NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1747
of tlif t: ptan'
23 JAN 23 P4 56
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
TO ENHANCE THE CAPABILITY AND STREAMLINE THE 
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
AND ITS BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Enacted in 1935, Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act is 
the primary statute that governs the country's defense and security. The passage 
of a new Act to take the place of this almost 88-year-old law was cited as one of 
the priority legislations of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. during his 
first State of the Nation Address in 2022. The measure seeks to amend the 
antiquated 1935 law and provide a change in the military structure of the AFP to 
make it "more responsive to current and future non-conventional security threats 
to the country's territorial integrity and national sovereignty."
To complement the AFP Modernization Program, which is aimed at 
making the Armed Forces of the Philippines more capable in achieving its mission 
of defending the Philippines against all enemies, foreign and domestic, this new 
law empowers the Department of National Defense to be more responsive to the 
current needs and geopolitical dynamics that we face today through enhancing 
the capability and streamlining the organizational role of the DND and its 
bureaus.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
GUEL F. ZUBIRI


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1747
/(©{ficf o( tl)f
23 JHN23 P4 56
RECEIVED B\.
Introduced by Senator 3uan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
TO ENHANCE THE CAPABILITY AND STREAMLINE THE 
ORGANIZATIONAL ROLE 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
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Section 1. Short Title.
Defense Act."
This Act shall be known as "The National
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 broad concern of 
national security;
b. The preservation of the State is the obligation of every citizen. The security, 
freedom and independence of the Philippines shall be guaranteed by the 
employment of all citizens, without distinction of age, gender, civil status, 
ethnicity, and religion, and all resources;
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 national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as possible to 
the territorial and administrative organization of the Philippines;
e. The employment of the nation's citizens and resources for national defense 
shall be effected by mobilization based on the defense posture prescribed in 
defense policies;


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f. The mobilization shall include the execution of all measures necessary to pass
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from a peace to a war footing or in any case of actual invasion or when public
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safety so requires as well as during its transition to normalcy or rehabilitation;
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g. The mobilization plans of financial, industrial, economic, technological and
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social resources of the Philippines shall conform to the defense concept based on
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the defense policies and shall be prepared by the executive departments
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concerned in accordance with the following general policies:
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1. The respective responsibilities of the concerned executive departments
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in mobilization planning will be prescribed by the President; and
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2. Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and
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continuity of effort until normalcy has been attained;
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h. No profit incident to war shall accrue to any individual, corporation,
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association or partnership.
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i. The State values the dignity of every human person, guarantees full respect for
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human rights, including but not limited to the rights of indigenous cultural
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communities, the equitable rights of women in peace building, gender and
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development, the protection of children and other vulnerable groups, and
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adhered to the generally accepted principles of international law, including
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applicable conventions, protocols and other international agreements.
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j. The State shall pursue the development of an industrial capacity necessary for
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the development of self-reliance defense posture, providing adequate support to
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local industries and partnership with international entities.
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Section 3. Defense Conditions and Authority. - Defense conditions
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shall be the bases for the designation of persons and entities to act in behalf of
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the state. Defense Conditions, hereinafter referred to as DEFCON, are levels of
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national security - peace, conflict and war - that tend to, or actually threaten,
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the security of the State. The level of defense conditions and the persons or
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entities designated to act in behalf of the state shall be prescribed by the
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President.
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Mobilization of Persons and Resources
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Section 4. Military Service. - Military service shall be obligatory for all
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able-bodies citizens 18 to 65 years of age, in case of war, invasion, or rebellion,
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as declared by Congress. The methods and procedures for the classification,
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selection, examination, induction, training, mobilization, and release of all
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citizens from their military obligations shall be prescribed by the President.
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Section 5. Registration. - The registration of citizens for obligatory
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military service shall be a military function carried out by the Major Services
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through their respective Reserve Commands.
