SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 NlV 27 P 3 :19 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. _1_969 
. ftF;('EIVEO UY .. f 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
New security implication of recent developments in the structure of political 
relations among nation States and the international economy -
enhanced by 
advances in science and technology warrant the search for a new approach to 
security, one that covers non-military concerns such as economic, environmental 
and social issues and one that is able to account for the interconnected effects 
that such developments bear down on the state. Note that the cOl!ntry is bereft of 
a Comprehensive National Security Plan. For more than half a century, we have 
been using Commonwealth Act No. 1 otherwise known as the National Defense 
Act. In view of the changes in the international arena, Commonwealth Act No.1 
is no longer adequate and responsive in addressing both internal and external 
threats faced by the country. For this reason, a comprehensive national security 
policy needs to be adopted. The country needs a realistic, coherent and 
purposive blueprint to ensure the country's defense and development. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this measure is 
encouraged. 
OY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 tllV 21 P 3 :19 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 19 6 9 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY AND PLANNING 
FRAMEWORK AND CREATING AN INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR 
IMPLEMENTATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
TITLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
ARTICLE 1 
TITLE AND DECLARA TlON OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 
SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as "The National Security 
Act of 2013". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to: 
1) 
Provide a comprehensive system that integrate policies and 
procedure relating to national security for all d,epartment and 
agencies of the government to achieve unified direction and 
authoritative coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and to 
ensure the effective strategic direction of the Armed Forces into an 
integrated and efficient operational organization; 
2) 
Promote human development and security through the concerted 
effort of all its agencies and instrumentalities and by taking 
concrete steps to increase the availability and widen the distribution 
of basic life sustaining goods, raise levels of living and expand the 
range of economic and social choices; 
3) 
Promote social cohesiveness among its people through education 
and participation in national development; 
4) 
Protecting its environment and natural resources from undue 
utilization and exploitation thereby ensuring their productive and 
sustainable use, for the benefit of the present and future 
generations; 


5) 
Encourage people's. participation in national development and 
provide the climate for free exercise of political rights; 
6) 
Cognizant of the pluralist character of its populace, endeavor to 
create an environment conductive to cultural understanding and 
tolerance in order to attain harmony and peace among the people; 
7) 
Support and encourage initiatives in science and technology and 
achieve technological self-reliance in selected areas that are vital to 
national development; 
8) 
Ensure full 
exploration 
and 
development 
in 
the judicious 
disposition, utilization, management renewal, and conservation of 
the country's forest, mineral, land, water, fisheries, wildlife, off-
shore area and their natural resources, consistent with the 
maintenance of a sound ecological balance; 
9) 
Ensure full protection to labor in terms of optimum working 
conditions, fair compensation, security of tenure and right to 
organization; 
10) 
Protect and promote the right to health of people and instill health 
consciousness among them; adopt an integral and comprehensive 
approach 
to 
health 
development, 
with 
priority 
for 
the 
underprivileged, sick elderly, disabled, women and children; 
endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services 
available to all the people at affordable; 
11) 
Ensure the care, protection, and rehabilitation of individuals, 
families, a and communities which have the least in life and need 
social wok intervention 
to restore their normal functioning and 
enable them to participate in community affairs; and, 
12) 
Maintain good diplomatic standing to promote its .national security 
interest. It shall enhance cooperative and harmonious relation with 
other 
countries, 
and 
ensure 
an 
effective 
and 
purposive 
representation with regional and international organizations. 
SEC. 3. Principles of a National Security Policy. - The following are 
hereby declared to be principles of a national security policy: 
a) 
The military establish shall, at all times, be subordinate 
to civilian authority; 
b) 
For the defense of the State, all citiz.ens may be 
required to render personal military of civilian service; 
c) 
The security of the State, shall be pursued in the 
context of the respect for the right of the Filipino people; 
d) 
The Philippines resources is an instrument of national 
policy and affirms the right of self-defense against all 
threats to national security; 
e) 
The Philippines adheres to the policy of peace, 
cooperation and amity with all nations, consistent with 
national: sovereignty, 
territorial integrity and 
self-
determination; 


f) 
g) 
h) 
The Philippines adopts the generally accepted principle 
of international law; 
The security of the State shall be guaranteed to by the 
mobilization of its citizens and resources; and 
The integration of civilian and military personnel and 
resources shall underlie defense policy and structure. 
ARTICLE 2 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SEC. 4. Definition. - Under this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
1. 
National Security -
refers to the state or condition 
wherein the people's way of life and institutions, their 
territorial and sovereignty including their well-being are 
protected and enhanced. 
2. 
Defense':" refers to the employment of acceptable and 
reasonable means and methods available to prevent, 
resist, and destroy and enemy attack, in accordance 
with international laws and standards. 
3. 
Strategy - refers to plan of action that organizes effort 
achieve objectives with the ways and means of 
achieving those ends. 
4. 
National Security Strategy -
refer to the bridge that 
connects the national instruments of power (military and 
diplomacy) and the country's defined national security 
objectives. 
5. 
National Security Threat -
capabilities, intention, and 
actions of actual or potential enemie~ to prevent or 
interface with the successful fulfillment of national 
security interest and/or objectives. 
TITLE II 
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY 
ARTICLE 3 
DEFINING THE RA TIONALE AND OBJECTIVES OF A 
NA TlONAL SECURITY STRATEGY 
SEC. 5. Principle and Objectives of a National Security Strategy. -
The primary objectives of a strategy is to protect and enhance the people's 
physical and the government's political survival. Thus, a national security 
strategy plan shall be governed by the following principle and objectives: 
(a) The plan shall be created in the context .of the prevailing political 
system and the prevailing security environment, taking into account 
the threats and opportunities that the nation faces; 
(b) The plan shall be realistic, coherent, and purposive blueprint to 
ensure the country's defense and development because security is 
not inherited but created; 


