Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The National Defense Act was enacted in 1935 through Commonwealth Act No. 1 and 
is the primary legislation that governs the defense and security of our country. Almost 
ninety years have passed and no amendment or changes has been made since. 
Certain provisions of the law are due to be updated and a stronger, more credible 
National Defense System is imperative. While steps have been made to modernize 
the country’s defense system, the existing law is unable to adapt to the changing times. 
If the defense department is to address the current threats to our national security, 
legislative initiatives should be made to help strengthen our defense system. 
It is, therefore, the goal of this bill to update current national defense policies, 
principles, and concepts and institutionalize needed improvements and codify various 
laws on national defense. It aims to streamline and further professionalize our 
country’s defense establishment. 
Under the proposed bill, the Secretary of Defense shall be included in the Chain of 
Command, and the exercise of authority, direction, command, and control over the 
AFP shall be carried out by the President as the Commander-in-Chief, through the 
Secretary. It proposes further to integrate the Women’s Auxiliary Corps and the 
Technical and Administrative Service in the Component Services. It also establishes 
the Warrant Officers in the AFP, composed of highly technical experts, combat 
leaders, trainers, and advisors. 
This bill also seeks to transform the National Defense College of the Philippines into 
the National Defense University of the Philippines categorized as a special higher 
education institution. The institution shall be able to confer the degree of Master in 
National Security Administration, which shall subsequently be required for 
appointment to key positions and promotion of AFP officers.  
Further, this bill proposes the prohibition on the sale of defense real estate, unless 
otherwise recommended by the Defense Secretary and whose income from the lease 
or development shall be remitted to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund. The AFP 
November 10, 2022
2:54 pm
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shall also be henceforth exempted from the Government Procurement Law for cases 
involving special defense equipment and at the call of the Defense Secretary in the 
protection of the interests of the country. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 


3
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
AN ACT  
TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND ESTABLISH EXPEDITIOUS 
TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AND ITS 
BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR  
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as "The National Defense Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of National Defense Policies. – The national defense 
policies of the Republic of the Philippines shall be as follows: 
a.
In defending the Philippines, the paramount consideration shall be national
sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-
determination;
b.
The national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as possible to the
territorial and administrative organization of the Philippines;
c.
The civil authority shall at all times be supreme over the military. The President
of the Philippines as the Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, shall be
responsible that mobilization measures are prepared at all times;
6054


 
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d.  
The mobilization shall include the execution of all measures necessary to pass 
from a peace to a war footing or in any case of actual invasion or when public 
safety so requires as well as during its transition to normalcy or rehabilitation; 
 
e.  
The mobilization plans of financial, industrial, economic, technological and social 
resources of the Philippines shall conform to the provisions of the Constitution 
and shall be prepared by the executive departments concerned in accordance 
with the following general policies:  
1.  
The respective responsibilities of the several executive departments in 
mobilization planning will be prescribed by the President; 
2.   Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and 
continuity of effort until normalcy has been attained; and 
 
f.  
No profit incident to war shall accrue to any individual, corporation, association 
or partnership. 
  
SECTION 3. Defense Conditions and Authority. –  Defense conditions shall be the 
bases for the designation of persons and entities to act in behalf of the state. Defense 
Conditions, hereinafter referred to as DEFCON, are circumstances where the three 
categories of events – disaster, internal disorders, and invasion – acting separately or 
in concert tend to, or actually threaten, the security of the state. The hierarchy of 
defense conditions and the persons or entities designated to act in behalf of the state 
shall be prescribed by the President. 
 
ARTICLE I 
NATIONAL DEFENSE COUNCIL 
 
SECTION 4. National Defense Council. – (a) The National Defense Council (NDC) 
chaired by the President is composed of heads of the executive departments, past 
Presidents, past Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and other government officials 
and private citizens as the President may appoint or designate. It shall have a 
permanent staff which shall preserve a documentary record of the Council’s 
deliberations. 
 


 
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(b) The method of operation of the National Defense Council, its detailed duties, and 
its rights to summon witnesses or consultants shall be fixed in executive orders to be 
issued by the President. Funds for its operation shall be provided in the appropriations 
for the Executive Department. 
 
TITLE I 
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Article I – General Provisions 
 
SECTION 5. Mandate. – The Department of National Defense is the primary 
government agency charged with the duty of implementing the provisions of this Act. 
The defense establishment shall be maintained to maximize its effectiveness for 
guarding against external and internal threats to national peace and security. 
  
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Department. – To carry out the above-
declared policy, the Department shall exercise and perform the following powers and 
functions: 
a. 
Formulate and prepare national defense policies, strategies, plans and 
programs; 
 
b. 
Formulate, develop and update the national defense plan of the country, 
including the mobilization plan for the employment of the country's citizens and 
resources for national defense; 
 
c. 
Control, monitor, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the implementation of 
national defense policies, plans, programs and activities; 
 
d. 
Exercise supervision and control over the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
(AFP), Government Arsenal (GA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine 
Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the National Defense University of the 
Philippines (NDUP); 
 
e. 
Formulate, establish, implement, supervise and control quality management 
system. 


