FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Sen~te Bill'N~. 110 
---
INTRODUCED BY SEN. GREGORIO B. HONASAN " 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The new contours of politics and economics both internal and external have 
substantially influenced the nature of security challenges of the entire nation. The end of 
the cold war heralded by the fall of the Berlin Wall might have moved the world a step 
away from the spectre of nuclear destruction but it also marked the beginning of what 
Peter Ducker refers to as another "kind of history." In addition to some of cold war's 
"unresolved conflicts," - tension in Taiwan Strait and the Korean peninsula- the new, 
post cold war period also spawned new security challenges frorn ethno- linguistic strife 
to unresolved border disputes. 
The end of the East-West divide has 'likewise paved for the systemic 
restructuring of societies- their basic values, social and political structures, and key 
institutions- but in the process, unbalanced other "new" security issues. Such concerns 
that are now being considered in the formulation of long- term pOlicies of government 
include among others, international terrorism, inter- cultural conflict, environmental 
degradation, food and energy scarcity, drug and human trafficking, and ill- effects of 
globalization. Although some of these so-called "new" security challenges have always 
been in our midst, their impacts to the survival and development of indiViduals and of 
nations have now become clearly' understood, necessitating a re-examination and 
reconceptualization of "security." These issues have gained adherents and have moved 
from the periphery to the center of the debate on security policy and strategy 
formulation. 
The security implications of recent developments in the structure of political 
relations among nation states and the national economy, enhanced by advances in 
science and technology, warrant th!'l search for a new approach to security, one that 
covers non-military concerns such as economic, environmental, and social issues and 


one that is able to account for the interconnected effects that such developments bear 
down on the state. 
In the South Asian region, the call for a- broader definition of security is reflective 
as well through the 1967 Bangkok Declaration. Although ASEAN leaders described their 
policies as "inward looking", a policy designed to focus and deal with internal security 
problems and threats rather those that originate from outside sources, there is no 
consensus on the definition of security. 
In consideration of the recent developments in the international arena, the 
Philippines therefore must keep up with the changes in the 21" century. The country is 
bereft of a Comprehensive National Security Plan. For fifty-nine (59) years, we have 
been using the Commonwealth Act No.1 otherwise known as the National Defense Act. 
In view of the changes in the intemational arena discussed above, Commonwealth Act 
No. 1 is not responsive anymore in .addressing both internal and external threats faced 
by the country. For this reason, a yomprehensive national security policy needs to be 
adopted. The country needs a realistic, coherent and purposive blueprint to ensure the 
country's defense and development. 
In light of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is hereby earnestly 
sought. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES', 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
s.61d. 110 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. GREGORIO B. HONASAN II 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY AND PLANNING FRAMEWORK 
AND CREATING AN INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
TITLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Article I. 
Title and Declaration of Principles and Policies 
Section 1, Title - This Act shall be known as the "The National Security Act of 2010" 
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to: 
1) Provide a comprehensive system that integrates policies and procedures relating 
to national security for all the departments and agencies of the Government to 
achieve coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and to ensure the 
effective strategic direction of the Armed Forces into the integrated and efficient 
operational organization; 
2) Promote human development and security through the concerted effort of all its 
agencies and instrumentalities and by taking concrete steps to increase the 
availability and widen the range of economic and social choices; 
3) Promote social cohesiveness among its people through education and 
participation in national development; 


4) Protecting its environment and natural resources from undue utilization and 
exploitation thereby ensuring their productive and sustainable use, for the 
benefits of the present and future generations; 
5) Encourage people's participation in national development and provide climate for 
free exercise of political rights; 
6) Cognizant of the pluralist character of its populace, endeavor to create an 
environment conducive to cultural understanding and tolerance in order to attain 
harmony and peace among the people; 
7) Support and encourage initiatives in. science ad technology and achieve 
technological self-reliance' in 
selected 
areas that are vital to national 
development; 
8) Ensure full exploration and development, in the judicious disposition, utilization, 
management renewal and conservation of the country's forest, mineral, land, 
water, fisheries, wildlife, off-shore areas, and other natural resources, consistent 
with the maintenance of a sound ecological balance; 
9) Ensure full protection to labor in terms of optimum working conditions, fair 
compensation, security of tenure and right to organization. 
10)protect and promote the right to health of the people and instil health 
consciousness among them; adopt an integral and comprehensive approach to 
health development, priority for the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, 
women and children; endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other social 
services available to all the people at affordable cost; 
11 )Ensure the care, protectio,n and rehabilitation of individuals, families and 
communities which have the least in life and need social work intervention to 
restore their normal functioning and enable them to participate in community 
affairs; and 
12) Maintain good diplomatic standing to promote its national interest. It shall 
enhance cooperative and harmonious relations with other countries, and ensure 
an effective and purposive representation with regional and international 
organizations. 