(c) The plan shall determine how threats can be countered and how 
opportunities can be pursued without risking the core values that 
the people treasure; and, 
(d) The plan shall define the strategic vision which shall contain or 
reflect the aspirations of the people as defined by the national 
leadership or by the President, provided that the strategic vision 
must be translated into specific security objectives, so that 
appropriate approach can be designed and implemented for the 
purpose. 
SEC. 6. Imperatives for a National Strategy. - A national strategy shall 
outline three basic elements - ends, ways, and means - and the process that 
govern their interactions. 
(a) 
Ways - the national leadership must be able to foster the broad 
public understanding and support necessary for the implementation 
of the country's national security strategy and plans. it shall also 
sustain its current security activities or engagement. 
In the event where shaping the security environment proves 
difficult, the country must be prepared to respond to the different 
challenges using the national security instruments in its possession. 
The ways adopted must therefore provide an array of possible 
responses consonant to the anticipated risks that may occur in its 
security environment. 
(b) 
Means - the country's diplomatic instrument of power shall be the 
first line of defense. A diplomatic corps shall be established which 
shall be composed of professionals to well-trained individuals. 
Members of the diplomatic corps must possess a broad 
understanding of the dynamic of domestic and international politics. 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall remain the strong 
sources of the country's security. The AFP shall likewise be 
composed of professional in individuals and shall be equipped with 
tools or technology demanded by the times. 
(c) 
Ends -
the national security strategy must be focused. It shall 
define the country's strategic objectives or visions which are 
derived from the hopes and aspirations of the people serves. 
Henceforth, the ends must ensure the protection of the country's 
fundamental and enduring needs; protect the lives and safety of the 
people; maintain the sovereignty of the country with its values, 
institution and territory intact. . 
SEC. 7. Threats to National Security Requiring the Employment of 
Armed Forces. - Upon the direction of the President, threats to national security 
requiring the employment of Armed Forces shall be addresseq by the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines and the 'Philippines National Police. 


TITLE III 
IMPLEMENTATION STRUCTURE AND MECHANISMS 
ARTICLE 4 
THE NA TlONAL SECURITY COUNCIL 
SEC. B. Composition of the National Security Council. - There shall 
be created a National Security Council (NSC) which shall be composed of the 
following: 
(a) The President; 
(b) The Vice-President; 
(c) The secretary of Foreign Affair; 
(d) The Executive Secretary; 
(e) The Secretary of National Defense; 
(f) The Secretary of Interior and Local Government; 
(g) The secretary of justice; 
(h) The 
Director-General 
of the 
National 
Economic 
Development 
Authority; 
(i) The National Security Adviser; 
(j) The Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security of 
both House of Congress; and, . 
(k) Other government officials and private citizens whom the President 
may designate from time to time. 
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Director-
General of the Philippines National Police shall serve as, adviser to the 
Council. 
SEC. 9. Chairman of the National Security Council. - The President 
shall serve as the Chairman of the National Security Council. He shall 
convene and preside all meetings of the Council provided that in this 
absence, he may designate any member of the Council to preside in his 
place. The Council shall meet as President may deem necessary. 
SEC. 10. Power and Functions. -
The National Security Council 
(NSG) shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
(a) Advise the President on the formulation, integration, coordination and 
supervision of the implementation of all national sec:urity policies; 
(b) Formulate guidelines for all agencies of the government on matters 
relating to national security, including such Tules that will govern the 
conduct of information and intelligence gathering, collation and 
analysis by agencies and officials involved in national security; 
(c) Ensure integration of relevant domestic and foreign policies relating to 
national security to enable all departments and agencies of the 
government to cooperate more effectively on matters involving 
national security; 
(d) Provide guidance to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on the 
conduct of intelligence operation; and, 


