Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND ESTABLISH EXPEDITIOUS 
TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AND ITS 
BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides for the fundamental bases for the State’s 
defense policy framework. In particular, Article II, Section 3; 
―SECTION 3. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. The Armed 
Forces of the Philippines 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.1 
and, Section 4 under the same Article, 
―SECTION 4. The prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people. The 
Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, 
all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal 
military or civil service.‖2 
The Department of National Defense, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
and the rest of the agencies under its control and supervision, serve to fulfil these constitutional 
mandates. The statutes that govern these agencies, however, were promulgated way back from   
1https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/1987-constitution/ 
2Ibid 
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December 16, 2024
12:01 pm


the Commonwealth—Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the National Defense Act in 19353,
Commonwealth Act No. 430 which established the Department of National Defense in 19394,
and Executive Order No. 230 organizing the Department of National Defense executed in 19395,
among many others.  
It is incumbent upon this Chamber to provide the legislative basis for a comprehensive 
national defense policy reflective of the current security situation in both the regional and the 
international stage. This includes, among others, organizational reforms such introducing the 
Secretary of Defense in the Chain of Command without superseding the authority of the 
President as Commander-in-Chief, and the grant of exemptions from regular procurement rules 
of special defense materiel acquisition.  
In view of the abovementioned, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
3https://lawphil.net/statutes/comacts/ca1935/ca_1_1935.html 
4https://lawphil.net/statutes/comacts/ca1939/ca_430_1939.html 
5https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1939/eo_230_1939.html 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
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 "The National Defense Act of 2024". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - 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 Philippine Government, through its Armed Forces, shall bear the primary
responsibility of ensuring a secure, free, and independent Philippines. The Government
may call upon its citizens to come to the defense of the country; Provided, that, during
the course of war or in responding to a rebellion, the Armed Forces becomes insufficient
in repelling and neutralizing such threats.
11208


(c) The national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as possible to the territorial 
and administrative organization of the Philippines; 
 
(d) The civil authority shall at all times be supreme over the military. The President of the 
Philippines as the Commander-in-Chief of all military forces shall be responsible that 
mobilization measures are prepared at all times; 
 
(e) The employment of the nation's citizens and resources for national defense shall be 
effected by a mobilization; 
 
(f) The mobilization shall include the execution of all measures necessary to pass from a 
peace to a war footing or in any case of actual invasion or when public safety so requires 
as well as during its transition to normalcy or rehabilitation; 
 
(g) The mobilization plans of financial, industrial, economic, technological and 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; and 
2. Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and continuity of effort 
until normalcy has been attained; and 
 
(h) No profit incident to war shall accrue to any individual, corporation, association or 
partnership. 
 
SEC. 3. Defense Conditions and Authority. - Defense conditions shall be the bases for the 
designation of persons and entities to act on 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 on behalf of the State shall be prescribed by the President. 
 
TITLE I 
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 4. Mandate. - The Department of National Defense, hereinafter referred as the 
"Department" or "DND", 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. 
 
SEC. 5. 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 a quality management system; 
 
(f) Establish, promote, and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for defense and 
military cooperation with its international counterparts for the purpose of addressing 
traditional and non-traditional security threats; 
 
(g) Implement the country's international defense and security commitments based on 
defense and security treaties, cooperation agreements, international covenants, protocols, 
and other similar arrangements; 
 
(h) Develop a self-reliant 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. 
 


SEC. 6. 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. 
SEC. 7. 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, and with the consent of the Congress.
(c) The lease and/or development of defense real properties, by joint venture or otherwise,
shall be allowed upon prior approval by the President of the Philippines.
(d) Any and all income derived from the lease or disposition of such defense real estate shall
be remitted only to the AFP Modemization Act Trust Fund, and disbursed in accordance
with existing laws, rules and regulations.
SEC. 8. Special Defense Materiel Acquisition. - When the acquisition for use by the AFP 
involves special defense equipment or materiel or the Secretary of National Defense has 
determined that the interests of the country shall be protected by negotiating directly with a local 
or foreign supplier, the AFP shall be exempted from the requirement of government procurement 
laws subject to government accounting and auditing rules and regulations: Provided, That the 
performance by the supplier of its obligations under the procurement contract shall be covered by 
a performance security. 
SEC. 9. Exemption from Import Licenses. - All acquisition of defense materiel by the 
Department and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and other licenses imposed by other 
agencies of the government. In lieu thereof, the Secretary of National Defense shall issue a 
certification that the goods being imported are exempt from such licenses. 
SEC. 10. 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. 
 