Section 3. Principles of a National Security Policy. - The following are hereby 
declared to be the principles of the national security policy: 
(a) The military establishments shall at all times be subordinate to civilian 
(b) For the defense of the State all citizens may be required to render personal 
authority; military or civilian services: 
(c) The security of the State shall be pursued in the context of the respect for the rights 
of the Filipino people; 
(d) The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy and affirms the 
right of self-defense against all threats to national security; 
(e) The Philippines adheres to the:policy of peace, cooperation and the amity with all 
the nations, consistent with the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-
determination; 
(f) The Philippines adopts the generally accepted principles of international law; 
(9) The security of the State shall be guaranteed to the mobilization of its citizens 
(h) The integration of civilian and military personnel and resources shall underlie and 
resources; and defense policy and structure 
Article II. 
Definition of Terms 
Section 4. Definitions. - Under this Act the following terms shall mean: 
1. National Security - refers to the state or condition wherein the people's way of life 
and institutions, their territorial integrity and sovereignty including their well-being 
are protected and enhanced. 
2. Defense - refers to the employment of acceptable and reasonable means and 
methods available to prevent, resist and destroy an enemy attack in accordance 
with international laws and standards. 


3. Strategy - refers to a plan of action that organizes efforts to achieve objectives 
with the ways and means of achieving those ends. 
4. National Security Strategy - refers to the bridge that connects the national 
instrument of power (military and diplomacy) and the country's defined national 
security objectives. 
5. National Security Threat -' capabilities, intentions, and actions of actual or 
potential enemies to prevent or interfere with the successful fulfilment of national 
security interests and/or objectives. 
Title II: NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY 
Article III. 
Defining the Rationale I Objectives of a National Security Strategy 
Section 5. Principles/Objectives of a National Security Strategy -
The primary 
objective of a strategy is to protect and enhance the people's physical and 
govemment's political survival. Thus, a national security strategy plan shall be governed 
by the following principles and objectives: 
(a) the plan shall be created in the context of the prevailing political system and the 
prevailing security environment, taking into account the threats and opportunities that 
the nation faces; 
(b) the plan shall be realistic, coherent, and purposive blueprint to ensure the country's 
defenses and development because security is not inherited but created; 
(c) the plan shall determine how threats can be encountered and how opportunities can 
be pursued without risking the core values that the people treasure; and 
(d) the plan shall be defined by the national leadership or by the President provided that 
the strategic vision must be translated into specific security objectives, so that 
appropriate approach can be designed and implemented for the purpose. 


Section 6. Imperative for a National Security Strategy. - a national security strategy 
shall outline three basic elements - ends, ways, and means - and the process that 
govem their interaction. 
a) Ways - the national leadership must be able to foster the broad public understanding 
and support necessary for the implementation of the country's national security 
strategy and plans. It shall also sustain its current security activities or engagements. In 
the event where shaping the security environments proves difficult, the country must be 
prepared to respond the different ways adopted must therefore provide an array of 
possible responses consonant to the anticipated risks that may occur in its security 
environment. 
b) Means- the country's diplomatic instrument of power shall be established which shall 
be composed of professionals to well-trained individuals. Members of the diplomatic 
corps must possess a broad understanding of the dynamics of domestic and 
intemational politics. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall remain the strong 
source of the country's security, The AFP shall likewise be composed of professional 
individuals and shall be equipped with tools or technology demanded by the times. 
c) Ends - national security strate'gy must be focused. It shall define the country's 
strategic objectives or vision, which are derived from the hopes and aspirations of the 
people it serves. Henceforth, the ends must ensure the protection of the country's 
fundamental and enduring needs; protect the lives and safety of the people; maintain 
the sovereignty of the country with its values, institutions and territory intact. 
Section 7. Threats to National Security Requiring the Employment of Armed 
Forces. - Upon the direction of the President, threats to national security requiring the 
employment of armed forces shall be addressed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
and the Philippine National Police. 
TITLE III . IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURE AND MECHANISMS 
Article IV. 
The National Security Council 
Section 8. Composition of the National Security Council. - There shall be created a 
National Security Council (NSC) which shall be composed of the following: 


a. The President; 
b. The Vice-president; 
c. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
d. The Executive Secretary. 
e. The Secretary of National Defense: 
f. 
The Secretary of Interior and Local Government; 
g. The Secretary of Justice; 
h. 
The Director-General of the National Economic Development Authority; 
i. 
The National Security Adviser 
j. 
The Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security of both 
Houses of Congress; and' 
k. Other government officials and private citizens whom the President may 
designate from time to time. 
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Director-General of the 
Philippine National Police shall serve as adviser to the council. 
Section 9. Chairman of the National Security Council.- The President shall serve as 
the Chairman of the National Security Council. He shall convene and preside over all 
meetings of the Council provided that in his absence, he may designate any member of 
the Council to preside in his place. The Council shall meet as the President may deem 
necessary. 
Section 10. Powers and Functions.- the National Security Council (NSC) shall 
exercise the following powers and functions; 
a) Advice the president on the formulation, integration, coordination and supervision of 
the national security policies; 
b) Formulate guidelines for all agencies of the government on matters relating to 
national security, including such rules that will govern the conduct of information and 
intelligence gathering collation and 'analysis by agencies and officials involve in national 
security; 
c) Ensure integration of relevant 'domestic and foreign policies relating to national 
security to enable all departments and agencies of the government to cooperate more 
effectively on matters involving national security of intelligence; and 
e) Exercise oversight function over the N IA. 