(e) Exercise oversight function over the NIA. 
SEC. 11. Executive Committee. - The National Security Council shall 
have an Executive Committee which shall be composed of the President as the 
Chairman, the Vice President, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs; the Executive 
Secretary, the Secretary of National Defense, the National Security Adviser, and 
such other members or adviser as the President may appoint from time to time. 
SEC. 12. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee. -
The following shall be the primary duties and responsibilities of the Executive 
Committee: 
a) Review and analyze national security problems; 
b) Formulate positions or solutions for consideration by the 
Council; 
c) Determine the agenda and order of business of the Council; 
d) Advise the President on the implementation of any decision. 
To carry out the function of the Executive Committee, the Chairman shall 
utilize the facilities and expertise of any of the government agencies and 
instrumentalities and shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the 
operations of the Executive Committee. 
. 
SEC. 13. National Security Adviser. -
For purposes of this Act, the 
Director of the National Security Council shall be hereinafter be referred to as the 
National Security Adviser. He shall· be assisted by who shall be appointed by and 
shall serve at the pleasure of the President. 
SEC. 14. Duties of the National Security Adviser. -
The National 
Security Adviser shall advise the President on matters pertaining to national 
security and, whenever directed by the President, supervise and monitor the 
implementation of national security policies adopted by the Council. He shall 
likewise attends and participate in the meetings of the Cabinet with the 
permission of the Chairman. 
SEC. 15. The National Security Council Secretariat. - The NSC shall 
have a permanent Secretariat which shall be headed by the Deputy National 
Security Adviser, under the general supervision of the National Security Adviser. 
SEC.16. Function. - The Secretariat of the Council shall be responsible 
for providing technical and administrative services to NSC. It shall further 
undertake the following: 
a) Documents the Proceedings and manage and maintain the records of 
the meetings of the Council; 
b) Ensure the policies formulated by the Council as approved 
by the 
President are clearly and promptly communicated to the agencies 
concerned, and that implementation of national secretary plans and 
policies are closely monitored and appropriate evaluation of such 
policies are made; 


c) Prepare strategic studies, plans and policy options on issue and 
concerns affecting national security; 
d) Ensure the tirnely collection and dissemination of information 
necessary for improvement of the national security process; 
e) Engage the services of and extended financial support to domestic and 
foreign specialist and expert, private research entities and other non-
government involved in the conduct of the NSC; and, 
f) Perform such other tasks as the President may direct. 
TITLE IV 
THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA) 
SEC. 17. Power and Authority. - The National Intelligence (NIA) shall be 
the 
central authority on national intelligence. As such, it shall undertake 
intelligence activities; direct, coordinate and integrate governmental activities 
involving national intelligence; and prepare intelligence estimates of local and 
foreign situation for the formulation of national policies. 
' 
SEC. 18. Reconstitution of the NICA. -
The National Intelligence 
Coordinating Agency (NICA) is hereby converted into the National Intelligence 
Agency (NIA). To ensure the continuity of NICA's operations, all its personnel 
and resources therein shall be absorbed by the NIA. Salaries of its personnel 
shall be fixed or adjusted by the NIA director, provided that the same is within the 
limits of appropriations provided for the purpose. 
SEC. 19. Organization. - The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is hereby 
created under the Office of the President. It shall be headed by a director who 
shall be assisted by a Deputy Director. Both officials shall be appointed by 
President. 
SEC. 20. Function. - The following are the primary function of the NIA: 
1} Provided the President, the National Security Council, and other 
government agencies with intelligence estimate, reports and other 
services essential to national security; 
2) Undertake intelligence activities, focusing on collecting strategic 
intelligence requirements of the country (political, economic, 
defense, etc.) to include the collection of foreign intelligence; 
3) Collect and process information for dissemination of accurate, 
comprehensive and timely intelligence to end-user; 
4) Coordinate with various government agencies and instrumentalities 
to provide information and assistance, which the Agency may 
require in the performance of its mandate; 


5) Maintain and operate a communication and information operations 
infrastructure; and, 
6) Perform such other functions and duties related to intelligence 
affecting the National Security Council may direct. 
ARTICLE 5 
NA TlONAL INTELLIGENCE BOARD 
SEC. 21. Creating of National Intelligence Board. -
There shall be 
created a National Intelligence Board (NIB) which shall be the advisory body to 
the Director of NIA on the conduct, coordination, and integration of intelligence 
activities and the preparation of national intelligence estimate on domestic and 
international situations. 
SEC. 22. Composition of the NIB. - The NIB shall be composed of the 
NIA Direction as ex-officio Chairman and the heads of all department and other 
intelligence unit, who shall be appointed by the President, as members. 
ARTICLE 6 
DEPARTMENT STRA TEGIC INTELLIGENCE UNITS 
SEC. 23. Department Strategic Intelligence Agencies. - There shall be 
created an intelligence unit in all departments which shall collect and process 
information in support of the implementation of the country's national security 
strategy. 
TITLE V 
DEFENSE AND MILITARY ORGANIZATION 
SEC. 24. Principle of the Defense and Military Organization. - The 
defense and military organization shall be governed by the principles of simplicity 
of structure, clear lines of command, expedient decision-making, jointness, 
complementarity, 
economy 
of 
resources 
and 
adoptability 
to 
specific 
environmental condition. 
SEC. 25. The Line of Authority. - The establish lines of authority shall be 
the following: 
a) In time of peace, the Line of Authority starts from the 
President of the Philippines being the commander-in-
Chief of the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines to the: 
a. Secretary of National Defense as it pertains to the 
Armed Forces of the Philippines; 
b. Secretary of Interior and Local Government as it 
pertains to the Philippines National Police; 


