Bill seeks to replace PSG with new service

The Presidential Security Group may soon be replaced by a "non-political" protection and security service, if a bill lodged before the House of Representatives is passed into law.

House Bill 335 by Reps. Christopher Co and Rodel Batocabe (Ako-Bicol) seeks to convert the PSG into the Government Protection and Security Service (GPSS).

Co said PSG posts are perceived to be the most coveted assignment since they are closest to 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 also voiced concerns military or police personnel assigned to the PSG may be politicized since they are beholden to the officials they served, for the promise of high-ranking positions.

Batocabe added at least three PSG commanders have become AFP chiefs of staff and were perceived 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 Malacañang Palace, and foreign visitors – shall be upheld and given utmost priority," Batocabe said.

Also, the two said House Bill 335 stems from the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that the armed forces shall be insulated from partisan politics.

Presently, the PSG is a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in Malacañang.

It has members from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the Special Action Force (SAF).

Lead agency

Under the bill, the GPSS shall be under the direction and control of the Office of the President and shall be the lead agency in securing the following officials:

The bill also provides that the GPSS shall be the primary coordinating agency in securing:

Also, the bill provides for the abolition of the PSG, and its powers and functions 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," said a news release of the House of Representatives.

It added 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 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 will have security of tenure and shall not be suspended or removed from office, except for just cause.

Meanwhile, affected PSG personnel may be integrated into the GPSS or remain with the AFP or PNP.

Personnel or staff composing the GPSS shall undergo an intense selection process.

The bill provides that the GPSS shall establish rigorous training programs to enhance the tactical, operational, strategic and technical competence of the GPSS staff. — LBG, GMA News