THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLJC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
$ 1  
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
1 
-1’ 
--p- 
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S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
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Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
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EXPLANATORYNOTE 
New security implications of recent developments in the structure of political 
relations among nation states and the international economy - enhanced by advances 
in science and technology warrant the search for a new approach to security, one that 
covers non-military concerns such as economic, environmental, and social issues and 
one that is able to account for the interconnected effects that such developments bear 
down on the state. Note that the country is bereft of a Comprehensive Nafional Security 
Plan. For fifty-three (53) years, we have been using the Commonwealth Act No. 1 
otherwise known as the National Defense Act. 
In view of the changes in the 
international arena, Commonwealth Act No. 1 is no longer adequate and responsive in 
addressing both internal and external threats faced by the country. For this reason, a 
comprehensive national security policy needs to be adopted. The country needs a 
realistic, coherent, and purposive blueprint to ensure the country’s defense and 
development. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this measure is encouraged. 
J 
Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS 
1 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
1 
* :  i 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
0 
S E N A T E  
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*
 
-e. 
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Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY AND PLANNING 
FRAMEWORK AND CREATING AN INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR 
IMPLENTATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phifippines in Congress 
assembled: 
TITLE 1. 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Article 1 
Title and Declaration of Principles and Policies 
SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as “The National Sdcurity Act of 
2004 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State to: 
I 
1 ) 
Provide a comprehensive system that integrates policies /and procedures 
relating to national security for all departments and agencies of the 
Government to achieve unified direction and authoritative coordination of 
the Army, Navy, and Air Force and to insure the effective strategic 
direction of the Armed Forces into an integrated and efficient operational 
organization; 
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2) 
Promote human development and security through the concerted effort of 
all its agencies and instrumentalities and by taking concrete steps tp 
increase the availability and widen the distribution of basic life sustaininq 
goods, raise levels of living and expand the range of economic and social 
choices. 


3) 
Promote social cohesiveness among its people through education and 
participation in national development; 
4) 
Protecting its environment and natural resources from undue utilization 
and exploitation thereby ensuring their productive and sustainable use, for 
the benefit of the repsent and future generations; 
5) 
Encourage people’s participation in nationald evelopment and provide the 
climate for free exercise of political rights; 
6) 
Cognizant of the pluralist character of its populace, endeavor to create an 
environment conducive to cultural understanding and tolerance in order to 
attain harmony and peace among the people; 
7) 
Support and encourage initiatives in science and technology and achieve 
technological self-reliance in selected areas that are vital to national 
development; 
8) 
Ensure full exploration and development in the judicious disposition, 
utilization, management renewal, and conservation of the country’s forest, 
mineral, land, water, fisheries, wildlife, off-shore areas and other natural 
resources, consistent with the maintenance of a sound ecological balance; 
9) 
Ensure full protection to labor in terms of optimum working conditions, fair 
compensation, security of tenure and right to organization; 
I O )  
Protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health 
consciousness among them; adopt an integral and comprehensive 
approach to health development, with priority for the underprivileged, sick, 
elderly, disabled, women and children; endeavor to make essential goods, 
health and other social services available to all the people at affordable 
cost; 
1 1 ) 
Ensure the care, protection and rehabilitation of individuals, families and 
communities which have the least in life and need social work intervention 
to restore their normal functioning and enable them to participate in 
community affairs; and 


12) 
Maintain good diplomatic standing to promote its national security 
interests. It shall enhance cooperative and harmonious relations with 
other countries, and ensure an effective and purposive representation with 
regional and international organizations. 
SECTION 3. Principles of a National Security Policy. - The following 
are hereby declare to be the principles of a national security policy: 
(a) The military establishment shall at all times be subordinate to civilian 
authority; 
(b) For the defense of the State all citizens may be required to render 
personal military of civilian service; 
(c) The security of the State shall be pursued in the context of the respect 
for the rights of the Filipino people; 
(d) The Philippine renounces was as an instrument of national policy and 
affirms the right of self-defense against all threats to national security; 
(e) The Philippines adheres to the policy of peace, cooperation and amity 
with all nations, consistent with national sovereignty, territorial integrity 
and self determination; 
(f) The Philippine adopts the generally accepted principles of 
international law; 
(9) The security of the State shall be guaranteed to by the mobilization of 
its citizens and resources; and 
(h) The integration of civilian and military personnel and resources shall 
underlie defense policy and structure. 
Article 2 
Definition of Terms 
SECTION 4. Definitions. - Under this Act the following terms shall mean: 
I. National Security - refers the state or condition wherein the people's way 
of life and institutions, their territorial integrity and sovereignty including 
their well-being are protected and enhance. 
2. 
Defense - refers to the employment of acceptable and reasonable means 
and methods available to prevent, resist, and destroy an enemy attack, in 
accordance with international laws and standards. 


