Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE EDWIN L. OLIVAREZ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine Constitution provides that it is the obligation of every citizen to 
protect the State. In order to fulfill said obligation, the country needs a measure to 
strengthen the country's defense system. The National Defense Act of 1935 has been 
the primary legislation that governs the defense and security of our country for more 
than eighty years already. As times have changed and numerous advancements have 
taken place in more than eighty years, it is only right that a stronger defense 
department be created. Thus, this Bill is being proposed. 
This Bill is intended to update national defense policies enshrined in the 
National Defense Act of 1935. Through this Bill, the country's border security 
measures and patrol measures for protection from transnational crimes will be 
reinforced and enhanced. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this Bill is earnestly sought. 
EDWIN L. OLIVAREZ 
July 31, 2023
10:44 am
8648


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Constitution Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No._____ 
________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE EDWIN L. OLIVAREZ 
AN ACT TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND 
ESTABLISH EXPEDITIOUS TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 
NATIONAL DEFENSE AND ITS BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted in the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the “The National 
Defense Act of 2023". 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - The national defense of the Republic of 
the Philippines shall be as follows: 
a. In defending the Philippines, the paramount consideration shall be the
national sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right
to self-determination;
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
or sex, and all resources;
c. The national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as
possible to the territorial arid administrative organization of the
Philippines;
8648


d. 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;
e. The employment of the nation's citizens and resources for national
defense shall be effected by a mobilization;
f.
The mobilization shall include the execution of all measures necessary
to pass from a peace to a war footing or in any case of actual invasion
or when public safety so requires as well as during its transaction to
normalcy or rehabilitation;
g. The mobilization plan of financial, industrial, economic. technological
and social resources of the Philippines shall conform to the provisions
of the Constitution arid shall be prepared by the executive departments
concerned in accordance with the following general policies:
1. The respective responsibilities of the several executive departments
in mobilization planning will be prescribed by the President;
2. Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and
continuity of effort until normalcy has been attained; and
h. No profit incident of war shall accrue to any individual, corporation,
association or partnership.
SECTION 3. Defense Conditions and Authority. - Defense conditions shall 
be the bases for the designation of persons and entities to act in behalf of the state. 
Defense Conditions (hereinafter referred to as DEFCON), are circumstances where 
the three categories of events — disaster, internal disorders, and invasion — acting 
separately or in concert tend to, or actually threaten, the security of the state shall 
be prescribed by the President. 
EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS AND SERVICES 


SECTION 4. Military service shall be mandatory for all citizens of the 
Philippines and the methods and procedures for the classification, selection, 
examination, induction, training, employment, and release of all citizens from their 
military obligations shall be prescribed by the President of the Philippines. 
SECTION 5. The registration of citizens for mandatory military service shall 
be a military function carried out by the Component Services through their respective 
Reserve Commands. 
SECTION 6. During a mobilization, the President through the Secretary of 
National Defense shall have the power to secure all such resources as may be 
necessary for national defense. 
NATIONAL DEFENSE COUNCIL 
SECTION 7. National Defense Council – 
a. The National Defense Council (NDC) chaired by the President is
composed of heads of the executive departments, past Presidents, past
Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and other government officials and
private citizens as the President may appoint or designate. It hall have
a permanent staff which shall preserve a documentary record of the
Council’s deliberations.
b. The method of operation of the National Defense Council, its detailed
duties, and its rights to summon witnesses or consultants shall be fixed
in executive orders to be issued by the President. Funds for its
operation shall be provided in the appropriations for the Executive
Department.
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 8. Mandate - The Department of National Defense is the primary 
government agency charged with the duty of implementing the provisions of this Act. 


The defense establishment shall be maintained to maximize its effectiveness for 
guarding against external and internal threats to national peace and security. 
SECTION 9. Powers and Functions of the Department - To carry out the 
above-declared policy, the Department shall exercise and perform the following 
powers and functions: 
a. Formulate and prepare the national defense policies, strategies, plans
and programs;
b. formulate, develop and update the national defense plan of the country,
including the mobilization plan for the employment of the country’s
citizens and resources for national defense;
c. Control. 
Monitor, 
Coordinate, 
supervise 
and 
evaluate 
the
implementation of national defense policies, plans, programs and
activities;
d. exercise supervision and control over the armed Forces of the
Philippines, Government Arsenal, Office of Civil Defense Philippine
Veterans Affairs Office and the National Defense University of the
Philippines;
e. Formulate, establish, implement, supervise and control quality
management system;
f.
Establish, promote and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for
defense and military cooperation with its international counterparts for
the purpose of addressing traditional and now-traditional security
threats;
g. Implement 
the 
country’s 
international 
defense 
and 
security
commitments based on defense and security treaties, cooperation
agreements, international covenants, protocols and other similar
arrangements;


