EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC } 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
j
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No.
m
DATE
NDEX
BILLS
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
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.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Department of National Defense (DND) is the primary agency which supervises the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Government Arsenal (GA), the Philippine Veterans Affairs 
Office (PVAO), the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) and the Office of Civil 
Defense (OCD). Furthermore, the DND is mandated to supervise and administer the AFP 
Modernization Program.
Section 15, Chapter I, Title VIII, Book IV of Executive Order No. 292 mandates the DND to 
maximize its effectiveness for guarding against external and internal threats to national peace and 
security, and provide support for social and economic development.
Enacted 82 years ago. Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act of 1935 is the 
primary legislation that governs the defense and security of our country. Amid the many 
institutional and organizational developments, technical and capability enhancements, and 
technological advances in the AFP, the provisions of the law are deemed to be obsolete to adapt 
to changes. Thus, it is high time to pass a law that envisions a stronger defense department 
capable of addressing the current threats to our national security.
No less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, during his second State of the Nation Address 
(SONA), declared the need for a stronger and more credible National Defense System in order to 
address transnational issues such as insurgency and terrorism.
Hence, this Bill is envisioned to update national defense policies, principles and concepts, to 
institutionalize needed improvements and to codify various laws on national defense, the AFP, 
and the civilian bureaus, with the end in view of streamlining and further professionalizing our 
country’s defense establishment.
Among the salient provisions of the Bill include:
1. Prohibition on the sale of defense real estates, except otherwise recommended by the 
Secretary of National Defense (SND), approved by the President and with the consent of 
Congress; and a provision mandating that all income derived from the lease or


development of defense real estate shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act 
Trust Fund.
2. Inclusion of the SND in the Chain of Command. 
Under the new Chain of Command, 
exercise of authority, direction, command and control over the AFP shall be carried out 
from the President as the Commander-in-Chief, through the SND, AFP Chief of Staff 
(COS) down to the commander of the lowest level of commands in the AFP. However, 
such new chain would not preclude the President from issuing orders directly to the AFP.
3. The Joint Force Operational Commands (JFOC), as force employers, and the Component 
Services as force providers.
4. The SND 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.
5. The integration of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps in the Component Services and repeal of 
RA 3885, as amended.
6. The integration of the Technical and Administrative Service in the Component Services.
7. The establishment of the Warrant Officers in the AFP composed of highly technical 
experts, combat leaders, trainers, and advisors who specialize, throughout their career in a 
specific technical area. Warrant officers shall serve in specific positions requiring greater 
longevity to achieve increased technical expertise, as well as increased leadership and 
management skills.
8. Mandatory citizen service for all natural-bom or naturalized Filipino citizens for a 
minimum of two (2) years.
9. Transformation of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) into the 
National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP). The Master in National Security 
Administration (MNSA) or its equivalent shall be required for appointment or designation 
to key positions and promotion of AFP officers to the grade of 0-7 (Brigade 
General/C ommodore).
10. Exemption from the requirement of RA9184 or the government procurement law in the 
acquisition for use by the AFP, upon prior approval of the President of the Philippines, if 
it involves special defense equipment, or when the SND has determined that the interests 
of the country shall be protected by negotiating directly with a local or foreign supplier, 
provided that such procurement contract shall be covered by a performance security.
11. Exemption from import and other licenses imposed by other agencies for all acquisition 
by the DND of defense materiel.
It is for this purpose that the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
PANFILOVVTLACSON
5^ator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
} 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
}
First Regular Session 
}
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 
2 4 9
Introduced by SENATOR LACSON
I !y j»l
11 ■
■♦T.lv-'flffirc of the ‘i
T9 JUL-8 P 2 ‘-02
RKt.i • 
..._y
AN ACT TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND ESTABLISH 
EXPEDITIOUS TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL 
DEFENSE AND ITS BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled.:
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Preliminary Provisions
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as "The National Defense Act of
2019."
Section 2. Declaration of National Defense Policies. - The national defense 
policies of the Republic of the Philippines shall be as follows:
a. In defending the Philippines, the paramount consideration shall be national 
sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-determination;
b. The 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 and administrative organization of the Philippines;
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 transition to normalcy or rehabilitation;
g. The mobilization plans of financial, industrial, economic, technological and
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social resources of the Philippines shall conform to the provisions of the Constitution and 
shall be prepared by the executive departments concerned in accordance with the 
following general policies:
1. The respective responsibilities of the several executive departments in 
mobilization planning will be prescribed by the President;
2. 
Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and 
continuity of effort until normalcy has been attained; and
h. 
No profit incident to war shall accrue to any individual, corporation, association 
or partnership.
Section 3. Defense Conditions and Authority. -  Defense conditions shall be the 
bases for the designation of persons and entities to act in behalf of the state. Defense 
Conditions, hereinafter referred to as DEFCON, are circumstances where the three 
categories of events -  disaster, internal disorders, and invasion- acting separately or in 
concert tend to, or actually threaten, the security of the state. The hierarchy of defense 
conditions and the persons or entities designated to act in behalf of the state shall be 
prescribed by the President.
ARTICLE I- Employment of Persons and Resources
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.
Article II- 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 shall have a permanent staff 
whieh shall preserve a documentary record of the Council’s deliberations.
(b) The method of operation of the National Defense Council, its detailed duties, and its 
rights to summon witnesses or consultants shall be fixed in executive orders to be issued 
by the President. Funds for its operation shall be provided in the appropriations for the 
Executive Department.
TITLE I


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DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Article I -  General Provisions
Section 8. Mandate. - The Department of National Defense is the primary 
government ageney 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.
programs;
Formulate and prepare national defense policies, strategies, plans and
b. 
Formulate, develop and update the national defense plan of the country, 
including the mobilization plan for the employment of the country's citizens and 
resources for national defense;
c. 
Control, monitor, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the implementation of 
national defense policies, plans, programs and activities;
d. 
Exercise supervision and control over the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
(AFP), Government Arsenal (GA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Veterans 
Affairs Office (PVAO) and the National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP);
e. 
Formulate, 
establish, 
implement, 
supervise 
and 
control 
quality 
management system.
f. 
Establish, promote and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for 
defense and military cooperation with its international counterparts for the purpose of 
addressing traditional and non-traditional security threats.
g. 
Implement the country's international defense and security commitments 
based on defense and security treaties, cooperation agreements, international covenants, 
protocols and other similar arrangements;
h. 
Develop self-reliance defense posture to guarantee the enhancement of 
responsive and progressive capabilities and maximum utilization of resources;
i. 
Develop a responsive Armed Forces capable of addressing various threats 
to national security; and
j. 
Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided by law or 
directed by the President of the Philippines.
Section 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.


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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 required is not available locally, and the Secretary of National 
Defense has determined that the interests of the country shall be protected by negotiating 
directly with an agency or instrumentality of another country with which the Philippines 
has entered into a defense cooperation agreement or otherwise maintains diplomatic 
relations, the AFP may be allowed to resort to negotiated procurement: Provided, 
however. That the performance by the supplier of its obligations under the procurement 
contract shall be covered by a performance seeurity in aecordance with Sec. 39 of the 
IRR of R.A. 9184.
Section 13. Exemption from Import Licenses. - 
All acquisition of defense 
materiel by the DND and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and other lieenses 
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 13. Grants and Donations. - The Department, or any of the bureaus, 
agencies or offices under it, may accept donations, contributions, and grants from 
various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes relevant to its functions: Provided, 
That in case of donations from foreign governments or persons, acceptance thereof shall 
be subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.
Section 14. 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 eooperation with the defense and armed forces of other 
countries.
(b) 
Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include but not limited to the 
exchange of information, exchange of visits, exchange of personnel, subject matter expert 
exchange, logistics cooperation, defense industry cooperation, humanitarian assistance 
and disaster response, defense and military doctrine development, research and 
development in defense science and technology, participation in trade, science or 
technology exhibits, military and defense exercises, training activities, and education 
exchanges or other areas of mutual concern.


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Article II - Organization
Section 15. Organizational Structure. - The Defense Department shall be 
composed of the DND-Proper and its bureaus namely, the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Government Arsenal 
(GA), National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP), Office of Civil Defense 
(OCD), and other instrumentalities under the supervision and control of the Secretary of 
National Defense as provided for by law.
Section 16. Composition. - The DND-Proper shall be composed of the Office of 
the Secretary of National Defense and the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant 
Secretaries, and the Department Services.