3. 
Strategy - refers to plan of action that organizes efforts to achieve 
objectives with the ways and means of achieving those ends. 
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4. 
National Security Strategy - refer to the bridge that connects the 
national instruments of power (military and diplomacy) and the country’s 
defined national security objectives. 
5. 
National Security Threat - capabilities, intentions, and actions of actual 
or potential enemies to prevent or interfere with the successful fulfillment 
of national security interests and/or objectives. 
TITLE II: NATIONAL SECURIN STRATEGY 
Article 3 
Defining the RationalelObjectives of a National Security Strategy 
SECTION 5. Principles/Objectives of a National Security Strategy. - 
The primary objective of a strategy is to protect and enhance the people’s 
physical and the government’s political survival. 
Thus, a national security 
strategy plan shall be governed by the following principles and objectives: 
the plan shall be created in the context of the prevailing political 
system and the prevailing security environment, taking into account 
the threats and opportunities that the nation faces; 
the plan shall be realistic, coherent, and purposive blueprint to 
ensure the country’s defense and development because security is 
not inherited by created; 
the plan shall determine how threats can be countered and how 
opportunities can be pursued without risking the core values that 
the people treasure; and 
the plan shall define the strategic vision which shall contain or 
reflect the aspirations of the people as defined by the national 
leadership or by the President provided that the strategic vision 
must be translated into specific security objectives, so that 
appropriate approach can be designed and implemented for the 
purpose. 


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SECTION 6. Imperatives for a National Strategy. A national strategy 
strategy shall outline three basic elements - ends, ways, and means - and the 
process that govern their interactions. 
(a) Ways - the national leadership must be able to foster the broad public 
understanding and support necessary for the implementation of the country’s 
national security strategy and plans. It shall also sustain its current security 
activities or engagements. 
In the event where shaping the security environment proves difficult, 
the country must be prepared to respond to the different challenges using the 
national security instruments in its possession. 
The ways adopted must 
therefore provide an array of possible responses consonant to the anticipated 
risks that may occur in its security environment. 
(b) Means -the country’s diplomatic instrument of power shall be the first 
line of defense. 
A diplomatic corps shall be established which shall be 
composed of professionals to well-trained individuals. Members of the diplomatic 
corps must possessed a broad understanding of the dynamics of domestic and 
international politics. 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall remain the strong source 
of the country’s security. The AFP shall likewise be composed of professional in 
individuals and shall be equipped with tools or technology demanded by the 
times. 
I 
(b) Ends - the national security strategy must be focused.\ It shall define 
the country’s strategic objectives or vision which are derived from the hopes and 
aspirations of the people it serves. 
Henceforth, the ends must ensure the 
I 
protection of the country’s fundamental and enduring needs; 
safety of the people; maintain the sovereignty of the 
institutions and territory intact. 
SECTION 7. Threats to National Security Requiriw the Employment 
of Armed Forces. - Upon the direction of the President, threats to m t i m l  
security requiring the employment of armed forces shall be addre6sed by the 
Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. 


TITLE 111. IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS 
Article 4 
The National Security Council 
SECTION 8. Composition of the National Security Council. - There 
shall be created a National Security Council (NSC) which shall composed of the 
following: 
(a) The President; 
(b) The Vice President; 
(c) The Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
(d) The Executive Secretary; 
(e) The Secretary of National Defense; 
(f) The Secretary of Interior and Local Government; 
(9) The Secretary of Justice; 
(h) The Director-General of the National Economic Development 
(i) The National Security Adviser; 
(j) The Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security of 
both Houses of Congress; and 
Authority; 
(k) Other government officials and private citizens whom the President 
may designate from time to time; 
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Director- 
General of the Philippine National Police shall serve as advisers to the Council. 
SECTION 9. 
Chairman of the National Security Council. - The 
President shall serve as the Chairman of the National Security Council. He shall 
convene and preside over all meetings of the Council provided that in his 
absence, he may designate any member of the Council to preside in his place. 
The Council shall meet as the President may deem necessary. 
SECTION 10. Powers 
and 
Functions. - The National Security 
Council (NSC) shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
(a) Advise the President on the formulation, integration, coordination and 
supervision of the implementation of all national security policies; 


(b) Formulate guidelines for all agencies of the government on matters 
relating to national security, including such rules that will govern the 
conduct of information and intelligence gathering, lollation and 
analysis by agencies and officials involved in national sec rity; t 
(c) Ensure integration of relevant domestic and foreign policies relating to 
national security to enable all departments and agencies of the 
government to cooperate more effectively on matters involving 
national security; 
(d) Provide guidance to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on the 
conduct of intelligence operations; and 
(e) Exercise oversight function over the NIA. 
SECTION 11. Executive Committee, The National Security Council shall 
have an Executive Committee which shall be composed of the President as the 
Chairman, the Vice-president, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Executive 
Seretary, the Secretary of National Defense, the National Security Adviser, and 
such other members or advisers as the President may appoint from time to time. 
SECTION 12. Duties and Responsibilities of 
the Executive 
Committee. - The following shall be the primary duties and responsibilities of the 
Executive Committee: 
(a) Review and analyze national security problems; 
(b) Formulate positions or solutions for consideration by the Council; 
(c) Determine the agenda and order of business of the Council; and 
(d) Advise the President on the implementation of any decisions. 
To carry out the functions of the Executive Committee, the Chairman shall 
utilize the facilities and expertise of any of the government agencies and 
instrumentalities and shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the 
operations of the Executive Committee. 
SECTION 13. National Security Adviser. For purposes of this Act, the 
Director of the National Security Council shall be hereinafter referred to as the 
National Security Adviser. 
He shall be assisted by a Deputy who shall be 
appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the President. 