h. Develop self-reliance defense posture to guarantee the enhancement of
responsive and progressive capabilities and maximum utilization of
resources;
i.
Develop a responsive Armed Forces capable of addressing various
threats to national security; and
j.
Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided by
law or directed by the President of the Philippines.
SECTION 10. Contracts. – The Department is hereby authorized to enter 
into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every class, kind and description 
which are necessary or incidental to the performance of its mandate as provided 
herein, with any person, firm or corporation, public or private, and with foreign 
government entities, subject to the provisions of existing laws, rules and regulations. 
SECTION  11. Management and Control of Defense Real Properties. - 
a. The Department is hereby authorized to administer, operate, manage,
control, maintain and develop defense real properties for strategic
basing and to use, hold, acquire, or lease any private real property,
right of way, or easement which may be proper or necessary for the
accomplishment of its mandate as provided in this Act;
b. The sale and/or exchange of strategic defense real properties shall be
prohibited unless otherwise recommended by the Secretary of National
Defense, approved by the President of the Philippines, with the consent
of Congress;
c. The lease and/or development of defense real properties, by joint
venture or otherwise shall be allowed upon prior approval by the
President of the Philippines;
d. Any and all income derived from the lease or disposition of such defense
real estate shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust


Fund, and disbursed in accordance with existing laws, rules and 
regulations. 
SECTION 12. Special Defense Materiel Acquisition — Upon prior approval 
by the President of the Philippines, and when the procurement for use by the AFP 
involves major defense equipment or materiel and/or defense-related consultancy 
services, when the expertise or capability requires is not available locally, and the 
Secretary of National Defense has determined that the interests of the country shall 
be protected by negotiating directly with an agency or instrumentality of another 
country with which the Philippines has entered into a defense cooperation agreement 
or otherwise maintains diplomatic relations, the AFP may be allowed to resort to 
negotiated procurement: Provided, however, that the performance by the supplier of 
its obligations under the procurement contract shall be covered by a performance 
security in accordance with Sec. 39 of the IRR of R.A. 9184. 
SECTION 13. Exemption from Import License.  -  All acquisition of defense 
materiel by the DND and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and other licenses 
imposed by other agencies of the government. In lieu thereof, the SND shall issue a 
certification that the goods being imported are exempt from such licenses. 
SECTION 14. Grants and Donations. - The Department, or any of the 
bureaus, agencies or offices under it, may accept donations, contributions, arid 
grants from various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes relevant to its 
functions: Provided, that in case of donations from foreign governments or persons, 
acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. 
SECTION 15. Defense Cooperation Agreements. - 
a. Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution, the Department of
National Defense may enter into Defense/Military Cooperation
Agreements to develop, enhance and sustain multi-faceted defense and
security engagements and Cooperation with the defense and armed
forces of other countries.
b. Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include but shall not
be limited to the exchange of information, exchange of visits, exchange


of personnel, subject matter expert exchange, logistic cooperation, 
defense industry cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster 
response, defense arid military doctrine development, research and 
development in defense science and technology, participation in trade, 
science or technology exhibits, military and defense exercises, training 
activities, and education exchanges or other areas of mutual concern. 
ORGANIZATION 
SECTION I6. Organizational Structure. - The Defense Department shall be 
composed of the DND-Proper and its bureaus namely, the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Government Arsenal, National 
Defense University of the Philippines, Office of Civil Defense, and other 
instrumentalities under the supervision and control of the Secretary of National 
Defense as provided for by law. 
SECTION l7. Composition. — The DND-Proper shall be composed of the 
Office of the Secretary of National Defense arid the Offices of the Undersecretaries 
and Assistant Secretaries, and the Department Services. 
SECTION 18. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall 
consist of the Secretary of National Defense and his /her immediate staff as 
determined by him/her. 
SECTION  19.  The Secretary of National defense. -  The Secretary of 
National Defense shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the 
Commission on Appointments 
SECTION 20. Powers and Functions of Secretary - The authority and 
responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge 
of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary of National Defense, who 
shall have supervision and control of the Department. The Secretary shall also 
perform such other functions as may be necessary or proper to attain the objectives 
of this Act or as may be provided by law or directed by the President. 
TITLE II - The Armed Forces of the Philippines 


GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 21. Declaration of Policies – 
a. The AFP, as the protector of the people and the State, shall secure the
sovereignty and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines
against all threats;
b. The AFP shall uphold the Constitution and adhere to the rule of law at
all times;
c. Professionalism in the armed forces arid adequate remuneration and
benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of the State; and
d. The AFP, as an institution, shall be insulated from partisan politics. No
member of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any
partisan political activity except to exercise the right to suffrage.
SECTION 22. Mission and Functions. - The AFP is the protector of the people 
and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of 
the national territory. It shall have the duty to: 
a. Defend against all forms of threats to national defense and security;
b. Plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ arid sustain its Regular
and Reserve Force for national defense and security; and
c. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by
the Commander-in-Chief.
SECTION 23. Chain of Command. - The exercise of authority, direction, 
command and control over the IP shall be carried out through the Chain of 
Command, which is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are 
passed, beginning from the President as the Commander-in-Chief, through the 
Secretary of National Defense, to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines down to the commander of the lowest echelon of command in the AFP: 


Provided, that this does riot preclude the President from issuing orders directly to 
the AFP. 
 