c. Secretary of Transportation and Communication as it 
pertains to the Philippines Coast Guard. 
b) In times of emergency to meet threats to national security 
where mobilization is effected by the President of the 
Philippines, as the Commander-in-Chief of the entire 
armed forces, to the Secretary of National Defense and 
to the Chief of Staff of Armed Forces of the Philippines. 
ARTICLE 7 
THE DEPARTMENT OF NA TlONAL DEFENSE 
SEC. 26. Powers and· Functions of the Department of National 
Defense. -
The department of National (DND) shall .be responsible for the 
planning, directing, and supervising the national defense programs; undertaking 
and promoting research and development activities; and performing such other 
functions as may be prescribed by the President. It shall exercise control and 
supervision over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Government 
Arsenal (GA), the office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippines Office (PVAO), 
and the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). 
SEC. 27. Composition. -
The Office of the Secretary of National 
Defense shall be headed by the Secretary and shall include the Undersecretary, 
the Executive Staff, Service Staff and Personal Staff. 
ARTICLE 8 
THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SEC. 28. Power and Functions. - The Armed Forces of the Philippines 
s the military establishment of the government under the command, control and 
supervision of the President as its Commander-in-Chief through the Secretary of 
National Defense. Its mission is to uphold the Constitution, protect the people, 
preserve territorial integrity and secure the sovereignty of the state. Its broad 
functions are: 
(a) Promote and advance the national security interests of the country; 
(b) Plan, organize, maintain, develop and employ its regular and reserve; 
(c) Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by 
forces for national defense; and higher authorities in the Line of Authority. 
SEC. 29. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall undertake a program 
of strengthening the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness of all its 
members, and respect for people's rights. 
SEC. 30. The members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be 
insulated from partisan politics and they shall not engage in partisan political 
activities, directly or indirectly, except to vote. 
. 


SEC. 31. Recruitment of the AFP. - The officers and men of the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines shall be recruited proportionately from all regions of the 
country, to extend practicable, taking into account the existence of multicultural 
composition of the population. 
SEC. 32. The President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces 
of the Philippines, whenever it becomes necessary, may call on the AFP to 
support the PNP in preventing or suppressing lawlessness, violence or rebellion. 
SEC. 33. Regular and Reserved Forces. - The Arme'd Forces of the 
Philippines shall be composed of the Regular Force and the Reserve Force. The 
Regular Force shall consist of all personnel in the active military service. 
SEC. 34. Organization of the AFP. - The Armed Forces of the 
Philippines shall be organized into three Major Services, namely: Philippine 
Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force. It shall have an AFP-Wide 
Service Support Units (AFPWSSU), a General Headquarters (GHQ), and 
organized Operational Commands. 
SEC. 35. AFP Technical Services. -The AFP Technical Services shall be 
composed of services in specialized fields requiring at least baccalaureate 
preparation in a particular discipline which are rendered to all AFP personnel and 
their dependents. The AFP Technical Services shall consist of Chaplain Service, 
Corps of Professors, Judge Advocate General Service, Medical Corps, Dental 
Service, Veterinary Corps, Nurse Corps, and Medical-Service Corps. 
SEC. 36. General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines. - The General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
shall be composed of the offices of the Chief of Staff, the Vice Chief of Staff, the 
Deputy Chief of Staff, the Armed Forces Joint Coordinating Staff, and the 
Personal, Special and Technical Staff. 
The AFP Chief of Staff shall exercise command and control over all 
elements of the AFP. He shall execute command functions in relation to military 
strategy and tactics operation. He shall be responsible for the development and 
execution of the national defense programs and armed forces mission under the 
authority and direction of the President and the Secretary of the National 
Defense, the organization powers, functionS and duties of the various staff, 
services, installations and other units of the AFP; 
The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the principal assistant Chief of Staff and 
shall act as the Chief of Staff during the latter's absence of disability. He shall 
assist the Chief of Staff in the administration and management of the AFP; The 
AFP General Staff shall advice and assist the Chief of Staff in the performance of 
his functions and in the accomplishment of the tasks of the General 
Headquarters. It shall be headed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, who shall be 
appointed by the Chief of Staff, subject to the approval of the President. The AFP 
General Staff shall be a joint staff consisting of the coordinating, personal, and 
special and technical staff. The organization, functions and duties of the General 
Staff shall be prescribed by the Chief of Staff. 


ARTICLE 9 
THE PHILIPPINE ARMY 
SEC. 37. Mandate. - The Philippine Army shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain, and provide ground forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained 
land operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC. 38. Organization. - The Philippine Army shall .be c;omposed of its 
headquarters, land combat and service forces and such other units as may be 
necessary to accomplish its assigned mission. It shall be headed by a 
Commanding General who shall hold the rank of Lieutenant General. 
SEC. 39. FUnctions. - The Philippine Army shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) Prepare such units as may be necessary for the effective prosecution 
of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces mission, including 
the expansion of the peacetime army component to meet any emergency; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, 
concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics, and 
techniques for army operations; 
(c) Organize, train and equip all army reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development efforts; and, 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
ARTICLE 10 
THE PHILIPPINE NA VY 
SEC. 40. Mandate. - The Philippine Navy shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain and provide navy forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained naval 
operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC. 41. Organization. - The Philippine Navy shall be composed of 
headquarters, naval combat, marine support and such other forces as may be 
necessary to accomplish its mission. It shall be headed by a Flag Office in 
Command who shall hold the rank of Vice Admiral. 
SEC. 42. Functions. - The Philippine Navy shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) Prepare the necessary naval units for the effective prosecution of 
national defense plans and programs and armed forces mission, including the 
expansion of peacetime navy component to meet any emergency; and support 