SECTION 14. Duties of the National Security Adviser. - The National 
Security Adviser shall advise the President on matters pertaining to national 
security and, whenever directed by the President, supervise and monitor the 
implementation of national security policies adopted by the Council. He shall 
likewise attend and participate in the meetings of the Cabinet with the permission 
of the Chairman. 
SECTION 15. The National Security Council Secretariat. - The NSC 
shall have a permanent Secretariat which shall be headed by the Deputy 
National Security Adviser, under the general supervision of the National Security 
Adviser. 
SECTION 16. 
Functions. 
The Secretariat of the Council shall be 
responsible for providing technical and administrative services to NSC. It shall 
further undertake the following: 
(a) Document the proceedings and manage and maintain the records of 
the meetings of the Council; 
(b) Ensure the policies formulated by the Council as approved by the 
President are clearly and promptly communicated to the agencies 
concerned, and that the implementation of national security plans and 
policies are closely monitored and appropriate evaluations of such 
policies are made; 
(c) Prepare strategic studies, plans and policy options on issues and 
concerns affecting national security; 
(d) Ensure the timely collection and dissemination of 
information 
necessary for the improvement of the national security process; 
(e) Engage the services of and extended financial support to domestic 
and foreign specialists and experts, private research entities and other 
non-government organizations involved in the conduct of the NSC; 
and 
(f) Perform such other tasks as the President may direct. 


TITLE IV 
THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA) 
SECTION 17. 
Powers and Authority. - The National Intelligence 
Agency (NIA) shall be the central authority on national intelligence. As such, it 
shall undertake intelligence activities; direct, coordinate and integrate 
governmental activities involving national intelligence; and, prepare intelligence 
estimates of local and foreign situations for the formulation of national policies. 
SECTION 18. Reconstitution of the NICA. - The National Intelligence 
Coordinating Agency (NICA) is hereby converted into the National Intelligence 
Agency (NIA). To ensure the continuity of NICAs operations, all its personnel 
and resources therein shall be absorbed by the NIA. Salaries of its personnel 
shall be fixed or adjusted by the NIA Director, provided that the same is within 
the limits of appropriations provided for the purpose. 
SECTION 19. Organization. - The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is 
hereby created under the Office of the President. It shall be headed by a 
Director who shall be assisted by a Deputy Director. Both officials shall be 
appointed by the President. 
SECTION 20. Functions. - The following are the primary functions of the 
Provide the President, the National Security Council, and other 
government agencies with intelligence estimates, reports and other 
services essential to national security; 
Undertake intelligence activities, focusing on collecting strategic 
intelligence requirements of the country (political, economic, defense, 
etc.) to include the collection of foreign intelligence; 
Collect and process information for dissemination of accurate, 
comprehensive and timely intelligence to end users; 
Coordinate with the various govern agencies and instrumentalities to 
provide information and assistance, which the Agency may require in 
the performance of its mandate; 
Maintain and operate a communication and information operations 
infrastructure; and 


(6) Perform such other functions and duties related to intelligence 
the national security as the President of the National 
affecting 
Security Council may direct. 
Article 5. National Intelligence Board 
SECTION 21. Creation of a National Intelligence Board. - There shall 
be created a National Intelligence Board (NIB) which shall be the advisory body 
to the Director of NIA on the conduct, coordination, 
and integration of 
intelligence activities and the preparation of national intelligence estimates on 
domestic and international situations. 
SECTION 22. Composition of the NIB. The NIB shall be composed of 
the NIA Director as ex-officio Chairman and the heads of all departmental and 
other intelligence units, who shall be appointed by the President as members. 
Article 6. Department Strategic Intelligence Units 
SECTION 23. Departmental Strategic Intelligence Agencies - There 
shall be created an intelligence unit in all departments which shall collect and 
process information in support of the implementation of the country’s national 
security strategy. 
TITLE V. DEFENSE AND MILITARY ORGANIZATION 
SECTION 24. Principles of the Defense and Military Organization. 
The defense and military organization shall be governed by the principles of 
simplicity of structure, clear lines of command, expedient decision-making, 
jointness, complementarity, economy of resources and adaptability to specific 
environmental conditions. 
SECTION 25. The Line of Authority. - The established lines of authority 
shall be the following: 
(a)- In times of peace, the Line of Authority starts from the President of the 
Philippines being the Commander-in-Chief of the entire armed forces in the 
Philippines to the: 
a. Secretary of the National Defense as it pertains to the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines; 