 
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f. 
Establish, promote and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for defense 
and military cooperation with its international counterparts for the purpose of 
addressing traditional and non-traditional security threats. 
 
g. 
Implement the country's international defense and security commitments based 
on defense and security treaties, cooperation agreements, international 
covenants, protocols and other similar arrangements; 
 
h. 
Develop self-reliance defense posture to guarantee the enhancement of 
responsive and progressive capabilities and maximum utilization of resources; 
  
i. 
Develop a responsive Armed Forces capable of addressing various threats to 
national security; and 
 
j.  
Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided by law or 
directed by the President of the Philippines. 
 
SECTION 7. Contracts. – The Department is hereby authorized to enter into, make, 
perform and carry out contracts of every class, kind and description which are 
necessary or incidental to the performance of its mandate as provided herein, with 
any person, firm or corporation, public or private, and with foreign government entities, 
subject to the provisions of existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 8. Management and Control of Defense Real Properties. – 
(a)  The Department is hereby authorized to administer, operate, manage, control, 
maintain and develop defense real properties for strategic basing and to use, 
hold, acquire, or lease any private real property, right of way, or easement which 
may be proper or necessary for the accomplishment of its mandate as provided 
in this Act. 
 
(b)  The sale and/or exchange of strategic defense real properties shall be prohibited 
unless otherwise recommended by the Secretary of National Defense, approved 
by the President of the Philippines, with the consent of Congress. 


 
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(c)  The lease and/or development of defense real properties, by joint venture or 
otherwise shall be allowed upon prior approval by the President of the 
Philippines. 
 
(d)  Any and all income derived from the lease or disposition of such defense real 
estate shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund, and 
disbursed in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 9. Special Defense Materiel Acquisition. – Upon prior approval by the 
President of the Philippines, and when the procurement for use by the AFP involves 
major defense equipment or materiel and/or defense-related consultancy services, 
when the expertise or capability required is not available locally, and the Secretary of 
National Defense has determined that the interests of the country shall be protected 
by negotiating directly with an agency or instrumentality of another country with which 
the Philippines has entered into a defense cooperation agreement or otherwise 
maintains diplomatic relations, the AFP may be allowed to resort to negotiated 
procurement: Provided, however, That the performance by the supplier of its 
obligations under the procurement contract shall be covered by a performance security 
in accordance with Sec. 39 of the IRR of R.A. 9184. 
 
SECTION 10. Exemption from Import Licenses. – All acquisition of defense materiel 
by the DND and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and other licenses imposed 
by other agencies of the government. In lieu thereof, the SND shall issue a certification 
that the goods being imported are exempt from such licenses. 
 
SECTION 11. Grants and Donations. – The Department, or any of the bureaus, 
agencies or offices under it, may accept donations, contributions, and grants from 
various sources, domestic or foreign, for purposes relevant to its functions: Provided, 
That in case of donations from foreign governments or persons, acceptance thereof 
shall be subject to existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 12. Defense Cooperation Agreements. – 


 
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(a) Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution, the Department of National Defense 
may enter into Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements to develop, enhance and 
sustain multi-faceted defense and security engagements and cooperation with the 
defense and armed forces of other countries.  
 
(b) Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include but not limited to the 
exchange of information, exchange of visits, exchange of personnel, subject matter 
expert exchange, logistics cooperation, defense industry cooperation, humanitarian 
assistance and disaster response, defense and military doctrine development, 
research and development in defense science and technology, participation in trade, 
science or technology exhibits,  military and defense exercises, training activities, and 
education exchanges or other areas of mutual concern. 
 
Article II - Organization 
 
SECTION 13. Organizational Structure. – The Defense Department shall be 
composed of the DND-Proper and its bureaus namely, the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP), Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), Government Arsenal 
(GA), National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP), Office of Civil Defense 
(OCD), and other instrumentalities under the supervision and control of the Secretary 
of National Defense as provided for by law. 
 
SECTION 14. Composition. – The DND-Proper shall be composed of the Office of 
the Secretary of National Defense and the Offices of the Undersecretaries and 
Assistant Secretaries, and the Department Services.  
 
SECTION 15. Office of the Secretary. – The Office of the Secretary shall consist of 
the Secretary of National Defense and his/her immediate staff as determined by 
him/her. 
 
SECTION 16. The Secretary of National Defense. – The Secretary of National 
Defense shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the 
Commission on Appointments.  
 


 
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SECTION 17. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. – The authority and 
responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge 
of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary of National Defense, who 
shall have supervision and control of the Department. The Secretary shall also 
perform such other functions as may be necessary or proper to attain the objectives 
of this Act or as may be provided by law or directed by the President. 
 
TITLE II 
THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Article I - General Provisions 
 
SECTION 18. Declaration of Policies. –  
a.  
The AFP, as the protector of the people and the State, shall secure the 
sovereignty and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against all 
threats;  
 
b.  
The AFP shall uphold the Constitution and adhere to the rule of law at all times; 
 
c.  
Professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of 
its members shall be a prime concern of the State; and 
 
 
d.  
The AFP, as an institution, shall be insulated from partisan politics. No member 
of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political activity, 
except to exercise the right of suffrage. 
 
SECTION 19. Mission and Functions. – The AFP is the protector of the people and 
the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the 
national territory. It shall have the duty to: 
a.  
Defend against all forms of threats to national defense and security;  
 
b.  
Plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ and sustain its Regular and 
Reserve Force for national defense and security; and 
 


 
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c.  
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
Commander-in-Chief. 
 