Section 17. 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 18. The Secretary of National Defense. - The Secretary of National 
Defense shall be appointed by the President, subject to confinnation by the Commission 
on Appointments.
Section 19. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. - The authority and 
responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge of 
its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary of National Defense, who shall 
have supervision and control of the Department. The Secretary shall also perform such 
other functions as may be necessary or proper to attain the objectives of this Act or as 
may be provided by law or directed by the President.
TITLE II - THE ARMED FORCES OF 
THE PHILIPPINES 
Article I - General Provisions
Section 20. Declaration of Policies. -
a. The AFP, as the protector of the people and the State, shall secure the 
sovereignty and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against all threats;
b. The AFP shall uphold the Constitution and adhere to the rule of law at all times;
c. Professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of 
its members shall be a prime concern of the State; and
d. The AFP, as an institution, shall be insulated from partisan politics. No member 
of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, except 
to exercise the right of suffrage.
Section 21. 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;


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b. Plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ and sustain its Regular and 
Reserve Force for national defense and security; and
c. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
Commander-in- Chief
Section 22. Chain of Conwiand. - The exercise of authority, direction, command 
and control over the AFP shall be carried out through the Chain of Command, which is 
the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed, beginning from the 
President as the Commander-in-Chief, through the Secretary of National Defense, to the 
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) down to the commander 
of the lowest echelon of command in the AFP: Provided, That this does not preclude the 
President from issuing orders directly to the AFP.
Section 23. Organization and Composition. - The AFP shall be initially 
composed of three (3) component services- the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air 
Force, and the Philippine Navy. These services shall form the Citizens Anned Force 
composed of the Regular Force and Reserve Force guided by the Table of Organization 
and Equipment of the AFP, prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense upon 
recommendation of the CSAFP.
Article II - The Regular Force
A. ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION 
Chapter I - General Provisions
Section 24. Size and Composition. - The Regular Force, alternately referred to as 
the Standing Force, shall be initially composed of the following:
a. Regular Officers, Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel;
b. Reservists called to active duty, or on active duty tour for training; and
c. Draftees, trainees and government-sponsored Filipino cadets enrolled in local or 
foreign military schools.
The size and composition of the Regular Foree shall be prescribed by the 
President, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines through the 
Secretary of National Defense.
Section 25. 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 26. Organizational Structure. - The Regular Force of the AFP shall 
consist of the Joint Headquarters; the Joint Force Operational and Functional 
Commands; the Component Services namely: the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy 
and the Philippine Air Force; and the other existing units, component services, 
commands, and task forces of the AFP. The Secretary of National Defense upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP may, in accordance with the policies or directives of the 
President, create additional units, services, commands and task forces, or reorganize the 
AFP in response to any situation or in pursuance of operational or contingency plans.
Section 27. Operational Principles. - The operational principles of the AFP shall


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be as follows:
a. 
The Commander-in-Chief shall exercise command and control through the 
CSAFP with the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. The Joint 
Headquarters AFP, shall be the command and control element of the AFP;
b. 
The Joint Headquarters AFP shall exercise centralized command and 
control to ensure unity and coordination of efforts throughout the military establishment;
c. 
The Joint Force Operational Commands as force employers shall be 
responsible for the decentralized execution of joint operations to achieve maximum 
operational effieiency within the military establishment unless otherwise determined by 
the CSAFP through the supervision of the Seeretary 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 serviee, and eombat serviee 
support forces.
e. 
The AFP Reserve Force shall provide for the base of expansion of the 
Component Services.
Chapter 2 - The Joint Staff Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines
Section 28. Mandate.- The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be headed by the 
CSAFP, shall be the command and 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 AFP Joint, Personal and 
Special Staff and the other key staff offices and units necessary for effective command 
and control of the AFP as recommended by the CSAFP with the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense.
Section 30. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. -  (a) The 
President shall appoint the CSAFP from among the officers with the rank of Lieutenant 
GeneralA/ice Admiral in the active service, who shall hold the rank of General/Admiral.
(b) 
CSAFP shall serve a minimum tour of duty of 2 years and maximum of 3 
years. For this purpose, the CSAFP shall be allowed to complete his maximum tour of 
duty beyond his retirement age: Provided, That the CSAFP may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years and 
deemed retired from active military service.