b. Secretary of Interior and Local Government as it pertains to the 
Philippine National Police; 
c. Secretary of Transportation and Communication as it pertains to 
the Philippine Coast Guard. 
(b) In times of emergency to meet threats to national security where 
mobilization is effected by the President, the Line of Authority starts from the 
President of the Philippines, as the Commander-in-Chief of the entire armed 
forces, to the Secretary of National Defense and to the Chief of Staff of Armed 
Forces of the Philippines. 
Article 7. The Department of National Defense (DND) 
SECTION 26. Powers and Functions of the Department of National 
Defense. - l h e  Department of National Defense (DND) shall be responsible for 
the planning, directing, and supervising the national defense programs; 
undertaking and promoting research and development activities; and performing 
such other functions as may be prescribed by the President. It shall exercise 
control and supervision over the Armed Forces oft the Philippines (AFP), the 
Government Arsenal (GA), the Office of Civil Defense (OC), the Philippine 
Veterans Office (PVAO), and the National Defense University of the Philippines 
(N DU P). 
SECTION 27. Composition. The Office of the Secretary of National 
Defense shall be headed by the Secretary and shall include, the Undersecretary, 
the Executive Staff, Service Staff and Personal Staff. 
Article 8. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 
SECTION 28. 
Powers and Functions. - The 
Armed Forces of the 
Philippines is the military establishment of the government under the command, 
control and supervision of the President as its Commander-in-Chief through the 
Secretary of National Defense. Its mission is to uphold the Constitution, protect 
the people, preserve territorial integrity and secure the sovereignty of the state. 
Its broad functions are: 
(a) Promote and advance the national security interests of the country; 
(b) Plan, organize, maintain, develop and employ its regular and reserve 
(c) Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by 
forces for national defense; and 
higher authorities in the Line of Authority. 
SECTION 29. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall undertake a 
program of strengthening the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness of all 
its members, and respect for people's rights. 


SECTION 30. The members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall 
be insulated from partisan politics and they shall not engage in partisan political 
activity, directly or indirectly, except to vote. 
SECTION 31. Recruitment of the AFP. The officers and men of the 
Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be recruited proportionately from all 
regions of the country, to the extent practicable, taking into account the existence 
of multicultural composition of the population. 
SECTION 32. The President as the Commander-in-Chief of theArmed 
Forces of the Philippines, whenever it becomes necessary, may call on the AFP 
to support the PNP in preventing or suppressing lawlessness violence or 
rebel I ion. 
SECTION 33. Regular and Reserve Forces. - The Armed Forces of the 
Philippines shall be composed of the Regular Force and the Reserve Force. The 
Regular Force shall consist of all personnel in the active military service. 
SECTION 34. Organization of the AFP. 
The Armed Forces of the 
Philippines shall be organized into three Major Services, namely: Philippine 
Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. It shall have an AFP Wide 
Service Support Units (AFPWSSU’s), a General Headquarters (GHQ), and 
organized Operational Commands. 
SECTION 35. AFP Technical Services. The AFP Technical Services 
shall be composed of services in specialized fields requiring at least 
baccalaureate preparation in a particular discipline which are rendered to all AFP 
personnel and their dependents. 
The AFP Technical Services shall consist of the Chaplain Service, Corps 
of Professors, Judge Advocate General Service, Medical Corps, Dental Service, 
Veterinary Corps, Nurse Corps, and Medical-Service Corps. 
SECTION 36. General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the 
Phlippines. - The General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 
shall composed of the offices of the Chief of Staff, the Vice Chief of Staff,,the 
Deputy Chief of Staff, the Armed Forces Joint Coordinating Staff, and the 
Personal, Special and Technical Staffs. 


, 
(a) The AFP Chief of Staff shall exercise command and control over all 
elements of the AFP. He shall execute command functions in relation 
to military strategy and tactics operation. He shall be responsible for 
the development and execution of the national defense programs and 
armed forces mission, under the authority and direction of the 
President and the Secretary of the national Defense, the organization 
powers, functions and duties of the various staff, services, 
installations and other units of the AFP; 
(b) The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the principal assistant Chief of Staff 
and shall act, as the Chief of Staff during the latter’s absence of 
disability. He shall assist the Chief of Staff in the administration and 
management of the AFP; 
(c) The AFP General Stafff shall advice and assist the Chief of Staff in 
the performance of his functions and in the accomplishment of the 
tasks of the General Headquarters. It shall be headed by the Deputy 
Chief of Staff, who shall be appointed by the Chief of Staff, subject to 
the approval of the President. The AFP General Staff shall be a joint 
staff consisting of the coordinating, personal, and special and 
technical staffs. The organization, functions and duties of the General 
Staff shall be prescribed by the Chief of Staff; 
Article 9. The Philippine Army 
SECTION 37. Mandate. - The Philippine Army shall organize, train, 
equip, maintain and provide ground forces for the conduct of prompt and 
sustained land operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SECTION 38. Organization. - The Philippine Army shall be composed of 
its headquarters, land combat and service forces and such other units as may be 
necessary to accomplish its assigned mission. 
It shall be headed by a 
Commanding General who shall hold the rank of Lieutenant General. 
SECTION 39. Functions. - The Philippine Army shall have the following 
functions: 


