Quezon City 4th district Rep. Marvin Rillo (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will purchase passive body scanners and body-worn cameras to the tune of P1.25 billion this year in a bid to enhance transport security.

This was bared by Quezon City 4th district Rep. Marvin Rillo, appropriations committee member, in a statement Sunday, March 2.

“In the 2025 General Appropriations Law, Congress allocated P800 million for the DOTr’s procurement of passive body scanners,” Rillo stated.

“Additionally, Congress earmarked P450 million for the department’s acquisition of body-worn cameras for transport security personnel,” he added.

Both appropriations are itemized under the DOTr’s P50.7 billion budget for this year, according to Rillo.

“This is a substantial investment in transport security, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving passenger safety,” said the rookie legislator.

“The use of passive body scanners will help detect prohibited items without causing delays, increasing both security and efficiency, while body-worn cameras will enhance accountability among transport personnel and help deter crimes,” he added.

Rillo made the announcement shortly after President Marcos appointed Vivencio “Vince” Dizon as the new DOTr chief effective Feb. 21, following the resignation of Jaime Bautista due to health reasons.

The DOTr is responsible for overseeing the country’s air, rail, land, and maritime transportation systems and is mandated to ensure the safety and security of passengers.

The threats to transport security include crime – such as theft, harassment, vandalism, and assault on passengers or staff – as well as terrorism, including bombings, attacks, and sabotage.