NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S. B. No. 901
of the ^cc: rtag>
72 JUL27 P4:40
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE RISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PRDA), 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippine Rise (previously Benham Rise) - a 13-million-hectare undersea 
plateau around 250 kilometers off the coastline of Aurora province - is touted to 
have vast natural gas deposits and mineral resources, such as manganese. 
Estimated to be a much larger landmass than Luzon, Philippine Rise is also the 
natural breeding ground and habitat for several marine species - making it a prime 
fishing spot.
Discovered in 1933, Philippine Rise officially became part of the Philippines in 
2012 when the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that 
under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the undersea landmass 
was contiguous with the country's continental shelf and hence, fell under its 
exclusive economic zone. In short, it is undisputedly part of Philippine territory.
In spite of the lapse of 9 years since its award, Philippine Rise remains largely 
unexplored, however. While many champion its immense benefits particularly to the 
country's energy and food security, the underwater geographic feature needs to be 
subjected to further scientific scrutiny. Last May 2016, scientists and marine 
researchers have discovered a vast and pristine coral reef ecosystem in Philippine 
Rise.


There is a pressing need to scale up and sustain the scientific study and 
exploration of Philippine Rise. A proper inventory of the undersea plateau would 
surely prove crucial in crafting a roadmap on how the country can develop and 
ultimately benefit including as a potential energy source from the dwindling 
Malampaya natural gas resource. As such, the extensive participation of several 
government agencies and other stakeholders will have to be coordinated 
meaningfully.
Hence, we propose that a Philippine Rise Development Authority (PRDA), 
attached to the Office of the President, as the lead agency in conducting scientific 
research and exploration in Philippine Rise should be created immediately.
Once equipped with such information, the PRDA shall take the lead in 
formulating and implementing a development roadmap for Philippine Rise, ensuring 
that it is aligned with the country's Philippine Development Plan.
As such, swift passage of the foregoing measure is earnestly sought.
SONNY ANGARA


Sfgtl ^riiatc
of ti)C
;M ftiU'J’
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENA 
S. B. NoA55i
•22 JUL27 P4'-40
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE RISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (PRDA), 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be ft enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Rise
2 
Development Authority Act" or "PRDA Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to
4 
tap and accelerate the sound management and sustainable development of the
5 
Philippine Rise, particularly on its potential to be a rich source of alternative energy
6 
and marine resources, and as a possible tourism destination. Towards this end, an
7 
effective institutional mechanism with due regard to the precautionary principle, as
8 
well as ecosystem-based and science-based approaches, shall be established to
9 
address the need for a coordinated and integrated approach in the formulation and
10 
implementation of various development plans, programs, and projects that will
11 
optimize the full potential of the Philippine Rise while conserving its ecology and
12 
resources for the benefit of future generations.
13 
Sec. 3. Creation of the Philippine Rise Development Authority. - There is
14 
hereby created a body corporate to be known as the Philippine Rise Development
15 
Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority, which shall promote, coordinate
16 
and facilitate the active and extensive participation of all sectors to effect the


1 
exploration, study, and development, as well as the conservation and protection, of
2 
the natural resources within the Philippine Rise.
3 
The Authority shall also be the lead agency in conducting scientific research
4 
and exploration and shall secure the rights of the State over the area. Explorations
5 
must be done in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural
6 
Resources-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), Department of
7 
Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), and academic
8 
institutions with the necessary competence to conduct rigorous and comprehensive
9 
studies in the Philippine Rise area.
10 
The Authority shall be organized within one hundred eighty (180) days after
11 
the approval of this Act. It shall have a term of fifty (50) years from its organization
12 
and may be renewed for another fifty (50) years, unless otherwise provided by law.
13 
It shall be an attached agency to the Office of the President. It shall establish its first
14 
office in the Aurora Pacific Economic and Freeport Zone and may put up such other
15 
offices as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act.
16 
Sec. 4. Coverage. - The PRDA shall cover all natural resources located in the
17 
undersea feature known as the Philippine Rise Region, within the Philippine exclusive
18 
economic zone and continental shelf, as well as the outer limits of the extended
19 
continental shelf pursuant to the recommendations of the Commission on the Limits
20 
of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) issued on April 12, 2012, and bounded by the
21 
coordinates 12030'N to 20°30'N latitude and 122°30'E to 129030'E longitude,
22 
excluding the fifteen-kilometer municipal waters of adjacent coastal areas.
23 
Sec. 5. Powers and Functions of the Philippine Rise Development Authority.
24 - In the exercise of its mandate, the Authority shall have the following powers and
25 
functions:
26 
a) Formulate and advocate national policies that will foster the integrated,
27 
balanced, and sustainable development framework for the Philippine Rise that
28 
is consistent with the development initiatives of the national government, as
29 
far as practicable;
30 
b) Develop, plan, program, prioritize, integrate, and implement, whenever
31 
allowed and authorized by applicable laws, programs, projects, and activities
32 
at the Philippine Rise;