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(a) Prepare such units as may be necessary for the effective prosecution 
of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
missions, including the expansion of the peacetime army component 
to meet any emergency; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, 
concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics 
and techniques for army operations; 
(c) Organize, train and equip all army reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development effors; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
Article I O .  The Philippine Navy 
SECTION 40. Mandate. The Philippine Navy shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain and provide. Navy forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained naval 
operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SECTION 41. Organization. - The Philippine navy shall be composed of 
headquarters, naval combat, marine, support, and such other forces as may be 
necessary to accomplish its mission. It shall be headed by a Flag Officer in 
Command who shall hold the rank of Vice Admiral. 
SECTION 42. Functions. The Philippine Navy shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) Prepare the necessary naval units for the effective prosecution of 
national defense plans and programs and armed forces mission, 
including the 'expansion of peacetime navy component to meet any 
emergency; and support the enforcement of all applicable laws 
pertaining to maritime matters like safety of life at sea, immigration, 
customs, revenues, narcotics, quarantine, and fishing; 
(6) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, 
concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics 
and techniques for naval operations; 
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(e) Organize, train and equip all naval reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development efforts; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
Article I I. 
Philippine Air Force 
SECTION 43. Mandate. - The Philippine Air Force shall organize, train, 
equip, maintain and provide air forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained air 
operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SECTION 44. 
Organization. - The Philippine Air Force shall be 
composed of a headquarters, tactical, and service support forces as may be 
necessary to accomplished is assigned mission. 
It shall be headed by a 
Commanding General who shall hold the rank of Lieutenant General. 
SECTION 45. 
Functions. - The Philippine Air Force shall have the 
following functions: 
(a) Organize, train, and equip forces for airlift, airborne and tactical air 
operations; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, 
concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics 
and techniques for air operations; 
(c) Organize, train, and equip all air force reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development efforts; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 


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F 
Article 12. Operational Commands 
SECTION 46. Operational Commands. - Operational Commands shall 
be created which shall consist of Area Commands and Specified Commands. 
The SND shall prescribe the operational boundaries and force structure of these 
commands. Area Command refers to a military command which has broad, 
continuing mission in a particular operational area of responsibility and shall be 
composed of forces from two or more major services. Specified Command refers 
to military command which has specific/particular continuing mission which shall 
be composed of forces from a single major service. 
The President shall 
prescribe the operational boundaries and force structure of these commands. 
SECTION 47. Mandate - The operational commands shall conduct such 
prompt and sustained land, sea, and air operations as may be necessary to 
accomplish the AFP mission. 
SECTION 48. 
Role of the Chief of Staff Armed Force of the 
Philippines. - The Chief of Staff shall periodically review the mission, 
responsibilities, including operational boundaries and organization of each 
command, and, as may be necessary, recommend to the President, through the 
Secretary of National Defense, any changes to such mission, area of 
responsibility, and organization. 
Article 13. Reserve Force 
SECTION 49. Mobilization of the Reserve Force. The utilization of the 
Reserve Force in times of emergency to meet threats to national security shall be 
through mobilization which shall be effected by the President as follows: 
(1) Full Mobilization. When full mobilization is ordered, all units of the 
Ready, Standby and Retired Reserves shall be activated. The 
reservists constituting the same shall be called to active duty and 
placed on operational readiness; 
(2) Partial Mobilization. When partial mobilization is ordered, only the 
units of the Ready Reserve necessary to meet the threat will be 
activated. The reservists assigned to these units called to active duty; 
and placed on operational readiness; 


, 
(3) Selective Mobilization. When Selective Mobilization shall be ordered 
by the President and shall himself select the units of the Ready 
Reserve to be activated for the purpose. 
SECTION 50. Mobilization Fund. For purposes of Section 52, the 
President shall submit to Congress a mobilization pian and its corresponding 
budgetary requirements. Under this Act, the President is authorized to cause the 
utilization of any private entity necessary for the implementation of the 
mobilization plan. The cause for such mobilization shall be paid by the national 
Government. 
SECTION 51. Duration of Mobilization. - The President may call for a 
mobilization for a period not exceeding 100 days after which, he shall render a 
report to Congress, immediately after the termination of mobilization or in case of 
new appropriation for the extension of the period of mobilization. 
SECTION 52. Demobilization. When the threat or emergency for which 
the mobilization had been ordered has passed, the President shall order the 
demobilization and subsequent deactivation of the reserve units, and reservists 
shall be reverted to inactive status. 
SECTION 53. Reserve Force Readiness Evaluation. - Reserve Force 
Readiness Evaluation shall be conducted by the Secretary of National Defense 
upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff on a periodic basis to provide the 
reservists with training opportunities and evaluate dperational effectiveness of 
units and individual members. Reservists participating in training and readiness 
evaluation shall be entitled to medical, incapacity and death benefits in 
accordance with law. 
SECTION 54. Role of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine 
National Police. - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National 
Police (PNP) shall be affiliated reserved units of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines. In times of war or emergency, the PCG and PNP, upon the approval 
of the President, may be called upon to provide forces and resources to support 
the AFP mission. 
TITLE VI. SECURITY AND DEFENSE STRATEGY FORMULATION 