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Section 6. Mobilization. - During mobilization, the President shall have
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the power to secure all such resources as may be necessary for national defense.
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The President may authorize and delegate the SND to undertake the action and
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activities related thereto.
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TITLE I
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DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
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Article I - General Provisions
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Section 7. Mandate. - The Department of National Defense (DND) is the
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primary government agency charged with the duty of implementing the
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provisions of this Act. The defense establishment shall maximize its effectiveness
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for guarding against external threats to national security, provide support as
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directed by the President to conduct operations to address internal threats,
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support social and economic development, and promote the welfare of soldiers
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and veterans.
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Section 8. Powers and Functions of the Department. - To carry out
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the above-declared mandate, the DND shall exercise and perform the following
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powers and functions:
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a. Design, formulate and prepare national defense concepts, policies, strategies,
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plans and programs;
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b. Formulate, develop and update the national defense policies of the country,
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including the mobilization plan for the employment of the country's citizens and
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resources for national defense;
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c. Develop and build defense capabilities of the Armed Forces to address
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readiness and mission requirements and threats;
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d. Continue to institutionalize and develop the Defense System of Management
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(DSOM) that shall integrate but not limited to, strategic defense assessment,
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planning, resource and financial management, acquisition, control, support,
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administration, and decision-making responsibilities of the SND and DND senior
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leaders;
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e. Control, monitor, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the implementation of
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national defense policies, plans, programs and activities;
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f. Exercise supervision and control over the Armed Forces of the Philippines
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(AFP), Government Arsenal (GA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine
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Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the National Defense University (NDU);
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g. Formulate, establish, implement, and supervise the quality management
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system;
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h. Establish, promote and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for defense
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and military cooperation with its international counterparts for the purpose of
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addressing traditional and non-traditional security threats;
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i. Implement the country's international defense and security commitments
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based on defense and security treaties, cooperation agreements, international
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covenants, protocols and other similar arrangements;
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j. Develop a Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program to guarantee the
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enhancement of responsive and progressive capabilities and maximum utilization
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of resources; and


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k. Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided by law or
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directed by the President of the Philippines.
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Section 9. Contracts. - The DND is hereby authorized to enter into,
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make, perform and carry out contracts of every class, kind and description which
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are necessary or incidental to the performance of its mandate as provided
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herein, with any person, firm or corporation, public or private, and with foreign
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government entities, subject to the provisions of existing laws, rules and
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regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, the Secretaries
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of National Defense, Finance, Budget and Management, Trade and Industry, and
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the Director General of the National Economic and Development Authority shall
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jointly promulgate rules and regulations to facilitate the importation and
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exportation of defense articles compliant with international conventions on the
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sale, transfer, and trade of such articles.
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Section 10. Administration, Management and Control of Defense
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Real Properties. - (a) The Department is hereby authorized to administer,
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operate, manage, control, maintain and develop defense real properties for
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strategic basing and to use, hold, acquire, or lease any private real property,
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right of way, or easement which may be proper or necessary for the
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accomplishment of its mandate as provided in this Act.
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(b) The sale and/or exchange of strategic defense real properties shall be
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prohibited unless otherwise recommended by the SND, approved by the
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President of the Philippines, with the consent of Congress.
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(c) The lease and/or development of defense real properties, by joint venture or
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otherwise shall be allowed upon approval by the President of the Philippines.
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Section 11. Special Defense Materiel Acquisition. - Upon prior
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approval by the President of the Philippines, and when the procurement for use
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by the AFP involves major defense equipment or materiel and/or defense-related
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consultancy services, when the expertise or capability required is not available
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locally, and the SND has determined that the interests of the country shall be
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protected by negotiating directly with an agency or instrumentality of another
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country with which the Philippines has entered into a defense cooperation
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agreement or otherwise maintains diplomatic relations, the AFP may be allowed
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to resort to negotiated procurement: Provided, however. That the performance
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by the supplier of its obligations under the procurement contract shall be covered
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by a performance security in accordance with Sec. 39 of the IRR of R.A. 9184.
