Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The National Defense Act, enacted in 1935 through Commonwealth Act No. 1, is the 
primary legislation governing the defense and security of our country. This law even laid the 
groundwork for the creation of Republic Act No. 7898, or the “AFP Modernization Act.” 
However, almost ninety years have passed and no amendment or changes has been made 
on it since. Certain provisions of the law are due for updating, and a stronger, more credible 
national defense system is imperative, especially now that our country’s sovereignty is under 
threat.  
For example, in 1995, China built structures within the Philippine Exclusive Economic 
Zone, which spurred tensions between the two countries due to China’s nine-dash line. Even 
when the Philippines protested, we had no means of enforcing our claim. The real and intense 
tension between the countries officially started when the Philippine Navy arrested Chinese 
fishermen near the Scarborough Shoal, and when Chinese maritime vessels blocked our ships 
when we were clearly within our jurisdiction. This led the previous administrations to file a case 
before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague in 2013 to challenge China’s 
nine-dash line. Three years later, the PCA ruled in favor of the Philippines, stating that the 
nine-dash line had no legal basis which meant that China’s interference with our natural 
resources constituted a violated. 
While steps have been made to modernize the country’s defense system, the existing 
law is unable to adapt to the changing times. If the Department of National Defense is to 
address current threats to our national security, legislative initiatives must be pursued to 
strengthen our defense capabilities. 
It is therefore the goal of this bill to update current national defense policies, principles, 
and concepts, institutionalize needed improvements, and codify various laws on national 
defense. It aims to streamline and further professionalize our country’s defense establishment. 
Under the proposed bill, the Secretary of Defense shall be included in the Chain of 
Command and the exercise of authority, direction, command, and control over the AFP shall 
be carried out by the President, as the Commander-in-Chief, through the Secretary. It 
proposes further to integrate the Women’s Auxiliary Corps and the Technical and 
Administrative Service into the Component Services. It also establishes the Warrant Officers 
within the AFP, composed of highly technical experts, combat leaders, trainers, and advisors. 
This bill also seeks to transform the National Defense College of the Philippines into 
the National Defense University of the Philippines, categorized as a special higher education 
July 10, 2025
6:49 pm
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institution. The university shall be authorized to confer the degree of Master in National 
Security Administration, which shall subsequently be required for appointment to key positions 
and the promotion of AFP officers.  
Further, this bill proposes the prohibition on the sale of defense real estate, unless 
otherwise recommended by the Secretary, with any income from lease or development to be 
remitted to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund. The AFP shall also henceforth be exempt 
from the Government Procurement Law in cases involving special defense equipment or, upon 
the discretion of the Secretary, in the protection of the interests. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
AN ACT TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND ESTABLISH EXPEDITIOUS 
TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AND ITS 
BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as "The National Defense Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of National Defense Policies. – The national defense policies of 
the Republic of the Philippines shall be as follows: 
(a) In defending the Philippines, the paramount consideration shall be national
sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-determination;
(b) The national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as possible to the
territorial and administrative organization of the Philippines;
(c) The civil authority shall at all times be supreme over the military. The President of the
Philippines as the Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, shall be responsible that
mobilization measures are prepared at all times;
(d) The mobilization shall include the execution of all measures necessary to pass from a
peace to a war footing or in any case of actual invasion or when public safety so
requires as well as during its transition to normalcy or rehabilitation;
(e) The mobilization plans of financial, industrial, economic, technological and social
resources of the Philippines shall conform to the provisions of the Constitution and
shall be prepared by the executive departments concerned in accordance with the
following general policies:
(1) The respective responsibilities of the several executive departments in
mobilization planning will be prescribed by the President;
(2) Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and continuity of
effort until normalcy has been attained; and
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(3) No profit incident to war shall accrue to any individual, corporation, association or 
partnership. 
  
SECTION 3. Defense Conditions and Authority. –  Defense conditions shall be the bases 
for the designation of persons and entities to act in behalf of the state. Defense Conditions, 
hereinafter referred to as DEFCON, are circumstances where the three categories of events 
– disaster, internal disorders, and invasion – acting separately or in concert tend to, or actually 
threaten, the security of the state. The hierarchy of defense conditions and the persons or 
entities designated to act in behalf of the state shall be prescribed by the President. 
 
ARTICLE I 
NATIONAL DEFENSE COUNCIL 
 
SECTION 4. National Defense Council. –  
 
(a) The National Defense Council (NDC) chaired by the President is composed of heads 
of the executive departments, past Presidents, past Chief Justices of the Supreme 
Court and other government officials and private citizens as the President may appoint 
or designate. It shall have a permanent staff which shall preserve a documentary 
record of the Council’s deliberations. 
 
(b) The method of operation of the National Defense Council, its detailed duties, and its 
rights to summon witnesses or consultants shall be fixed in executive orders to be 
issued by the President. Funds for its operation shall be provided in the appropriations 
for the Executive Department. 
 
TITLE I 
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Article I – General Provisions 
 
SECTION 5. Mandate. – The Department of National Defense is the primary government 
agency charged with the duty of implementing the provisions of this Act. The defense 
establishment shall be maintained to maximize its effectiveness for guarding against external 
and internal threats to national peace and security. 
  
