Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 311)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 311 is to designate the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as the single authority responsible for the security of the transportation systems of the Philippines, expanding its powers and functions to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation, sea transport, maritime infrastructure, and land transportation systems.
The Office for Transportation Security covers civil aviation, sea transport and maritime infrastructure, and land transportation including rail systems and infrastructure.
OTS must implement Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, including the Standards and Recommended Practices on Security and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
OTS must ensure the implementation of the International Maritime Organization International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
OTS exercises operational control and supervision over all law enforcement units and personnel providing security in transportation systems, except for motor vehicles in land transport, and does so jointly with the heads of their respective bureaus or agencies.
OTS is responsible for security operations including screening of passengers, baggage, and cargoes, hiring, retention, training, and testing of security screening personnel, and coordinating with agencies on comprehensive transportation security plans.
The NCASC now acts as an advisory and consultative body to the Secretary of the DOTC on civil aviation security matters, transferred to and reconstituted under the DOTC, with the OTS serving as its Secretariat.
The NCASC is composed of high-level officials including the Secretary of DOTC as Chairman, various secretaries, airport managers, heads of the PNP Aviation Security Group, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Tourism, intelligence agencies, and other relevant government units.
Initial funding for OTS operations will be chargeable against existing funds and other sources recommended by the Department of Budget and Management, with future appropriations included in the DOTC budget proposals.
The OTS must promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of EO No. 311, subject to the approval of the Secretary of the DOTC.