 
SECTION 20. Chain of Command. – The exercise of authority, direction, command 
and  control over the AFP shall be carried out through the Chain of Command, which 
is the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed, beginning 
from the President as the Commander-in-Chief, through the Secretary of National 
Defense, to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP) down 
to the commander of the lowest echelon of command in the AFP: Provided, That this 
does not preclude the President from issuing orders directly to the AFP. 
 
SECTION 21. Organization and Composition. – The AFP shall be initially composed 
of three (3) component services- the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, and the 
Philippine Navy. These services shall form the Citizens Armed Force composed of the 
Regular Force and Reserve Force guided by the Table of Organization and Equipment 
of the AFP, prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense upon recommendation of 
the CSAFP.  
 
ARTICLE II 
THE REGULAR FORCE 
 
A. ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION 
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 22. Size and Composition. – The Regular Force, alternately referred to 
as the Standing Force, shall be initially composed of the following: 
a.  
Regular Officers, Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel; 
b.  
Reservists called to active duty, or on active duty tour for training; and  
c.  
Draftees, trainees and government-sponsored Filipino cadets enrolled in local or 
foreign military schools. 
 
The size and composition of the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the President, 
upon the recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines through the Secretary of 
National Defense.  


 
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SECTION 23. Organizational Principle. – The President, through the Secretary of 
National Defense, shall organize the AFP into such commands, forces and units in 
accordance with operational requirements. For this purpose, the national territory may 
be divided into such operational areas as the Secretary of National Defense may 
direct. 
 
SECTION 24. Organizational Structure. – The Regular Force of the AFP shall 
consist of the Joint Headquarters; the Joint Force Operational and Functional 
Commands; the Component Services namely: The Philippine Army, the Philippine 
Navy and the Philippine Air Force; and the other existing units, component services, 
commands, and task forces of the AFP. The Secretary of National Defense upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP may, in accordance with the policies or directives of 
the President, create additional units, services, commands and task forces, or 
reorganize the AFP in response to any situation or in pursuance of operational or 
contingency plans. 
 
SECTION 25. Operational Principles. – The operational principles of the AFP shall 
be as follows: 
a. 
The Commander-in-Chief shall exercise command and control through the 
CSAFP with the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. The Joint 
Headquarters AFP, shall be the command and control element of the AFP; 
 
b. 
The Joint Headquarters AFP shall exercise centralized command and control to 
ensure unity and coordination of efforts throughout the military establishment; 
 
c. 
The Joint Force Operational Commands as force employers shall be responsible 
for the decentralized execution of joint operations to achieve maximum 
operational efficiency within the military establishment unless otherwise 
determined by the CSAFP through the supervision of the Secretary of National 
Defense; 
 
d.  
The Component Services as force providers shall be responsible for the 
development, organization, training, equipping, maintenance and sustainment of 


 
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combat forces, combat service forces, technical and administrative service, and 
combat service support forces. 
 
e.   The AFP Reserve Force shall provide for the base of expansion of the 
Component Services. 
 
CHAPTER 2 – THE JOINT STAFF HEADQUARTERS ARMED FORCES OF THE 
PHILIPPINES 
 
SECTION 26. Mandate. – The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be headed by the 
CSAFP, shall be the command and control element of the AFP. 
 
SECTION 27. Organization. – The Joint Staff Headquarters shall be composed of 
the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Office of the 
Vice Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AFP Joint, Personal and 
Special Staff and the other key staff offices and units necessary for effective command 
and control of the AFP as recommended by the CSAFP with the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
  
 
SECTION 28. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. –  
(a) The President shall appoint the CSAFP from among the officers with the rank of 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral in the active service, who shall hold the rank of 
General/Admiral. 
 
(b) CSAFP shall serve a minimum tour of duty of 2 years and maximum of 3 years. 
For this purpose, the CSAFP shall be allowed to complete his maximum tour of duty 
beyond his retirement age: Provided, That the CSAFP may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years 
and deemed retired from active military service.  
 
SECTION 29. Powers and Functions. – The Chief of Staff shall: 
a.  
Serve as the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of 
National Defense; 
 


 
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b.  
Be responsible for the formulation of the national military strategy consistent with 
the national defense strategy; 
 
c.  
Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, plans 
and programs of the AFP; and 
 
d.  
Prescribe the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff, 
services, and other units of the AFP in accordance with the national defense 
policy. 
 
SECTION 30. The Vice Chief of Staff. – The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the principal 
assistant of the CSAFP and shall perform the functions of the CSAFP during the 
latter's absence or incapacity. He shall be appointed in the same manner as the 
CSAFP.  
 
The Vice Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of 1 year and maximum of 3 
years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall be 
appointed as a Vice Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) year remaining 
in the active service: Provided further, That Vice Chief of Staff may be removed by the 
President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years 
and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
SECTION 31. The Deputy Chief of Staff. – The Deputy Chief of Staff shall integrate 
and synchronize the Joint Staff works to assist the CSAFP in policy formulation and 
implementation, and command decision making process through completed staff 
work. 
 
