SEPT.

7, 2013

NR # 3219

Solons seek replacement of Presidential Security Group (PSG) with Government Protection and Security Service (GPSS)
Two lawmakers have revived a proposal to convert the existing Presidential Security Group (PSG) into a highly professionalized civil security organization to be named the Government Protection and Security Service (GPSS). According to AKO-Bicol Party-list Reps. Christopher Co and Rodel Batocabe, their proposal aims to insulate the GPSS from partisan politics while maximizing the organizations efficiency and effectiveness. The solons explained their proposal embodied in House Bill 335 is 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. The PSG is currently an Army unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with headquarters at the Malacaang Palace. Also assigned to the PSG are police personnel and operators from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Special Action Force (SAF). Co said the PSG posts are perceived to be the most sought after assignment as they are the closest to the seat of power the presidency. Military and police officers and personnel are designated to the PSG which serves as a springboard for their professional careers, Co said. Co added that 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 the officials they have served. Batocabe said that to date, at least three PSG Commanders have become AFP Chiefs of Staff and 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 AFP and weakens public 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 Malacaang Palace, and foreign visitors -- shall be upheld and given utmost priority, Batocabe said. The proposal to create the GPSS in place of the PSG was originally filed during the

15th Congress, but due to lack of time, its discussions were halted at the committee level. In HB 335, Co and Batocabe proposed the creation of the GPSS, which shall be under the direction and control of the Office of the President (OP). The GPSS shall be the lead agency in the provision of security for the following: the President; Vice President; Senate President; Speaker of the House; Chief Justice of the Philippines; the First Family; the Malacaang Palace and other buildings under the OP. The bill also provides that the GPSS shall be the primary coordinating agency in the provision of security for the following: visiting foreign heads of state or governments; distinguished visitors and diplomatic delegates of foreign states of Intergovernmental Organizations (IGO) to the Philippines; and other individuals or events as officially designated by the OP. The bill provides for the abolition of the PSG, and its powers and functions not consistent with the provision of the proposed ACT shall be transferred to the GPSS. The transfer of power and functions shall include all applicable funds and appropriations, records, equipment, property and personnel as may be necessary. The GPSS shall be headed by a Director with the rank of Undersecretary who shall be responsible for the general administration and management of the agency. The Director shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines and shall be assisted by Deputy Directors with the rank of Assistant Secretary for the following divisions: personnel and fiscal; intelligence; information and communications technology; operations; and special tactics and training. All other personnel from the Deputy Director and below shall hold plantilla positions subject to civil service rules and regulations. They shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be suspended or removed from office, except for just cause as specified by law. Those PSG personnel 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. Personnel or staff composing the GPSS shall undergo an intense selection process. The GPSS shall establish rigorous training programs to enhance the tactical, operational, strategic and technical competence of the GPSS staff, the bill provides. (30) rbb