Section 31. Pon'ers and Functions.- The Chief of Staff shall:
a. Serve as the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of 
National Defense;
b. Be responsible for the formulation of the national military strategy consistent 
with the national defense strategy;
c. Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, plans


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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 maximum 
of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be 
appointed as a Vice Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) year remaining in 
the active service: Provided further. That Vice Chief of Staff may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the tenn of 3 years 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 1 year and maximum 
of 3 years unless othenvise 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 is not precluded.
Section 36. Special Staff- The Special Staff, as specialized, technical and 
administrative staff shall advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her 
functions. The organization, functions and duties of the Special Staff shall be prescribed 
by the CSAFP
Section 37. Authority to Reorganize the General Headquarters into the Joint 
Staff Headquarters.- In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness, the CSAFP, upon the 
approval of the Secretary of National Defense, may:
a. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters 
in addition to the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff, and prescribe the organization, 
mission and functions; and
b. Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters not


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specifically provided in this Chapter or by any other provision of law, or transfer or 
consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, offices or units.
Chapter 3 -  Joint Force Operational Commands
Section 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.
Chapter 4 - 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 
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conduct of prompt and sustained joint and combined ground operations in support of the 
AFP mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, maneuver units, and sustainment 
units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of ground operations.
Section 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. 
Fonnulate 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 AFP mission. It 
shall be composed of its headquarters, air combat, combat support and sustainment units 
and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of air and support operations.
Section 44. Functions of the Philippine Air Force. -  The Philippine Air Force
shall:
a. Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such air forces or units as 
may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;
b. 
Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions;
c. 
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, 
doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Air Force;
d. 
Implement mobilization of the Air Foree 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. Functions of the Philippine Navy. -  The Philippine Navy shall:
a. 
Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such naval forces or 
units as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;
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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 Service composed of but not limited to. The Judge Advocate General 
Service, Medical Corps, Veterinary Corps, Medical and Administrative Corps, Nurse 
Corps, Dental Corps, Chaplain Service, and Corps of Professors.
Section 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.
Chapter 5 — Military Education and Training Institutions
Section 49. Organization, Mission and Function. - (a) The Philippine Military 
Academy (PMA), Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Officer Candidate 
School (OCS), Non-commissioned Officer Academy and other Military Education and 
Training Institutions organized and established by the CSAFP with the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense shall be under the command, control and direction of their 
Military Education and Training Superintendent/Commandant.
(b) The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities of the military education and 
training institutions shall be prescribed by the CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary 
of National Defense.
Section 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, and facilities of the PMA shall be accredited by the Commission 
on Higher Education (CHED).
(b) 
Organization. - The Academy headed by the Superintendent shall be 
organized as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the recommendation 
of the CSAFP.
(c) 
Development. — The Academy shall determine its teaching, manpower, 
curriculum, research and extension thrusts, plans and programs, standards and budget.
(d) Cadet Corps. - The student body of the Academy shall be known as the Cadet
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Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and shall have such strength, as the 
Secretary of National Defense shall determine, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP.
(e) 
Academic Board. - There shall be an Academic Board organized by the 
Superintendent. The Board shall, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed 
by the CSAFP, have the power to confer baccalaureate degrees upon the cadets who 
satisfactorily complete the approved course of study.
(f) The Superintendent shall serve for a minimum term of 2 years and maximum 
of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be 
appointed as Superintendent if that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in the 
active service: Provided further. That the Superintendent may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years.
(g) Board of Visitors. The PMA shall establish a board of visitors to look into the 
academic affairs of the Academy with the end of enhancing its educational systems. The 
Board of Visitors shall be composed of at least five (5) but not more than seven (7) 
members designated by the Superintendent, whose membership shall meet at least once a 
year.
Section 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 academies and 
institutions in the AFP.