SECTION 24.  Organization and Composition. - The AMP shall initially be 
composed of three (3) component services - the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air 
Force and the Philippine Navy. These services shall form the Citizens Armed Force 
composed of the Regular force and Reserve Force guided by the Table of Organization 
and Equipment of the AFP, prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense upon 
recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
THE REGULAR FORCE 
Organization and Composition 
 
SECTION 25. Size and Composition. - The Regular Force, alternately 
referred to as the Standing force, shall be initially composed of the following: 
 
a. Regular Officers, Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel; 
 
b. Reservists called to active duty, or on active duty for training; and 
 
c. Draftees, trainees and government-sponsored Filipino cadets enrolled 
in local or foreign military schools. 
 
The size and composition of the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the President 
upon the recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines through the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
 
SECTION 26. Organizational Principle. - The President, through the 
Secretary of National Defense, shall organize the AFP into such commands, forces 
and units in accordance with operational requirements, for this purpose, the national 
territory may be divided into such operational areas as the Secretary of National 
Defense may direct. 
 
SECTION 27. Operational Principles. - The operational principles of the AFP 
shall be as follows: 
 


a. The Commander-in-Chief shall exercise command control through the 
CSAFP with the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. The 
joint Headquarters AFP, shall be the command and control element of 
the AFP; 
 
b. The Joint Headquarters AFP shall exercise centralized command and 
control to ensure unity and coordination of efforts throughout the 
military establishment; 
 
c. The Joint Force Operational Commands as force employers shall be 
responsible for the decentralized execution of joint operations to 
achieve 
maximum 
operational 
efficiency 
within 
the 
military 
establishment unless otherwise determined by the CSAFP through the 
supervision of the Secretary of National Defense; 
 
d. The Component Services as force providers shall be responsible for the 
development, organization, training, equipping, maintenance and 
sustainment of combat forces, combat service forces, technical and 
administrative service, and combat service support forces. 
 
e. The AFP Reserve Force shall provide for the base of expansion of the 
Component Services. 
 
THE JOINT STAFF HEADQUARIERS ARMED FORCES 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
 
SECCTION 28. Mandate. - The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be 
headed by the CSAFP, shall be the command control element of the AFP. 
 
SECTION 29. Organization. - The Joint Staff Headquarters shall be 
composed of the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 
Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AMP Joint, 
Personal and Special Staff and the other key staff offices and units necessary for 
effective command and control of the AMP as recommended by the CSAFP with the 
approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 


Section 30. The Chief of 8taff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. –  
 
a. The President shall appoint the CSAFP from among the officers with 
the rank of Lieutenant General/Admiral in the active service, who shall 
hold the rank of General/Admiral. 
 
b. CSAPP shall serve a minimum tour of duty of 2 years and maximum of 
8 years. For this purpose, the CSAFP shall be allowed to complete his 
maximum tour of duty beyond his retirement age: Provided, that the 
CSAFP may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any 
time before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired from 
active military service. 
 
Section 31.  Powers and Function - The Chief of Staff shall: 
 
a. Serve as the principal military advisor to the President and the 
Secretary of National Defense; 
 
b. Be responsible for the formulation of the national military strategy 
consistent with the national defense strategy; 
 
c. Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, 
plans and programs of the AFP; 
 
d. Prescribe the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various 
staff, services, and other units of the AFP in accordance with the 
national defense policy; 
 
Section 32.  The Vice Chief of Staff - The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the 
principal assistant of the CSAFP and shall perform the functions of the CSAFP during 
the latter's absence or incapacity. He shall be appointed in the same manner as the 
CSAFP. 
 
The Vice Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of 1 year and m imam 
of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without 
prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no 


Officer shall be appointed as a Vice Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) 
year remaining in the active service: Provided further. That Vice Chief of Staff may 
be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of 
the ten of 3 yens and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
Section 33. The Deputy Chief of Staff - The Deputy Chief of Staff shall 
integrate and synchronize the Joint Staff works to assist the CSAFP in policy 
formulation and implementation, and command decision making process through 
completed staff work. 
 
The Deputy Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of l year and maximum 
of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without 
prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, that no 
Officer shall be appointed as The Deputy Chief of Staff if that officer has less than 
one (1) year remaining in the active service: Provided, further. That the Deputy Chief 
of Staff may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time before 
the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
Section 34. The Joint Staff - The Joint Staff, as coordinating staff shall 
advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/ her 
functions. The organization, functions and duties of the Joint Staff 
shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
Section 35. Personal Staff - The Personal Staff, as immediate staff shall 
directly advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The 
organization, functions and duties of the Personal Staff shall be prescribed by the 
CSAFP: Provided, that coordination with other staff in not precluded. 
 
Section 36. Special Staff - The Special Staff, as specialized, 
technical and administrative staff shall advise arid assist the CSAFP in the 
performance of his /her functions. The organization, functions and duties of the 
Special Staff shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
Section 37. Authority to Reorganize the General Headquarters into the 
Joint Staff Headquarters. - In the interest of efficiency arid effectiveness, the 
CSAFP, upon the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, may: 


 
a. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff 
Headquarters in addition to the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff, 
and prescribe the organization, mission and functions; and 
 
b. Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters 
no specifically provided in this Chapter or by any other provision of law, 
or transfer or consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, 
offices or units. 
 