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Department. – To carry out the above-declared 
policy, the Department shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions: 
 
(a) Formulate and prepare national defense policies, strategies, plans and programs; 
 
(b) Formulate, develop and update the national defense plan of the country, including the 
mobilization plan for the employment of the country's citizens and resources for 
national defense; 
 
(c) Control, monitor, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the implementation of national 
defense policies, plans, programs and activities; 
 
(d) Exercise supervision and control over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 
Government Arsenal (GA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Veterans Affairs 
Office (PVAO) and the National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP); 
 
(e) Formulate, establish, implement, supervise and control quality management system. 
 


(f) Establish, promote and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for defense and 
military cooperation with its international counterparts for the purpose of addressing 
traditional and non-traditional security threats. 
 
(g) Implement the country's international defense and security commitments based on 
defense and security treaties, cooperation agreements, international covenants, 
protocols and other similar arrangements; 
 
(h) Develop self-reliance defense posture to guarantee the enhancement of responsive 
and progressive capabilities and maximum utilization of resources; 
 
(i) Develop a responsive Armed Forces capable of addressing various threats to national 
security; and 
 
(j) Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided by law or directed 
by the President of the Philippines. 
 
SECTION 7. Contracts. – The Department is hereby authorized to enter into, make, perform 
and carry out contracts of every class, kind and description which are necessary or incidental 
to the performance of its mandate as provided herein, with any person, firm or corporation, 
public or private, and with foreign government entities, subject to the provisions of existing 
laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 8. Management and Control of Defense Real Properties. – 
 
(a) The Department is hereby authorized to administer, operate, manage, control, 
maintain and develop defense real properties for strategic basing and to use, hold, 
acquire, or lease any private real property, right of way, or easement which may be 
proper or necessary for the accomplishment of its mandate as provided in this Act. 
 
(b) The sale and/or exchange of strategic defense real properties shall be prohibited 
unless otherwise recommended by the Secretary of National Defense, approved by 
the President of the Philippines, with the consent of Congress. 
 
(c) The lease and/or development of defense real properties, by joint venture or otherwise 
shall be allowed upon prior approval by the President of the Philippines. 
 
(d) Any and all income derived from the lease or disposition of such defense real estate 
shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund, and disbursed in 
accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 9. Special Defense Materiel Acquisition. – Upon prior approval by the President 
of the Philippines, and when the procurement for use by the AFP involves major defense 
equipment or materiel and/or defense-related consultancy services, when the expertise or 
capability required is not available locally, and the Secretary of National Defense has 
determined that the interests of the country shall be protected by negotiating directly with an 
agency or instrumentality of another country with which the Philippines has entered into a 
defense cooperation agreement or otherwise maintains diplomatic relations, the AFP may be 
allowed to resort to negotiated procurement: Provided, however, That the performance by the 
supplier of its obligations under the procurement contract shall be covered by a performance 
security in accordance with Section 39 of the IRR of R.A. 9184. 
 
SECTION 10. Exemption from Import Licenses. – All acquisition of defense materiel by the 
DND and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and other licenses imposed by other 


agencies of the government. In lieu thereof, the SND shall issue a certification that the goods 
being imported are exempt from such licenses. 
 
SECTION 11. Grants and Donations. – The Department, or any of the bureaus, agencies or 
offices under it, may accept donations, contributions, and grants from various sources, 
domestic or foreign, for purposes relevant to its functions: Provided, That in case of donations 
from foreign governments or persons, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing laws, 
rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 12. Defense Cooperation Agreements. – 
 
(a) Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution, the Department of National Defense 
may enter into Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements to develop, enhance and 
sustain multi-faceted defense and security engagements and cooperation with the 
defense and armed forces of other countries.  
 
(b) Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include but not limited to the exchange 
of information, exchange of visits, exchange of personnel, subject matter expert 
exchange, logistics cooperation, defense industry cooperation, humanitarian 
assistance and disaster response, defense and military doctrine development, 
research and development in defense science and technology, participation in trade, 
science or technology exhibits,  military and defense exercises, training activities, and 
education exchanges or other areas of mutual concern. 
 
Article II – Organization 
 
SECTION 13. Organizational Structure. – The Defense Department shall be composed of 
the DND-Proper and its bureaus namely, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), 
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Government Arsenal (GA), National Defense 
University of the Philippines (NDUP), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and other 
instrumentalities under the supervision and control of the Secretary of National Defense as 
provided for by law. 
 
SECTION 14. Composition. – The DND-Proper shall be composed of the Office of the 
Secretary of National Defense and the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant 
Secretaries, and the Department Services.  
 
SECTION 15. Office of the Secretary. – The Office of the Secretary shall consist of the 
Secretary of National Defense and his/her immediate staff as determined by him/her. 
 
SECTION 16. The Secretary of National Defense. – The Secretary of National Defense 
shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Commission on 
Appointments.  
 
SECTION 17. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. – The authority and responsibility 
for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge of its powers and 
functions shall be vested in the Secretary of National Defense, who shall have supervision 
and control of the Department. The Secretary shall also perform such other functions as may 
be necessary or proper to attain the objectives of this Act or as may be provided by law or 
directed by the President. 
 
TITLE II 
THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Article I – General Provisions 
 


SECTION 18. Declaration of Policies. –  
 
(a) The AFP, as the protector of the people and the State, shall secure the sovereignty 
and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against all threats;  
 
(b) The AFP shall uphold the Constitution and adhere to the rule of law at all times; 
 
(c) Professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its 
members shall be a prime concern of the State; and 
(d) The AFP, as an institution, shall be insulated from partisan politics. No member of the 
military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except to 
exercise the right of suffrage. 
 
