Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 311)
The main purpose is to designate the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as the single authority responsible for the security of the transportation systems in the Philippines, expanding its powers and functions to ensure safe and dependable transportation systems.
The OTS covers civil aviation, sea transport and maritime infrastructure, and land transportation including rail systems and infrastructure.
The OTS must ensure the implementation of Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the Security Manual for Safeguarding International Civil Aviation Against Acts of Unlawful Interference, and the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
Some of the OTS's powers include assuming the functions of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, operational control and supervision over law enforcement security personnel in transportation systems, responsibility for security screening, developing security plans, performance auditing of personnel and equipment, issuing security rules, and coordinating with other government agencies.
The OTS exercises operational control and supervision over all law enforcement units and personnel providing security services in transportation systems, except for motor vehicles in land transportation, in coordination with the heads of their respective bureaus or agencies.
The NCASC is transferred from the Department of the Interior and Local Government to the Department of Transportation and Communications, reconstituted as an advisory body, and the OTS serves as its secretariat.
It is composed of key officials such as the Secretary of DOTC as chairman, Secretary of DILG as vice-chairman, undersecretaries and assistant secretaries from related agencies, airport managers, law enforcement heads, and representatives from various government bureaus including customs, immigration, tourism, intelligence, and quarantine.
The Secretary of the DOTC has the power to create other security committees composed of concerned government agencies and stakeholders to assist in the formulation, development, and implementation of national security programs for sea transport, maritime infrastructure, land transportation, and rail systems.
The initial funding for the OTS is chargeable against funds for the purpose and other sources recommended by the Department of Budget and Management, with subsequent appropriations included in the DOTC budget proposals.
It modifies Executive Order No. 277 and repeals or modifies other inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, and issuances related to transportation security, establishing OTS as the single authority.