the enforcement of all applicable laws pertaining to maritime matters like safety 
of life at sea, immigration, customs, revenues, narcotics, quarantine, and fishing; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, 
concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics, and 
techniques for naval operations; 
(c) Organize, train and equip all naval reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development efforts; and, 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
ARTICLE 11 
THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 
SEC. 43. Mandate. - The Philippine Navy shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain and provide air forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained air 
operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC. 44. Organization. -The Philippine Air Force shall be composed of a 
headquarters, tactical and service support forces as may be necessary to 
accomplish an assigned mission. It shall be headed by a Commanding General 
who shall hold a rank of Lieutenant General. 
SEC. 45. Functions. - The Philippine Air Force shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) Organize, train, and equip forces for airlift, airbome and tactical air 
operations; 
(b) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major Services, 
concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, strategies, tactics and 
techniques for air operations; 
(c) Organize, train, and equip all air force reserve units; 
(d) Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
(e) Support national development efforts; and 
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
ARTICLE 12 
OPERATIONAL COMMANDS 
SEC. 46. Operational Commands. - Operational Commands shall be 
created which shall consist of Area Commands and Specified Commands. The 
SND shall prescribe the operational boundaries and force structure of these 


commands. Area Command refers to a military command which has broad, 
continuing mission in a particular operational area of responsibility and shall be 
composed of forces from two or more major services. Specified Command refers 
to military command which has specific I particular continuing mission which shall 
be composed of forces from a single major service. The President shall prescribe 
the operational boundaries and force structure of these commands. 
SEC. 47. Mandate. - The operational commands shall conduct such 
prompt and sustained land, sea, and air operations as may be necessary to 
accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC. 48. Role of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines. -
The Chief of Staff shall periodically review the mission, responsibilities, including 
operational boundaries and organization of each command and, as may be 
necessary, recommend to the President, through the Secretary of National 
Defense, any changes to such mission, area of responsibility, and organization. 
ARTICLE 13 
RESERVE FORCE 
SEC. 49. Mobilization of the Reserve Force. - The utilization of the 
Reserve Force in times of emergency to meet threats to national security shall be 
through mobilization which shall be effected by the President as follows: 
(1) Full Mobilization. When full mobilization is ordered, all units of the 
Ready, Standby and Retired Reserves shall be activated. The reservists 
constituting the same shall be called to active duty and placed on operational 
readiness; 
(2) Partial Mobilization. When partial mobilization is ordered, only the 
units of the Ready Reserve necessary to meet the threat will be activated. The 
reservists assigned to these units called to active duty and placed on operational 
readiness. 
(3) Selective Mobilization. When selective mobilization shall be ordered, 
the President and shall himself select the units of the Ready Reserve to be 
activated for the purpose. 
SEC. 50. Mobilization Fund. - For purposes of Section 52, the President 
shall submit to Congress a mobilization plan and its corresponding budgetary 
requirements. Under this Act, the President is authorized to cause the utilization 
of any private entity necessary for the implementation of the mobilization plan. 
The cause for such mobilization shall be paid by the national government. 
SEC. 51. Duration of Mobilization. - The President may call for a 
mobilization for a period not exceeding one hundred (100) days after which, he 
shall render a report to Congress immediately after the termination of 
mobilization or in case of new appropriation for the extension of the period of 
mobilization. 


SEC. 52. Demobilization. -When the threat or emergency for which the 
mobilization had been ordered has passed, the President shall order the 
demobilization and subsequent deactivation of the reserve units and reservists 
shall be reverted to inactive status. 
SEC. 53. Reserve Force Readiness Evaluation. - Reserve Force 
Readiness Evaluation shall be conducted by the Secretary of National Defense 
upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff on a periodic basis to provide the 
reservists with training opportunities and evaluate operational effectiveness of 
units and individual members. Reservists participating in training and readiness 
evaluation shall be entitled to medical, incapacity and death benefits in 
accordance with law. 
SEC. 54. Role of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine 
National Police. - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National 
Police (PNP) shall be affiliated reserved units of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines. In times of war or emergency, the PCG and PNP, upon the approval 
of the President, may be called upon to provide forces and resources to support 
the AFP mission. 
TITLE VI 
SECURITY AND DEFENSE STRATEGY FORMULATION 
SEC 55. Role of the President - The President as the Commander-in-
Chief shall have the responsibility to undertake strategic planning on defense and 
security policies. The President shall transmit to Congress a comprehensive 
report on the Philippine national security strategy, along with the mid-term and 
long-term defense programs with its concomitant annual budget. The report shall 
primarily contain the following: 
(a) national interests, goals, objectives and consequent national defense 
capabilities vital to national security; 
(b) foreign policy, intemational commitments and legislative actions 
necessary to implement the national strategy of the country; and 
(c) short, medium and long term uses of the elements of national power to 
protect and promote the security interests of the country. 
SEC. 56. Role of the Sec~tary of National Defense. - The Secretary of 
National Defense shall be the principal assistant to the President on policy and 
strategy matters involving national defense. He shall provide the Chief of Staff an 
annual Defense Planning Guidance which shall contain national defense 
objectives, policies and strategies and the resource levels projected to be 
available for the period. 
SEC. 57. Role of the Chief of Staff. - The Chief of Staff shall assist the 
President and Secretary of National Defense in providing strategic direction to 
the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He shall prepare the national military 
strategy which will contain military objectives, strategic concepts, and force 
options, and a risk analysis of such recommended strategy and conduct periodic 