B. 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 
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 ser\dce 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
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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 suecession 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/FIag 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 and General/Flag Officer in the AFP are hereby prescribed as 
follows:
Colonel/Captain 
Brigadier GeneraECommodore 
Major General/Rear Admiral 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral 
General/Admiral
8 years 
4 years
3 years 
3 years
3 years
Unless earlier separated or retired or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying 
a position calling for the ranks of higher grade in the AFP TO&E, Colonels/Captains and 
Generals/Flag Officers shall be compulsorily retired upon the attainment of the maximum 
tenure in rank herein prescribed, or upon reaching the age of compulsory retirement, 
whichever is earlier, except for those, who may be allowed by the President to finish 
tenure in position as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense.
Section 61. Determination and Allocation of Key Positions. — The Secretary of 
the Department of National Defense upon the recommendation of the CSAFP shall 
determine and allocate the number of key positions among the component services, 
headquarters and support units of the AFP based on the technical nature of the 
organization, position, task, scope and area of responsibilities, equipage, prevailing 
Defense Condition and other considerations as the exigencies of the service may require.
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Chapter 2- Warrant Officers
Section 62. Qualifications for Appointment. - Any natural bom 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. Appointments in the Regular Force. -  Warrant Officers shall be 
appointed by the Secretary of National Defense.
SeeWon 6A. 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.
Chapter 3-Eniisted Personnel
Section 66. Qualifications for Enlistment. - Any natural bom 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 emergeney, 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 AFP shall be 
in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CSAFP. The total number of enlisted 
personnel in the enlisted ranks and non-commissioned officer grades shall be prescribed 
by the CSAFP in aecordance with the number of authorized positions in the approved 
Table of Organization & Equipment.
Section 68. Enlistment and Career Development of Enlisted Personnel System.
- The Secretaiy of National Defense shall, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP, 
prescribe the guidelines, which shall govern the proeurement, enlistment, training, 
promotion and discharge or separation of all enlisted personnel in the AFP.
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Section 69. Authority to Promote and Demote. - The authority to promote and 
demote Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP.
C. 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. Recoil 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 Secretary of National Defense.
(b) The attrition system for Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed 
by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended the CSAFP.
Section 74. Effect of Loss of Filipino Citizenship. -  Pursuant to existing laws, 
any retired military personnel, receiving retirement and pension benefits pursuant to the 
provisions of this Act, who loses his/her Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled 
to receive pension and retirement benefits. The survivors of any retired military 
personnel who lose his Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled to receive 
survivorship benefits.
D. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM
Section 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, and forfeiture, suspension, or witliholding of pay and allowances of Officers, 
except those ranks confirmed by Commission on Appointments, found administratively 
liable. The procedure, extent or system of which shall be prescribed by the President as 
recommended by the Secretary of National Defense.
(c) Procedure, extent or system of reduction in grade, demotion of rank, 
suspension of active service, and forfeiture, suspension or withholding of pay and 
allowances of Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel found administratively liable shall 
be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended by the CSAFP.
E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Section 76. Extension of Legal Assistance. - All military personnel charged of 
service-related or service-connected administrative, civil or criminal offenses, upon 
approval of their Chiefs of Component Services, shall be provided adequate legal 
representation and assistance by military lawyers or counsel of their own choice until
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conclusion of the case. Reasonable allocation can be charged against the fund of 
component service to support such case.
ARTICLE III - THE RESERVE FORCE 
Chapter 1 -GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 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-bom 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.
Chapter 2- 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 and 
strategic services necessary to support the prosecution of national defense plans or to 
meet an emergency. ARUs shall belong to any of the Reserve Force Components.
Section 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.
TITLE III
OTHER BUREAUS AND AGENCIES UNDER TFIE DEPARTMENT 
ARTICLE I - 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.
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(b) For this purpose, and in the interest of service, the Secretary of National 
Defense may, in accordance with the policies or directives of the President:
1. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies 
and prescribe the titles, powers, functions and duties of the positions 
therein;
2. Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies not 
specifically provided by law, or transfer or consolidate their functions and 
duties with other staffs, offices or units; and
3. Abolish a position of any bureau or ageney 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 displaeed or separated from the serviee as a result 
of the restructuring pursuant to this Act shall be entitled to a separation pay and other 
benefits in accordance with existing laws, rules or regulations.
ARTICLE II
THE GOVERNMENTARSENAL
Section 86. Mandate. - The Government Arsenal shall develop, operate, maintain 
and seeure 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 enforeement ageneies; 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
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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 and foreign entities.
