Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House sino, 385,

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The passage of this bill seeks to convert the existing Presidential Security Group (PSG) into a
ighly professionalized civilian security organization to be named the Government Protection and
Security Service (GPSS). It aims to insulate the organization from partisan politics while maximizing
its efficiency and effectiveness.

This is in pursuant to the 1987 Constitution which mandates that the armed forces shall be
insulated from partisan politics. It prohibits members of the military from engagement, directly or
indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except to vote.

Currently, the PSG is an Army unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with
headquarters in the Malacafiang Palace. Police personnel and operators from the PNP Special
Weapons and Tactics and Special Action Force are also assigned therein.

PSG posts are perceived to be the most sought-after assignment as they are closest to the
seat of power - the presidency. Military and police officers and personnel are designated to the PSG
which serves as a spring board for their professional careers. It is also alleged that military or police
personnel assigned to the PSG are politicized as they are promised high-ranking positions in the AFP
or PNP and stay beholden to officials they have served. To date, there had been at least three (3) PSG
Commanders who had become AFP Chief-of-Staff who were perceived, rightly or wrongly, to have
been appointed because of their closeness to the President.

This perception should be eradicated as it demoralizes the members of the armed forces and
weakens the public's confidence in its military. The creation of an institutionalized civilian agency,
independent from the AFP or PNP, ensures that the protective role of the agency, that is, ensuring
the safety of national leaders, their families, the Malacafiang Palace, and foreign visitors, shall be
upheld and given utmost priority.

Th
committee

ill was filed in the 15the Congress but for lack of time,

rogress was halted at the
1. In light of all these circumstances, the swift passage i

s Bill is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 385

Introduced by CHRISTOPHER S. CO and RODEL M. BATOCABE

An Act Creating and Institutionalizing a Government Protection and Security Service (GPSS)

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Government Protection and Security Service Act”,

SECTION 2. The Government Protection and Security Service. The Government Protection and
Security Service (hereinafter “GPSS”) is hereby created under the direction and control of the Office
of the President.
SECTION 3. Functions, The GPSS shall perform the following functions:

(A) It shall be the lead agency in the provision of security for the following:

1) the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice of the
Philippines;

2) the First Family; and
3) the Malacafiang Palace and other buildings under the Office of the President.

(B) It shall be the primary coordinating agency in the provision of security for the following:
1) visiting foreign heads of states or governments;

2) distinguished visitors and diplomatic delegates of foreign states of Intergovernmental
Organizations (IGO) to the Philippines; and

3) other individuals or events as officially designated by the Office of the President.

(©) The GPSS shall coordinate with all law enforcement agencies and lead the investigation of
crimes related to the security of the individuals and events enumerated above;

(D) The GPSS may also provide support to different government agencies and provide assistance
to the AFP and PNP in its undertakings as ordered by the President;

SECTION 4. Transfer of Powers and Functions, For this purpose, the Presidential Security Group
(PSG) is hereby abolished. The powers and functions of the PSG not inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby transferred to the GPSS. The foregoing transfer of powers and functions shall


include all applicable funds and appropriations, records, equipment, property and personnel as may
be necessary.

The AFP and PNP shall maintain close coordination with the GPSS on all matters relating to the
security of the President.

Section 5. Organization. The GPSS shall be headed by a Director with the rank of Undersecretary.
‘The Director shall be responsible for the general administration and management of the GPSS.

‘The Director shall be assisted by Deputy Directors with the rank of Assistance Secretary for di
which include but shall not be limited to:

(A) Personnel and Fiscal Division;

(B) Intelligence Division;

(C) Information and Communications Technology Division;
(D) Operations Division;

(E) Special Tactics and Training Divison; and

SECTION 6. Staffing.

(A) The Director shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines. All other personnel from
Deputy Director and below shall hold plantilla positions subject to civil service rules and
regulations.

(B) In addition to the law enforcement positions, the GPSS shall rely on the capabilities and
expertise of civilian personnel from diverse professional backgrounds.

(C) If upon the effectivity of this Act, the GPSS has not been composed and the new staffing
pattern and positions have not been approved or filled up, the current PSG and its personnel
shall continue to hold office. PSG personnel shall continue with the performance of their task
as detail service with the GPSS, subject to screening, until such time that the organizational
structure of the GPSS is fully operational.

(D) Personnel who are affected shall have the option of either being integrated into the GPSS or
remain with the AFP or PNP and shall, thereafter, be immediately reassigned to other units
therein by the head of such agencies. The personnel absorbed and on detail service shall be
given until one (1) year to finally decide to join the GPSS. Nothing in this Act shall mean a
diminution of the powers of the AFP or PNP.

(E) Such personnel who are transferred, absorbed and integrated in the GPSS shall be extended
appointments to positions similar or higher in rank, salary, and other emoluments and
privileges granted to their respective positions in their original mother agencies.

(F) Members of the GPSS shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be suspended or removed
from office except for just cause as specified by law.

Section 7. Training and Enhancement of Technical Competence. - The personnel or staff
composing the GPSS shall undergo an intense selection process. The GPSS shall establish rigorous
training programs for its staff for the purpose of enhancing the tactical, operational, strategic, and
technical competence of the GPSS which should enable it to adequately perform its duties and
functions.

Section 8. Implementation. The GPSS, shall promulgate and issue the necessary Implementing
Rules and Regulations for the implementation of this Act.


SECTION 9. Funding. - Funds for the operation of the GPSS shall initially be sourced from the
current PSG and thereafter be included in the appropriation for the Office of the President.

SECTION 10.Repeal.~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent with, the provision of
this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.