strategic review thereof. 
SEC. 58. Strategic Plans. - Strategic Plans shall enumerate specific 
objectives, identify resources and constraints, outline strategy for securing 
objectives, and determine force capability requirements. 
SEC. 59. Strategic Reviews. - There shall be a periodic review of the 
defense organization to determine its continuing relevance, viability and 
capability. The strategic review shall be conducted by a special committee to be 
constituted by the Secretary of National Defense upon approval of the President 
of the Republic. 
TITLE VII 
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 
SEC. 60. The administration of the Armed Forces shall be the 
responsibility of the Secretary of National Defense. 
SEC. 61. Personnel Politics. - Personnel policies and administration 
shall be in accordance with the following principles: 
(1) Recruitment of the Armed Forces shall be governed by the principle of 
equality, without distinction of any kind as to ethnicity, gender, religion and 
political beliefs. It shall be limited to natural born citizens in case of officers; 
(2) 
Career management in 
education, 
training, 
assignment and 
appointment shall provide for equal opportunities to all members; 
(3) Promotion of members of the Armed Forces shall be based on merit, 
efficiency and competence. It shall be governed by principles of justice, equality, 
fairness and professionalism; 
(4) Members of the Armed Forces shall receive pay, allowances and other 
benefits that shall promote professionalism and afford them a respectable life; 
(5) Members of the Armed Forces shall be entitled to retirement and 
separation benefits that shall enable them to live a descent life. Retirement and 
separation benefits shall not be subject to attachment, garnishment, levy, 
execution or any tax Whatsoever, neither shall they be assigned, ceded or 
conveyed to any third party. 
(6) Attrition of members of the Armed Forces shall consider the best 
interest of the service over that of its individual members; 
(7) At any time during the active service, no officer or member of the 
Armed Forces of the Philippines may be appointed or designated in any capacity 
whatsoever to any civilian position, in ay branch, department, agency or unit of 
government, or any of the corporations that it owns or controls, or any of the 
subsidiaries of such corporations; and, 
(8) Military officers shall not be allowed extension of service upon 
retirement. 


ARTICLE 14 
GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
SEC. 62. Mandate. - The Government Arsenal shall undertake research 
and development on munitions and to operate as ah integrated manufacturing 
entity producing munitions primarily for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 
the Philippine National Police. 
SEC. 63. Organization. - The Government Arsenal shall be headed by a 
Director, who shall be a natural-born citizen, with relevant education and 
experience in munitions and its related fields. 
SEC. 64. Functions. -The Arsenal shall have the following functions: 
(a) Operate and maintain the government arsenal; . 
(b) Formulate and implement plans and programs to achieve self-
sufficiency in arms and munitions; 
(c) Design, develop, manufacture, stockpile, and allocate arms and 
munitions without the necessity of obtaining any permits or licenses; 
(d) In case of war or an emergency, facilitate the efficient mobilization of 
civilian industry to augment the production of the government arsenal; 
(e) In case of full mobilization, supervise the operations of the civilian 
munitions industry; 
(f) Procure raw materials, test weapons and other equipment in support of 
its mission. 
ARTICLE 15 
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
SEC. 65. Mandate. -The Office of Civil Defense shall promote and ensure 
the protection and security of the population, their property and environment from 
all kinds of disasters by overseeing the effective and efficient implementation of 
civil protection programs and services through an integrated, multi-sectoral and 
community-based approaches and strategies. 
SEC. 66. Organization. - The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by 
the Administrator. 
SEC. 67. Functions. -The Office of Civil Defense shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) Formulate and administer a comprehensive national civil protection 
and disaster risk reduction program; 
. 
(b) Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and security of 
the population, their property and environment, from all kinds of disasters: 
(c) Estimate the total material manpower and fiscal requirements for 
carrying out the national civil protection and disaster risk reduction program, and 


provide the local government units and autonomous regions such aid facilities, 
materials and funds as may be made available from the national government; 
(d) Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating and 
training the general public, volunteer workers, local government units and other 
principal groups on civil protection measures and activities; 
(e) Furnish guidance and technical assistance to the various provinces, 
cities, municipalities in the planning, organization, training and operation of the 
local Disaster Management Councils; 
(f) Advise the Secretary of National Defense on matters. concerning civil 
defense and rnake recommendations from time to time as may be deemed 
appropriate or as the Secretary may require; 
(g) Provide secretariat and technical support services to the National 
Disaster Management Councils; and, 
(h) Perform such other duties as may be provided by law. 
SEC. 68. Renaming of the NDCC. - The National Disaster Coordinating 
Council (NDCC) and the other Disaster Coordinating Councils established under 
Presidential Decree No. 1566 are hereby renamed as the National Disaster 
Management Council (NDMC) and Regional, Provincial, City, Municipality, and 
Barangay Disaster Management Council, respectively. 
ARTICLE 16 
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE 
SEC. 69. Mandate. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) shall 
administer the needs of veterans and their dependents and shall develop and 
maintain national military shrines. 
SEC. 70. Organization. -The PVAO shall be headed by an Administrator. 
SEC. 71. Functions. - The PVAO shall have the following functions: 
(a) Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of 
National Defense, policies, rules and regulations governing the adjudication and 
administration of veterans claims and benefits; 
(b) Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other privileges 
granted to veterans claims and benefits; 
(c) Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing 
laws; 
(d) Provide adrninistrative supervision of the Veterans Memorial Center; 
(e) Administer, develop and maintain military shrines; 


