SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THEREPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REP! TIVES,
Ne 4348"

Introduced by Representative H. Harry L. Roque Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

Recent events reveal the urgent need for a more in-depth study of the ways by which
conflict can be resolved in order to achieve lasting peace. Historically, the Philippines has been
the battle ground of many wars, both national and international. Within the country are various
rebel groups that have thrived for decades because of a failure to arrive at long-lasting peace
agreements. At the same time, the strategic position of the Philippines in South East Asia makes
it a target of political maneuvering among various world powers, making it vulnerable to threats

of force.

It is in the interest of the State to approach conflict strategies academically. By studying
conflicts empirically, from the perspective of law and order, in light of the practices of other
States, the Philippines can come closer to resolving the conflicts within its own territories and
aspire to aid other nations in resolving theirs. This bill proposes to establish an Institute for
Strategic Studies (ISS) under the University of the Philippines Law Center. Following the
success of the Institute for International Legal Studies and the Institute for Human Rights, the

ISS will be the nation’s leading center in studying conflict and developing peace strategies.

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-Y L. ROQUE JR.

‘The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES. )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
No.

Introduced by Representative H. Harry L. Roque Jr.

AN ACT CREATING THE
INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES UNDER THE
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LAW CENTER.
WHEREAS, the University of the Philippines has established in its College of Law a unit
known as the Continuing Legal Education and Research Center, also known as the

University of the Philippines Law Center;

WHEREAS, the major purpose of the University of the Philippines in the establishment
of this unit is the advancement of legal scholarship, the protection of human rights with
emphasis on the improvement of the legal system and the administration of justice, and
the assumption of leadership in overcoming the criticism directed at professional

competence and responsibility;

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of both the University of the Philippines and the State to
pursue studies on developing strategies for preventing, reducing, and resolving conflicts,

both domestic and international, in order to achieve peace: Now, therefore

SECTION 1. Short title - This Act shall be known as the “UP Institute for

Strategic Studies Act.”


SECTION 2. Functions of the Institute for Strategic Studies~ The Institute for
Strategic Studies (ISS)is hereby established as an institute under the U.P. Law Center, as
provided by Republic Act 3870. The ISS shall perform the following functions:

1) To undertake technical studies and research in law, particularly on
Strategic Studies, a field centered on the study of conflict and peace
strategies, with emphasis on the relationship between international
politics, international law, international diplomacy, international
‘economics, military power, and geopolitical strategy;

2) To undertake law institutes or study programs for the aforementioned
field;

3) To undertake the publication of studies, research papers, articles, and other
academic works or writings on the aforementioned field, and to distribute
them to interested educational institutions, government. agencies,
government administrators, and other interested parties; and

4) To perform all other acts as may be necessary for the achievement of its
objectives and functions, in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the University of the Philippines.

SECTION 3. Funding — The ISS shall be fully funded by the proceeds collected
by the U.P. Law Center pursuant to Section 4 of Republic Act 3870,

SECTION 4. Personnel of the ISS - Any provision of law to the contrary
notwithstanding, appointments to the administrative or research staff of the ISS may be
on a part-time basis and shall be exempt from the requirements and restrictions of the
Civil Service Law, the Retirement Law, and Section five hundred twenty-nine of the

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Revised Administrative Code: Provided, That any retiree employed in the ISS shall not
be required to reimburse or refund any gratuity received from the Government nor shall
any pension or annuity to which he is entitled be suspended or reduced on account of his
‘employment in the U. P. Law Center.

SECTION S.Separability Clause. - If any provision is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree orissuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation contrary to
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
accordingly.

SECTION 7.Effectivity Clause, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,