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The DND shall give preference to the Self-Reliant Defense Posture as a
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means to acquire defense material and equipment; Provided, That priority shall
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be given to local defense industry manufacturers; Provided, further. That in case
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of foreign procurements, the latter must be willing to set up an in-country
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manufacturing and production facility with technology transfer schemes and will
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undertake to employ Filipino technical skilled workers, scientists and engineers;
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Provided, finaiiy. That collaboration among government, academe and industries
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shall likewise be encouraged particularly on defense research and development
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(R&D).
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The SND is hereby authorized to enter into contracts and agreements
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particularly under international defense cooperation agreements with technology
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transfer industry development components.


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A best rated offer shall be applied for Filipino-owned defense industries
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located within the Philippines.
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Section 12. Grants and Donations. - The Department, or any of the
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bureaus, agencies or offices under it, may accept donations, contributions, and
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grants from various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes relevant to its
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functions: Provided, That in case of donations from foreign governments or
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persons, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing laws, rules and
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regulations.
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Section 13. Defense and Cooperation. - Unless otherwise provided by
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the Constitution, the DND may develop, enhance and sustain multi-dimensional
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defense and security cooperation and engagements with the defense
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establishments and armed forces of other countries, and other regional and
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international organizations based on the principle of good governance, and
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mutual benefit and respect and in line with the foreign policies of the Philippines.
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Article II - Organization
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Section 14. Organizational Structure. - The DND shall be composed
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of the DND-Proper and its bureaus namely, the Armed Forces of the Philippines
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(AFP), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Government Arsenal (GA),
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National Defense University (NDU), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
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Section 15. Composition. - The DND-Proper shall be composed of the
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Office of the SND and the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Executive Staff.
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Section 16. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall
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consist of the SND and his/her immediate staff as determined by him/her.
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Section 17. The Secretary of National Defense. - Subject to
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qualifications and prohibitions under Republic Act No. 11709 and other existing
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laws, the SND shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the
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Commission on Appointments.
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Section 18. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. - The SND shall
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be vested with the authority and responsibility to have control and supervision of
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the DND in the performance of its mandate, and perform such other functions as
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may be necessary to attain the objectives of this Act or as may be provided by
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law or directed by the President.
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TITLE II
THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
Article I - General Provisions
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Section 19. Mission and Functions. - The AFP is the protector of the
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people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the
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integrity of the national territory. It shall have the duty to:
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a. Defend against all forms of threats to national defense and security;
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b. Design, plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ and sustain its Regular
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and Reserve Forces for national defense and security; and


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c. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the
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Commander-in- Chief.
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Section 20. Chain of Command. - The exercise of authority, direction,
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command and control over the AFP shall be carried out through the Chain of
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Command, which is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders
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are passed, beginning from the President as the Commander-in-Chief, through
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the SND, to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP)
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down to the commander of the lowest echelon of command in the AFP: Provided,
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That this does not preclude the President from issuing orders directly to the AFP.
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Section 21. Organization and Composition. - The AFP shall be
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initially composed of three (3) major services - the Philippine Army, the
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Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy. The AFP composition shall be
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guided by the Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) prescribed by the SND
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upon recommendation of the CSAFP.
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Article II - The Regular Force 
A. ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION
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Chapter I - General Provisions
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Section 22. Size and Composition. - The Regular Force, alternately
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referred to as the Standing Force, shall be initially composed of the following:
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a. Regular Officers and Enlisted Personnel;
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b. Reservists called to active duty, or on active duty tour for training; and
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c. Draftees, trainees and government-sponsored Filipino cadets enrolled in
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local or foreign military schools.
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The size and composition of the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the
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TOE as approved by the SND and shall be the basis of manning the AFP.