JOINT FORCE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS 
 
Section 38. Organization, Mission and Function. - 
 
a. The Joint Force Operational Commands shall be organized and 
established by the CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense which shall be under the command, control and operational 
direction of its Joint Force Commander. 
 
b. The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities and joint area of 
operations of the Joint Force Operational Commands shall be 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, in consultation with, 
or upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
Section 39. Designation or Assignment of Joint Force Commanders. – 
 
a. The joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall be designated or 
assigned to the said position by the President, upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines through the Secretary 
of National Defense. 
 
b. The joint Force Commanders of the JFOC, as force employer, shall have 
operational control over all units operating within their respective joint 
area of operations. 
 


c. The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall serve for a minimum 
term of 2 years and maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to 
the next higher position and without prejudice to compulsory 
retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no officer shall 
be appointed as a Joint Force Commander if that officer has less than 
two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided, further, that 
Joint Force Commanders may be removed by the President as 
Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years 
and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
THE COMPONENT SERVICES 
 
Section 40. Organization. –  
 
a. The Component Services shall be organized by the President, upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense and the CSAFP. 
The Chiefs of the Component Services shall be designated or assigned 
to the said position by the President. 
 
b. The Chiefs of the Component Services shall serve for a minimum term 
of 2 years and maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the 
next higher position and without prejudice to compulsory retirement 
age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be appointed 
as Chief of Component Service if that officer has less than two (2) years 
remaining in the active service: Provided further. That Chief of 
Component Service may be removed by the President as Commander 
in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed 
retired from active military service. 
 
c. The Component Services shall act as force providers, which shall 
develop, organize, train, equip, maintain and sustain the necessary 
forces in support of the AFP missions. 
 
 
Section 41. The Philippine Army. - The Philippine Army (PA), headed by the 
Chief of the Philippine Army shall provide forces that will be responsible for the 


conduct of prompt and sustained joint and combined ground operations in support 
of the AFP mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, maneuver units, and 
sustainment units arid such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of 
ground operations. 
 
Section 42.  Functions of the Philippine Army -  The Philippine Army shall; 
 
a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such ground 
forces or units as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and 
sustained operations; 
 
b. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed 
forces missions; 
 
c. formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component 
Services, doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures 
peculiar to the Army; 
 
d. Implement mobilization of the Army Reserve; and 
 
e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or 
assigned by the CSAFP. 
Section 43. The Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) 
headed by the Chief of the Philippine Air Force shall provide forces that will be 
responsible for the conduct of prompt and sustained air operations in support of the 
AMP mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, air combat, combat support 
and sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of 
air and support operations. 
 
Section 44. Sections of the Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force 
shall: 
 
a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and Sustain such air forces 
or units as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained 
operations; 


 
b. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed 
forces missions; 
 
c. Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component 
Services, doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures 
peculiar to the Air force; 
 
d. Implement mobilization of the Air Force Reserve; and 
 
e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or 
assigned by the CSAFP. 
 
Section 45. The Philippine Navy. - The Philippine Navy (PN) headed by the 
Chief of the Philippine Navy, shall provide forces that shall be employed for the 
conduct of prompt and sustained naval operations in support of the AFP missions. 
It shall be composed of its headquarters, naval forces, service support and 
sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of naval 
operations. 
 
Section 46.  Function of the Philippine Navy. The Philippine Navy shall: 
 
a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such naval 
forces or units as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and 
sustained operations; 
 
b. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed 
forces missions; 
 
c. formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component 
Services, doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures 
peculiar to the Navy; 
 
d. Implement mobilization of the Navy Reserve; and 


 
e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or 
assigned by the CSAFP. 
 
Section 47. Technical and Administrative Service. - Each Component 
Service shall develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain their respective 
Technical and Administrative 5ervice composed of but not limited to. The Judge 
Advocate General Service, Medical Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical and 
Administrative Corps, Nurse Corps, Dental Corps, Chaplain Service, and Corps of 
Professors. 
 
Section 48. The Women’s Auxiliary Corps. - The Women's Auxiliary Corps 
as created by Republic Act No. 3835, as amended shall be integrated to their 
respective Component Service. For this purpose, RA 3835 is hereby repealed. 
Further, the number of female personnel in the AFP, notwithstanding provision of 
relevant laws, shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS 
 
Section 49. Organization, Mission and Function. –  
 
a. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Command and General Staff 
College (OGSC), Officer Candidate School (OCS), Non- commissioned 
Officer Academy and other Military Education and Training Institutions 
organized and established by the CSAFP with the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense shall be under the command, control and 
direction 
of 
their 
Military 
Education 
and 
Training 
Superintendent/Commandant. 
 
b. The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities of the military 
education and training institutions shall be prescribed by the CSAFP 
with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
Section 50. The Philippine Military Academy. – 
 


a. Mandate. The Philippine Military Academy categorized as special higher 
education institution is the primary training and educational 
institution of the AFP, which shall be its principal source of regular 
officers. The degree programs, instruction, faculty complement, 
research, arid facilities of the PMA shall be accredited by the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 
 
b. Organization. - The Academy headed by the Superintendent shall be 
organized as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
c. Development —The Academy shall determine its teaching, manpower, 
curriculum, research and extension thrusts, plans and programs, 
standards and budget. 
 
d. Cadet Corps. The student body of the Academy shall be known as the 
Cadet 2 satisfactorily complete the approved course of study. 
 