SEC. 11. Defense Cooperation Agreements. –  
 
(a) Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution, the Department of National Defense may 
enter into Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements to develop, enhance, and sustain multi-
faceted defense and security engagements and cooperation with the defense and armed forces of 
other countries. 
 
(b) Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include, but 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 
 
SEC. 12. Organizational Structure. - The Defense Department shall be composed of the DND-
Proper and its bureaus namely, the AFP, PVAO, GA, 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. 
 
SEC. 13. Composition. - The DND-Proper shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary of 
the National Defense and the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, and the 
Department Services. 
 
SEC. 14. 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. 
 
SEC. 15. The Secretary of National Defense. - The Secretary of National Defense shall be 
appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. 
 
SEC. 16. 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 
 
SEC. 17. 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. 
 
SEC. 18. 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 Reserve Force for 
national defense and security; and 
 
(c) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Commander- 
in-Chief. 
 
SEC. 19. 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. 
 
SEC. 20. 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 (TOE) 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 
 
SEC. 21. Size and Composition. - The Regular Force, alternately referred to as the Standing 
Force, shall be initially composed of the following: 
 
(a) Regular Officers and Warrant Officers; 
 
(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. 
 
SEC. 22. 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. 
 
SEC. 23. 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 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. 
 
SEC. 24. 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 the 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 (JFOC) as force employers shall be responsible 
for the decentralized execution of joint operations to achieve maximum operational 
efficiency within the military establishment unless otherwise determined by the CSAFP 
through the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense; 
 
(d) The Component Services as force providers shall be responsible for the development, 
organization, training, equipping, maintenance and sustainment of combat forces, combat 
service forces, technical and administrative service, and combat service support forces; 
and 
 
(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 
 
SEC. 25. Mandate. - The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be headed by the CSAFP, shall 
be the command-and-control element of the AFP. 
 
SEC. 26. 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 other key staff offices 
and units necessary for the effective command and control of the AFP as recommended by the 
CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SEC. 27. 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 two (2) years and a maximum of three (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 three (3) years and deemed retired 
from active military service. 
 
SEC. 28. Powers and Functions. - The Chief of Staff shall: 
 


(a) Serve as the principal military advisor to the President and the Secretary of National 
Defense; 
 
(b) Formulate the national military strategy consistent with the national defense strategy; 
 
(d) Develop policies, strategies, missions, plans, and programs of the AFP; and 
 
(c) 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. 
 
SEC. 29. 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 one (1) year and a maximum of three 
(3) years, unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to the 
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 the Vice Chief of Staff may be removed by the President as Commander 
in-Chief at any time before the end of the term of three (3) years and deemed retired from active 
military service. 
 
SEC. 30. 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 one (1) year and a maximum of 
three (3) years, unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and without prejudice to 
the compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no officer shall be 
appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff if that officer has less than one (1) year remaining in the 
active service: Provided further, That the Deputy Chief of Staff may be removed by the President 
as Commander-in-Chief at any time before the end of the term of three (3) years and deemed 
retired from active military service. 
 
SEC. 31. 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. 
 
SEC. 32. 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. 
SEC. 33. 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. 
SEC. 34. 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 
SEC. 35. Organization, Mission, and Function. – 
(a) The JFOC shall be organized and established by the CSAFP with the approval of the
Secretary of National Defense which shall be under the command, control, and
operational direction of its Joint Force Commander.
(b) The mission, functions, duties, and responsibilities, and joint area of operations of the
JFOC shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, in consultation with, or
upon the recommendation of the CSAFP.
SEC. 36. 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 two (2) 
years and a maximum of three (3) years, unless otherwise promoted to the next higher 
position and without prejudice to the 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 three (3) years and deemed retired from active military 
service. 
 
CHAPTER 4 - THE COMPONENT SERVICES 
 
SEC. 37. 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 two (2) years 
and a maximum of three (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 office  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 the Chief of 
Component Service may be removed by the President as Commander-in-Chief at any 
time before the end of the term of three (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. 
 
SEC. 38. The Philippine Army. - The Philippine Army (PA), headed by its Chief, 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. 
 
SEC. 39. 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. 
 
SEC. 40. The Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force (PAF), headed by its Chief, shall 
provide forces that shall be employed for the conduct of prompt and sustained aerial operations 
in support of the AFP mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, air combat, combat 
support, and sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of air 
and support operations. 
 
