Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BilrNo, 4304

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B, BLAZON ‘

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to declare certain areas of the public domain that are undeveloped or
unutilized, including all islands and isleis within the national territory, as stratczic for the
security ard development of the country.

Defense and security of the national territory are primary concerns of any independent
country. Here in the Philippines, it is enshrined in no less than our Constitution. In this regard,
there are certain areas of the public domain that are considered strategic and vital to the
country’s security and development, These area: are deemed important due to their geographic
nd area and accessibility.

location,

‘This proposed measure grants the Department of National Defense (DND) the authority
and conire! over such areas to ensure their proper developnient and utilization specially i@
tactical operations for the protection and safety of the nation. These areas cannot be readily and
arbitrarily developed by anyone for any purpose, or disposed of, without first ob‘aining the
proper clearance from the DND. As the primary azency entrusted with the defense and security
of the nation, the DND is in the best position to identify and classify such areas.

For the reasons cited above, immeeiate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

me hative

Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City ‘

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Biil No. 4304

introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE TO DECLARE
CERTAIN AREAS OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AS STRATEGIC FOR THE
SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COUNTRY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

:CTION 1. Short Title. ~This Act shall be known as the “Strategic Areas for Security
and Development Act”.

See. 2. Declaration of Policy. 11 is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure
that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation is protected at all times. The State
shall reserve the country's strategic defense positions and ensure that such areas are developed
and utilized accordingly.

c. 3. Scope of Application. ~The provisions of this Act shall be enforceabie in certain
areas of the public domain that are undeveloped or unutilized, including all islands and islets
within the national territory.

See. 4. Role of the Department of National Defense. — The Department of National
Defense (DND) shall be vested with the authority to declare areas provided in the immediately
preceding section as strategic for the security and development of the country.

See. 5. Issuance of Clearance. ~ Any agency or entity with plans for the development,
of areas declared as strategic for the security an¢ development of the country shall first see
the approval and corresponding clearance from the Department of National Defense prior to
the commencement of any work or improvement.

Sec. 6. Authority of the Secretary to Issue Clearance. ~ The Secretary of National
Defense or the duly authorized representative after due deliberation, shall issue the clearance
required in the immediately preceding section with corresponding period of validity, whenever
appropriate. These clearances may be renewed subject to the guidelines issued by the DND.



Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~The DND shall draft the corresponding
rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this Act within six (6) months from its
effectivity

See. 8. Separability Clause. — Should any part of this Act be declared unconstitutional,
the rest of the provisions of this Act shall continue to be in effect and subsisting.

Sec. 9, Repealing Clause. ~ The provisions of other laws, decrees, executive order
rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly

See. 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication if
the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,