e. The Superintendent shall serve for a minimum term of 2 years and 
maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher 
position and without prejudice to compulsory retirement age as 
provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be appointed as 
Superintendent if that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in 
the active service. Provided further, that the Superintendent may be 
removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time before 
the end of the term of 3 years. 
 
f. Academic Board. - There shall be an Academic Board organized by the 
Superintendent. The Board shall, in accordance with the rules and 
regulations prescribed by the CSAFP, have the power to confer 
baccalaureate 
degrees 
upon 
the 
cadets 
who 
appointed 
as 
Superintendent if that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in 
the active service: Provided further, that the Superintendent may be 
removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time before 
the end of the term of 3 years. 
 


g. Board of Visitors. The PMA shall establish a board of visitors to look 
into the academic affairs of the Academy with the end of enhancing its 
educational systems. The President, upon the recommendation of the 
CSAFP through the Secretary of National Defense, is hereby authorized 
to establish other military training academies and institutions in the 
AFP. 
 
Section 51. Authority to Establish Other Military Training Institutions. 
– The President, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP through the Secretary of 
National Defense, is hereby authorized to establish other military training academics 
and institutions in the AFP. 
 
RECRUITMENT, PROMOTION AND CAREER 
DEVELOPMENT 
 
Chapter 1- Commissioned Officers 
 
Section 52. Qualifications. - All persons commissioned as officers in the 
Regular Force shall be natural born citizens of the Philippines, of legal age, of good 
moral character, physically and mentally qualified for active military service, and 
shall have 54 such other qualifications as may be prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
 
Section 53 Appointments in the Regular Force. – 
 
a. Officers shall be permanently appointed by the President in the Regular 
force in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. 
 
b. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the date of rank of a 
commissioned officer in active service in the Regular force shall be the 
date of permanent appointment in that grade by the President. 
 
Section 54. Revocation of Commission. - The commission of an officer may 
be revoked by the President at any time, upon the recommendation of the Secretary 
of National Defense when found not fully qualified for such commission or who lacks 
any of the qualifications prescribed by law or regulation. 


 
Section 55. Officer Grade Distribution. —The Secretary of National Defense 
shall prescribe the authorized number of officers in the Regular Force in each grade 
in each Component Service in accordance with the Table of Organization and 
Equipment. 
 
Section 56. Distribution of General/Flag Officers. - The number of 
general/flag officers herein authorized shall be distributed to the various general/flag 
officer grades by the Secretary of National Defense based on the recommendation of 
the CSAFP in accordance with the Table of Organization and Equipment. 
 
Section 57. Tour of Duty in Key Positions. - No officers with less than 1 
year remaining active service shall be designated to positions requiring the rank of 
Brigadier General/ Commodore or higher. 
 
Section 58. AFP Promotion System. — 
 
a. The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by the principle that as 
officers are promoted from one grade to the next higher grade, the 
criteria of competence, merit and potentials are the primary 
consideration. 
 
b. The AFP Promotion System shall be the primary means by which the 
AFP shall periodically evaluate and assess its ranks of officers and shall 
institutionalize and continue to implement an efficient process of 
selection for promotion, as well as for attrition of officers as prescribed 
by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
c. The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by a management system 
with a view of ensuring smooth succession in the filling of vacancies in 
key positions as and when these occur. 
 
d. The Secretary of National Defense shall prescribe the seniority and 
promotional lineal list of the AFP. 
 


Section 59. Promotion to General/Flag Officer Grades. - No officer shall 
be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General/ Commodore or higher unless there is 
an existing vacancy and the officer is occupying a position in the Table of 
Organization and Equipment that requires the rank for which he is being considered 
for promotion or assignment. 
 
Section 60. Maximum Tenure in Rank. - The maximum tenure of officers 
in the ranks of Colonel/ Captain arid General/Flag Officer in the AFP are hereby 
prescribed as follows: 
 
Colonel/Captain  
 
 
- 8 Years  
Brigadier General/ Commodore - 4 years 
Major General/ Rear Admiral  
- 3 years  
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral - 3 years  
General/Admiral 
 
 
- 3 years 
 
Unless earlier separated or retired or promoted to the next higher rank or 
occupying a position calling for the ranks Of higher grade in the AFP TONE, 
Colonels/Captains and Generals/ Flag Officers shall be compulsorily retired upon 
the attainment of the maximum tenure in rank herein prescribed, or upon reaching 
the age of compulsory retirement, whichever is earlier, except for those, who may be 
allowed by the President to finish tenure in position as recommended by the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
 
Section 61. Determination and Allocation of Key Position. - The Secretary 
of the Department of National Defense upon the recommendation of the CSAFP shall 
determine and allocate the number of key positions among the component services, 
headquarters and support units of the AFP based on the technical nature of the 
organization, position, task, scope and area of responsibilities, equipage, prevailing 
Defense Condition and other considerations as the exigencies of the service may 
require. 
 
WARRANT OFFICERS 
 
Section 62. Qualification for Appointment. - Any natural born citizen of 
the Philippines, of legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good 


moral character, and possessed of such educational attainments and specialized 
skills or expertise as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, may 
be appointed in the Regular Force. 
 