1 
c) Recommend to or coordinate with the proper government agencies programs,
2 
projects, and activities soliciting or requiring their direct or indirect assistance
3 
including, but not limited to, technical support and physical assistance for the
4 
prioritization of the region's environmental, agricultural, fisheries, marine and
5 
non-marine biodiversity, energy, industrial, commercial, infrastructure,
6 
tourism, technological, and scientific concerns;
7 
d) Review Philippine Rise programs, projects, and activities by the national
8 
government and donor agencies, subject to existing laws, rules, and
9 
regulations, for the purpose of ensuring consistency with national policies and
10 
plans, as well as monitor, evaluate, and formulate recommendations in the
11 
implementation of such programs, projects, and activities;
12 
e) 
Establish a complete, comprehensive, and integrated database on the
13 
Philippine Rise prior to the conduct of any exploration activities, whenever
14 
possible. For this purpose, the Authority may coordinate with academic
15 
institutions concerned to conduct comprehensive survey and assessment and
16 
generate resource map of the Philippine Rise which shall be the underlying
17 
foundation for all policy and management decisions;
18 
f) 
Create an area research plan and coordinate research initiatives and
19 
exploration in the Philippine Rise region, establish a repository of research
20 
data, and provide incentives for such research and exploration activities;
21 
g) Promote the protection and conservation of important marine biodiversity and
22 
fishery resources, including marine genetic resources, which are important for
23 
ensuring climate change resiliency and food security;
24 
h) Promote and facilitate public and private investments that would enhance the
25 
integrated, balanced, and sustainable development of the Philippine Rise, and
26 
explore other sources of financing for priority Philippine Rise related
27 
programs, projects, and activities, in close coordination with agencies
28 
primarily mandated to undertake such functions;
29 
i) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequests, or gifts, in
30 
cash or in kind, from foreign governments, international agencies, private
31 
entities, and other sources, including Official Development Assistance, subject
32 
to existing laws, rules, and regulations;


1 
j) Sue and be sued, and as approved by the Board, enter into contracts,
2 
acquire, purchase, hold, lease, transfer, or dispose of properties of any kind
3 
or nature to carry out the purposes of this Act;
4 
k) Issue clearances, including the necessary rules and standards, for all
5 
proposals, plans, programs, projects, or any activity involving the Philippine
6 
Rise Region including, but not limited to, marine science research,
7 
exploration, and exploitation, whether conducted by Filipino or foreign
8 
nationals, in accordance with Sec. 7 of this Act;
9 
I) Request the President of the Philippines and other government agencies for
10 
any needed assistance in the enforcement of all applicable laws, rules, and
11 
regulations, the exploration and scientific study of the entire region, the
12 
sustainable exploitation of its natural bounties, and the protection of national
13 
security and national 
interests, including law enforcement against illegal
14 
intruders and poachers; and
15 
m) Discharge such other functions as may be deemed necessary to carry out its
16 
mandate under this Act or as may be provided by law.
17 
The Authority, through its Administrator, shall submit to the President and
18 
both Houses of Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and activities.
19 
Sec. 6. Board of Directors. - The power of the Authority shall be vested in
20 
and exercised by a Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board, which
21 
shall manage and supervise the overall directions and thrusts. It shall be composed
22 
of the following:
23 
a) The President of the Philippines who shall act as the Chairperson of the
24 
Board;
25 
b) The Administrator of the Philippine Rise Development Authority who shall act
26 
as the Vice-Chairperson of the Board; and
27 
c) Thirteen (13) other members composed of the following:
28 
1. The NEDA Director-General or the duly authorized representative;
29 
2. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
30 
Secretary or the duly authorized representative;
31 
3. The Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary or the duly authorized
32 
representative;