SECTION 19. Mission and Functions. – The AFP is the protector of the people and the State. 
Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory. It 
shall have the duty to: 
 
(a) Defend against all forms of threats to national defense and security; 
 
 
(b) Plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ and sustain its Regular and Reserve 
Force for national defense and security; and 
 
(c) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 
SECTION 20. Chain of Command. – The exercise of authority, direction, command and  
control over the AFP shall be carried out through the Chain of Command, which is the line of 
authority and responsibility along which orders are passed, beginning from the President as 
the Commander-in-Chief, through the Secretary of National Defense, to the Chief of Staff of 
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) down to the commander of the lowest echelon 
of command in the AFP: Provided, That this does not preclude the President from issuing 
orders directly to the AFP. 
 
SECTION 21. Organization and Composition. – The AFP shall be initially composed of three 
(3) component services- the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy. 
These services shall form the Citizens Armed Force composed of the Regular Force and 
Reserve Force guided by the Table of Organization and Equipment of the AFP, prescribed by 
the Secretary of National Defense upon recommendation of the CSAFP.  
 
ARTICLE II 
THE REGULAR FORCE 
 
A. ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION 
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 22. Size and Composition. – The Regular Force, alternately referred to as the 
Standing Force, shall be initially composed of the following: 
 
(a) Regular Officers, Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel; 
 
(b) Reservists called to active duty, or on active duty tour for training; and  
 
(c) Draftees, trainees and government-sponsored Filipino cadets enrolled in local or 
foreign military schools. 
 


The size and composition of the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the President, 
upon the recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines through the Secretary of National 
Defense.  
 
SECTION 23. Organizational Principle. – The President, through the Secretary of National 
Defense, shall organize the AFP into such commands, forces and units in accordance with 
operational requirements. For this purpose, the national territory may be divided into such 
operational areas as the Secretary of National Defense may direct. 
 
SECTION 24. Organizational Structure. – The Regular Force of the AFP shall consist of the 
Joint Headquarters; the Joint Force Operational and Functional Commands; the Component 
Services namely: The Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force; and 
the other existing units, component services, commands, and task forces of the AFP. The 
Secretary of National Defense upon the recommendation of the CSAFP may, in accordance 
with the policies or directives of the President, create additional units, services, commands 
and task forces, or reorganize the AFP in response to any situation or in pursuance of 
operational or contingency plans. 
 
SECTION 25. Operational Principles. – The operational principles of the AFP shall be as 
follows: 
 
(a) The Commander-in-Chief shall exercise command and control through the CSAFP 
with the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. The Joint Headquarters 
AFP, shall be the command and control element of the AFP; 
 
(b) The Joint Headquarters AFP shall exercise centralized command and control to 
ensure unity and coordination of efforts throughout the military establishment; 
 
(c) The Joint Force Operational Commands as force employers shall be responsible for 
the decentralized execution of joint operations to achieve maximum operational 
efficiency within the military establishment unless otherwise determined by the CSAFP 
through the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense; 
 
(d) The Component Services as force providers shall be responsible for the development, 
organization, training, equipping, maintenance and sustainment of combat forces, 
combat service forces, technical and administrative service, and combat service 
support forces. 
 
(e) The AFP Reserve Force shall provide for the base of expansion of the Component 
Services. 
 
CHAPTER 2 – THE JOINT STAFF HEADQUARTERS ARMED FORCES OF THE 
PHILIPPINES 
 
SECTION 26. Mandate. – The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be headed by the CSAFP, 
shall be the command and control element of the AFP. 
 
SECTION 27. Organization. – The Joint Staff Headquarters shall be composed of the Office 
of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, 
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff and the other 
key staff offices and units necessary for effective command and control of the AFP as 
recommended by the CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
  
 
SECTION 28. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. –  
 


(a) The President shall appoint the CSAFP from among the officers with the rank of 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral in the active service, who shall hold the rank of 
General/Admiral. 
 
(b) CSAFP shall serve a minimum tour of duty of 2 years and maximum of 3 years. For 
this purpose, the CSAFP shall be allowed to complete his maximum tour of duty 
beyond his retirement age: Provided, That the CSAFP may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years 
and deemed retired from active military service.  
 
SECTION 29. Powers and Functions. – The Chief of Staff shall: 
 
(a) Serve as the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of National 
Defense; 
 
(b) Be responsible for the formulation of the national military strategy consistent with the 
national defense strategy; 
 
(c) Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, plans and 
programs of the AFP; and 
 
(d) Prescribe the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff, services, 
and other units of the AFP in accordance with the national defense policy. 
 
SECTION 30. The Vice Chief of Staff. – The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the principal assistant 
of the CSAFP and shall perform the functions of the CSAFP during the latter's absence or 
incapacity. He shall be appointed in the same manner as the CSAFP.  
 
 
The Vice Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of 1 year and maximum of 3 
years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be 
appointed as a Vice Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) year remaining in the 
active service: Provided further, That Vice Chief of Staff may be removed by the President as 
Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired 
from active military service. 
 
SECTION 31. The Deputy Chief of Staff. – The Deputy Chief of Staff shall integrate and 
synchronize the Joint Staff works to assist the CSAFP in policy formulation and 
implementation, and command decision making process through completed staff work. 
 