Section 63. Appointment in the Regular Force. - Warrant Officers shall be 
appointed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
Section 64. Revocation of Appointment. - The appointment of an officer, 
who is found not fully qualified for such appointment or who lacks any of the 
qualifications prescribed by law or regulation may be revoked by the Secretary of 
National Defense at any time, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP, 
 
Section 65. Warrant Officer Management. — The Secretary of National 
Defense shall prescribe the special career management, employment, grades, rank 
and authorized number of warrant officers in the Regular force in each grade in each 
Component Service in accordance with the operational and organizational needs of 
the AFP. 
 
ENLISTED PERSONNEL 
 
Section 66. Qualification for Enlisted. - Any natural born citizen of the 
Philippines, of legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good moral 
character, and possessed of such educational attainments as may be prescribed by 
the Secretary of National Defense, may be enlisted in the Regular Force under the 
following restrictions: 
 
a. Except as otherwise provided herein, each enlistment in the Regular 
Force shall be for a term of five (5) years: Provided, that all enlistments 
in force at the outbreak of war, or other grave national emergency, or 
entered into during its continuation shall remain in force until six 
months after its termination, unless sooner terminated by the 
President; 
 
b. Enlistments for service shall be apportioned among the various 
provinces of the Philippines, as far as practicable, provided that 
qualifications for competency as prescribed shall be observed; and 


 
c. Re-enlistment in the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary 
of National Defense. 
 
Section 67. Enlisted Ranks. - The ranks of enlisted personnel in the AMP 
shall be in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CSAFP. The total number 
of enlisted personnel in the enlisted ranks and now-commissioned officer grades 
shall be prescribed by the CSAFP in accordance with the number of authorized 
positions in the approved Table of Organization & Equipment. 
 
Section 68. Enlistment and Career Development of Enlisted Personnel 
System. - The Secretary of National Defense shall, upon the recommendation of the 
CSAFP, prescribe the guidelines, which shall govern the procurement, enlistment, 
training, promotion and discharge or separation of all enlisted personnel in the AFP. 
 
Section 69. Authority to Promote and Demote. - The authority to promote 
and demote Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION 
 
Section 70. Retirement and Separation - Retirement, whether compulsory 
or optional, and separation from military service, shall conform with existing laws, 
rules and regulations without prejudice to the provisions of this Act. 
 
Section 71. Recall from Retirement. - An Officer, Warrant Officer or 
Enlisted Personnel who retired from the active service, may be recalled to active duty 
by the President during national mobilization and shall be subject to the Articles of 
War. They shall 
be recalled in the last permanent rank held before retirement. 
 
Section 72. Retirement and Separation Benefits. - Congress shall allocate 
funds for the retirement and separation benefits as according to existing laws, rules 
and regulations. 
 
Section 73. Attrition System. - 
 


a. The attrition system for Officers shall be prescribed by the President as 
recommended by the Secrets of National Defense. 
 
b. The attrition system for Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel shall 
be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended 
the CSAFP. 
 
Section 74. Effects of Loss of Filipino Citizenship. - Pursuant to existing 
laws, any retired military personnel, receiving retirement and pension benefits 
pursuant to the provisions of this Act, who loses his/ her Filipino citizenship shall 
no longer be entitled to receive pension and retirement benefits. The survivors of any 
retired military personnel who lose his Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled 
to receive survivorship benefits. 
 
ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM 
 
Section 75. Military Justice - 
 
a. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, enforcement of discipline and 
military justice shall be governed by applicable laws and administrative 
issuances as prescribed by the President upon recommendation of the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
 
b. There shall be reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension of 
active service, arid forfeiture, suspension, or withholding of pay and 
allowances of Officers, except those ranks confirmed by commission 
Appointments, found administratively liable. The procedure, extent or 
system of which shall be prescribed by the President as recommended 
by the Secretary of National Defense, 
 
c. Procedure, extent or system of reduction in grade, demotion of rank, 
suspension of active service, and forfeiture, suspension or withholding 
of pay and allowances of Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel found 
administratively liable shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense as recommended by the CSAFP. 
 


LEGAL ASSISTANCE 
 
Section 76. Extension of Legal Asssitance. All military personnel charged 
of service-related or service-connected administrative, civil or criminal offenses, upon 
approval of their Chiefs of Component Services, shall be provided adequate legal 
representation and assistance by military lawyers or counsel of their own choice until 
conclusion OI the case. Reasonable allocation can be charged against the fund of 
component service to support such ease. 
 
THE RESERVE FORCE 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 77. Mandatory Military Service. - In relation to the patriotic duty 
of every citizen to defend the country when obliged to preserve and protect 
sovereignty, every Filipino, natural-born or naturalized shall be subject to basic, 
suitable and sufficient military training and education for a minimum of two (2) years 
mandatory military service. 
 
Section 78. Purpose. -The purpose of the Reserve force is to provide the base 
for the expansion of the AFP in the event of disaster, internal disorder and invasion; 
 
Section 79. Organization of the Reserve Force. - The organization of the 
Reserve Force shall conform to projected and actual needs as determined by the 
Secretary of National Defense upon the approval by the President. The Table of 
Organization and Equipment of the Reserve Force shall be prescribed by the 
Secretary of National Defense upon recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
COMPOSITION OF THE RESERVE FORCE 
 
Section 80. Composition. - The Reserve force shall have three (3) 
components, namely: 
 
a. The Army Reserve Component; 
 
b. The Air Force Reserve Component; and 
 


c. The Navy Reserve Component. 
 