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SECTION 55. Role of the President. The President as the Commander- 
in-Chief shall have the responsibility to undertake strategic planning on defense 
and security policies. The President shall transmit to Congress a comprehensive 
report on the Philippine national security strategy, along with the mid-term and 
long-term defense programs with its concomitant annual budget. The report shall 
primarily contain the following: 
(a) national interests, goals, objectives and consequent national defense 
capabilities vital to national security; 
(b) foreign policy, international commitments and legislative actions 
necessary to implement the national strategy of the country; and 
(c) short, medium and long term uses of the elements of national power 
to protect and promote the security interests of the country. 
SECTION 56. Role of the Secretary of National Defense. - The Secretary 
of National Defense shall be the principal assistant to the President on policy and 
strategy matters involving national defense. He shall provide the Chief of Staff 
an annual Defense Planning Guidance which shall contain national defense 
objectives, policies, and strategies and the resource levels projected to be 
available for the period. * 
SECTION 57. Role of the Chief of Staff. - The Chief of Staff shall assist 
the President and Secretary of National Defense in providing strategic direction 
to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He shall prepare the national military 
strategy which will contain military objectives, strategic concepts, and force 
options, and a risk analysis of such recommended strategy and conduct periodic 
strategic review thereof. 
SECTION 58. Strategic Plans. - Strategic plans shall enumerate specific 
objectives, identify resources and constraints, outline strategy for securing 
objectives, and determine force capability requirements. 
SECTION 59. Strategic Reviews. - There shall be a periodic review of the 
defense organization to determine its continuing relevance, viability and 
capability. The strategic review shall be conducted by a special committee to be 
constituted by the Secretary of National Defense upon approval of the President 
of Republic. 


TITLE VII. ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 
SECTION 60. The administration of the Armed Forces shall be the 
responsibility of the Secretary of National Defense. 
SECTION 61. Personnel Politics.- Personnel policies and administration 
shall be in accordance with the following principles: 
(1) Recruitment of the Armed Forces shall be governed by the principle of 
equality, without distinction of any kind as to, ethnicity, gender, 
religion, and political beliefs. It shall be limited to natural born citizens 
in case of officers: 
(2) Career management in education, training, assignment 
and 
appointment shall provide for equal opportunities to all members; 
(3) Promotion of members of the Armed Forces shall be based on merit, 
efficiency and competence. It shall be governed by the principles of 
justice, equality, fairness, and professionalism; 
(4) Members of the Armed Forces shall receive pay, allowances and other 
benefits that shall promote professionalism and afford them a 
respectable life; 
(5) Members of the Armed Forces shall be entitled to retirement and 
separation benefits that shall enable them to live a descent life. 
Retirement and separation benefits shall not be subject to attachment, 
garnishment, levy, execution or any tax whatsoever, neither shall they 
be assigned, ceded or conveyed to any third party; 
(6) Attrition of members of the Armed Forces shall consider the best 
interest of the service over that of its individual members; 
(7) At any time during the active service, no officer or member of the 
Armed Forces of the Philippines may be appointed or designated in 
any capacity whatsoever to any civilian position in any branch, 
department, agency, or unit of Government, or any of the corporations 
that it owns or controls, or any of the subsidiaries of such corporations; 
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(8) Military officers shall not be allowed extension of service upon 
retirement. 
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Article 14. Government Arsenal 
SECTION 62. 
Mandate. - The Government Arsenal shall undertake 
research and development on munitions and to operate as an integrated 
manufacturing entity producing munitions primarily for the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines and the Philippine National Police. 
SECTION 63. Organization. - The Government Arsenal shall be headed 
by a Director, who shall be a natural-born citizen, with relevant education and 
experience in munitions and its related fields. 
SECTION 64. Functions. The Arsenal shall have the following functions: 
(a) Operate and maintain the government arsenal; 
(b) Formulate and implement plans and programs to achieve self- 
sufficiency in arms and munitions; 
(c) Design, develop, manufacture, stockpile, and allocate arms and 
munitions without the necessity of obtaining any permits or licenses; 
(d) In case of war or an emergency, facilitate the efficient mobiliztion of 
civilian industry to augment the production of the government arsenal; 
(e) In case of full mobilization, supervise the operations of the civilian 
munitions industry; 
(f) Procure raw materials, test weapons and other equipment in support 
of its mission. 
Article 15. Office and Civil Defense 
SECTION 65. Mandate. The Office of Civil Defense shall promote and 
ensure the protection and security of the population, their property and 
environment, from all kinds of disasters by overseeing the effective and efficient 
implementation of civil protection programs and services through an integrated, 
multi-sectoral and community based approaches and strategies. 


SECTION 66. Organization. - The Office of Civil Defense shall be 
headed by the Administrator. 
SECTION 67. Functions. - The Office of Civil Defense shall have the 
following functions: 
Formulate and administer a comprehensive national civil protection 
and disaster risk reduction program; 
Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and security 
of the population, their property and environment, from all kinds fo 
disasters; 
Estimate the total material manpower and fiscal requirements for 
carrying out the national civil protection and disaster risk reduction 
program, and provide the local government units and autonomous 
regions such aid in facilities, materials, and funds as may be made 
available from the National Government: 
Develop and coordinate a program for infarming, educating, and 
training the general public, volunteer workers, local government units 
and other principal groups, on civil protection measures and activities; 
Furnish guidance and technical assistance to the various provinces, 
cities, municipalities in the planning, organization, training and 
operation of the local Disaster Management Councils; 
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; 
Provide secretariat and technical support services to the National 
Disaster Management Councils; and 
Perform such other duties as may be provided by law. 