The Deputy Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of 1 year and maximum of 
3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice 
to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no Officer shall 
be appointed as The Deputy Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) year 
remaining in the active service: Provided further, That the Deputy Chief of Staff may 


 
14
be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time before the end of 
the term of 3 years and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
SECTION 32. The Joint Staff. – The Joint Staff, as coordinating staff shall advise and 
assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The organization, functions 
and duties of the Joint Staff shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 33. Personal Staff. – The Personal Staff, as immediate staff shall directly 
advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her functions. The 
organization, functions and duties of the Personal Staff shall be prescribed by the 
CSAFP: Provided, That coordination with other staff is not precluded. 
 
SECTION 34. Special Staff. – The Special Staff, as specialized, technical and 
administrative staff shall advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of his/her 
functions. The organization, functions and duties of the Special Staff shall be 
prescribed by the CSAFP 
 
SECTION 35. Authority to Reorganize the General Headquarters into the Joint 
Staff Headquarters. – In the interest of efficiency and effectiveness, the CSAFP, upon 
the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, may: 
a.  
Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters 
in addition to the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff, and prescribe the 
organization, mission and functions; and 
b.  
Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters not 
specifically provided in this Chapter or by any other provision of law, or transfer 
or consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, offices or units. 
 
CHAPTER 3 – JOINT FORCE OPERATIONAL COMMANDS 
 
SECTION 36. Organization, Mission and Function. –  
(a) The Joint Force Operational Commands shall be organized and established by the 
CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense which shall be under 
the command, control and operational direction of its Joint Force Commander. 
 


 
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(b) The mission, functions, duties and responsibilities and joint area of operations of 
the Joint Force Operational Commands shall be prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense, in consultation with, or upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 37. Designation or Assignment of Joint Force Commanders. –  
(a) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall be designated or assigned to the 
said position by the President, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP of the 
Philippines through the Secretary of National Defense.  
 
(b) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC, as force employer, shall have 
operational control over all units operating within their respective joint area of 
operations.  
 
(c) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall serve for a minimum term of 2 
years and maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position 
and without prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, 
That no officer shall be appointed as a Joint Force Commander if that officer has less 
than two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided further, That Joint Force 
Commanders may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time 
before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
CHAPTER 4 – THE COMPONENT SERVICES 
 
SECTION 38. Organization. – 
(a) The Component Services shall be organized by the President, upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense and the CSAFP. The Chiefs of 
the Component Services shall be designated or assigned to the said position by the 
President.  
 
(b) The Chiefs of the Component Services shall serve for a minimum term of 2 years 
and maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and 
without prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That 
no Officer shall be appointed as Chief of Component Service if that officer has less 
than two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided further, That Chief of 


 
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Component Service may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any 
time before the end of the term of 3 years and deemed retired from active military 
service. 
 
(c) The Component Services shall act as force providers, which shall develop, 
organize, train, equip, maintain and sustain the necessary forces in support of the AFP 
missions. 
 
SECTION 39. The Philippine Army. – The Philippine Army (PA), headed by the Chief 
of the Philippine Army shall provide forces that will be responsible for the conduct of 
prompt and sustained joint and combined ground operations in support of the AFP 
mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, maneuver units, and sustainment 
units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of ground operations.  
 
SECTION 40. Functions of the Philippine Army. – The Philippine Army shall:  
a. 
Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such ground forces or units 
as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;  
 
b. 
Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
missions;  
 
c.  
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, 
doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Army; 
 
d.  
Implement mobilization of the Army Reserve; and 
 
e.  
Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or assigned 
by the CSAFP.  
 
SECTION 41. The Philippine Air Force. – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) headed by 
the Chief of the Philippine Air Force shall provide forces that will be responsible for the 
conduct of prompt and sustained air operations in support of the AFP mission. It shall 
be composed of its headquarters, air combat, combat support and sustainment units 


 
17
and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of air and support 
operations.  
 
SECTION 42. Functions of the Philippine Air Force. – The Philippine Air Force 
shall: 
a.  
Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such air forces or units as 
may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;  
 
b. 
Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
missions;  
 
c.  
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, 
doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the Air Force; 
 
d.  
Implement mobilization of the Air Force Reserve; and 
 
e.  
Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or assigned 
by the CSAFP.  
 
SECTION 43. The Philippine Navy. – The Philippine Navy (PN) headed by the Chief 
of the Philippine Navy, shall provide forces that shall be employed for the conduct of 
prompt and sustained naval operations in support of the AFP missions. It shall be 
composed of its headquarters, naval forces, service support and sustainment units 
and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of naval operations.  
 
SECTION 44. Functions of the Philippine Navy. – The Philippine Navy shall: 
a.  
Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such naval forces or units 
as may be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations;  
 
b. 
Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
missions;  
 


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


 
19
(a)  Mandate. The Philippine Military Academy categorized as special higher 
education institution is the primary training and educational institution of the AFP, 
which shall be its principal source of regular officers. The degree programs, 
instruction, faculty complement, research, and facilities of the PMA shall be 
accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). 
 
(b)  Organization. - The Academy headed by the Superintendent shall be organized 
as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the recommendation 
of the CSAFP. 
  
(c)  Development. – The Academy shall determine its teaching, manpower, 
curriculum, research and extension thrusts, plans and programs, standards and 
budget. 
 
(d)  Cadet Corps. - The student body of the Academy shall be known as the Cadet 
Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and shall have such strength, 
as the Secretary of National Defense shall determine, upon the recommendation 
of the CSAFP. 
 
