Reconstitution of Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to OCAS
- OTS renamed and reconstituted as Office for Civil Aviation Security (OCAS).
- OCAS is responsible for:
- Creating regulations, practices, and procedures guarding against unlawful interference in civil aviation.
- Implementing NCASP to ensure safety, regularity, and efficiency of flights.
- Managing all aviation security matters, including full implementation of Annex 17.
- OCAS directly supervised by DOTr and headed by an Administrator with Undersecretary rank.
- Maritime security remains under Philippine Coast Guard and related agencies; security of land and rail transportation handled by respective agencies.
Powers and Functions of OCAS
- Formulate and maintain national airport security programs.
- Manage security screening for passengers, baggage, and cargo.
- Oversee hiring, retention, and training of security screening staff.
- Coordinate with government agencies to implement security plans and respond to threats.
- Conduct audits and establish performance standards for personnel, equipment, and facilities.
- Ensure international airports have necessary facilities and equipment for security operations.
- Perform additional functions as directed by DOTr Secretary to fulfill Order provisions.
Reconstitution of National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC)
- NCASC membership includes key secretaries and heads from DOTr, Defense, Justice, Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and CAAP.
- Members must designate representatives of rank not lower than Undersecretary.
Powers and Functions of NCASC
- Coordinate security activities across departments, government agencies, airport and aircraft operators, air traffic providers.
- Oversee proper implementation of NCASP as per ICAO standards.
- OCAS acts as the Secretariat of NCASC.
Military Assistance
- NCASC may call on Philippine Air Force and other Armed Forces branches to assist in security patrols.
- Military support aids OCAS personnel in preserving airport security against threats.
Coverage of the Order
- Applies to all civilian airports in the Philippines, including those managed by:
- Manila International Airport Authority
- Clark International Airport Corporation
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority
- Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)
- Also applies to airports operated under public-private partnerships, consistent with concession terms.
Implementation Guidelines
- OCAS tasked to promulgate necessary rules and protocols subject to DOTr Secretary approval for effective implementation.
Separability Clause
- Declaration of any part of the Order as unconstitutional or invalid does not affect the remaining provisions.
Repeal Clause
- EO Nos. 277 and 311 provisions remain in effect except where amended or repealed by this Order.
- Any inconsistent rules or issuances are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a general circulation newspaper.