SECTION 68. RENAMING OF THE NDCC. - The National 
Disaster 
Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the other Disaster Coordinating Councils 
established under Presidential Decree No. 1566 are hereby renamed as the 
National Disaster Management Council (NDCMCC) and Regional, Provincial, 
City, Municipality and Baranay Disaster Management Council, respectively. 
Article 16. Philippine Veterans Affairs Office 
SECTION 69. Mandate. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall 
administer the needs of,veterans and their dependents and shall develop and 
maintain national military shrines. 
SECTION 70. 
Organization. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office 
shall be headed by an Administrator. 
SECTION 71. Functions. The Phlippine Veterans Affairs Office shall 
have the following functions: 
(a) Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of 
National Defense, policies, rules, and regulations governing the 
adjudication and administration of veterans claims and benefits; 
(b) Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges 
granted to veterans claims and benefits; 
(c) Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing 
law; 
(d) Provide administrative supervision of the Veterans Memorial Center; 
(e) Administer, develop, and maintain military shrines; 
(f) Formulate policies concerning the affairs, placement and training of 
ex-servicemen, and assist their widows and dependents, and other 
retired military personnel; and 
(9) Perform other functions as the Secretary of National Defense may 
direct. 


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Article 17. National Defense University of the Philippines 
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SECTION 72. 
Conversion of the NDCP. - The National Defense 
College of the Philippines is hereby converted into 
University of the Philippines. 
College, all its personnel and resources thereof 
To ensure the 
Salaries of its personnel shall be fixed or adjusted at the discretion of the NDUP 
Academic Board within the limits of appropriation provided for the purpose. 
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SECTION 73. 
Mandate. - The 
National Defense University of the 
Philippines (NDUP) shall maintain and develop such academi' program of 
instruction and research as designed for the education and traini R g of defense 
and national security leqders and managers and for NDUP to be the center of 
strategic studies on defense and security in the country. 
SECTION 74. 
Organization. - The UNDP shall be headed by a 
President. 
SECTION 75. 
Functions. - The NDUP shall have the following 
functions: 
(1) Train and develop the skills and competence of potential national 
defense leaders, civilian officials of the different agencies and 
instrumentalities of the government and selected executives from the 
private sector in the formulation and implementation of national 
security policies and for high command and staff duty; 
(2) Confer postgraduate, graduate and baccalaureate degrees in national 
security administration and related fields; and 
(3) Engage in high-grade research and studies as called for by its 
mission. 
TITLE VIII. DEFENSE EDUCATION 
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SECTION 76. Defense Education. - Defense education shall be geared 
towards the development of professional and intellectually competent personnel 
at all levels of the defense establishment who are imbued with values, knowledge 
and skills necessary for the attainment of the country's security objectives. It 
shall actively promote, develop and complement Philippine education and 


personnel who shall be leaders, professionals, or staff workers endowed with 
nationalism and patriotism cognizant of the country’s role as a member of the 
international community. Defense education and training shall be governed by 
the principles of sequential learning and jointness. 
SECTION 77. Defense Education and Training Board. The Secretary 
of National Defense shall constitute a Defense Education and Training Board 
from among the constituent offices of the AFP and DND engaged in education 
and training activities. The DND Secretary shall appoint the chairman of the 
Board. 
TITLE IX. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY 
Article 18. Economic Society 
SECTION 78. The Government shall pursue and economic regime based 
on the principle of responsible enterpreneurship, social conscience, respect for 
the dignity of labor and concern for the public interest to achieve economic 
solidarity, strength and independence where people enjoy economic freedom. 
Article 19. Role of the Executive Offices 
SECTION 79. Role of the NEDA. National Economic and Development 
Authority shall primarily be responsible for formulating continuing, coordinated 
and fully integrated economic and social policies, plans and programs to promote 
economic growth and equitable distribution of the benefits of such growth to the 
members of the society. 
SECTION 80. Role of the DOF. - The Department of Finance shall be 
responsible for the formulation, institutionalization and administration of fiscal 
policies in coordination with other concerned subdivisions, agencies and 
instrumentalities of government in support of the attainment of the government‘s 
development objectives. 
SECTION 81. Role of the DFA, - The Department of Foreign Affairs shall 
promote trade, investments and other economic relations with other countries in 
cooperation with other government agencies and the private sector. 


SECTION 82. Role of the DTI. - The Department of Trade and Industry 
shall formulate and implement policies , plans and programs relative to the 
promotion, development, expansion and regulation of trade industry and 
investments. It shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and 
utilizes all forms and arrangements of exchange on the basis of quality and 
reciprocity. 
SECTION 83. Role of the DA - The Department of Agriculture shall be 
responsible for the promotion of agricultural development by providing the policy 
framework, public investments, and support services needed for domestic and 
export oriented business enterprises. It shall take steps to improve farm income 
and generate work opporunities for farmers, fishermen and other rural workers. 
SECTION 84. Role of the DOT. - The Department of Tourism shall be 
charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote and develop tourism as a 
major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and 
to spread the benefits of tourism to wider segment of the population. 
SECTION 85. Role of the DOE. - The Department of Energy shall 
ensure a continuous and adequate supply of energy. 
It shall endeavor to 
achieve self-reliance in the country’s energy requirements through the integrated 
and intensive exploration, production, management, development 
and 
sustainable utilization of the country’s indigenous energy resources. 
Article 20. Political Dimension 
SECTION 86. Role of the DILG. - The Department of Interior and Local 
Government shall promote peace and order, ensure public safety and further 
strengthen the local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery 
of the basic services to the citizenry. 