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Section 23. Organizational Principle. - The SND, upon the
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recommendation of the CSAFP, shall organize the AFP into such commands,
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forces and units in accordance with operational requirements. For this purpose,
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the national territory may be divided into such operational areas as the SND may
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direct.
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Section 24. Organizational Structure. - The Regular Force of the AFP
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shall consist of the Joint Headquarters; the Joint Force Operational Commands;
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the Component Services namely: the PA, the PN and the PAF; and the other
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existing commands, units, and services of the AFP.
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Section 25. Operational Principles. - The operational principles of the
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AFP shall be as follows:
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a. The Commander-in-Chief shall exercise command and control through the
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CSAFP with the supervision of the SND. The Joint Headquarters AFP, shall be the
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command and control element of the AFP;


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b. The Joint Headquarters AFP shall exercise centraiized command and control to
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ensure unity and coordination of efforts throughout the military establishment;
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c. The Joint Force Operational Commands as force employers shall be
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responsible for the decentralized execution of joint operations to achieve
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maximum operational effectiveness within the military establishment unless
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otherwise determined by the CSAFP through the supervision of the SND;
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d. The Major Services as force providers shall be responsible for the
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development, organization, training, equipping, maintenance and sustainment of
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combat forces, combat service forces, technical and administrative service, and
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combat service support forces;
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e. The AFP Reserve Force shall provide for the base of expansion of the Major
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Services.
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Chapter 2 - The General Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines
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Section 26. Mandate. - The General Headquarters, which shall be
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headed by the CSAFP, shall be the command and control element of the AFP.
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Section 27. Organization. - The General Headquarters shall be
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composed of the Office of the CSAFP, Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, Office of
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the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff and the other
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key staff offices and units necessary for effective command and control of the
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AFP as recommended by the CSAFP with the approval of the SND.
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Section 28. Powers and Functions. - The Chief of Staff shall:
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a. Serve as the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of
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National Defense;
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b. Be responsible for the formulation of the national military strategy consistent
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with the national defense strategy;
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c. Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, plans
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and programs of the AFP;
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d. Prescribe the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff,
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services, and other units of the AFP in accordance with the national defense
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policy.
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Section 29. The Joint Staff. - The Joint Staff, as coordinating staff shall
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advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The
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organization, functions and duties of the Joint Staff shall be prescribed by the
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CSAFP.
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Section 30. Personal Staff. - The Personal Staff, as immediate staff
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shall directly advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her
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functions. The organization, functions and duties of the Personal Staff shall be
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prescribed by the CSAFP: Provided, That coordination with other staff is not
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precluded.
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Section 31. Special Staff. - The Special Staff, as specialized, technical
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and administrative staff shall advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of


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his/her functions. The organization, functions and duties of the Special Staff shail
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be prescribed by the CSAFP.
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Section 32. Authority to Reorganize the General Headquarters. -
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In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness, the CSAFP, upon the approval of
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the SND, may:
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a. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the General Headquarters in
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addition to the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff, and prescribe the
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organization, mission and functions; and
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b. Establish, organize, and/or abolish Staffs, offices and units in the AFP and
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prescribe their structure, mission, functions, duties and responsibilities, and other
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parameters and standards.
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Chapter 3 - Joint Force Operational Commands
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Section 33. Organization, Mission and Function. - The CSAFP, upon
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approval of the SND, shall organize and establish the Joint Force Operational
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Commands which shall be under the command, control and operational direction
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of its Joint Force Commander; Provided, That the SND, upon the
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recommendation of the CSAFP, shall prescribe the mission, functions, duties and
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responsibilities and joint area of operations of the Joint Force Operational
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Commands.
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Section 34. The Philippine Army (PA). - The PA, headed by the Chief
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of the Philippine Army, shall provide forces that will be responsible for the
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conduct of prompt and sustained joint and combined ground operations in
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support of the AFP mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, maneuver
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units, and sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the
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conduct of ground operations.