1 
4. The Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary or the duly authorized
2 
representative;
3 
5. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary or the
4 
duly authorized representative;
5 
6. The Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary or the duly authorized
6 
representative;
7 
7. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary or the
8 
duly authorized representative;
9 
8. The Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary or the duly
10 
authorized representative;
11 
9. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary or the duly
12 
authorized representative;
13 
10.The Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary or the duly
14 
authorized representative;
15 
11. The National Coast Watch Council (NCWC) Executive Director or the
16 
duly authorized representative;
17 
12.The National Security Council (NSC) National Security Adviser and
18 
Director General or the duly authorized representative; and
19 
13.The University of the Philippines (UP) President or the duly authorized
20 
representative.
21 
The members of the Board shall receive a per diem at a rate to be
22 
determined by the Governance Commission for Government Owned or Controlled
23 
Corporations (GCG), in accordance with existing rules and regulations: Provided,
24 
however, That the per diem collected per month does not exceed the equivalent per
25 
diem of four (4) meetings: Provided, further, That the amount of per diem for every
26 
Board meeting may be increased by the President or GCG but such amount shall not
27 
be increased within two (2) years from its last increase.
28 
The Board shall have the following functions:
29 
a) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority's work and thrusts for the
30 
Philippine Rise;
31 
b) Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent with the
32 
overall national development goals and objectives, and that the programs of


1 
the Authority are consistent with regional and local development plans,
2 
programs, and projects, and vice versa, for purposes of harmonization;
3 
c) Explore sources for financing of priority Philippine Rise plans, programs,
4 
projects, and activities;
5 
d) Create committees or task forces as may be deemed necessary in the
6 
accomplishment of its functions;
7 
e) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the constitution
8 
of a quorum, and other rules and regulations in the conduct of Board
9 
meetings;
10 
f) Approve contracts and enter into agreements to carry out the purposes of this
11 
Act, except when authority to sign such contracts and/or agreements is
12 
vested in a specific government officer or entity; and
13 
g) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
14 
of this Act.
15 
Sec. 7. Issuance of Clearances by the Authority. - No proposals, plans,
16 
programs, projects, or activities involving the Philippine Rise Region including, but
17 
not limited to, marine science research, exploration, and exploitation, whether
18 
conducted by Filipino and foreign nationals, shall be carried out, nor shall any license
19 
or permit be issued in relation to the same, without the clearance of the Authority.
20 
The Authority shall issue the necessary clearance for all approved proposals,
21 
plans, programs, projects, or activities within twenty (20) calendar days from
22 
submission thereof. In cases where the Authority fails to act within the same 20-day
23 
period, the submissions shall be deemed approved. Any decision of disapproval by
24 
the Authority may be appealed within fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt thereof
25 
to the Office of the President whose decision shall be final.
26 
The Authority shall issue rules and standards concerning the clearance
27 
required under this section: Provided/ That such clearance must be secured before
28 
all other permits and/or licenses required under existing and applicable laws shall be
29 
issued: Provided, further. That the grant or denial of an application for clearance
30 
shall be made on the basis of this Act, other laws and regulations applicable to the
31 
Philippine Rise, and the integrated, balanced, and sustainable development
32 
framework formulated under Sec. 5(a) of this Act.


1 
Sec. 8. Accrual of Revenues and Receipts to the General Fund. - All revenues
2 
and receipts from any and all sources including the government share representing
3 
royalties, rentals, production share on service contracts, and similar payments on the
4 
development, exploration, and exploitation of energy resources within the Philippine
5 
Rise shall be remitted to the National Treasury and shall accrue to the General Fund.
6 
Sec. 9. Advisory Panel of Technical Experts. - The Authority shall constitute
7 
an advisory panel of technical experts consisting of practitioners in disciplines that
8 
are related to oil and gas extraction and processing, hydrography, marine ecology,
9 
surveying, hydrology, including, but not limited to, oceanography.
10 
The Advisory Panel shall perform research and development and provide
11 
technical advice to the Authority in maritime science, technologies, and best
12 
practices for the extraction and development of oil and gas fields.
13 
The Authority shall set the qualifications and compensation for the technical
14 
experts. It shall provide resources for the operations and activities of the Advisory
15 
Panel.
16 
Sec. 10. Administrator. - The Authority shall have an Administrator who shall
17 
be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon recommendation of the
18 
Board. The Administrator shall serve a term of six (6) years from the date of his/her
19 
appointment unless sooner separated from service due to death, voluntary
20 
resignation, or removal for cause: Provided, That no person shall be appointed as
21 
Administrator unless he/she is a Filipino citizen, holder of a degree in law or a
22 
masters degree in any of the following fields: economics, business, public
23 
administration, law, management, or their equivalent, and have at least ten (10)
24 
years of relevant experience in said fields: Provided, further, That he/she shall be a
25 
resident of the Philippines for at least five (5) years before the appointment.
26 
Sec. 11. Powers and Duties of the Administrator; Secretariat. - The
27 
Administrator shall have the following powers and duties:
28 
a) Direct and manage the affairs of the Authority in accordance with the policies
29 
of the Board;
30 
b) Call and preside over meetings of the Board in the absence of the
31 
Chairperson, and supervise and direct its Secretariat;