(f) Formulate policies concerning the affairs, placement and training of ex-
servicemen, and assist their widows and dependents, and other retired military 
personnel; and, 
(g) Perform other functions as the Secretary of National Defense may 
direct. 
ARTICLE 17 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SEC. 72. Conversion of the NDCP. - The National Defense College of 
the Philippines is hereby converted into the National Defense University of the 
Philippines (NDUP). To ensure .the continuous operations of the College, all its 
personnel and resources thereof shall be absorbed by the NDUP. Salaries of its 
personnel shall be fixed or adjusted at the discretion of the NDUP Academic 
Board within the limits of appropriation provided for the purpose. 
SEC. 73. Mandate. - The NDUP shall maintain and develop such 
academic programs of instruction and research as designed for the education 
and training of defense and national security leaders and managers and for 
NDUP to be the center of strategic studies on defense and security in the 
country. 
SEC. 74. Organization. -The NDUP shall be headed by a President. 
SEC. 75. Functions. -The NDUP shall have the following functions: 
(a) Train and develop the skills and competence of potential national 
defense leaders, civilian officials of. the different agencies and instrumentalities of 
the government and selected executives from the private sector in the 
formulation and implementation of national security policies and for high 
command and staff duty; 
(b) Confer postgraduate, graduate and baccalaureate degrees in national 
security administration and related fields; and, 
(c) Engage in high-grade research and studies as called for by its mission. 
TITLE VIII 
DEFENSI: EDUCATION 
SEC. 76. Defense Education. - Defense education shall be geared 
towards the development of professional and intellectually-competent personnel 
at all levels of the defense establishment who are imbued with values, knowledge 
and skills necessary for the attainment of the country's security objectives. It shall 
actively promote, develop and complement Philippine education and personnel 
who shall be leaders, professionals or staff workers endowed with nationalism 
and patriotism cognizant of the country's role as a member of the international 
community. Defense education and training shall be governed by the principles 
of sequential learning and jointness. 


SEC. 77. Defense Education and Training Board. - The Secretary of 
National Defense shall constitute a Defense Education and Training Board from 
among the constituent offices of the AFP and DND engaged in education and 
training activities. The DND Secretary shall appoint the chairman of the Board. 
TITLE IX 
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY 
ARTICLE 18 
ECONOMIC SOCIETY 
SEC. 78. The Government shall pursue an economic regime based on the 
principle of responsible entrepreneurship, social conscience, respect for the 
dignity of labor and concern for the public interest to achieve economic solidarity, 
strength and independence where people enjoy economic freedom. 
ARTICLE 19 
ROLE OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES 
SEC. 79. Role of the NEDA. - The National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA) shall primarily be responsible for formulating continuing, 
coordinated and fully integrated economic and social policies, plans and 
programs to promote economic growth and equitable distribution of the benefits 
of such growth to the members of the society. 
SEC. 80. Role of the DOE - The Department of Finance (DOF) shall be 
responsible for the formulation, institutionalization and administration of fiscal 
policies in coordination with other concerned subdivisions, agencies and 
instrumentalities of government in support of the attainment of the government's 
development objectives. 
SEC. 81. Role of the DFA. - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 
shall promote trade, investments, and other economic relations with other 
countries in cooperation with other government agencies and the private sector. 
SEC 82. Role of the DTI. - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 
shall formulate and implement policies, plans and programs relative to the 
promotion, development, expansion and regulation of trade industry and 
investments. It shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare and 
utilizes all forms and arrangements of exchange on the basis of quality and 
reciprocity. 
SEC. 83. Role of the DA. - The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall be 
responsible for the promotion of agricultural development by providing the policy 
framework, public investments, and support services needed for domestic and 
export-oriented business enterprises. It shall take steps to improve farm income 
and general work opportunities for farmers, fishermen and other rural workers. 