Section 81. Affiliated Reserve Units. - Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUS) are 
private and government entities, corporations, establishments and organizations at 
the national, provincial, city and municipal levels which provide essential public arid 
strategic services necessary to support the prosecution of national defense plans or 
to meet an emergency. ARUS shall belong to any of the Reserve Force Components. 
 
Section 82. Call to Active Duty of the Reserve Force. - Reservists may be 
called to active duty for training and/ or deployment as prescribed by the CSAFP as 
approved by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
OTHER BUREAUS AND AGENCIES UNDER TFIE 
DEPARTMENT 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 83. Supervision and Control. - The Secretary of National Defense 
shall exercise supervision and control over the bureaus and agencies under this Title, 
as well as its personnel. 
 
Section 84.  Organization.  — 
 
a. Unless otherwise provided by law, the organization, functions, duties and 
responsibilities of the staff and operating units of each of the bureaus and 
agencies under the Department shall be as prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense in appropriate rules and regulations issued for the 
purpose. 
 
b. For this purpose, and in the interest of service, the Secretary of National 
Defense may, in accordance with the policies or directives of the President: 
 
a. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or 
agencies and prescribe the titles, powers, functions and duties of the 
positions therein; 
 


b. Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies not 
specifically provided by law, or transfer or consolidate their functions 
and duties with Other staffs, offices or units; and 
 
c. Abolish a position of any bureau or agency and transfer or consolidate 
its functions and duties with those of another position. 
 
Section 85. Separation Benefits of Officials and Employees of Affected 
Bureaus or Agencies - Government employees displaced or separated from the 
service as a result of the restructuring pursuant to this Act shall be entitled to a 
separation pay and other benefits in accordance with existing laws, rules or 
regulations. 
 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
 
Section 86. Mandate. - The Government Arsenal shall develop, operate, 
maintain and secure facilities for the manufacture of weapons, munitions and other 
defense materiel to support the requirements of the AFP, Philippine National Police 
(PNP) and other law enforcement agencies; and, to sell and export products in excess 
of the local demand. 
 
Section 87. Power and Functions. The Government Arsenal shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
 
a. Formulate and implement plans and programs towards the 
achievement of self-sufficiency in weapons, small arms ammunition, 
mortars, medium and large caliber ammunition and other munitions 
needed by the country’s defense and security establishments; 
 
b. Design, conduct research, develop, manufacture, procure, repair, 
stockpile and allocate weapons, munitions and other defense materiel 
subject to existing laws and regulatory requirements. 
 
c. Sell and export products in excess of the requirements of the AFP and 
other law enforcement agencies, subject to existing laws; 
 


d. Devise ways and means for the efficient mobilization of civilian/private 
industry to augment its production for use of the defense and security 
forces; 
 
e. Establish, secure and operate government defense manufacturing 
plants, as necessary, in strategic locations within the country; and 
 
Section 88. Organization and Administration. - The Government Arsenal 
shall be headed by a Director with one or more Assistant Directors who shall support 
the Director in the administration, manufacturing operations and other affairs of the 
bureau; all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation 
from the Secretary of National Defense, and who shall have the relevant expertise, 
training and experience in the field of munitions. 
 
Section 89. Modernization of the Arsenal. - The modernization of the 
Government Arsenal, for the development of production capabilities to enhance self- 
sufficiency in defense requirements, shall be part of the defense modernization 
program. The Government Arsenal may use such production facilities as it may own 
or be provided with under this Act or as it may arrange, under joint venture, co-
production or similar agreements with local arid foreign entities. 
 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OP THE PHILIPPINES 
 
Section 90. Transformation of the NDCP. - In view of the rapidly evolving 
national arid regional security environment, the current academic trends and 
research thrusts of defense institutions in the Asia Pacific, arid the increasing need 
for specialized defense arid security courses to enhance the academic foundation of 
promoting Philippine national security. The National Defense College of the 
Philippines NDCP) is hereby transformed into the National Defense University of the 
Philippines (NDUP) categorized as a special higher education institution. To ensure 
the continuous operation of the College, all its personnel and resources shall be 
absorbed by the NDUP. 
 
The degree programs, instruction, faculty complement, research, and facilities 
of the NDUP shall be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 


The NDUP shall likewise have adequate plantilla positions and receive appropriate 
funding to fulfill the requirements of transforming into a defense university. 
 
Section 91. Mandate - In accordance with the standards set forth in 
pertinent laws and relations or higher education, the NDUP shall train and develop 
the competence of potential national defense leaders, civilian officials of the different 
agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and selected executives from the 
private sector in the formulation and review of national security policies and 
undertake research and studies as basis for the formulation of national defense and 
security policies, plans and programs. The NDUP shall be headed by a President, 
and assisted by an Executive Vice President, and four (4) Vice Presidents, all of whom 
shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of 
the Secretary of National Defense. The NDUP President shall have a term of six (6) 
years. 
 