d) Provide guidance to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on the conduct 
Section 11. Executive Committee. - The National Security Council shall have an 
Executive Committee which shall be composed of the President as the Chairman, the 
Vice-president, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Secretary, the Secretary 
of National Defense, the National Security Adviser, and such other members or advisers 
as the President may appoint from time to time. 
Section 12. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee. -
The 
following shall be the primary duties and responsibilities of the Executive Committee: 
a) Review and analyze national security problems; 
b) Formulate position or solutions for consideration by the Council; 
c) Determine the agenda and order of business of the Council; and 
d) Advise the President on the implementation of any decisions. To carry out the 
function of the Executive Committee, the Chairman shall utilize the facilities and 
expertise of any of the government agencies and instrumentalities and shall promulgate 
rules and regulations to govern the operations of the Executive Committee. 
Section 13. National Security Adviser. - For purposes of this Act, the Director of the 
National Security Council shall be hereinafter referred to as the National Security 
Adviser. He shall be assisted by a Deputy who shall be appointed by and shall serve at 
the pleasure of the President. 
Section 14. Duties of the National Security Adviser. - The National Security Adviser 
shall advise the President on matters pertaining to national security and, whenever 
directed by the President, supervise and monitor the implementation of national security 
policies and adopted by the Council. He shall likewise attend and participate in the 
meetings of the Cabinet with the permission of the Chairman. 
Section 15. The National Security Council Secretariat. - The NSC shall have a 
permanent Secretariat which shall be headed by the Deputy National Security Adviser, 
under the general supervision of the National Security Adviser. 


, 
Section 16. Functions. - The Secretariat of the Council shall be responsible for 
providing technical and administrative services to NSC. It shall further undertake the 
following: 
a. Document the proceeding and manage and maintain the records of the meetings of 
the Council; 
b. Ensure the policies formulated by the Council as approved by the President are 
clearly and promptly communicated to the agencies concerned, and that all the 
implementation of national security plan and policies are closely monitored and 
appropriate evaluation of such policies are made; 
c. Prepare strategic studies, plans· and policy options on issues and concern affecting 
the national security; 
d. Ensure the timely collection and dissemination of information necessary for the 
improvement of the national security process; 
e. Engage the services of and extend financial support to domestic and foreign 
specialist 
and 
experts, 
private, research 
entities 
and 
other 
non-government 
organizations involved in the conduCt of NSC; and 
f, Perform such other tasks as the President may direct. 
Title IV. THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA) 
Section 17. Powers and Authority. - The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) shall be 
the central authority on national intelligence activities; direct, coordinate and integrate 
governmental activities involVing: national intelligence; and, prepare intelligence 
estimates of local and foreign situations for the formulation of national policies. 
Section 18. Reconstitution of the NICA. - The National Intelligence Coordinating 
Agency (NICA) is hereby converted into the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). To 
ensure the continuity of NICA's operations, all its personnel and resources therein shall 
be absorbed by the NIA. Salaries of its personnel shall be fixed or adjusted by the NIA 
Director, provided that the same is within the limits of appropriations provided for the 
purpose. 


, 
Section 19. Organization. - The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is hereby created 
under the Office of the President. It· shall be headed by a Director who shall be assisted 
by a Deputy Director. Both officials shall be appointed by the President. 
, 
Section 20. Functions. -The following are the primary functions of the NIA: 
1) Provide the President, the National Security Council, and other government agencies 
with the intelligence, estirnates, reports, and other services essential to national 
security; 
2) Undertake intelligence activities, focusing on collecting strategic intelligence 
requirements of the country (political, economic, defense, etc.) to include the collection 
of foreign intelligence; 
3) Collect and process information for dissemination of accurate data; 
4) Coordinate with the various government agencies and instrumentalities for a 
comprehensive and timely distribution of intelligence to end users and to provide 
information and assistance of its mandate. 
5) Maintain and operate a communication and information operations infrastructure; and 
6) And to perform such other functions and duties related to intelligence affecting the 
national security as the President or the National Security Council may direct. 
Article V. 
National Intelligence Board 
Section 21. Creation of the Natio,nal Intelligence Board. - There shall be created a 
National Intelligence Board (NIB) which shall be the advisory body to the Director of NIA 
on the conduct, coordination, and integration of intelligence activities and the 
preparation of national intelligence estimates on domestic and international situations. 
Section 22. Composition of the NIB. -the NIB shall be composed of the NIA Director 
as ex-officio Chairman and the heads of all department and other intelligence units, who 
shall be appointed by the President.as members. 


Article VI. 
Department Strategic Intelligence Units 
Section 23. Department Strategic Intelligence Agencies. - There shall be created an 
intelligence unit in all departments which shall collect and process information in support 
of the implementation of the country's national security strategy. 
TITLE V. DEFENSE AND MILITARY ORGANIZATION 
Section 24. Principles of the Defense and Military Organization. - The defense and 
military organization shall be governed by the principles of simplicity of structure, clear 
lines of command, expedient decision-making, jOintness, complementarity, economy of 
resources and adaptability to specific environment conditions. 
Section 25. The Line of Authority. - The established lines of authority shall be 
the following: 
(a) In times of peace, the Line of Authority starts from the President of the Philippines 
being the Commander-In-Chief of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines to the: 
a. Secretary of the National Defense as it pertains to the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines; 
b. Secretary of Interior and Local G.overnment as it pertains to the Philippines National 
Police; 
c. Secretary of Transportation and Communication as it pertains to the Philippine Coast 
Guard. 
(b) In times of emergency to meet threats to national security where mobilization is 
effected by the President, the Line of Authority starts from the President of the 
Philippines, as the Commander-in-Chief of the entire armed forces, to the Secretary of 
National Defense and to the Chief of Staff of Armed Forces of the Philippines. 