1 
A Secretariat is hereby established to serve and assist the Board in the
2 
effective implementation of this Act. The Head of the Secretariat shall be
3 
appointed by the Administrator upon recommendation by the Board:
4 
Provided, That no person shall be appointed as Head of the Secretariat unless
5 
he/she is a Filipino citizen, holder of a degree in any of the following fields:
6 
economics, business, public administration, law, management, or their
7 
equivalent, and have at least five (5) years of relevant experience in said
8 
fields: Provided, further, That he/she shall be a resident of the Philippines for
9 
at least five (5) years prior to his/her appointment and has the requisite
10 
eligibilities for third level career service position pursuant to the career
11 
executive rank system;
12 
c) Ensure the proper implementation of applicable policies, programs, and rules
13 
and regulations, including the resolutions of the Board;
14 
d) Identify solutions to key issues and concerns, taking into account related
15 
risks, affected parties, and impact, in coordination with the Board and key
16 
stakeholders;
17 
e) Advocate the Authority's work among the various concerned sectors and
18 
stakeholders;
19 
f) Call on any agency, group, individual member of the Board, local government
20 
unit, and host community to address issues and concerns relating to the
21 
implementation of major programs, projects, and activities;
22 
g) Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of Philippine Rise related
23 
programs, projects, and activities;
24 
h) Endorse to the Board all policy recommendations, plans, and programs for
25 
approval;
26 
i) Accept, on behalf and upon approval of the Authority, donations,
27 
contributions, grants, gifts, bequests, or devises, in cash or in kind, from
28 
members, foreign governments, international agencies, private entities, or
29 
any individual for purposes that will realize the functions of the Authority;
30 
j) Supervise administrative operations, including disbursement of any fund of
31 
the Authority, subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures, and
32 
submit reports thereon;
8


1 
k) 
Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the Board;
2 
I) 
Appoint all employees of the Authority, and remove, dismiss, or otherwise
3 
discipline for cause, such employees in accordance with the standard
4 
guidelines for recruitment, employment, and discipline under civil service law,
5 
rules, and regulations;
6 
m) Represent the Authority in all dealings with other offices, agencies, and
7 
instrumentalities of the government and with all persons and entities, public
8 
or private;
9 
n) Sign agreements and/or contracts, on behalf of the Authority and upon the
10 
Board's approval, including those for expert and consultant services and other
11 
reports of accountabilities emanating from the Authority, except when
12 
authority to sign such agreements, contracts, or reports is vested in a specific
13 
government entity; and
14 
o) Perform such other functions that the Board may direct to carry out the
15 
provisions of this Act or which are necessary or incidental to his/her office.
16 
Sec. 12. Organizational Structure. - The Administrator shall determine the
17 
organizational structure, staffing pattern, and pay scales of the Authority subject to
18 
existing civil service and compensation laws. Subject to the approval of the Board,
19 
the Administrator may reorganize the Authority and may create or abolish divisions,
20 
units, or branches therein as the exigencies of the affairs of the Authority may
21 
require.
22 
Sec. 13. Merit System. - All officials and employees of the Authority shall be
23 
selected and appointed on the basis of merit and fitness in accordance with civil
24 
service law, rules, and regulations. The recruitment, transfer, promotion, and
25 
dismissal of all its personnel, including temporary workers, shall be governed by a
26 
merit system that will be established by the Authority in compliance with existing
27 
laws, rules, and regulations.
28 
Sec. 14. Appropriations. - Such amounts necessary to finance the initial
29 
implementation of this Act shall be sourced from the unprogrammed funds in the
30 
current General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such amounts necessary for
31 
its continued implementation shall be included in the annual GAA.


1 
Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Authority, subject to the
2 
approval of the Board and in consultation with other stakeholders shall, within sixty
3 
(60) days from the date of effectivity of this Act, promulgate and publish the rules
4 
and regulations for the effective and faithful implementation of this Act: Provided,
5 
That the failure of the promulgation of the said rules and regulations shall not
6 
prevent the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity.
7 
Sec. 16. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
8 
subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are
9 
not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
10 
Sec. 17. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
11 
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or
12 
parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this
13 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
14 
Sec. 18. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
15 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
10