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Section 35. Functions of the PA. - The PA shall:
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a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such ground forces or
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units as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;
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b. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective
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implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces
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missions;
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c. Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services,
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doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Army;
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d. Implement mobilization of the Army Reserve; and
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e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or
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assigned by the CSAFP.
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Section 36. The Philippine Air Force (PAF). - The PAF headed by the
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Chief of the Philippine Air Force shall provide forces that will be responsible for
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the conduct of prompt and sustained air operations in support of the AFP
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mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, air combat, combat support
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and sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct
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of air and support operations.


Section 37. Functions of the PAF. - The PAF shall;
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a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such air forces or units
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as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;
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b. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective
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implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces
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missions;
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c. Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services,
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doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Air Force;
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d. Implement mobilization of the Air Force Reserve; and
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e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or
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assigned by the CSAFP.
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Section 46. The Philippine Navy (PN). - The PN headed by the Chief
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of the Phiiippine Navy, shali provide forces that shall be employed for the
14 
conduct of prompt and sustained naval operations in support of the AFP
15 
missions. It shall be composed of its headquarters, naval forces, service support
16 
and sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct
17 
of naval operations.
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Section 47. Functions of the PN. - The PN shall:
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a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such navai forces or
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units as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;
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b. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective
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implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces
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missions;
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c. Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services,
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doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Navy;
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d. Implement mobilization of the Navy Reserve; and
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e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or
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assigned by the CSAFP.
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Section 40. Technical and Administrative Service. - Each Major
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Service shall develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain their
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respective Technical and Administrative Service composed of but not limited to,
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The Judge Advocate General Service, Medical Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical
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and Administrative Corps, Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Chaplain Service, and
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Corps of Professors.
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Section 41. The Women's Auxiliary Corps. - The Women's Auxiliary
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Corps as created by Repubiic Act No. 3835, as amended shali be integrated to
37 
their respective Major Service. For this purpose, RA 3835 is hereby repealed.
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Chapter 4 — Military Education and Training Institutions
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Section 42. Organization, Mission and Function. - (a) The Philippine
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Military Academy (PMA), AFP Education, Training, and Doctrine Command,
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Officer Candidate School (OCS), Non-commissioned Officer Academy and other
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Military Education and Training Institutions organized and established by the
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CSAFP with the approval of the SND shall be under the command, control and
7 
direction of their respective Military Education and Training
8 
Superintendent/Commandant.
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(b) The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities of the military education
10 
and training institutions shall be prescribed by the CSAFP with the approval of
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the SND.
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Section 43. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA). -
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(a) Mandate. - The PMA categorized as special higher education institution is the
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primary training and educational institution of the AFP, which shall be its
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principal source of regular officers. The PMA shall seek to have its academic
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program offerings accredited by a reputable accrediting agency of national or
17 
international standard.
18 
(b) Organization. - The Academy headed by the Superintendent shall be
19 
organized as prescribed by the SND, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP.
20 
(c) Development. - The Academy shall determine its teaching, manpower,
21 
curriculum, research and extension thrusts, plans and programs, standards and
22 
budget.
23 
(d) Cadet Corps. - The student body of the Academy shall be known as the
24 
Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and shall have such
25 
strength, as the SND shall determine, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP.
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(e) Academic Board. - There shall be an Academic Board organized by the
27 
Superintendent. The Board shall, in accordance with the rules and regulations
28 
prescribed by the CSAFP, have the power to confer baccalaureate degrees upon
29 
the cadets who satisfactorily complete the approved course of study.
30 
(f) Board of Visitors. The DND shall establish a board of visitors to look into the
31 
academic affairs of the Academy with the end of enhancing its educational
32 
systems. The composition of the Board of Visitors shall be prescribed by the
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SND.
34 
Section 44. Authority to Establish Other Military Training
35 
Institutions. - The President, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP through
36 
the SND, is hereby authorized to establish other military training academies and
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institutions in the AFP.
