Recognizing the vital role of transportation in nation building
ANGARA EYES MEASURES TO ENSURE TRANSPORT SECURITY

Senator Edgardo J. Angara emphasized the need for and require the country to adopt comprehensive security measures, install and implement security program throughout the country to prevent if not eradicate security threats to human lives and properties.

"The State recognizes the vital role of transportation in nation building and the right of the citizenry to a well secured transportation system for their safety and well being. Hence, the State should promote the installation of transportation security measures whose standards and practices are internationally recognized and considered world class. This can be done through the installation of measures, programs, plans and activities that foster security and safety in all means and modes of public transportation," said Angara who authored Philippine Transportation Security Act f 2007.

SB 1902 promotes the establishment of measures to prevent weapons, explosives or other dangerous person, elements, devices and cargoes which may be used to commit an act of unlawful interference, the carriage or bearing of which should not be authorized, from being introduced by any means whatsoever, on board a transport system.

Various organizations of nations and international communities and economies like the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC and other regional organization of nations have been promoting and have place in operation intermodal transportation security system to be in full consistency and control over the safety and convenience of all inter-modal transport system. The Philippines as a member of the international community of nations has been far-off, if not helplessly, lagging behind, in adopting and setting up security systems and effective security enforcement in all ports, terminals and facilities over land, air and water nationwide. It is significantly beneficial to the Philippines that it is in full accord with other countries' minimum safety and security requirements in public transportation by adopting internationally accepted standards and practices prescribed for transportation security.

"We must bolster a system of coordination and cooperation, the transportation sector and law enforcement, public security and safety agencies and of course the citizenry. I urge my colleagues to support this kind of measure and I call on the public to help us in achieving a safe and sound environment," ended Angara.