,. 
: Article VII. 
The Department of National Defense (DND) 
Section 26. Powers and Functions of the Department of National Defense.- The 
Department of National Defense (DND) shall be responsible for planning. directing, and 
supervising the national defense programs, undertaking and promoting research and 
development activities; and performing such other functions as may be prescribed by 
the President. It shall exercise control and supervision over the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP), the Government 'Arsenal (GA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the 
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), and the National Defense University of the 
Philippines (NDUP). 
Section 27. Composition.- The office of the Secretary of the National Defense shall be 
headed by the Secretary and shall include, the Undersecretary, the Executive Staff, 
Service Staff and Personal Staff. 
Article VIII. 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 
Section 28. Powers and FunctiQns. - The Armed Forces of the Philippines is the 
military establishment of the government under the command, control and supervision 
of the President as its Commander-in-Chief through the Secretary of National Defense. 
Its mission is to uphold the Constitution, protect the people, preserve territorial integrity 
and secure the sovereignty of the state. Its broad functions are: 
(a) Promote and advance the national security interests of the country; 
(b) Plan, organize, maintain, develop and employ its regular and reserve forces 
(c) Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by higher for 
national defense; and authorities on the Line of Authority. 
Section 29. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall undertake a program of 
strengthening the patriotic spirit ani:! nationalist consciousness of all its members and 
respect for people's rights. 
Section 30. The members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be insulated 
from partisan politics and they shall not engage in partisan political activity, directly or 
indirectly, except to vote. 


Section 31. Recruitment of the AFP. - The officers and men of the Armed Forces of 
the Philippines shall be recruited proportionately from all regions of the country, to the 
extent practicable, taking into account the existence of multicultural composition of the 
population. 
Section 32. The President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines, whenever it becomes necessary, may call on the AFP to support the PNP in 
preventing or suppressing lawlessnE?ss violence or rebellion. 
Section 33. Regular and Reserve Forces.- The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall 
be composed of the Regular Force and Reserve Force. The Regular Force shall consist 
of all personnel in the active military service. 
Section 34. Organization of the AFP. - The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be 
organized into three Major Services, namely: Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and 
Philippine Air Force. It shall have an AFP Wide Service Support Units (AFPWSSU's), a 
General Headquarters (GHQ), and organized Operational Commands. 
Section 35. AFP Technical Services- The AFP Technical Services shall be composed 
of services in specialized fields requiring at least a baccalaureate preparation in a 
particular discipline which are rendered to all AFP personnel and their dependents. The 
AFP Technical Services shall consist of the Chaplain Service, Corps of Professors, 
Judge Advocate General Service, Medical Corps, Dental Service, Veterinary Corps, 
Nurse Corps, and Medical Service Corps. 
Section 36, General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. -The 
General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, shall be composed of the 
offices of the Chief of Staff, the Vice Chief of Staff, the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Armed 
Forces Joint Coordinating Staff, anq the Personal, Special, and Technical Staff. 
(a) The AFP Chief of Staff shall exercise command and control over ail elements of the 
AFP. He shall execute command functions in relation to military strategy and tactics 
operation. He shall be responsible for the development and execution of the national 
defense programs and armed forces mission under the authority and direction of the 
President and the Secretary of National Defense and shall prescribe, in accordance with 
pOlicies of the Secretary of National Defense, the organization, powers, function and 
duties of the various staff, services, -installation and other units of the AFP. 


(b) The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the principal assistant to the Chief of Staff and shall 
act, as the Chief of Staff during the latter's absence or disability. He shall assist the 
Chief of Staff in the administration and management of the AFP; 
(c) The AFP General Staff shall advice and assist the Chief of Staff in the performance 
of his functions and in the accomplishment of the tasks of the General Headquarters. It 
shall be headed by the Deputy Ch1ef of Staff, who shall be appointed by the Chief of 
Staff, subject to the approval of the President. The AFP General Staff, subject to the 
approval of the President. The AFP General Staff shall be a jOint staff consisting of the 
coordinating, personal, and special and technical staffs. The organization, functions and 
duties of the General Staff shall be prescribed by the Chief of Staff. 
Article IX. 
The Philippine Army 
Section 37. Mandate. - The Philippine Army shall organize, train, equip, maintain, and 
provide ground forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained land operations to 
accomplish the AFP mission. 
Section 38. Organization.- The Philippine Army shall be composed of its headquarters 
land combat and service forces and such other units may be necessary to accomplish 
its assigned mission. It shall be he~ded by a Commanding General who shall hold the 
rank of Lieutenant General. 
Section 39. Functions.-The Philippine Army shall have the following functions: 
(a) Prepare such units such as maybe necessary for the effective prosecution of the 
national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions, including the 
expansion of the peacetime army component to meet emergency; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, concepts, 
doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics, and techniques for army 
operations; 
(c) Organize, ahd train and equip all, army reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations: 