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B. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY DISCIPLINE AND JUSTICE SYSTEM
39 
Section 45. Military Discipline and Justice. - (a) There shall be
40 
amilitary discipline and justice system consisting of rules governing the conduct
41 
of military personnel and providing a method of punishment for the purpose of
42 
enforcement of discipline and administration of justice in the AFP.
10


1 
(b) Military justice shall be applicable at all times and in all places to all
2 
persons subject to military law as defined by existing laws.
3 
(c) The President as Commander-in-Chief and subordinate authorities as
4 
provided for in this Act shall have the exclusive authority to administratively
5 
discipline military personnel for purely service-related offenses or infractions. The
6 
power to investigate and adjudicate administrative cases against military
7 
personnel for acts arising from the performance of official duties shall be under
8 
the exclusive jurisdiction of the AFP.
9 
(d) No order of separation, dismissal or discharge from the active service
10 
or acceptance of resignation of Commissioned Officers shall be implemented
11 
unless approved by the President.
12 
(e) There shall be reduction in grade, suspension of active service, and
13 
forfeiture, suspension, or withholding of pay and allowances of Commissioned
14 
Officers found administratively liable. The procedure, extent, grounds or system
15 
of which shall be prescribed by the President as recommended by the SND.
16 
Other lower disciplinary measures against erring Commissioned Officers shall be
17 
prescribed by the SND.
18 
(c) Procedure, extent, grounds or system of reduction in grade, demotion
19 
of rank, suspension of active service, and forfeiture, suspension or withholding of
20 
pay and allowances of Warrant Officers and Eniisted Personnel by the CSAFP.
21 
C. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
22 
Section 46. Extension of Legal Assistance. - All military personnel
23 
charged of service-related or service-connected civil or criminal cases, upon
24 
determination by the Judge Advocate General or the concerned Major Service
25 
Judge Advocate of the fact of service connection with the approval of the
26 
concerned Chief of Component Services, shall be provided adequate and
27 
competent legal representation and assistance by military lawyers or counsel of
28 
their own choice until the logical conclusion of their cases. Reasonable
29 
programmed allocation can be charged against the fund of the concerned
30 
component service to support the effective handling and defense of this category
31 
of cases.
32 
TITLE III
33 
OTHER BUREAUS AND AGENCIES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT
34 
ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
35 
Section 47. Control and Supervision. - The SND shall exercise control
36 
and supervision over the bureaus and agencies under this Title, as well as its
37 
personnel.
38 
Section 48. Organization. - (a) Unless otherwise provided by law, the
39 
organization, functions, duties and responsibilities of the staff and operating
40 
units of each of the bureaus and agencies under the DND shall be as prescribed
41 
by the SND in appropriate rules and regulations issued for the purpose.
42 
(b) For this purpose, and in the interest of service, the SND may, in
43 
accordance with the policies or directives of the President:
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1 
1. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies and
2 
prescribe the titles, powers, functions and duties of the positions therein;
3 
2. Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies not
4 
specifically provided by law, or transfer or consolidate their functions and duties
5 
with other staffs, offices or units; and
6 
3. Abolish a position of any bureau or agency and transfer or consolidate its
7 
functions and duties with those of another position.
8 
Section 49. Separation Benefits of Officials and Employees of
9 
Affected Bureaus or Agencies. - Government employees displaced or
10 
separated from the service as a result of the restructuring pursuant to this Act
11 
shall be entitled to a separation pay and other benefits in accordance with
12 
existing laws, rules or regulations.
13 
ARTICLE II
14 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL
15 
Section 50. Mandate. - The GA shall develop, operate, maintain and
16 
secure facilities for the manufacture of weapons, munitions and other defense
17 
materiel to support the requirements of the AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP)
18 
and other law enforcement agencies; and, to sell and export products in excess
19 
of the local demand.