(e)  Academic Board. - There shall be an Academic Board organized by the 
Superintendent. The Board shall, in accordance with the rules and regulations 
prescribed by the CSAFP, have the power to confer baccalaureate degrees 
upon the cadets who satisfactorily complete the approved course of study.  
 
(f)  
The Superintendent shall  serve for a minimum term of 2 years and maximum of 
3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without 
prejudice to compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That 
no Officer shall be appointed as Superintendent if that officer has less than two 
(2) years remaining in the active service: Provided further, That the 
Superintendent may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at 
any time before the end of the term of 3 years. 
 
(g)  Board of Visitors. The PMA shall establish a board of visitors to look into the 
academic affairs of the Academy with the end of enhancing its educational 


 
20
systems. The Board of Visitors shall be composed of at least five (5) but not 
more than seven (7) members designated by the Superintendent, whose 
membership shall meet at least once a year.  
 
SECTION 49. Authority to Establish Other Military Training Institutions. – The 
President, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP through the Secretary of National 
Defense, is hereby authorized to establish other military training academies and 
institutions in the AFP. 
 
B. RECRUITMENT, PROMOTION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT 
CHAPTER 1 – COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 
 
SECTION 50. Qualifications. – All persons commissioned as officers in the Regular 
Force shall be natural born citizens of the Philippines, of legal age, of good moral 
character, physically and mentally qualified for active military service, and shall have 
such other qualifications as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 51. Appointments in the Regular Force. – 
(a) 
Officers shall be permanently appointed by the President in the Regular Force in 
accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.  
 
(b) 
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the date of rank of a commissioned 
officer in active service in the Regular Force shall be the date of permanent 
appointment in that grade by the President. 
 
SECTION 52. Revocation of Commission. – The commission of an officer may be 
revoked by the President at any time, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of 
National Defense when found not fully qualified for such commission or who lacks any 
of the qualifications prescribed by law or regulation. 
 
SECTION 53. Officer Grade Distribution. – The Secretary of National Defense shall 
prescribe the authorized number of officers in the Regular Force in each grade in each 
Component Service in accordance with the Table of Organization and Equipment. 
 


 
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SECTION 54. Distribution of General/Flag Officers. – The number of general/flag 
officers herein authorized shall be distributed to the various general/flag officer grades 
by the Secretary of National Defense based on the recommendation of the CSAFP in 
accordance with the Table of Organization and Equipment. 
 
SECTION 55. Tour of Duty in Key Positions. – No officers with less than 1 year 
remaining active service shall be designated to positions requiring the rank of Brigadier 
General/Commodore or higher.  
 
SECTION 56. AFP Promotion System. – 
(a) 
The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by the principle that as officers 
are promoted from one grade to the next higher grade, the criteria of 
competence, merit and potentials are the primary consideration.  
 
(b) 
The AFP Promotion System shall be the primary means by which the AFP shall 
periodically evaluate and assess its ranks of officers and shall institutionalize 
and continue to implement an efficient process of selection for promotion, as well 
as for attrition of officers as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(c) 
The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by a management system with a 
view of ensuring smooth succession in the filling of vacancies in key positions 
as and when these occur. 
 
(d) 
The Secretary of National Defense shall prescribe the seniority and promotional 
lineal list of the AFP.  
 
SECTION 57. Promotion to General/Flag Officer Grades. – No officer shall be 
promoted to the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher unless there is an 
existing vacancy and the officer is occupying a position in the Table of Organization 
and Equipment that requires the rank for which he is being considered for promotion or 
assignment.  
 


 
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SECTION 58. Maximum Tenure in Rank. – The maximum tenure of officers in the 
ranks of Colonel/Captain and General/Flag Officer in the AFP are hereby prescribed 
as follows: 
 
Colonel/Captain  
 
 
 
8 years 
Brigadier General/Commodore 
 
4 years 
Major General/Rear Admiral  
 
3 years 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral 
 
3 years 
General/Admiral  
 
 
 
3 years 
 
Unless earlier separated or retired or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying a 
position calling for the ranks of higher grade in the AFP TO&E, Colonels/Captains and 
Generals/Flag Officers shall be compulsorily retired upon the attainment of the 
maximum tenure in rank herein prescribed, or upon reaching the age of compulsory 
retirement, whichever is earlier, except for those, who may be allowed by the President 
to finish tenure in position as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 59. Determination and Allocation of Key Positions. – The Secretary of 
the Department of National Defense upon the recommendation of the CSAFP shall 
determine and allocate the number of key positions among the component services, 
headquarters and support units of the AFP based on the technical nature of the 
organization, position, task, scope and area of responsibilities, equipage, prevailing 
Defense Condition and other considerations as the exigencies of the service may 
require.  
 
CHAPTER 2 – WARRANT OFFICERS 
 
SECTION 60. Qualifications for Appointment. – Any natural born citizen of the 
Philippines, of legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good moral 
character, and possessed of such educational attainments and specialized skills or 
expertise as may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, may be 
appointed in the Regular Force. 
 