The Deputy Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of 1 year and maximum of 3 
years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be 
appointed as The Deputy Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) year remaining in 
the active service: Provided further, That the Deputy Chief of Staff may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years and 
deemed retired from active military service. 
 
SECTION 32. The Joint Staff. – The Joint Staff, as coordinating staff shall advise and assist 
the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The organization, functions and duties of 
the Joint Staff shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 33. Personal Staff. – The Personal Staff, as immediate staff shall directly advise 
and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The organization, functions and 


duties of the Personal Staff shall be prescribed by the CSAFP: Provided, That coordination 
with other staff is not precluded. 
 
SECTION 34. Special Staff. – The Special Staff, as specialized, technical and administrative 
staff shall advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The 
organization, functions and duties of the Special Staff shall be prescribed by the CSAFP 
 
SECTION 35. Authority to Reorganize the General Headquarters into the Joint Staff 
Headquarters. – In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness, the CSAFP, upon the approval 
of the Secretary of National Defense, may: 
 
(a) Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters in 
addition to the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff, and prescribe the organization, 
mission and functions; and 
 
(b) Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters not specifically 
provided in this Chapter or by any other provision of law, or transfer or consolidate 
their functions and duties with other staffs, offices or units. 
 
CHAPTER 3 – JOINT FORCE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS 
 
SECTION 36. Organization, Mission and Function. –  
 
(a) The Joint Force Operational Commands shall be organized and established by the 
CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense which shall be under 
the command, control and operational direction of its Joint Force Commander. 
 
(b) The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities and joint area of operations of the 
Joint Force Operational Commands shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense, in consultation with, or upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 37. Designation or Assignment of Joint Force Commanders. –  
 
(a) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall be designated or assigned to the said 
position by the President, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines 
through the Secretary of National Defense.  
 
(b) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC, as force employer, shall have operational 
control over all units operating within their respective joint area of operations.  
 
(c) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall serve for a minimum term of 2 years 
and maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and 
without prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That 
no officer shall be appointed as a Joint Force Commander if that officer has less than 
two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided further, That Joint Force 
Commanders may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time 
before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
CHAPTER 4 – THE COMPONENT SERVICES 
 
SECTION 38. Organization. – 
 
(a) The Component Services shall be organized by the President, upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense and the CSAFP. The Chiefs of 


the Component Services shall be designated or assigned to the said position by the 
President.  
 
(b) The Chiefs of the Component Services shall serve for a minimum term of 2 years and 
maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without 
prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no 
Officer shall be appointed as Chief of Component Service if that officer has less than 
two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided further, That Chief of 
Component Service may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any 
time before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired from active military 
service. 
 
(c) The Component Services shall act as force providers, which shall develop, organize, 
train, equip, maintain and sustain the necessary forces in support of the AFP missions. 
 
SECTION 39. The Philippine Army. – The Philippine Army (PA), headed by the Chief of the 
Philippine Army shall provide forces that will be responsible for the conduct of prompt and 
sustained joint and combined ground operations in support of the AFP mission. It shall be 
composed of its headquarters, maneuver units, and sustainment units and such other units as 
may be necessary for the conduct of ground operations.  
 
SECTION 40. Functions of the Philippine Army. – The Philippine Army shall:  
 
(a) Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such ground forces or units as 
may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;  
 
(b) Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective implementation of 
the national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions;  
 
(c) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, doctrines, 
systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Army; 
 
(d) Implement mobilization of the Army Reserve; and 
 
(e) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
CSAFP.  
 
SECTION 41. The Philippine Air Force. – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) headed by the 
Chief of the Philippine Air Force shall provide forces that will be responsible for the conduct of 
prompt and sustained air operations in support of the AFP mission. It shall be composed of its 
headquarters, air combat, combat support and sustainment units and such other units as may 
be necessary for the conduct of air and support operations.  
 
SECTION 42. Functions of the Philippine Air Force. – The Philippine Air Force shall: 
 
(a) Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such air forces or units as may 
be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;  
 
(b) Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective implementation of 
the national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions;  
 
(c) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, doctrines, 
systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Air Force; 
 
(d) Implement mobilization of the Air Force Reserve; and 


 
(e) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
CSAFP.  
 
SECTION 43. The Philippine Navy. – The Philippine Navy (PN) headed by the Chief of the 
Philippine Navy, shall provide forces that shall be employed for the conduct of prompt and 
sustained naval operations in support of the AFP missions. It shall be composed of its 
headquarters, naval forces, service support and sustainment units and such other units as 
may be necessary for the conduct of naval operations.  
 
SECTION 44. Functions of the Philippine Navy. – The Philippine Navy shall: 
 
(a) Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such naval forces or units as 
may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;  
 
(b) Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective implementation of 
the national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions;  
 
(c) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, doctrines, 
systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Navy; 
 
(d) Implement mobilization of the Navy Reserve; and 
 
(e) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
CSAFP.  
 
SECTION 45. Technical and Administrative Service. – Each Component Service shall 
develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain their respective Technical and 
Administrative Service composed of but not limited to, The Judge Advocate General Service, 
Medical Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical and Administrative Corps, Nurse Corps, Dental 
Corps, Chaplain Service, and Corps of Professors. 
 
SECTION 46. The Women’s Auxiliary Corps. – The Women’s Auxiliary Corps as created by 
Republic Act No. 3835, as amended shall be integrated to their respective Component 
Service. For this purpose, RA 3835 is hereby repealed. Further, the number of female 
personnel in the AFP, notwithstanding provision of relevant laws, shall be prescribed by the 
Secretary of National Defense.  
 