SEC. 41. Functions of the Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force shall: 
 
(a) Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such naval forces or units as may 
be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations; 
 
(b) Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective implementation of the 
national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions; 
 
(c) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, doctrines, 
systems, tactics, techniques, and procedures peculiar to the 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. 
 
SEC. 42. The Philippine Navy. - The Philippine Navy (PN), headed by its Chief, shall provide 
forces that shall be employed for the conduct of prompt and sustained naval operations in 
support of the AFP mission. 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. 
 
SEC. 43. 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; 
 
(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. 
 
SEC. 44. 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. 
 
SEC. 45. The Women's Auxiliary Corps. - The Women's Auxiliary Corps as created by 
Republic Act (RA) No. 3835, as amended, shall be integrated to their respective Component 
Service. For this purpose, R.A. No. 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 
 
SEC. 46. Organization, Mission, and Function. - 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 the National 
Defense shall be under the command, control, and direction of their Military Education and 
Training Superintendent/Commandant. 
 
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. 
 


SEC. 47. The Philippine Military Academy.- 
 
(a) Mandate. The PMA categorized as a 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 PMA headed by the Superintendent shall be organized as prescribed 
by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
(c) Development. The PMA shall determine its teaching, manpower, curriculum, research 
and extension thrusts, plans and programs, standards and budget. 
 
(d) Cadet Corps. The student body of the PMA 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) Superintendent. The Superintendent shall serve for a minimum term of two (2) years and 
a maximum of three (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 three (3) years. 
 
(g) Board of Visitors. The PMA shall establish a Board of Visitors to look into the academic 
affairs of the Academy with the end of enhancing its educational systems. The Board of 
Visitors shall be composed of at least five (5) but not more than seven (7) members 
designated by the Superintendent, whose membership shall meet at least once a year. 
 
SEC. 48. 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 
SEC. 49. 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. 
SEC. 50. 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.
SEC. 51. 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 lacking any qualification prescribed by law or 
regulation. 
SEC. 52. 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 TOE. 
SEC. 53. 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 TOE. 
SEC. 54. Tour of Duty in Key Positions. - No officers with less than one (1) year remaining 
active service shall be designated to positions requiring the rank of Brigadier 
General/Commodore or higher. 
SEC. 55. 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
potential 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 for 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.
SEC. 56. 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 TOE that requires the rank for which he is being considered for 
promotion or assignment. 
SEC. 57. 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 
 4 years 
General/Admiral  
 4 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 TOE, 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. 
SEC. 58. 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 
 
SEC. 59. 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. 
 
SEC. 60. Appointments in the Regular Force. - Warrant Officers shall be appointed by the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
 
SEC. 61. 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. 
 
SEC. 62. 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 
 
SEC. 63. 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 (6) months after its termination, unless sooner terminated by the President; 
 
(b) Enlistment 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. 
 


SEC. 64. 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 TOE. 
 
SEC. 65. 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. 
 
SEC. 66. Authority to Promote and Demote.- The authority to promote and demote Enlisted 
Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
 
C. RETIREMENTAND SEPARATION 
 
SEC. 67. 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. 
 
SEC. 68. Recall from Retirement. - An Officer or Warrant Officer who retired from 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. 
 
SEC. 69. Retirement and Separation Benefits. - Congress shall allocate funds for the retirement 
and separation benefits as according to existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
 
SEC. 70. Attrition System. –  
 
(a) The attrition system for Officers shall be prescribed by the President as recommended by 
the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(b) The attrition system for Warrant Officers shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense as recommended by the CSAFP. 
 
SEC. 71. 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 loses his Filipino citizenship shall 
no longer be entitled to receive survivorship benefits. 


 
D. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM 
 
SEC. 72. 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, 
forfeiture, suspension, or withholding of pay and allowances of Officers, except those 
ranks confirmed by the 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, forfeiture, suspension or withholding of pay and allowances of Warrant Officers 
found administratively liable shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as 
recommended by the CSAFP. 
 
E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE 
 
SEC. 73. 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 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 
 
SEC. 74. 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. 
 
SEC. 75. Organization of the Reserve Force. - The organization of the Reserve Force shall 
conform to the projected and actual needs as determined by the Secretary of National Defense 
upon the approval by the President. The TOE of the Reserve Force shall be prescribed by the 
Secretary of National Defense upon recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
CHAPTER 2 - COMPOSITION OF THE RESERVE FORCE 


 
SEC. 76. Composition. - The Reserve Force shall have three (3) components, namely: 
 
(a) The Army Reserve Component; 
(b) The Air Force Reserve Component; and 
(d) The Navy Reserve Component. 
 