 
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SECTION 61. Appointments in the Regular Force. – Warrant Officers shall be 
appointed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SECTION 62. Revocation of Appointment.  – The appointment of an officer, who is 
found not fully qualified for such appointment or who lacks any of the qualifications 
prescribed by law or regulation may be revoked by the Secretary of National Defense 
at any time, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 63. Warrant Officer Management. – The Secretary of National Defense 
shall prescribe the special career management, employment, grades, rank and 
authorized number of warrant officers in the Regular Force in each grade in each 
Component Service in accordance with the operational and organizational needs of 
the AFP. 
 
CHAPTER 3 – ENLISTED PERSONNEL 
 
SECTION 64. Qualifications for Enlistment. – Any natural born citizen of the 
Philippines, of legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good moral 
character, and possessed of such educational attainments as may be prescribed by 
the Secretary of National Defense, may be enlisted in the Regular Force under the 
following restrictions: 
a.  
Except as otherwise provided herein, each enlistment in the Regular Force shall 
be for a term of five (5) years: Provided, That all enlistments in force at the 
outbreak of war, or other grave national emergency, or entered into during its 
continuation shall remain in force until six months after its termination, unless 
sooner terminated by the President; 
 
b.  
Enlistments for service shall be apportioned among the various provinces of the 
Philippines, as far as practicable, provided that qualifications for competency as 
prescribed shall be observed; and 
 
c.  
Re-enlistment in the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
 


 
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SECTION 65. Enlisted Ranks. – The ranks of enlisted personnel in the AFP shall be 
in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CSAFP. The total number of enlisted 
personnel in the enlisted ranks and non-commissioned officer grades shall be 
prescribed by the CSAFP in accordance with the number of authorized positions in the 
approved Table of Organization & Equipment. 
 
SECTION 66. Enlistment and Career Development of Enlisted Personnel 
System. – The Secretary of National Defense shall, upon the recommendation of the 
CSAFP, prescribe the guidelines, which shall govern the procurement, enlistment, 
training, promotion and discharge or separation of all enlisted personnel in the AFP. 
 
SECTION 67. Authority to Promote and Demote. – The authority to promote and 
demote Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
 
C. RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION 
 
SECTION 68. Retirement and Separation. – Retirement, whether compulsory or 
optional, and separation from military service, shall conform with existing laws, rules 
and regulations without prejudice to the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 69. Recall from Retirement. – An Officer, Warrant Officer or Enlisted 
Personnel who retired from the active service, may be recalled to active duty by the 
President during national mobilization and shall be subject to the Articles of War. They 
shall be recalled in the last permanent rank held before retirement. 
 
SECTION 70. Retirement and Separation Benefits. – Congress shall allocate funds 
for the retirement and separation benefits as according to existing laws, rules and 
regulations.  
 
SECTION 71. Attrition System. – 
(a) The attrition system for Officers shall be prescribed by the President as 
recommended by the Secretary of National Defense.  
 


 
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(b) The attrition system for Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel shall be 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 72. Effect of Loss of Filipino Citizenship. – Pursuant to existing laws, 
any retired military personnel, receiving retirement and pension benefits pursuant to 
the provisions of this Act, who loses his/her Filipino citizenship shall no longer be 
entitled to receive pension and retirement benefits. The survivors of any retired 
military personnel who lose his Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled to 
receive survivorship benefits 
 
D. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM 
 
SECTION 73. Military Justice. – 
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, enforcement of discipline and military 
justice shall be governed by applicable laws and administrative issuances as 
prescribed by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
 
(b) There shall be reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension of active service, 
and forfeiture, suspension, or withholding of pay and allowances of Officers, except 
those ranks confirmed by Commission on Appointments, found administratively liable. 
The procedure, extent or system of which shall be prescribed by the President as 
recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(c) Procedure, extent or system of reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension 
of active service, and forfeiture, suspension or withholding of pay and allowances of 
Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel found administratively liable shall be 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended by the CSAFP. 
 
E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE 
SECTION 74. Extension of Legal Assistance. – All military personnel charged of 
service-related or service-connected administrative, civil or criminal offenses, upon 
approval of their Chiefs of Component Services, shall be provided adequate legal 
representation and assistance by military lawyers or counsel of their own choice until 


 
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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 75. Organization of the Reserve Force. – The organization of the Reserve 
Force shall conform to projected and actual needs as determined by the Secretary of 
National Defense upon the approval by the President. The Table of Organization and 
Equipment of the Reserve Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense upon recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
SECTION 76.  Purpose. – The purpose of the Reserve Force is to provide the base 
for the expansion of the AFP in the event of disaster, internal disorder and invasion;  
 
CHAPTER 2 – COMPOSITION OF THE RESERVE FORCE 
 
SECTION 77. Composition. – The Reserve Force shall have three (3) components, 
namely: 
a.  
The Army Reserve Component; 
b.  
The Air Force Reserve Component; and 
c.  
The Navy Reserve Component. 
 
SECTION 78. Affiliated Reserve Units. – Affiliated Reserve Units (ARUs) are private 
and government entities, corporations, establishments and organizations at the 
national, provincial, city and municipal levels which provide essential public and 
strategic services necessary to support the prosecution of national defense plans or 
to meet an emergency. ARUs shall belong to any of the Reserve Force Components.  
 
SECTION 79. Call to Active Duty of the Reserve Force. – Reservists may be called 
to active duty for training and/or deployment as prescribed by the CSAFP as approved 
by the Secretary of National Defense. 
   