SEC. 84. Role of the DOT. - The Department of Tourism (DOT) shall be 
charged with the responsibility to encourage, promote and develop tourism as a 
major socio-economic activity to generate foreign currency and employment and 
to spread the benefits of tourism to wider segment of the population. 
SEC. 85. Role of the DOE. - The Department of Energy (DOE) shall 
ensure a continuous and adequate supply of energy. It shall endeavor to achieve 
self-reliance in the country's energy requirements through the integrated and 
intensive exploration, production, management, development and sustainable 
utilization of the country's indigenous energy resources. 
ARTICLE 20 
POLITICAL DIMENSION 
SEC. 86. Role of the DILG. - The Department Interior and Local 
Government (D1LG) shall promote peace and order, ensure public safety and 
further strengthen the local government capability aimed towards the effective 
delivery of the basic services to the citizenry. 
SEC. 87. Local Government Units shall ensure the delivery of basic 
services to the citizenry. It shall promote the empowerment of the local citizenry 
in order to contribute to the attainment of political stability. 
ARTICLE 21 
SOC/O-CUL TURAL DIMENSION 
SEC. 88. Role of Educational Institutions. -The Department of 
Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall be responsible 
in their respective areas for the formulation, planning, implementation and 
coordination of the policies, plans, programs and projects in formal and non-
formal education; supervise all educational institutions; and provide for the 
establishment and maintenance of a complete, adequate and integrated system 
of education relevant to the goals of national development. 
Further, DepEd shall promote cultural awareness and shall formulate, 
implement and coordinate policies, plans, programs and projects for cultural and 
sports development of the youth .. 
SEC. 89. Role of the DOH. - The Department of Health (DOH) shall be 
primarily responsible for the formulation, 
planning, 
implementation and 
coordination of the policies, plans and programs in \he field of health. It shall 
promote, preserve, or restore the health of the people through the provision and 
delivery of health services and through the regulation and encouragement of the 
providers of health goods and services. 
SEC. 90. Role of the DSWD. - The Department of Social Welfare and 
Development (DSWD) shall provide a balanced approach to welfare whereby the 
needs and interests of the population are addressed pro-actively. 


ARTICLE 22 
TECHNO·SCIENTIFIC DIMENSION 
SEC. 91. Role of the DOST. - The Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST) shall support and encourage public and private sector 
initiatives in science and technology policies and shall ensure that the results 
therefrom are geared and utilized for maximum economic and social benefits. 
SEC 92. Role of the DND. - The Department of National Defense (DND) 
shall incorporate in every equipment acquisition contract, special foreign 
exchange reduction schemes such as counter trade, in-country manufacture, co-
production, or other innovative arrangements or combinations thereof, in order to 
generate employment opportunities and enhance technology transfer. 
SEC. 93. Role of the DTI. - The Department of Trade and Industry shall 
formulate the appropriate mechanics to guide and manage the transfer of 
appropriate industrial technology in the country. 
SEC. 94. Role of the DOTC. - The Department of Transportation and 
Communications (DOTC) shall assess, review and provide direction to the 
transportation and communications research and development program of the 
government in coordination with other relevant institutions. 
ARTICLE 23 
ECOLOGICAL DIMENSION 
SEC. 95. Role of the DENR. - The Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR) shall be in charge of carrying out of the state's 
constitutional mandate to control and supervise the exploration, development, 
utilization and conservation of the country's natural resources. 
SEC. 96. Role of the DA. - The DA shall promulgate and 'enforce all laws, 
rules and regulations governing the conservation and proper utilization of 
agricultural and marine resources. 
SEC. 97. Role of the Educational Institutions. - The DepEd, TESDA, 
and CHED shall ensure that relevant learnings on ecology are integrated in the 
system of education that includes formal, non-formal, indigenous learning and 
out-of-school study programs. 
SEC. 98. Role of the DPWH - The Department of Public Works and 
Highways (DPWH) shall give due regard to the protection of the ecology in the 
integrated planning for roads, flood control and water resource development 
systems, and other public works. 


SEC. 99. Role of the DND. - The DND shall take part in the preservation 
of national patrimony including the country's living and non-living marine, 
submarine, mineral, forest and other natural resources. 
SEC. 100. Rule of the DOE. - The Department of Energy (DOE), in the 
management if energy resources, shall ensure environmental protection and 
maintenance of ecological balance. 
ARTICLE 24 
HUMAN WELFARE AND SOCIAL DIMENSIONS 
SEC. 101. Role of the DOLE. - The Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE) shall ensure that the rights of all workers to self-
organization, 
collective bargaining 
negotiations, 
and 
peaceful 
concerted 
activities, including the right to strike in accordance with the law: It shall promote 
the voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce 
their mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace. 
SEC. 102. Role of the DOH. - The DOH shall protect and promote the 
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; adopt 
an integral and comprehensive approach to health development, with priority for 
the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children; endeavor to 
make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people 
at affordable cost; establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory 
system; and undertake appropriate health manpower development and research 
responsive to the country's health needs and problems. 
SEC. 103. Role of the DSWD. - The DSWD shall provide a balanced 
approach to welfare whereby the needs and interests of the population are 
addressed not only at the outbreak of the crisis but more importantly at the stage 
which inexorably lead to such crisis. 
SEC. 104. Role of the DENR. - The DENR shall pro'mote equitable 
access to natural resources by the different sectors of population and enhance 
the contribution of natural resources for achieving national economic and social 
development. 
SEC. 105. Role of the DFA. - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 
shall be the lead agency in the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and 
evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations. Other agencies, 
in consultation with the DFA, may initiate bilateral or multilateral cooperative 
activities in their respective areas of concem with other countries. 


ARTfCLE25 
SEPARABILITY AND REPEALS 
SEC. 106. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC. 107. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamation, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof, which 
are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 108. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
' 
Approved,