Title
Designates OTS as sole transport security body
Law
Executive Order No. 311
Decision Date
Apr 26, 2004
Executive Order No. 311 designates the Office for Transportation Security as the sole authority responsible for enhancing the security of the country's transportation systems, expanding its powers to implement comprehensive security measures across civil aviation, maritime, and land transport.
executive order
national security
public transport

Scope: transportation systems covered

  • The OTS is designated as the single authority for the security of transportation systems of the country, including civil aviation, sea transport and maritime infrastructure, and land transportation, rail system and infrastructure.
  • For civil aviation, the OTS ensures implementation of Annex 17 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, as amended, including the Security Standards and Recommended Practices on Security and the Security Manual for Safeguarding International Civil Aviation Against Acts of Unlawful Interference, and implementation of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP).
  • For sea transport and maritime infrastructure, the OTS ensures implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS).
  • For sea transport and maritime infrastructure, the OTS also ensures that a National Security Programme for Sea Transport and Maritime Infrastructure is formulated, developed, and implemented.
  • For land transportation, rail system and infrastructure, the OTS ensures that a National Security Programme for Land Transportation, Rail System and Infrastructure is formulated, developed, and implemented.

OTS powers and functions

  • The OTS assumes the functions of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC) enumerated in Section 4 of Executive Order No. 277 dated January 30, 2004, subject to Section 3 of Executive Order No. 311.
  • The OTS exercises operational control and supervision over all units of law enforcement agencies and agency personnel providing security services in transportation systems, except for motor vehicles in land transportation, in coordination with the heads of the bureaus or agencies to which such units or personnel belong or are assigned.
  • The OTS is responsible for transportation security operations, including:
    • security screening of passengers, baggage, and cargoes; and
    • hiring, retention, training, and testing of security screening personnel.
  • The OTS, in coordination with appropriate government agencies and/or instrumentalities, formulates, develops, promulgates, implements, and continually reviews, assesses, and upgrades comprehensive transportation security plans, policies, measures, strategies, and programs to address threats and enhance transportation security.
  • The OTS examines and audits the performance of transportation security personnel, equipment, and facilities, and establishes continuing performance standards for such personnel, equipment, and facilities, including standards related to training.
  • The OTS prepares a security manual/master plan or programme prescribing rules and regulations for efficient and safe operation of all transportation systems, including:
    • standards for security screening procedures; and
    • prior screening or profiling of individuals for the issuance of security access passes; and
    • determination of levels of security clearances for OTS personnel, DOTC and attached agencies’ personnel, and other government personnel.
  • The OTS prescribes security and safety standards for all transportation systems in accordance with existing laws, rules, regulations, and international conventions.
  • Subject to approval of the Secretary of the DOTC, the OTS issues Transportation Security Regulations/Rules and may amend, rescind, or revise them as needed for transportation security.
  • The OTS may enlist assistance of any department, bureau, office, instrumentality, or government-owned or controlled corporation, including their personnel, facilities, and resources.
  • The OTS coordinates with law enforcement agencies for the investigation and prosecution of illegal acts or unlawful interference committed at or directed to any public transportation system.
  • The OTS performs other functions necessary to carry out the Executive Order or as directed by the Secretary of the DOTC.

NCASC Secretariat: reconstitution and composition

  • The NCASC becomes an advisory body and consultative forum for the Secretary of the DOTC on civil aviation security matters.
  • The NCASC is transferred from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the DOTC and is reconstituted to be composed of the officials listed in Section 3.
  • The reconstituted NCASC includes as officers/members:
    • Secretary, DOTC (Chairman)
    • Secretary, DILG (Vice-Chairman)
    • Undersecretary, Office for Transportation Security (Member)
    • Assistant Secretary, Air Transportation Office (Member)
    • General Manager, Manila International Airport Authority (Member)
    • General Manager, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (Member)
    • General Manager, Clark International Airport Corporation (Member)
    • General Manager, Subic Bay International Airport Authority (Member)
    • Manager, Davao International Airport (Member)
    • Manager, General Santos International Airport (Member)
    • Manager, Laoag International Airport (Member)
    • Manager, Zamboanga International Airport (Member)
    • Director, Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group (Member)
    • Commissioner, Bureau of Customs (Member)
    • Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration (Member)
    • Administrator, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (Member)
    • Administrator, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Member)
    • Executive Director, Department of Tourism (Member)
    • Protocol Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs (Member)
    • Director, National Bureau of Investigation (Member)
    • Group Commander, Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Member)
    • Director General, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Member)
    • Group Commander, Presidential Security Group (Member)
    • Director, Bureau of Plant Industry (Member)
    • Director, Bureau of Animal Industry (Member)
    • Chief Superintendent, Bureau of Fire Protection (Member)
    • Director, Bureau of Quarantine and International Health Surveillance (Member)
  • The OTS continues to serve as the Secretariat of the NCASC.
  • Qualified DILG personnel performing secretariat functions for the NCASC have the option to transfer to the DOTC and be absorbed by the OTS.

DOTC security committees for other modes

  • The Secretary of the DOTC may create other security committees composed of concerned government agencies and stakeholders.
  • These committees provide assistance in the formulation, development, and implementation of:
    • national security programmes for sea transport and maritime infrastructure; and
    • national security programmes for land transportation, rail system and infrastructure.

Funding arrangements for OTS operations

  • The amount necessary for the initial operation and administration for the OTS is chargeable against funds for that purpose and other sources recommended by the Department of Budget and Management.
  • After initial operations, appropriations for the OTS are included in the budget proposals under the DOTC.

Implementing rules: timeline and approval

  • Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of Executive Order No. 311, the OTS shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for implementation.
  • The promulgated rules and regulations require the approval of the Secretary of the DOTC.

Amendments, repeal, and effectivity

  • Executive Order No. 277 dated January 30, 2004 is modified accordingly.
  • All other orders, rules, regulations, and issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with Executive Order No. 311 are repealed or modified accordingly.
  • The Executive Order takes effect immediately.

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