(e) Support national development efforts; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
Article X. 
The Philippine Navy 
Section 40. Mandate.- The Philippine Navy shall organize, train, equip, maintain and 
provide Navy forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained naval operations to 
accomplish the AFP missions. 
Section 41. Organization.- The Philippine Navy shall be composed of headquarters, 
naval combat, marine, support, 
~nd such other forces as may be necessary to 
accomplish its mission. It shall be headed by a Flag Officer in Command who shall hold 
the rank of Vice Admiral. 
Section 42. Functions.- The Philippine Navy shall have the following functions: 
(a) Prepare the necessary naval units for the effective prosecution of national defense 
plans and programs and armed forces missions, including the expansion of peacetime 
navy component to meet any emergency: and support the enforcement of all applicable 
laws pertaining to maritime matters like safety of life at sea, immigration, customs, 
revenues, narcotics, quarantine and fishing; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, concepts, 
doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics and techniques for naval 
operations; 
(c) Organize, train and equip all naval reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development efforts; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 


Article XI. 
Philippine Air Force 
Section 43. Mandate.- The Philippine Air Force shall organize, train, equip, maintain 
and provide air forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained air operations to 
accomplish the AFP missions. 
Section 44. Organization.- The Philippine Air Force shall be composed of a 
headquarters, tactical, and service support forces as may be necessary to accomplish 
its assigned mission. It shall be headed by a Commanding General who shall hold the 
rank of Lieutenant General. 
Section 45. Functions.- The Philippine Air Force shall have the following functions: 
(a) Organize, train, and equip forces for airlift, airborne and tactical air operations; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the Major Services, concepts, doctrines, 
systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics, and techniques for air operations: 
(c) Organize, train, and equip all air force reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development e~orts; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
Article XII. 
Operational Commands 
Section 46. Operational Commands.- Operational Commands shall be created which 
shall consist of Area Commands and Specified Commands. The SND shall prescribe 
the operational boundaries and force structure of these commands. Area Command 
refers to a military command which has broad, continuing mission in a particular 
operational area of responsibility and shall be composed of forces from two or more 
major services. The President shall prescribe the operational boundaries and force 
structure of these commands. 


Section 47. Mandate.- The operational commands shall conduct such prompt and 
sustained land, sea, and air operations as may be necessary to accomplish the AFP 
mission. 
Section 48. Role of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The 
Chief of Staff shall periodically review the mission, responsibilities, including operational 
boundaries and organization of each command, and, as may be necessary, recommend 
to the President, trough the Secretary of National Defense, any changes to such 
mission, area of responsibility, and organization. 
Article XIII. 
. Reserve Force 
Section 49. Mobilization of the R~served Force.- The utilization of the Reserve Force 
in times of emergency to meet threats to national security shall be through mobilization 
which shall be effected by the President as follows: 
1. Full Mobilization. When full mobilization is ordered, all units of the Ready, Standby 
and Retired Reserves shall be activated. The reservists constituting the same shall be 
called to active duty and placed on operational readiness; 
2. Partial Mobilization. When partial mobilization is ordered, only the .units of the 
Ready Reserve necessary to meet the threat will be activated. The reservists assigned 
to these units called to active duty: and placed on operational readiness; 
3. Selective Mobilization. When selective mobilization shall be ordered by the 
President, he shall himself select the units of the Ready Reserve to be activated for the 
purpose. 
Section 50. Mobilization Fund- For purposes of Section 52, the President shall submit 
to Congress a mobilization plan and its corresponding budgetary requirements. Under 
this Act, the President is authorized to cause the preparation and maintenance of 
mobilization staff at reasonable levels, which shall be replenished on a regular basis. He 
is also authorized to cause the utilization of any private entity necessary for the 
implementation of the mobilization ,,;,hich shall be paid by the National Government. 


Section 51. Duration of Mobilization. The President may call for mobilization for a 
period not exceeding 100 days after which, he shall render a report to Congress, 
immediately after the termination of, mobilization or in case of new appropriation for the 
extension of the period of mobilization. 
Section 52. Demobilization. When the threat or emergency for which the mobilization 
had been ordered has passed, the President shall order the demobilization and 
subsequent deactivation of the reserve units, and reservists shall be reverted to inactive 
status. 
Section 53. Reserve Force Readiness Evaluation. Reserve Force Readiness 
Evaluation shall be conducted by the Secretary of National Defense upon the 
recommendation of the Chief of Staff on a periodic basis to provide the reservists with 
training opportunities and evaluate operational effectiveness of units and individual 
members, Reservists participating in training and readiness evaluation shall be entitled 
to medical, incapacity and death benefits in accordance with law. 
Section 54. Role of the Philippine' Coast Guard and the Philippine National 
Police. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) shall 
be affiliated reserve units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In times of war or 
emergency, the PCG and PNP, upon the approval of the President, may be called upon 
to provide forces and resources to support the AFP mission. 
TITLE VI. SECURITY AND DEFENSE STRATEGY FORMULATION 
Section 55. Role of the President. The President as the Commander-in-Chief shall 
have the responsibility to undertake strategic planning on defense and security policies .. 
The president shall transmit to Congress a comprehensive report on the Philippine 
national security strategy, along with the mid- term and long- term defense progress 
with its concomitant annual budget. The report shall primarily contain the following: 
a) National interest, goals, objectives and consequent national defense capabilities vital 
to national security; 
b) Foreign policy, international commitments and legislative actions necessary to 
implement the national security strategy of the country; and 