Section 92. Power and Function. The University shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
 
a. Confer the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) 
upon the graduates thereof; 
 
b. Develop and Confer other baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate 
degrees on defense and security; and 
 
c. Undertake policy research and special studies as well as policy 
formulation on strategic defense and security issues. 
 
 
Section 93. Organization and Administration. 
 
a. The NDUP President shall administer the affairs of the University. 
 
b. The NDUP President shall be assisted by the Executive Vice President 
(EVP). The EVP shall act as NDUP President in the absence or 
incapacity of the NDUP President, and shall perform such other 


functions and duties as may be assigned to him by the NDUP President 
or the Secretary of National Defense.  
 
c. There shall be a Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who shall be 
responsible for the  development, implementation, supervision and 
evaluation of academic programs; a Vice- President for Strategic 
Studies and Policy Formulation, who shall be responsible for the 
conduct and supervision of research and special studies and policy 
formulation and review for the Department; a Vice-President for 
Military Affairs, who shall be responsible for the overall military 
activities of the University; a Vice- President for Administration, who 
shall be responsible for the overall administrative support to all the 
activities of the University and such other officials as may be required 
by the University subject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
 
d. The University shall have an Academic Board to assist the President 
discharge the following functions: 
 
a. Supervise the academic affairs of the University; 
 
b. Recommend 
academic 
consultants, 
professors, 
lecturers, 
instructors, research assistants and other resource persons of the 
University; and 
 
c. Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the 
University to accomplish its objectives. 
 
The Board shall be composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs 
as Chairman, and the Heads of the various academic disciplines as 
members, who shall be designated by the NDUP President subject to 
the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
e. All resource persons of the University including but not limited to 
academic 
consultants, 
professors, 
lecturers, 
instructor, 
thesis 
advisers, members of examining and evaluating panels, examiners, 


correctors, and technicians who are regularly employed in the 
Government shall, in addition to their salaries, be entitled to receive 
honoraria, fees and other emoluments fixed by the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
 
f. The Secretary of National Defense may establish a Council of fellows in 
the University to assist and advise him in providing strategic direction 
and guidance necessary to ensure the accomplishment of the mandate 
of the University. 
Section 94. Graduates of the Regular Course of the University. — All 
graduates of the University shall be conferred the degree of Master in National 
Security Administration (MNSA), Civilian graduates of the MNSA program shall 
receive an initial rank of Lieutenant Colonel/ Commander in the Reserve Force 
subject to existing AFP regulations. The MNSA or its equivalent in military career 
development course shall be required for appointment or designation to key positions 
and promotion of AFP officers to the grade of 0-7 (Brigadier General/ Commodore). 
 
Section 95. Transition. -  The SND shall determine the appropriate 
transition period for NDCP to attain the status and competency of becoming a 
university. Further, Congress shall allocate the necessary funds for the 
transformation of NDCP to NDUP. 
 
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
 
Section 96. Mandate. -The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shall have the 
primary mission of administering a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster 
risk reduction and management program during local and national emergencies by 
providing leadership tri 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 97. Powers and Function. - The Office shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
 
a. Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and 
civil assistance program to include the allocation to agencies and local 


government units such aid and funds as may be made available by the 
national government, assisting governments, and international and 
local organizations; 
 
b. Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and welfare of 
the civilian population in times of war or other national emergencies as 
may be determined by the President of the Philippines; 
 
c. Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of national government 
agencies, local government units, private institution 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. 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; 
 
f. Provide assistance and secretariat services to the Nations Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Council to implement the policies set by 
the latter relative to disaster management; 
 
g. furnish guidance to the various provinces, cities and municipalities in 
the planning, accreditation, organization and operation of their civil 
defense organizations; and 
 
h. Perform such other civil defense functions as may be provided by law. 
 
Section 98. Organization. - The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by 
an Administrator who shall also serve as Executive Director of the National Disaster 
Risk Reduction and Management Council and, as such, shall have the same duties 
and privileges of a department undersecretary. It shall operate under a duly approved 
organization and staffing as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 


 
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIR OFFICE 
 
Section 99. Mandate. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be the 
government agency responsible for administering the benefits due to veterans, their 
heirs and beneficiaries and shall provide medical care and treatment to veterans 
pursuant to existing laws. It shall also administer, maintain and develop military 
memorials and battle monuments proclaimed as national shrines. 
 
Section 1OO. Powers and Functions. The Office shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
 
a. Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of 
National Defense, policies, rules and regulations governing the 
adjudication and administration of veterans' claims arid benefits; 
 
b. Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privilege 
granted to veterans, their heirs and beneficiaries; 
 
c. Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing 
law; 
 
d. Administer, develop and maintain military memorials and battle 
monuments proclaimed as national shrines; and 
 
e. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
 
Section 101. Organization.  The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be 
headed by an Administrator who may be assisted by one or more Deputy 
Administrators, all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. It shall have such staff and 
other operating units as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 


Section 102. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Office of the 
President, in consultation with other government agencies mentioned in this Act, 
shall promulgate its implementing rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after 
the effectivity of this Act. 
 
Section 103. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the 
provisions of this Act is hereby appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the 
year following its enactment into law. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary 
for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
Section 104. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this 
Act are hereby repealed in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 105. Separability Clause — If any provision of this Act shall be 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall 
remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 106. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) 
days from publication in at least two (2) papers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,