SEC. 77. 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. 
 
SEC. 78. Call to Active Duty of the Reserve Force. - Reservists may be called to active duty for 
training and/or deployment as prescribed by the CSAFP as approved by the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
 
TITLE III 
OTHER BUREAUS AND AGENCIES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT 
ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 79. 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. 
 
SEC. 80. 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 staff, 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. 
 
SEC. 81. 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 
 
SEC. 82. 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. 
 
SEC. 83. 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 calibre 
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 
requirement; 
 
(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; and 
 
(e) Establish, secure, and operate government defense manufacturing plants, as necessary, in 
strategic locations within the country. 
 
SEC. 84. 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. 
SEC. 85. 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 
SEC. 86. 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. 
SEC. 87. 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 of the formulation and 
review of national defense and security policies, plans, and programs. The NDUP shall be 
headed by a President, and assisted by an Executive Vice President (EVP), and four (4) Vice 
Presidents, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. The NDUP President shall have a term of 
six (6) years. 
SEC. 88. 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. 
 
SEC. 89. Organization and Administration. –  
 
(a) The NDUP President shall administer the affairs of the University. 
 
(b) The NDUP President shall be assisted by the EVP. The EVP shall act as NDUP President 
in the absence or incapacity of the NDUP President, and shall perform such other 
functions and duties as may be assigned to him by the NDUP President or the Secretary 
of National Defense. 
 
(c) There shall be a Vice President for Academic Affairs, who shall be responsible for the 
development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of academic programs; a Vice 
President for Strategic Studies and Policy Formulation, who shall be responsible for the 
conduct and supervision of research and special studies and policy formulation and 
review for the Department; a Vice President for Military Affairs, who shall be 
responsible for the overall military activities of the University; a Vice President for 
Administration, who shall be responsible for the overall administrative support to all the 
activities of the University and such other officials as may be required by the University 
subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(d) The University shall have an Academic Board to assist the President discharge the 
following functions: 
 
1. Supervise the academic affairs of the University; 
 
2. Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors, research 
assistants, and other resource persons of the University; and 
 
3. Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University to accomplish 
its objectives. 
 
The Board shall be composed of the Vice President for Academic Affairs as Chairman, 
and the Heads of the various academic disciplines as members, who shall be designated 
by the NDUP President subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, 
 


(e) All resource persons of the University including, but not limited to, academic consultants, 
professors, lecturers, instructors, 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. 
 
SEC. 90. 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). 
 
SEC. 91. Transition. - The Secretary of National Defense 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 
 
SEC. 92. 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. 
 
SEC. 93. Powers and Functions. - The Office shall have the following powers and functions: 
 
(a) Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and civil assistance 
program to include the allocation to agencies and local government units such aid and 
funds as may be made available by the national government, assisting governments, and 
international and local organizations; 
 
(b) Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and welfare of the civilian 
population in times of war or other national emergencies as may be determined by the 
President of the Philippines; 


 
(c) Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of national government agencies, local 
government units, private institutions and civic organizations for natural and human- 
induced disasters; 
 
(d) Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating, and training the general 
public, volunteer workers and civil defense groups on civil defense and assistance 
measures and activities; 
 
(e) Prepare and disseminate disaster control manuals and other publications related to 
measures on disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and 
rehabilitation and recovery; 
 
(f) Advise the Secretary of National Defense on matters concerning civil defense and make 
recommendations from time to time as may be deemed appropriate or as the Secretary 
may require; 
 
(g) Provide assistance and secretariat services to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Council to implement the policies set by the latter relative to disaster 
management; 
 
(h) Furnish guidance to the various provinces, cities, and municipalities in the planning 
accreditation, organization, and operation of their civil defense organizations; and 
 
(i) Perform such other civil defense functions as may be provided by law. 
 
SEC. 94. 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 
 
SEC. 95. 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. 
 


SEC. 96. Powers and Functions. - The Office shall have the following powers and functions; 
 
(a) Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, 
policies, rules, and regulations governing the adjudication and administration of veterans 
claims 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 
 
(d) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
 
SEC. 97. 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 
 
SEC. 98. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DND shall formulate the Implementing 
Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the 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. 
 
SEC. 99. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act is 
hereby appropriated in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 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 GAA. 
 
SEC. 100. 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. 
 
SEC. 101. 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. 


 
SEC. 102. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
whichever comes first. 
 
Approved,