TITLE III 


 
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OTHER BUREAUS AND AGENCIES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT 
ARTICLE I – GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 80. Supervision and Control. – The Secretary of National Defense shall 
exercise supervision and control over the bureaus and agencies under this Title, as 
well as its personnel. 
 
SECTION 81. Organization. – 
(a)  Unless otherwise provided by law, the organization, functions, duties and 
responsibilities of the staff and operating units of each of the bureaus and 
agencies under the Department shall be as prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense in appropriate rules and regulations issued for the purpose. 
 
(b)  For this purpose, and in the interest of service, the Secretary of National Defense 
may, in accordance with the policies or directives of the President: 
1. 
Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies 
and prescribe the titles, powers, functions and duties of the positions 
therein; 
 
2. 
Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the bureaus or agencies not 
specifically provided by law, or transfer or consolidate their functions and 
duties with other staffs, offices or units; and 
 
3. 
Abolish a position of any bureau or agency and transfer or consolidate its 
functions and duties with those of another position.  
 
SECTION 82. Separation Benefits of Officials and Employees of Affected 
Bureaus or Agencies. – Government employees displaced or separated from the 
service as a result of the restructuring pursuant to this Act shall be entitled to a 
separation pay and other benefits in accordance with existing laws, rules or 
regulations.  
 
ARTICLE II 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 


 
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SECTION 83. Mandate. – The Government Arsenal shall develop, operate, maintain 
and secure facilities for the manufacture of weapons, munitions and other defense 
materiel to support the requirements of the AFP, Philippine National Police (PNP) and 
other law enforcement agencies; and, to sell and export products in excess of the local 
demand. 
 
SECTION 84. Power and Functions. – The Government Arsenal shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
a. 
Formulate and implement plans and programs towards the achievement of self-
sufficiency in weapons, small arms ammunition, mortars, medium and large 
caliber ammunition and other munitions needed by the country’s defense and 
security establishments; 
 
b.  
Design, conduct research, develop, manufacture, procure, repair, stockpile and 
allocate weapons, munitions and other defense materiel subject to existing laws 
and regulatory requirements. 
 
c.  
Sell and export products in excess of the requirements of the AFP and other law 
enforcement agencies, subject to existing laws; 
 
d.  
Devise ways and means for the efficient mobilization of civilian/private industry 
to augment its production for use of the defense and security forces; 
 
e.  
Establish, secure and operate government defense manufacturing plants, as 
necessary, in strategic locations within the country; and 
 
SECTION 85. Organization and Administration. – The Government Arsenal shall 
be headed by a Director with one or more Assistant Directors who shall support the 
Director in the administration, manufacturing operations and other affairs of the 
bureau; all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation 
from the Secretary of National Defense, and who shall have the relevant expertise, 
training and experience in the field of munitions. 
 


 
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SECTION 86. Modernization of the Arsenal. – The modernization of the Government 
Arsenal, for the development of production capabilities to enhance self-sufficiency in 
defense requirements, shall be part of the defense modernization program. The 
Government Arsenal may use such production facilities as it may own or be provided 
with under this Act or as it may arrange, under joint venture, co-production or similar 
agreements with local and foreign entities. 
 
ARTICLE III 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
 
SECTION 87. Transformation of the NDCP. – In view of the rapidly evolving national 
and regional security environment, the current academic trends and research thrusts 
of defense institutions in the Asia Pacific, and the increasing need for specialized 
defense and security courses to enhance the academic foundation of promoting 
Philippine national security, The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) 
is hereby transformed into the National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP) 
categorized as a special higher education institution. To ensure the continuous 
operation of the College, all its personnel and resources shall be absorbed by the 
NDUP. 
 
The degree programs, instruction, faculty complement, research, and facilities of the 
NDUP shall be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The 
NDUP shall likewise have adequate plantilla positions and receive appropriate funding 
to fulfill the requirements of transforming into a defense university.    
 
SECTION 88. Mandate. – In accordance with the standards set forth in pertinent laws 
and regulations on higher education, the NDUP shall train and develop the 
competence of potential national defense leaders, civilian officials of the different 
agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and selected executives from the 
private sector in the formulation and review of national security policies and undertake 
research and studies as basis for the formulation of national defense and security 
policies, plans and programs. The NDUP shall be headed by a President, and assisted 
by an Executive Vice President, and four (4) Vice-Presidents, all of whom shall be 


 
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appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the 
Secretary of National Defense. The NDUP President shall have a term of six (6) years. 
 
SECTION 89. Powers and Functions. – The University shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
a.  
Confer the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) upon 
the graduates thereof; 
 
b.  
Develop and Confer other baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees on 
defense and security; and 
 
c.  
Undertake policy research and special studies as well as policy formulation on 
strategic defense and security issues. 
 
SECTION 90. Organization and Administration. – 
(a)  The NDUP President shall administer the affairs of the University.  
 
(b)  The NDUP President shall be assisted by the Executive Vice President (EVP). 
The EVP shall act as NDUP President in the absence or incapacity of the NDUP 
President, and shall perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned 
to him by the NDUP President or the Secretary of National Defense.  
 