 
CHAPTER 5 – MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS 
 
SECTION 47. Organization, Mission and Function. –  
 
(a) The Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Command and General Staff College (CGSC), 
Officer Candidate School (OCS), Non-commissioned Officer Academy and other 
Military Education and Training Institutions organized and established by the CSAFP 
with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense shall be under the command, 
control 
and 
direction 
of 
their 
Military 
Education 
and 
Training 
Superintendent/Commandant. 
 
(b) The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities of the military education and 
training institutions shall be prescribed by the CSAFP with the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 48. The Philippine Military Academy. –  
 


(a) Mandate. The Philippine Military Academy categorized as special higher education 
institution is the primary training and educational institution of the AFP, which shall be 
its principal source of regular officers. The degree programs, instruction, faculty 
complement, research, and facilities of the PMA shall be accredited by the Commission 
on Higher Education (CHED). 
 
(b) Organization. - The Academy headed by the Superintendent shall be organized as 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the recommendation of the 
CSAFP. 
 
(c) Development. – The Academy shall determine its teaching, manpower, curriculum, 
research and extension thrusts, plans and programs, standards and budget. 
 
(d) Cadet Corps. - The student body of the Academy shall be known as the Cadet Corps 
Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and shall have such strength, as the 
Secretary of National Defense shall determine, upon the recommendation of the 
CSAFP. 
 
(e) Academic Board. - There shall be an Academic Board organized by the 
Superintendent. The Board shall, in accordance with the rules and regulations 
prescribed by the CSAFP, have the power to confer baccalaureate degrees upon the 
cadets who satisfactorily complete the approved course of study.  
 
(f) The Superintendent shall  serve for a minimum term of 2 years and maximum of 3 
years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be 
appointed as Superintendent if that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in the 
active service: Provided further, That the Superintendent may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years. 
 
(g) Board of Visitors. The PMA shall establish a board of visitors to look into the academic 
affairs of the Academy with the end of enhancing its educational systems. The Board 
of Visitors shall be composed of at least five (5) but not more than seven (7) members 
designated by the Superintendent, whose membership shall meet at least once a year.  
 
SECTION 49. Authority to Establish Other Military Training Institutions. – The President, 
upon the recommendation of the CSAFP through the Secretary of National Defense, is hereby 
authorized to establish other military training academies and institutions in the AFP. 
 
B. RECRUITMENT, PROMOTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT 
CHAPTER 1 – COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 
 
SECTION 50. Qualifications. – All persons commissioned as officers in the Regular Force 
shall be natural born citizens of the Philippines, of legal age, of good moral character, 
physically and mentally qualified for active military service, and shall have such other 
qualifications as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 51. Appointments in the Regular Force. – 
 
(a) Officers shall be permanently appointed by the President in the Regular Force in 
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.  
 
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the date of rank of a commissioned officer in 
active service in the Regular Force shall be the date of permanent appointment in that 
grade by the President. 


 
SECTION 52. Revocation of Commission. – The commission of an officer may be revoked 
by the President at any time, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense 
when found not fully qualified for such commission or who lacks any of the qualifications 
prescribed by law or regulation. 
 
SECTION 53. Officer Grade Distribution. – The Secretary of National Defense shall 
prescribe the authorized number of officers in the Regular Force in each grade in each 
Component Service in accordance with the Table of Organization and Equipment. 
 
SECTION 54. Distribution of General/Flag Officers. – The number of general/flag officers 
herein authorized shall be distributed to the various general/flag officer grades by the 
Secretary of National Defense based on the recommendation of the CSAFP in accordance 
with the Table of Organization and Equipment. 
 
SECTION 55. Tour of Duty in Key Positions. – No officers with less than one year remaining 
active service shall be designated to positions requiring the rank of Brigadier 
General/Commodore or higher.  
 
SECTION 56. AFP Promotion System. – 
 
(a) The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by the principle that as officers are 
promoted from one grade to the next higher grade, the criteria of competence, merit 
and potentials are the primary consideration.  
 
(b) The AFP Promotion System shall be the primary means by which the AFP shall 
periodically evaluate and assess its ranks of officers and shall institutionalize and 
continue to implement an efficient process of selection for promotion, as well as for 
attrition of officers as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(c) The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by a management system with a view 
of ensuring smooth succession in the filling of vacancies in key positions as and when 
these occur. 
 
(d) The Secretary of National Defense shall prescribe the seniority and promotional lineal 
list of the AFP.  
 
SECTION 57. Promotion to General/Flag Officer Grades. – No officer shall be promoted to 
the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher unless there is an existing vacancy and 
the officer is occupying a position in the Table of Organization and Equipment that requires 
the rank for which he is being considered for promotion or assignment.  
 
SECTION 58. Maximum Tenure in Rank. – The maximum tenure of officers in the ranks of 
Colonel/Captain and General/Flag Officer in the AFP are hereby prescribed as follows: 
 
Colonel/Captain  
 
 
8 years 
Brigadier General/Commodore  
4 years 
Major General/Rear Admiral 
 
3 years 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral  
3 years 
General/Admiral  
 
 
3 years 
 
Unless earlier separated or retired or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying a 
position calling for the ranks of higher grade in the AFP TO&E, Colonels/Captains and 
Generals/Flag Officers shall be compulsorily retired upon the attainment of the maximum 
tenure in rank herein prescribed, or upon reaching the age of compulsory retirement, whichever 


is earlier, except for those, who may be allowed by the President to finish tenure in position as 
recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 59. Determination and Allocation of Key Positions. – The Secretary of the 
Department of National Defense upon the recommendation of the CSAFP shall determine and 
allocate the number of key positions among the component services, headquarters and 
support units of the AFP based on the technical nature of the organization, position, task, 
scope and area of responsibilities, equipage, prevailing Defense Condition and other 
considerations as the exigencies of the service may require.  
 