c) Short, medium and long term US.8S of the elements of national power to protect and 
promote security interests of the country. 
Section 56. Role of the Secretary of National Defense. The Secretary of National 
Defense shall be the principal assistant to the President on policy and strategy matters 
involving national defense. He shall provide the Chief of Staff an annual Defense 
Planning Guidance which shall contain national defense objectives, policies, and 
strategies and the resource levels projected to be available for the period. 
Section 57. The Role of the Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff shall assist the President 
and Secretary of National Defense in providing strategic direction to the Armed Forces 
of the Philippines. He shall prepare the national military which will contain military 
objectives, strategic review thereof. 
Section 58. Strategic Plans. Strategic. plans shall enumerate specific strategic 
objectives, identify resources and constraints, outline strategy for securing objectives, 
and determine force capability requirements. 
Section 59. Strategic Reviews . .There shall be a periodic review of the defense 
organization to determine its continuing relevance, viability and capability. The strategic 
review shall be conducted by a special committee to be constituted by the Secretary of 
National Defense upon approval of the President of the Republic. 
Section 60. Administration. The· administration of the Armed Forces shall be the 
responsibility of the Secretary of National Defense. 
Section 61. Personnel Policies.· Personnel policies and administration shall be in 
accordance with the following principles: 
1. Recruitment to the Armed Forces shall be governed by the principle of equality, 
without distinction to any kind as to, ethnicity, gender, religion, and political beliefs. It 
shall be limited to natural born citizens in case of officers; 
2. Career management .in educC!tion, training, assignment and appointment shall 
provide for equal opportunities to all members; 


3. Promotion of members of the Armed Forces shall be based on merit, efficiency, and 
competence. It shall be governed by the principles of justice, equality, fairness, and 
professionalism; 
4. Members of the Armed Forces shall receive pay, allowances and other benefits that 
shall promote professionalism and afford them a respectable life; 
5. Members of the Armed' Forces shall be entitled to retirement and separation benefits 
that shall enable them to live a decent life. Retirement and separation benefits shall not 
be subject to attachment, levy, execution or any tax whatsoever, neither shall they be 
assigned, ceded, or conveyed to any third party; 
6. Attrition of members of the Armed Forces shall consider the best interest of the 
service over that of its individual members; 
7. At any time during the active service, no officer or member of the Armed Forces of 
the Philippines may be appointed or designated in any capacity whatsoever to any 
civilian position in any branch, department, agency, or unit of Government, or any of the 
corporations that it owns or control, or any of the subsidiaries of such corporations; and 
8. Military officers shall not be allowed extension of service upon retirement. 
Article XIV. 
Government Arsenal 
Section 62. Mandate. The Government Arsenal shall undertake research and 
development on munitions and to operate as an integrated manufacturing entity 
producing munitions primarily for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine 
National Police. 
Section 63. Organization. The Government Arsenal shall be headed by a Director, 
who shall be a natural- born citizen, with relevant education and experience in munitions 
and its related fields. 
Section 64. Functions. The Arsenal shall have the following functions: 
a) Operate and maintain the govern;nent arsenal; 


b) Formulate and implement plans and programs to achieve self- sufficiency in arms 
c) Design, develop, manufacture, stQckpile, and allocate arms and munitions without the 
necessity of obtaining any permits or licenses; 
d) In case of war or an emergency, "facilitate the efficient mobilization of civilian industry 
to augment the production of the government arsenal; 
e) In case of full mobilization, supervise 'the operation of the civilian munitions industry; 
and 
f) Procure raw materials, test weapons and other equipment in support of its mission 
and munitions; 
Article XV. 
Office of Civil Defense 
Section 65. Mandate. The office of the Civil Defense shall promote and ensure the 
protection and security of the population, their property and environment, from all kinds 
of disasters by overseeing the effective and efficient implementation of civil protection 
programs and services through as integrated, multi-sectoral and community based 
approaches and strategies. 
Section 66. Organization. The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by an 
Administrator. 
Sec 67. Functions. The Office of Civil Defense shall have the following functions; 
1) Formulate and administer a comprehensive national Civil protection and disaster 
2) Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and security of the 
production, their property and environment, from all kinds of disasters; 
3) Estimate the total material manpower and fiscal requirements for carrying out the 
national civil protection and disaster risk reduction program, and provide the local 
government units and autonomous ,regions such aid in facilities, materials, and funds as . 
may be available from the National Government; 


4) Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating, and training the general 
public, volunteer workers, local government units and other critical groups, on civil 
protection measures and activities; risk reduction program; 
5) Furnish guidance and technical assistance to the various provinces, cities, 
municipalities in the planning, organization, training and operation of the local Disaster 
Management Councils; 
6) Advise the Secretary of National Defense on matters concerning civil defense and 
make recommendations from time to time as may be deemed appropriate or as the 
Secretary may require; 
7) Provide secretariat and technical support services to the National Disaster 
Management Councils; and 
8) Perform such other duties as may be provided by law. 
Article XVI. 
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office 
Section 68. Mandate. The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall administer the needs 
of veterans and their dependents and shall develop and maintain national military 
shrines. 
Section 69. Organization. The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be headed by an 
Administrator. 
Section 70. Functions. The Philippine Veterans Affairs office shall have the following 
functions: 
a) Formulate and promulgate, SUbject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense, policies, rules, and regulations and goveming the adjudication and 
administration of veterans' claims and benefits; 
b) Adjudicate and administer behefits, pensions and other privileges granted to 
veterans, their heirs and beneficiaries; 
c) Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing law; 


d) Provide administrative supervision of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center; 
e) Administer, develop, and maintain military shrines; 
f) Formulate policies concerning the affairs, placement and training of ex-servicemen, 
and assist their widows and dependents, and other retired military personnel; and 
g) Perform other functions as the Secretary of National Defense may direct. 
Article XVII. 
National Defense University of the Philippines 
Section 71. Conversion of the NDCP. The National Defense College of the Philippines 
is hereby converted into the National Defense University of the Philippines. To ensure 
the continuous operations of the College, all its personnel and resources thereof shall 
be absorbed by the NDUP. Salaries of its personnel shall be fixed or adjusted at the 
discretion of the NDUP Academic Board within the limits of appropriation provided for 
the purpose. 
Section 72. Mandate. The National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP) shall 
maintain and develop such academic program of instruction and research as designed 
for the education and training of defense and national security leaders and managers 
and for NDUP to be the center of strategic stUdies on defense and security in the 
country. 
Section 73. Organization. The NDUP shall be headed by a President. 
Section 74. Functions. The NDUPshall have the following functions: 
1) Train and develop the skills and competence of potential national defense leaders, 
civilian officials of the different agencies and instrumentalities of the government and 
selected executives from the private sector in the formulation and implementation of 
national security and for high command and staff duty; 
2) Confer postgraduate, graduate, and baccalaureate degrees in national security; and 
3) Engage in high-
grade research and studies as called for by its mission. 
administration and related fields. 


TITLE VII. DEFENSE EDUCATION 
Section 75. Defense Education., Defense education shall be geared towards the 
development of professional and in'tellectually competent personnel at all levels of the 
defense establishment who are imbued with values, knowledge and skills necessary for 
the attainment of the country's security objectives, It shall actively promote, develop and 
complement Philippine education and manpower resource development, particularly 
identifying productive and potential personnel who shall be leaders, professionals, or 
staff workers endowed with nationalism and patriotism cognizant of the country's role as 
" 
a member of the international cor:nmunity. Defense education and training shall be 
governed by the principles of sequential learning and jointness. 
Section 76. Defense Education and Training Board. The Secretary of National 
Defense shall constitute a Defense Education and Training Board from among the 
constituent offices of AFP and DND engaged in education and training activities. The 
DND Secretary shall appoint the chairman of the Board. 
TITLE VIII. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY 
Article XVIII. 
Economic Security 
Section 77. The government shall pursue an economic regime based on the principle of 
responsible entrepreneurship, social conscience, respect for the dignity of labor and 
concern for the public interest to achieve economic solidarity, strength and 
independence where people enjoy economic freedom. 
, Article XIX. 
Role of the Executive Offices 
Section 78. Role of the NEDA. The National Economic and Development Authority 
shall primarily be responsible for formulating continuing, coordinated and fully integrated 
economic and social policies, plans and programs to promote economic growth and 
equitable distribution of the benefits,of such growth to the members of the society. 


Section 79. Role of the DOF. The Department of Finance shall be responsible for the 
formulation, institutionalization and administration of fiscal policies in coordination with 
other concerned subdivisions, agen,cies and instrumentalities of government in support 
of the attainment of the government's development objectives, 
Section 80. Role of the DFA. The Department of Foreign Affairs shall promote trade, 
investments, and other economic relations with other countries in cooperation with other 
government agencies and private sector. 
Section 81. Role of the OTI. The Department of Trade and Industry shall formulate and 
implement policies, plans, and programs relative to the promotion, development, 
expansion and regulation of trade industry and investments. It shall pursue a trade 
policy that serves the general welfare and utilizes all forms and arrangements of 
exchange on the basis of equality and reciprocity, 
Section 82. Role of the OA. The Department of Agriculture shall be responsible for the 
promotion of agricultural development by providing the policy framework, public 
investments, and support services' needed for domestic and export oriented business 
enterprises. It shall take steps to improve farm income and generate work opportunities 
for farmers, fishermen and other rural workers. 
Section 83. Role of the DOT. Th!3 Department of Tourism shall be charged with the 
responsibility to encourage, prornQte and develop tourism as a major socioeconomic 
activity to generate foreign currency and employment and to spread the benefits of 
tourism to wider segment of the population, 
Section 84. Role of the DOE. The Department of Energy shall ensure a continuous 
and adequate supply of energy, It shall endeavor to achieve self- reliance in the 
country's energy requirements through the integrated and intensive exploration, 
production, management, development and sustainable utilization of the country's 
indigenous energy resources. 
Article XX. 
Political Dimension 
Section 85. Role of the DILG. The Departrnent of Interior and Local Government shall 
promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further strengthen the local 