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Section 51. Powers and Functions.
powers and functions:
The GA shall have the following
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
34 
e. Establish, secure and operate government defense manufacturing
35 
plants, as necessary, in strategic locations within the country.
36 
Section 52. Organization and Administration. - The GA shall be
37 
headed by a Director with one or more Assistant Directors who shall support the
38 
Director in the administration, manufacturing operations and other affairs of the
39 
bureau; all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the
40 
recommendation from the SND, and who shall have the relevant expertise,
41 
training and experience in the field of munitions.
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Section 53. Modernization of the Arsenal. - The modernization of the
2 
GA, for the development of production capabilities to enhance self-sufficiency in
3 
defense requirements, shall be part of the defense modernization program. The
4 
GA may use such production facilities as it may own or be provided with under
5 
this Act or as it may arrange, under joint venture, co-production or similar
6 
agreements with local and foreign entities.
7 
ARTICLE III
8 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY
9 
Section 54. Transformation of the NDCP. - In view of the rapidly
10 
evolving national and regional security environment, the current academic trends
11 
and research thrusts of defense institutions in the Asia Pacific, and the increasing
12 
need for specialized defense and security courses to enhance the academic
13 
foundation of promoting Philippine national security, the National Defense
14 
College of the Philippines (NDCP) is hereby transformed into the National
15 
Defense University (NDU) categorized as a special higher education institution.
16 
To ensure the continuous operation of the College, all its personnel and
17 
resources shall be absorbed by the NDU.
18 
The degree programs, instruction, faculty complement, research, and
19 
facilities of the NDU shall be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education
20 
(CHED). The NDU shall likewise receive appropriate funding to fulfill the
21 
requirements of transforming into a defense university.
22 
Section 55. Mandate. - In accordance with the standards set forth in
23 
pertinent laws and regulations on higher education, the NDU shall train and
24 
develop the competence of potential national defense leaders, civilian officials of
25 
the different agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and selected
26 
executives from the private sector in the formulation and review of national
27 
security policies and undertake research and studies as basis for the formulation
28 
of national defense and security policies, plans and programs. The NDU shall be
29 
headed by a President, and assisted by an Executive Vice President, and four (4)
30 
Vice Presidents, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the
31 
Philippines, upon the recommendation of the SND. The NDU President shall have
32 
a term of six (6) years who shall have the following minimum qualifications:
33 
a. A natural-born citizen;
34 
b. Holder of a masters or doctorate degree on defense and security;
35 
c. Proven track record as an administrator, preferably in the academe,
36 
whether public or private, for at least five (5) years; and
37 
d. Must not have been convicted of any administrative offense or of any
38 
crime involving moral turpitude.
39 
Section 56. Powers and Functions. - The University shall have the
40 
following powers and functions:
41 
a. Confer the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA)
42 
upon the graduates thereof;
43 
b. 
Develop and confer degrees relating to defense and security;
44 
c. Conduct non-degree programs, special course, seminar workshops and
45 
symposia on defense and security;
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d. Undertake policy research and special studies on strategic defense and
2 
security issues;
3 
e. Produce research and development output of practical application to
4 
the various organizational units of defense;
5 
f. Establish relevant linkages and outreach programs that are mindful of
6 
service to the various organizational units of defense; and
7 
g. Perform other functions and duties as may be directed by the SND.
8 
Section 57. Organization and Administration. — (a) The NDU
9 
President shall administer the affairs of the University with the assistance of the
10 
Executive Vice President, who shall act as NDU President in the absence or
11 
incapacity of the NDUP President, and shall perform such other functions and
12 
duties as may be assigned to him by the NDU President or the SND. There shall
13 
be a Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall be responsible for the
14 
development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of academic programs;
15 
a Vice President for Research and Special Studies, who shall be responsible for
16 
the conduct and supervision of research work and special studies for the
17 
Department; a Vice President for Military and Security Affairs, who shall be
18 
responsible for the overall military activities of the University; a Vice President for
19 
Administration, who shall be responsible for the overall military and security
20 
support to all the activities of the University; and a Vice President for
21 
Administration, who shall be responsible for the overall administrative support to
22 
all the activities of the University.