CHAPTER 2 – WARRANT OFFICERS 
 
SECTION 60. Qualifications for Appointment. – Any natural born citizen of the Philippines, 
of legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good moral character, and 
possessed of such educational attainments and specialized skills or expertise as may be 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, may be appointed in the Regular Force. 
 
SECTION 61. Appointments in the Regular Force. – Warrant Officers shall be appointed 
by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 62. Revocation of Appointment.  – The appointment of an officer, who is found 
not fully qualified for such appointment or who lacks any of the qualifications prescribed by 
law or regulation may be revoked by the Secretary of National Defense at any time, upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 63. Warrant Officer Management. – The Secretary of National Defense shall 
prescribe the special career management, employment, grades, rank and authorized number 
of warrant officers in the Regular Force in each grade in each Component Service in 
accordance with the operational and organizational needs of the AFP. 
 
CHAPTER 3 – ENLISTED PERSONNEL 
 
SECTION 64. Qualifications for Enlistment. – Any natural born citizen of the Philippines, of 
legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good moral character, and 
possessed of such educational attainments as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense, may be enlisted in the Regular Force under the following restrictions: 
 
(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, each enlistment in the Regular Force shall be for 
a term of five (5) years: Provided, That all enlistments in force at the outbreak of war, 
or other grave national emergency, or entered into during its continuation shall remain 
in force until six months after its termination, unless sooner terminated by the 
President; 
 
(b) Enlistments for service shall be apportioned among the various provinces of the 
Philippines, as far as practicable, provided that qualifications for competency as 
prescribed shall be observed; and 
 
(c) Re-enlistment in the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
 
SECTION 65. Enlisted Ranks. – The ranks of enlisted personnel in the AFP shall be in 
accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CSAFP. The total number of enlisted personnel 
in the enlisted ranks and non-commissioned officer grades shall be prescribed by the CSAFP 
in accordance with the number of authorized positions in the approved Table of Organization 
& Equipment. 


 
SECTION 66. Enlistment and Career Development of Enlisted Personnel System. – The 
Secretary of National Defense shall, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP, prescribe the 
guidelines, which shall govern the procurement, enlistment, training, promotion and discharge 
or separation of all enlisted personnel in the AFP. 
 
SECTION 67. Authority to Promote and Demote. – The authority to promote and demote 
Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
 
C. RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION 
 
SECTION 68. Retirement and Separation. – Retirement, whether compulsory or optional, 
and separation from military service, shall conform with existing laws, rules and regulations 
without prejudice to the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 69. Recall from Retirement. – An Officer, Warrant Officer or Enlisted Personnel 
who retired from the active service, may be recalled to active duty by the President during 
national mobilization and shall be subject to the Articles of War. They shall be recalled in the 
last permanent rank held before retirement. 
 
SECTION 70. Retirement and Separation Benefits. – Congress shall allocate funds for the 
retirement and separation benefits as according to existing laws, rules and regulations.  
 
SECTION 71. Attrition System. – 
 
(a) The attrition system for Officers shall be prescribed by the President as recommended 
by the Secretary of National Defense.  
 
(b) The attrition system for Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed 
by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 72. Effect of Loss of Filipino Citizenship. – Pursuant to existing laws, any retired 
military personnel, receiving retirement and pension benefits pursuant to the provisions of 
this Act, who loses his/her Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled to receive pension 
and retirement benefits. The survivors of any retired military personnel who lose his Filipino 
citizenship shall no longer be entitled to receive survivorship benefits 
 
D. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM 
 
SECTION 73. Military Justice. – 
 
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, enforcement of discipline and military justice 
shall be governed by applicable laws and administrative issuances as prescribed by 
the President upon recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(b) There shall be reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension of active service, and 
forfeiture, suspension, or withholding of pay and allowances of Officers, except those 
ranks confirmed by Commission on Appointments, found administratively liable. The 
procedure, extent or system of which shall be prescribed by the President as 
recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(c) Procedure, extent or system of reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension of 
active service, and forfeiture, suspension or withholding of pay and allowances of 
Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel found administratively liable shall be 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended by the CSAFP. 


E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE 
 
SECTION 74. Extension of Legal Assistance. – All military personnel charged of service-
related or service-connected administrative, civil or criminal offenses, upon approval of their 
Chiefs of Component Services, shall be provided adequate legal representation and 
assistance by military lawyers or counsel of their own choice until conclusion of the case. 
Reasonable allocation can be charged against the fund of component service to support such 
case. 
  