(c) 
There shall be a Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who shall be responsible 
for the development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of academic 
programs; a Vice-President for Strategic Studies and Policy Formulation, who 
shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of research and special 
studies and policy formulation and review for the Department; a Vice-President 
for Military Affairs, who shall be responsible for the overall military activities of 
the University; a Vice-President for Administration, who shall be responsible for 
the overall administrative support to all the activities of the University and such 
other officials as may be required by the University subject to the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
 


 
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(d)  The University shall have an Academic Board to assist the President discharge 
the following functions: 
1. 
Supervise the academic affairs of the University; 
2. 
Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors, 
research assistants and other resource persons of the University; and 
3. 
Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University to 
accomplish its objectives. 
 
The Board shall be composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs as 
Chairman, and the Heads of the various academic disciplines as members, who 
shall be designated by the NDUP President subject to the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(e)  All resource persons of the University including but not limited to academic 
consultants, professors, lecturers, instructor, thesis advisers, members of 
examining and evaluating panels, examiners, correctors, and technicians who 
are regularly employed in the Government shall, in addition to their salaries, be 
entitled to receive honoraria, fees and other emoluments fixed by the Secretary 
of National Defense. 
 
 
 (f)  The Secretary of National Defense may establish a Council of Fellows in the 
University to assist and advise him in providing strategic direction and guidance 
necessary to ensure the accomplishment of the mandate of the University. 
 
SECTION 91. Graduates of the Regular Course of the University. – All graduates 
of the University shall be conferred the degree of Master in National Security 
Administration (MNSA). Civilian graduates of the MNSA program shall receive an 
initial rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Commander in the Reserve Force subject to existing 
AFP regulations. The MNSA or its equivalent in military career development course 
shall be required for appointment or designation to key positions and promotion of 
AFP officers to the grade of O-7 (Brigadier General/Commodore). 
 


 
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SECTION 92. Transition. – The SND shall determine the appropriate transition period 
for NDCP to attain the status and competency of becoming a university. Further, 
Congress shall allocate the necessary funds for the transformation of NDCP to NDUP. 
 
ARTICLE IV 
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
 
SECTION 93. Mandate. – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) shall have the primary 
mission of administering a comprehensive national civil defense and disaster risk 
reduction and management program during local and national emergencies by 
providing leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic 
approaches as well as measures to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and 
manage the consequences of disasters. 
 
SECTION 94.   Powers and Functions. – The Office shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
a. 
Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and civil 
assistance program to include the allocation to agencies and local government 
units such aid and funds as may be made available by the national government, 
assisting governments, and international and local organizations; 
 
b. 
Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and welfare of the civilian 
population in times of war or other national emergencies as may be determined 
by the President of the Philippines; 
 
c. 
Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of national government agencies, 
local government units, private institutions and civic organizations for natural and 
human-induced disasters; 
 
d. 
Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating and training the 
general public, volunteer workers and civil defense groups on civil defense and 
assistance measures and activities; 
 
e. 
Prepare and disseminate disaster control manuals and other publications related 


 
33
to measures on disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and 
rehabilitation and recovery; 
 
f. 
Advise the Secretary of National Defense on matters concerning civil defense and 
make recommendations from time to time as may be deemed appropriate or as 
the Secretary may require; 
 
g. 
Provide assistance and secretariat services to the National Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Council to implement the policies set by the latter 
relative to disaster management; 
 
h. 
Furnish guidance to the various provinces, cities and municipalities in the 
planning, accreditation, organization and operation of their civil defense 
organizations; and 
 
i. 
Perform such other civil defense functions as may be provided by law.  
 
SECTION 95. Organization. – The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by an 
Administrator who shall also serve as Executive Director of the National Disaster Risk 
Reduction and Management Council and, as such, shall have the same duties and 
privileges of a department undersecretary. It shall operate under a duly approved 
organization and staffing as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
ARTICLE V 
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE 
 
SECTION 96. Mandate. – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be the 
government agency responsible for administering the benefits due to veterans, their 
heirs and beneficiaries and shall provide medical care and treatment to veterans 
pursuant to existing laws. It shall also administer, maintain and develop military 
memorials and battle monuments proclaimed as national shrines.  
 
SECTION 97. Powers and Functions. – The Office shall have the following powers 
and functions: 


 
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a.  
Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense, policies, rules and regulations governing the adjudication and 
administration of veterans claims and benefits; 
 
b.  
Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges granted to 
veterans, their heirs and beneficiaries; 
 
c.  
Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing law; 
 
d.  
Administer, develop and maintain military memorials and battle monuments 
proclaimed as national shrines; and 
 
e.  
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.  
 
SECTION 98. Organization. – The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office shall be headed 
by an Administrator who may be assisted by one or more Deputy Administrators, all 
of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the 
Secretary of National Defense. It shall have such staff and other operating units as 
may be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 99. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DND shall formulate the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for proper implementation of this Act within 
twelve (12) months from the effectivity hereof. The said rules and regulations shall be 
approved by the President of the Philippines. 
 
SECTION 100. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the provisions 
of this Act is hereby appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year 
following its enactment into law. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its 
continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 


 
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SECTION 101. Separability Clause. – If any part or provision of this Act is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and 
effect. 
 
SECTION 102. Repealing Clause. – All laws, Executive Orders, Presidential 
Decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are deemed modified and 
repealed accordingly. All affected provisions of existing laws are deemed effective 
until such promulgation of the IRR. 
 
SECTION 103.    Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon 
its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation, whichever comes first. 
 
Approved,