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Article 21. Socio-Cultural Dimension 
SECTION 88. 
Role of Educational Institutions. - The Department of 
Education, TESDA and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall be 
responsible in their 
respective areas for 
the formulation, 
planning, 
implementation and coordination of the policies, plans, programs and projects in 
formal and non-formal education; supervise all educational institutions; and 
provide for the establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate and 
integrated system of education relevant to the goals of national development. 
Further, the Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall promote 
cultural awareness, and shall formulate, implement and coordinate policies, plans 
programs and projects for cultural and sports development of the youth. 
SECTION 89. Role of the DOH. - The Department of health shall be 
primarily responsible for the formulation, planning, implementation and 
coordination of the policies, plans and programs in the field of health. It shall 
promote, preserve, or restore the health of the people through the provision and 
delivery of health services and through the regulation and encouragement of the 
providers of health goods and services. 
SECTION 90. Role of the DSWD. The Department of Social Welfare 
and Development shall provide a balanced approach to welfare whereby the 
needs and interests of the population are addressed pro-actively. 
Article 22. Techno-Scientific Dimension 
SECTION 91. Role of the DOST. - The Department of Science and 
Technology shall support and encourage public and private sector initiatives in 
science and technolgoy policies and shall ensure that the results therefrom are 
geared and utilized for maximum economic and social benefits, 
SECTION 92. Role of the DND. - The Department of National Defense 
shall incorporate in every equipment acquisition contract, special foreign 
exchange reduction schemes such as counter trade, in-country manufacture, co- 
production, or other innovative arrangements or combinations thereof, in order to 
generate employment opportunities and enhance technology transfer. 


SECTION 93. Role of the DTT. - The Department bf Trade and Industry 
shall formulate the appropriate mechanics to guide and mpnage the transfer of 
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appropriate industrial technology in the country. 
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SECTION 94. Role of the DOTC. - The Departmbnt of Transportation 
and Communication shall assess, review and provi e direction to the 
transportation and communications research and development program of the 
government in coordination with other relevant institutions. 1 
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Article 23. Ecological Dirnensibn 
SECTION 95. Role of the DENR. - The Departmejt of Environment and 
Natural Resources shall be in charge of carrying of out the state’s constitutional 
mandate to control and supervise the exploration, development, utilization and 
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conservation of the country’s natural resources. 
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SECTION 96. Role of the DA. The Department of Agriculture shall 
promulgate and enforce all laws, rules and regulatlons governing the 
conservation and proper utilization of agricultural and marine resources. 
SECTION 97. Role of the Educational Institution$ The Department of 
Education, TESDA and CHED shall ensure that relevant lbarnings on ecology 
are integrated in the system of education that includesl formal, non-formal, 
indigenous learning and out-of-school study programs. 
SECTION 98. Role of the DPWH. The Department of Public Works and 
Highways shall give due regard to the protection of the ecology in the integrated 
planning for roads, flood control and water resource development systems, and 
other public works. 
SECTION 99. Role of the DND. - The Department of National Defense 
shall take part in the preservation of national patrimony including the country’s 
living and non-living marine, sub marine, mineral, forest and other natural 
resources. 
SECTION 100, Role of the DOE . - The Department of Energy, in the 
management of energy resources, shall ensure environmental protection and 
maintenance of ecological balance. 


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Article 24. &man Welfare and Social Dimensions 
SECTION 101. Role of the DOLE. - The Department of Labor and 
Employment shall ensure that the rights of all workers to self-organization, 
collective baragaining negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including 
the right to strike in accordance with the law. It shall promote the voluntary 
modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual 
compliance therewith to foster industrial peace industrial peace. 
SECTION 102. Role of the DOH. The Departpent of Health shall protect 
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness 
among them; adopt an integral and comprehensive approach to health 
development, with priority for the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women 
and children; endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services 
available to all the people at affordable cost; establish and maintain an effective 
food and drug regulatory system; and undertake appropriate health manpower 
development and research, responsive to the country’s health needs and 
problems. 
SECTION 103. Role of the DSWD. - The Department of Social Welfare 
and Development shall provide a balanced approach to welfare whereby the 
needs and interests of the population are addressed not only at the outbreak of 
the crisis but more importantly at the stage which inexorably lead to such crisis. 
SECTION 104. Role of the DENR. - The Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources shall promote equitable access to natural resources by 
the different sectors of population and enhance the contribution of natural 
resources for achieving national economic and social devlopment. 
SECTION 105. Role of the DFA. - The Department of Foreign Affairs 
shall be the lead agency in the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and 
evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations. Other agencies, 
in consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs, may initiate bilateral or 
multilateral cooperative apitivities in their respective areas of concern with other 
countries. Article 25. Separability and Repeals. 
SECTION 106. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of 
this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 


SECTION 107. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamation rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which 
are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accord i n t I y. 
SECTION 108. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,