ARTICLE III – THE RESERVE FORCE 
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 75. Organization of the Reserve Force. – The organization of the Reserve Force 
shall conform to projected and actual needs as determined by the Secretary of National 
Defense upon the approval by the President. The Table of Organization and Equipment of the 
Reserve Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense upon 
recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 76.  Purpose. – The purpose of the Reserve Force is to provide the base for the 
expansion of the AFP in the event of disaster, internal disorder and invasion;  
 
CHAPTER 2 – COMPOSITION OF THE RESERVE FORCE 
 
SECTION 77. Composition. – The Reserve Force shall have three (3) components, namely: 
 
(a) The Army Reserve Component; 
 
(b) The Air Force Reserve Component; and 
 
(c) The Navy Reserve Component. 
 
SECTION 78. Affiliated Reserve Units. – Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs) are private and 
government entities, corporations, establishments and organizations at the national, 
provincial, city and municipal levels which provide essential public and strategic services 
necessary to support the prosecution of national defense plans or to meet an emergency. 
ARUs shall belong to any of the Reserve Force Components.  
 
SECTION 79. Call to Active Duty of the Reserve Force. – Reservists may be called to active 
duty for training and/or deployment as prescribed by the CSAFP as approved by the Secretary 
of National Defense. 
   
TITLE III 
OTHER BUREAUS AND AGENCIES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT 
ARTICLE I – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 80. Supervision and Control. – The Secretary of National Defense shall exercise 
supervision and control over the bureaus and agencies under this Title, as well as its 
personnel. 
 
SECTION 81. Organization. – 
 
(a) Unless otherwise provided by law, the organization, functions, duties and 
responsibilities of the staff and operating units of each of the bureaus and agencies 
under the Department shall be as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense in 
appropriate rules and regulations issued for the purpose. 


 
(b) For this purpose, and in the interest of service, the Secretary of National Defense may, 
in accordance with the policies or directives of the President: 
 
(1) Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies and 
prescribe the titles, powers, functions and duties of the positions therein; 
 
(2) Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies not 
specifically provided by law, or transfer or consolidate their functions and duties 
with other staffs, offices or units; and 
 
(3) Abolish a position of any bureau or agency and transfer or consolidate its functions 
and duties with those of another position.  
 
SECTION 82. Separation Benefits of Officials and Employees of Affected Bureaus or 
Agencies. – Government employees displaced or separated from the service as a result of 
the restructuring pursuant to this Act shall be entitled to a separation pay and other benefits 
in accordance with existing laws, rules or regulations.  
 
ARTICLE II 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
 
SECTION 83. Mandate. – The Government Arsenal shall develop, operate, maintain and 
secure facilities for the manufacture of weapons, munitions and other defense materiel to 
support the requirements of the AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law 
enforcement agencies; and, to sell and export products in excess of the local demand. 
 
SECTION 84. Power and Functions. – The Government Arsenal shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
 
(a) Formulate and implement plans and programs towards the achievement of self-
sufficiency in weapons, small arms ammunition, mortars, medium and large caliber 
ammunition and other munitions needed by the country’s defense and security 
establishments; 
 
(b) Design, conduct research, develop, manufacture, procure, repair, stockpile and 
allocate weapons, munitions and other defense materiel subject to existing laws and 
regulatory requirements. 
 
(c) Sell and export products in excess of the requirements of the AFP and other law 
enforcement agencies, subject to existing laws; 
 
(d) Devise ways and means for the efficient mobilization of civilian/private industry to 
augment its production for use of the defense and security forces; and 
 
(e) Establish, secure and operate government defense manufacturing plants, as 
necessary, in strategic locations within the country. 
 
SECTION 85. Organization and Administration. – The Government Arsenal shall be headed 
by a Director with one or more Assistant Directors who shall support the Director in the 
administration, manufacturing operations and other affairs of the bureau; all of whom shall be 
appointed by the President upon the recommendation from the Secretary of National Defense, 
and who shall have the relevant expertise, training and experience in the field of munitions. 
 


SECTION 86. Modernization of the Arsenal. – The modernization of the Government 
Arsenal, for the development of production capabilities to enhance self-sufficiency in defense 
requirements, shall be part of the defense modernization program. The Government Arsenal 
may use such production facilities as it may own or be provided with under this Act or as it 
may arrange, under joint venture, co-production or similar agreements with local and foreign 
entities. 
 
ARTICLE III 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
 
SECTION 87. Transformation of the NDCP. – In view of the rapidly evolving national and 
regional security environment, the current academic trends and research thrusts of defense 
institutions in the Asia Pacific, and the increasing need for specialized defense and security 
courses to enhance the academic foundation of promoting Philippine national security, The 
National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) is hereby transformed into the National 
Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP) categorized as a special higher education 
institution. To ensure the continuous operation of the College, all its personnel and resources 
shall be absorbed by the NDUP. 
 
The degree programs, instruction, faculty complement, research, and facilities of the 
NDUP shall be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The NDUP shall 
likewise have adequate plantilla positions and receive appropriate funding to fulfill the 
requirements of transforming into a defense university.    
 
SECTION 88. Mandate. – In accordance with the standards set forth in pertinent laws and 
regulations on higher education, the NDUP shall train and develop the 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 review of national security policies and undertake research and studies as 
basis for the formulation of national defense and security policies, plans and programs. The 
NDUP shall be headed by a President, and assisted by an Executive Vice President, and four 
(4) Vice-Presidents, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon 
the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. The NDUP President shall have a 
term of six (6) years. 
 
SECTION 89. Powers and Functions. – The University shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
(a) Confer the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) upon the 
graduates thereof; 
 
(b) Develop and confer other baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees on defense 
and security; and 
 
(c) Undertake policy research and special studies as well as policy formulation on strategic 
defense and security issues. 
 