23 
(b) The University shall have an Academic Board to assist the President
24 
discharge the following functions:
25 
1. Supervise the academic affairs of the University;
26 
2. Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors,
27 
research assistants and other resource persons of the University; and
28 
3. Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University to
29 
accomplish its objectives.
30 
(c) All resource persons of the University including but not limited to
31 
academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructor, thesis advisers, members
32 
of examining and evaluating panels, examiners, correctors, and technicians who
33 
are regularly employed in the Government shall, in addition to their salaries, be
34 
entitled to receive honoraria, fees and other emoluments fixed by the SND in
35 
accordance with accounting and budgeting rules.
36 
(d) The SND may establish a Board of Regents to assist and advise him in
37 
providing strategic direction and guidance necessary to ensure the
38 
accomplishment of the mandate of the University.
39 
Section 58. Transition. - The SND shall determine the appropriate
40 
transition period for NDCP to attain the status and competency of becoming a
41 
university. Further, Congress shall allocate the necessary funds for the
42 
transformation of NDCP to NDU.
43
44
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ARTICLE IV
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE
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Section 59. Mandate. - The 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 60. Powers and
following powers and functions;
Functions. - The Office shall have the
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 SND 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 61. Organization. - The OCD 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 SND.
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2
ARTICLE V
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE
3 
Section 62. Mandate. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)
4 
shall be the government agency responsible for administering the benefits due to
5 
veterans and their qualified beneficiaries and shall provide medical assistance to
6 
veterans pursuant to existing laws. It shall also administer, maintain and develop
7 
military memorials and battle monuments proclaimed as national shrines.
8 
Section 63. Powers and Functions. - The Office shall have the
9 
following powers and functions:
10 
a. Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the SND, policies,
11 
rules and regulations governing the adjudication and administration of veterans
12 
claims and benefits;
13 
b. Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges
14 
granted to veterans, their heirs and beneficiaries;
15 
c. Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing
16 
programs and projects approved by the SND;
17 
d. Administer, develop and maintain military shrines;
18 
e. Develop patriotism and nationalism, PVAO preserves and promotes the
19 
ideas of Kagitingan in the sacrifices and heroic deeds of our veterans;
20 
f. Formulate policies concerning the affairs, placement and training of ex-
21 
servicemen and assist their widow and dependents, and other retired military
22 
personnel;
23 
g. Undertake the promotion of the general welfare of veterans and their
24 
families; and
25 
h. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
26 
Section 64. Organization. - The PVAO shall be headed by an
27 
Administrator who may be assisted by one or more Deputy Administrators, all of
28 
whom shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the SND.
29 
It shall have such staff and other operating units as may be prescribed by the
30 
SND.
31
FINAL PROVISIONS
32 
Section 65. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DND and
33 
all concerned agencies shall formulate the corresponding Implementing Rules
34 
and Regulations (IRR) for proper implementation of this Act within twelve (12)
35 
months from the effectivity hereof. The said rules and regulations shall be
36 
approved by the President of the Philippines.
37 
Section 66. Appropriations. - The initial funding requirements for the
38 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against existing appropriations of the
39 
concerned agencies and such other appropriate funding sources as the
40 
Department of Budget and Management may identify, subject to relevant laws,
41 
rules and regulations. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
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1 
continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annuai Generai
2 
Appropriations Act.
3 
Section 67. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is
4 
held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall
5 
remain in force and effect.
6 
Section 68. Repealing Clause. - Ali laws, decrees, orders, rules and
7 
regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with the
8 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. All affected
9 
provisions of existing laws are deemed effective until such promulgation of the 
10 IRR.
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15
Section 69. 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,
17