ARTICLE III
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Section 90. Transformation of the NDCP. -  In view of the rapidly evolving 
national and regional security environment, the current academic trends and research 
thrusts of defense institutions in the Asia Pacific, and the increasing need for specialized 
defense and security courses to enhance the academic foundation of promoting 
Philippine national security. The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) is 
hereby transformed into the National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP) 
categorized as a special higher education institution. To ensure the continuous operation 
of the College, all its personnel and resources shall be absorbed by the NDUP.
Tlie 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 regulations on higher education, the NDUP shall train and develop the 
competence of potential national defense leaders, civilian officials of the different 
agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and selected executives from the 
private sector in the formulation and review of national security policies and undertake 
research and studies as basis for the formulation of national defense and security policies, 
plans and programs. The NDUP shall be headed by a President, and assisted by an 
Executive Vice President, and four (4) Vice-Presidents, all of whom shall be appointed 
by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of 
National Defense. The NDUP President shall have a term of six (6) years.
Section 92. Powers and Functions. — The University shall have the following 
powers and functions:
a. Confer the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) upon 
the graduates thereof;
b. Develop and Confer other baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees on 
defense and security; and
c. Undertake policy research and special studies as well as policy formulation on 
strategic defense and security issues.
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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:
1. Supervise the academic affairs of the University;
2. Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors, research 
assistants and other resource persons of the University; and
3. Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University to 
accomplish its objectives.
The Board shall be composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs as 
Chairman, and the Heads of the various academic disciplines as members, who shall be 
designated by the NDUP President subject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense.
(e) 
All resource persons of the University including but not limited to 
academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructor, thesis advisers, members of 
examining and evaluating panels, examiners, correctors, and technicians who are 
regularly employed in the Government shall, in addition to their salaries, be entitled to 
receive honoraria, fees and other emoluments fixed by the Secretary of National 
Defense.
(d) 
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,
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Congress shall allocate the necessary funds for the transformation of NDCP to NDUP.
ARTICLE IV
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 in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches as well 
as measures to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and manage the 
consequences of disasters.
Section 97. Powers and Functions. - The Office shall have the following powers 
and functions:
a. 
Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and civil 
assistance program to include the allocation to agencies and local government units such 
aid and funds as may be made available by the national government, assisting 
governments, and international and local organizations;
b. 
Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and welfare of the 
civilian population in times of war or other national emergencies as may be determined by 
the President of the Philippines;
c. 
Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of national government 
agencies, local government units, private institutions and civic organizations for natural 
and human-induced disasters;
d. 
Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating and training the 
general public, volunteer workers and civil defense groups on civil defense and assistance 
measures and activities;
e. 
Prepare and disseminate disaster control manuals and other publications 
related to measures on disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and 
rehabilitation and recovery;
f 
Advise the Secretary of National Defense on matters concerning civil 
defense and make recommendations from time to time as may be deemed appropriate or 
as the Secretary may require;
g. 
Provide assistance and secretariat services to the National Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Council to implement the policies set by the latter relative to 
disaster management;
h. 
Furnish guidance to the various provinces, cities and municipalities in the 
planning, accreditation, organization and operation of their civil defense organizations; 
and
i. 
Perform such other civil defense functions as may be provided by law.
Section 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
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privileges of a department undersecretary. It shall operate under a duly approved 
organization and staffing as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense.
ARTICLE V
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE
Section 99. Mandate. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be the 
govermnent 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 100. Powers and Functions. 
powers and functions:
The Office shall have the following
a. Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense, policies, rules and regulations governing the adjudication and administration of 
veterans claims and benefits;
b. Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges granted to 
veterans, their heirs and beneficiaries;
c. Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing law;
d. Administer, develop and maintain military memorials and battle monuments 
proclaimed as national shrines; and
e. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.
Section 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 DND shall formulate 
the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for proper implementation of this Act 
within twelve (12) months from the effectivity hereof The said rules and regulations 
shall be approved by the President of the Philippines.
Section 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. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force 
and effect.
Section 105. Repealing Clause. — All laws. Executive Orders, Presidential
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Decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are deemed modified and repealed 
accordingly. All affected provisions of existing laws are deemed effective until such 
promulgation of the IRR.
Section 106. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
upon its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation, whichever comes first.
Approved,
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