SECTION 90. Organization and Administration. – 
 
(a) The NDUP President shall administer the affairs of the University.  
 
(b) The NDUP President shall be assisted by the Executive Vice President (EVP). The 
EVP shall act as NDUP President in the absence or incapacity of the NDUP President, 
and shall perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned to him by the 
NDUP President or the Secretary of National Defense.  


 
(c) There shall be a Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who shall be responsible for the 
development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of academic programs; a 
Vice-President for Strategic Studies and Policy Formulation, who shall be responsible 
for the conduct and supervision of research and special studies and policy formulation 
and review for the Department; a Vice-President for Military Affairs, who shall be 
responsible for the overall military activities of the University; a Vice-President for 
Administration, who shall be responsible for the overall administrative support to all the 
activities of the University and such other officials as may be required by the University 
subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(d) The University shall have an Academic Board to assist the President discharge the 
following functions: 
 
(1) Supervise the academic affairs of the University; 
 
(2) Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors, research 
assistants and other resource persons of the University; and 
 
(3) Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University to 
accomplish its objectives. 
 
  
The Board shall be composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs as 
Chairman, and the Heads of the various academic disciplines as members, who shall 
be designated by the NDUP President subject to the approval of the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
 
(e) All resource persons of the University including but not limited to academic consultants, 
professors, lecturers, instructor, thesis advisers, members of examining and evaluating 
panels, examiners, correctors, and technicians who are regularly employed in the 
Government shall, in addition to their salaries, be entitled to receive honoraria, fees and 
other emoluments fixed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
(f) The Secretary of National Defense may establish a Council of Fellows in the University 
to assist and advise him in providing strategic direction and guidance necessary to 
ensure the accomplishment of the mandate of the University. 
 
SECTION 91. Graduates of the Regular Course of the University. – All graduates of the 
University shall be conferred the degree of Master in National Security Administration 
(MNSA). Civilian graduates of the MNSA program shall receive an initial rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel/Commander in the Reserve Force subject to existing AFP regulations. The MNSA or 
its equivalent in military career development course shall be required for appointment or 
designation to key positions and promotion of AFP officers to the grade of O-7 (Brigadier 
General/Commodore). 
 
SECTION 92. Transition. – The SND shall determine the appropriate transition period for 
NDCP to attain the status and competency of becoming a university. Further, Congress shall 
allocate the necessary funds for the transformation of NDCP to NDUP. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
 
SECTION 93. Mandate. – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shall have the primary mission 
of administering a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster risk reduction and 
management program during local and national emergencies by providing leadership in the 


continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches as well as measures to 
reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the consequences of disasters. 
 
SECTION 94.   Powers and Functions. – The Office shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
(a) Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and civil assistance 
program to include the allocation to agencies and local government units such aid and 
funds as may be made available by the national government, assisting governments, 
and international and local organizations; 
 
(b) Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and welfare of the civilian 
population in times of war or other national emergencies as may be determined by the 
President of the Philippines; 
 
(c) Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of national government agencies, local 
government units, private institutions and civic organizations for natural and human-
induced disasters; 
 
(d) Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating and training the general 
public, volunteer workers and civil defense groups on civil defense and assistance 
measures and activities; 
 
(e) Prepare and disseminate disaster control manuals and other publications related to 
measures on disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and 
rehabilitation and recovery; 
 
(f) 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; 
 
(g) Provide assistance and secretariat services to the National Disaster Risk Reduction 
and Management Council to implement the policies set by the latter relative to disaster 
management; 
 
(h) Furnish guidance to the various provinces, cities and municipalities in the planning, 
accreditation, organization and operation of their civil defense organizations; and 
 
(i) Perform such other civil defense functions as may be provided by law.  
 
SECTION 95. Organization. – The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by an 
Administrator who shall also serve as Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Council and, as such, shall have the same duties and privileges 
of a department undersecretary. It shall operate under a duly approved organization and 
staffing as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
ARTICLE V 
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE 
 
SECTION 96. Mandate. – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be the government 
agency responsible for administering the benefits due to veterans, their heirs and 
beneficiaries and shall provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing 
laws. It shall also administer, maintain and develop military memorials and battle monuments 
proclaimed as national shrines.  
 


SECTION 97. Powers and Functions. – The Office shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
(a) Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense, policies, rules and regulations governing the adjudication and administration 
of veterans claims and benefits; 
 
(b) Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges granted to veterans, 
their heirs and beneficiaries; 
 
(c) Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing law; 
(d) Administer, develop and maintain military memorials and battle monuments 
proclaimed as national shrines; and 
 
(e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.  
 
SECTION 98. Organization. – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be headed by an 
Administrator who may be assisted by one or more Deputy Administrators, all of whom shall 
be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. 
It shall have such staff and other operating units as may be prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 99. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DND shall formulate the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for proper implementation of this Act within twelve 
(12) months from the effectivity hereof. The said rules and regulations shall be approved by 
the President of the Philippines. 
 
SECTION 100. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act is hereby appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its 
enactment into law. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued 
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION 101. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SECTION 102. Repealing Clause. – All laws, Executive Orders, Presidential Decrees, rules 
and regulations inconsistent herewith are deemed modified and repealed accordingly. All 
affected provisions of existing laws are deemed effective until such promulgation of the IRR. 
 
SECTION 103. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation, whichever comes first. 
 
 
Approved,