 
authorized representative;
(7) The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary or 
the duly authorized representative;
(8) The Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary or the duly 
authorized representative;
(9) The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary or the duly 
authorized representative;
(10) 
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary or the 
duly authorized representative;
(11) 
The National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) Executive 
Director or the duly authorized representative;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(12) 
The National Security Council (NSC) National Security 
Adviser and Director General or the duly authorized 
representative; and
(13) 
The University of the Philippines (UP) President or the duly 
authorized representative.
The 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 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, and that the programs 
of the Authority are consistent with regional and local development plans, 
programs, and projects, and vice versa, for purposes of harmonization;
(c) Explore sources for financing of priority Philippine Rise plans, 
programs, projects, and activities;
(d) Create committees or task forces as may be deemed necessary in 
the accomplishment of its functions;
(e) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the 
constitution of a quorum, and other rules and regulations in the conduct of 
Board meetings;
(f) Approve contracts and enter into agreements to carry out the 
purposes of this Act, except when authority to sign such contracts and/or 
agreements Is vested In a specific government officer or entity; and


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
(g) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the 
purposes of this Act.
SEC. 7. Issuance of Clearances by the Authority. - No proposals, plans, 
programs, projects, or activities involving the Philippine Rise Region including, 
but not limited to, marine science research, exploration, and exploitation, 
whether conducted by Filipino and foreign nationals, shall be carried out, nor 
shall any license or permit be issued in relation to the same, without the 
clearance of the Authority.
The Authority shall issue the necessary clearance for all approved 
proposals, plans, programs, projects, or activities within twenty (20) calendar 
days from submission thereof. In cases where the Authority fails to act within 
the same 20-day period, the submissions shall be deemed approved. Any 
decision of disapproval by the Authority may be appealed within fifteen (15) 
calendar days from receipt thereof to the Office of the President whose decision 
shall be final.
The Authority shall issue rules and standards concerning the clearance 
required under this section: Provided, That, such clearance must be secured 
before all other permits and/or licenses required under existing and applicable 
laws shall be issued: Provided, further. That the grant or denial of an application 
for clearance shall be made on the basis of this Act, other laws and regulations 
applicable to the Philippine Rise, and the Integrated, balanced, and sustainable 
development fi’amework formulated under Sec. 5(a) of this Act.
SEC. 8. Accrual of Revenues and Receipts to the Genera! Fund. - All 
revenues and receipts from any and all sources including the government share 
representing royalties, rentals, production share on service contracts, and 
similar payments on the development, exploration, and exploitation of energy 
resources within the Philippine Rise shall be remitted to the National Treasury 
and shall accrue to the General Fund.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
SEC. 9. Advisory Panel of Technical Experts. - The Authority shall 
constitute an advisory panel of technical experts consisting of practitioners in 
disciplines that are related to oil and gas extraction and processing, 
hydrography, marine ecology, surveying, hydrology, including, but not limited 
to, oceanography.
The Advisory Panel shall perform research and development, and 
provide technical advice to the Authority in maritime science, technologies, and 
best practices for the extraction and development of oil and gas fields.
The Authority shall set the qualifications and compensation for the 
technical experts. It shall provide resources for the operations and activities of 
the Advisory Panel.
SEC. 10. Administrator. - The Authority shall have an Administrator who 
shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon recommendation 
of the Board. 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 Filipino citizen, 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 of 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. 11. Powers and Duties of the Administrator; Secretariat - The 
Administrator shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Direct and manage the affairs of the Authority in accordance with 
the policies of the Board; and
(b) Call and preside over meetings of the Board in the absence of the 
Chairperson, and supervise and direct its Secretariat.
A Secretariat is hereby established to serve and assist the Board in the 
effective implementation of this Act. The Head of the Secretariat shall be


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
appointed by the Administrator upon recommendation by the Board: Provided, 
That no person shall be appointed as Head of the Secretariat unless he/she is 
a Rlipino citizen, 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 of 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 service rank 
system;
(c) Ensure the proper implementation of applicable policies, programs, 
and rules and regulations, including the resolutions of the Board;
(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 Philippine 
Rise related programs, projects, and activities;
(h) Endorse to the Board ail policy recommendations, plans, and 
programs for approval;
(i) Accept, on behalf and upon approval of the Authority, donations, 
contributions, grants, gifts, bequests, or devises, in cash or in kind, from 
members, foreign governments, international agencies, private entities, or any 
individual for purposes that will realize the functions of the Authority;
0) 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;


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
(l) Appoint all employees of the Authority, and remove, dismiss, or 
otherwise discipline for cause, such employees in accordance with the standard 
guidelines for recruitment, employment, and discipline under civil service law, 
rules, and regulations;
(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 and 
upon the Board's approval,, Including those for expert and consultant services 
and other reports of accountabilities emanating from the Authority, except 
when authority to sign such agreements, contracts, or reports Is vested in a 
specific government entity; and
(o) Perform 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.
SEC. 12. Organizational Structure. - The Administrator shall determine 
the organizational structure, staffing pattern, and pay scales of the Authority 
subject to existing civil service and compensation laws. Subject to the approval 
of the Board, the Administrator may 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. 13. 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. 14. Appropriations. - Such amounts necessary to finance the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be sourced from th.: unprogrammed funds in
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
the current General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such amounts 
necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual GAA.
SEC. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Authority, subject 
to the approval of the Board 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 faithful 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.
SEC. 16. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
subsequently declared Invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which 
are not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 17. Repealing Clause. - Ail other laws, acts, presidential decrees, 
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, 
or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed, am ended, or modiTed accordingly.
SEC. 18. effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,
11