government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of the basic services to the 
citizenry. 
Section 86. Local Government Uni.ts shall ensure the delivery of basic services to the 
citizenry. It shall promote the empowerment of the local citizenry in order to contribute to 
the attainment of political stability. 
.. Article XXI. 
Socio- Cultural Dimension 
Section 87. Role of Educational Institutions. The Department of Education, TESDA 
and the Commission of Higher Education (CHED) shall be responsible in their 
, 
respective areas for the formulation, planning and implementation and coordination of 
the policies, plans, programs and projects in formal and non- formal education; 
supervise all educational institutions; and provide for the establishment and 
maintenance of a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to 
the goals of nation development. 
Section 88. The Role of the DOH. The Department of Health shall be primarily 
responsible for the formulation, planning, implementation and coordination of the 
policies, plans and programs in the field of health. It shall promote, preserve, or restore 
the health of the people through the provision and delivery of health services and 
through the regulation and encouragement of the providers of health goods and 
services. 
Section 89. Role of the DSWD. The Department of Social Welfare and Development 
shall provide a balanced approach, to welfare whereby the needs and interests of the 
population are addressed pro- actively. 
Article XXII. 
Techno- Scientific Dimension 
Section 90. Role of the DOST. ,The Department of Science and Technology shall 
support and encourage public and. private sector initiatives in science and technology 
and provide necessary incentives and assistance to enable the private sector to take 
increasing responsibility and a greater role in the country's research and development 
efforts. It shall provide central direction to all science and technology policies and shall 


ensure that the results therefrom are geared and utilized for maximum economic and 
socia! benefits. 
Section 91. Role of the DND. The. Department of National Defense shall incorporate in 
every eqUipment acquisition contract, special foreign exchange reduction schemes such 
as counter trade, 
in-country manufacture, co-production, 
or other innovative 
arrangements or combinations thereof, in order to generate employment opportunities 
and enhance technology transfer. 
Section 92. Role of the DTI. The Department of Trade and industry shall formulate the 
appropriate mechanics to guide and manage the transfer of appropriate industrial 
technology in the country. 
Section 93. Role of the DOTe. The Department of Transportation and Communication 
shall assess, review and provide direction to the transportation and communications 
research and development program of the government in coordination with other 
relevant institutions. 
ArticleXXll1. 
ECCi.logical Dimensions 
Section 94. Role of the 
DEN~. The Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources shall be in charge in carrying out the state's constitutional mandate to control 
and supervise the exploration, development, utilization and conservation of country's 
natural resources. 
Section 95. Role of the DA. The Department of Agriculture shall promulgate and 
enforce all laws, rules and regulations governing the conservation and proper utilization 
of agricultural and marine resources. 
Section 96. Role of the Educational Institutions. The Department of Education, 
TESDA and CHED shall ensure that relevant learning on ecology are integrated in the 
system of education that includes formal, non-formal, indigenous learning and out-of-
school study programs. 
Section 97. Role of DPWH. The Department of Public Works and Highways shall give 
due regard to the protection of the ecology in the integrated planning for roads, flood 
control and water resource development systems, and other public works. 


Section 98. Role of the DND. The Department of National Defense shall take part in 
the preservation of national patrimony including the country's living and nonliving 
marine, sub marine, mineral, forest and other natural resources. 
Section 99. Role of the DOE. The Department of Energy, in the management of energy 
resources, shall ensure environmental protection and maintenance. 
Article XXIV. 
Human Welfare and Social Dimensions 
Section 100. Role of the DOLE. The Department of Labor and Employment shall 
ensure that the rights of all workers to self- organization, collective bargaining 
negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in 
accordance with the law. It shall promote the voluntary modes in settling disputes, 
including conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to foster 
industrial peace. 
Section 101. Role of the DOH. The Department of Health shall protect and promote 
the right to health of the people and instil health consciousness among them; adopt an 
integral and comprehensive approach to health development, with priority for the 
unprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children; endeavor to make essential 
goods, health and other social services available to all people at affordable cost; 
establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory system; and undertake 
appropriate health manpower development and research: responsive to the country's 
health needs and problems. 
Section 102. Role of the DSWD. The Department of Social Welfare and Development 
shall provide a balanced approach ·to welfare whereby the needs and interests of the 
population are addressed not only at the outbreak of the crisis but more importantly at 
the stage which inexorably lead to such crisis. 
Section 103. Role of the DENR. The Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources shall promote equitable access to natural resources by the different sectors 
of population and enhance the contribution of natural resources for achieving national 
economic and social development. . 


TITLE IX. SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY 
Section 104. Role of the DFA. The Department of Foreign Affairs shall be the lead 
agency in the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and evaluating the total 
national effort in the field of foreign relations. Other agencies, in consultation with the 
Department of Foreign Affairs, may initiate bilateral or multi lateral cooperative activities 
in their respective areas of concern with other countries. 
Article XXV. 
Separability Clause and Repeals 
Section 105. Separability Clause. If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not: affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect 
Section 106. Repealing Clause. ',All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamation, 
rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly, 
Section 107. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in at least two newspapers of gener~1 circulation. 
Approved,