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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
National security is one of the most crucial aspects of governing a nation. At the most 
fundamental level, a country’s survival and prosperity rests largely on its ability to preserve 
sovereignty, peace and order. It is also, therefore, crucial that the laws, policies, procedures and 
regulations that define how our country attains and maintains national security, be reflective of the 
overall mandate of the people, the Filipino people.  
The 1987 Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and as such, must precede all other laws, 
policies and regulations in the country. However, the existing National Defense Act of 1935, which 
emanated from the 1935 Constitution, does not fully capture the national security and defense mandates 
of the 1987 Constitution. Nevertheless, 36 years thereafter, the Philippine Government is still operating 
under the 1935 National Defense Act. It is, therefore, high time that an updated National Defense Act 
be enacted that reflects the present mandate and integrates economic, social, cultural and political 
dimensions into the overall defense program. 
To fill the gaps of the National Defense Act of 1935, numerous statutes and ministerial orders 
were issued to facilitate the reorganization of the Philippine Armed Forces. Laws were also enacted to 
change and update personnel management within the Philippine Armed Forces.  
This bill seeks to create a comprehensive national defense legislation to ensure accountability 
and integrity in the exercise of national security discretion, to achieve efficiency and effectiveness for 
its members and organizations in the performance of their duties.  
March 20, 2023
2:07 pm
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This bill mirrors the one filed by Representative Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon during the 18th 
Congress, and therefore, credits the representative for the same.  
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _________________ 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL DEFENSE ACT, TO FOSTER THE 
SUPPRESSION OF INSURGENCY AND OTHER SERIOUS THREATS TO 
NATIONAL SECURITY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The National Defense Act of 2023.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of National Defense Policies. - The national defense policies of the 
Republic of the Philippines shall be as follows: 
a)
In defending the Philippines, the paramount consideration shall be national sovereignty,
territorial integrity, national interest, and the right to self-determination;
b) The preservation of the State is the obligation of every citizen. The security, freedom, and
independence of the Philippines shall be guaranteed by the employment of all citizens,
without distinction of age or sex, and all resources;
c)
The national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as possible to the territorial
and administrative organization of the Philippines;
d) The civil authority shall at all times be supreme over the military. The President of the
Philippines, as the Commander-in-Chief of all military forces, shall be responsible for that
mobilization measures are prepared at all times;
e)
The employment of the nation's citizens and resources for national defense shall be effected
via a mobilization;
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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 to 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; 
2. Forces and resources shall be employed 3 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. 
 
ARTICLE I - EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS AND RESOURCES 
SEC. 4. Military service shall be mandatory for all citizens of the Philippines, and the methods 
and procedures for the classification, selection, examination, induction, training. employment, and 
release of all citizens from their military obligations shall be prescribed by the President of the 
Philippines. 
SEC. 5. The registration of citizens for mandatory military service shall be a military function 
carried out by the Component Services through their respective Reserve Commands. 
SEC. 6. During mobilization, the President, through the Secretary of National Defense, shall 
have the power to secure all such resources as may be necessary for national defense. 
 
ARTICLE II- NATIONAL DEFENSE COUNCIL 
SEC. 7. National Defense Council. - (a) The National Defense Council (NDC chaired by the 
President is composed of heads of the executive departments, past Presidents, past Chief Justices of the 
Supreme Court, and other government officials and private citizens as the President may appoint or 
designate. It shall have a permanent staff that shall preserve a documentary record of the Council's 
deliberations. 


 
 
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(b) The method of operation of the National Defense Council, its detailed duties, and its rights 
to summon witnesses or consultants shall be fixed in executive orders to be issued by the President. 
Funds for its operation shall be provided in the appropriations for the Executive Department. 
 
TITLE I 
DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Article I - General Provisions 
SEC. 8. Mandate. – The Department of National Defense is the primary government agency 
charged with the duty of implementing the provisions of this Act. The defense establishment shall be 
maintained to maximize its effectiveness for guarding against external and internal threats to national 
peace and security. 
SEC. 9. Powers and Functions of the Department. – To carry out the above-declared policy, 
the Department shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions: 
a) 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 (PAO) and the National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP); 
e) Formulate, establish, implement, supervise and control quality management system;  
f) Establish, promote and maintain bilateral and multilateral linkages for defense and 
military cooperation with its international counterparts for the purpose of addressing 
traditional and non-traditional security threats;  
g) Implement the country’s international defense and security commitments based on 
defense and security treaties, cooperation agreements, international covenants, 
protocols and other similar arrangements; 
h) Develop self-reliance defense posture to guarantee the enhancement of responsive and 
progressive capabilities and maximum utilization of resources; 
i) Develop a responsive Armed Forces capable of addressing various threats to national 
security; and 
j) Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided by law or directed by 
the President of the Philippines. 
SEC. 10. Contracts. – The Department is hereby authorized to enter into, make, perform and 
carry out contracts of every class, kind and description which ate necessary or incidental to the 


 
 
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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. 11. Management and Control of Defense Real Properties. - (a) The Department is 
hereby authorized to administer, operate, manage, control, maintain, and develop defense real 
properties for strategic basing and to use, hold, acquire, or lease any private real property, right of way, 
or easement which may be proper or necessary for the accomplishment of its mandate as provided in 
this Act. 
(b) The sale and/or exchange of strategic defense real properties shall be prohibited unless 
otherwise recommended by the Secretary of National Defense, approved by the President of the 
Philippines, and with the consent of Congress. 
(c) The lease and/or development of defense real properties, by joint venture or otherwise, shall 
be allowed upon prior approval by the President of the Philippines. 
(d) Any and all income derived from the lease or disposition of such defense real estate shall 
be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund, and disbursed in accordance with existing 
laws, rules, and regulations. 
SEC. 12. 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 performance security. 
SEC. 13. Exemption from Import Licenses. - All acquisition of defense materiel by the DND 
and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and other licenses imposed by other agencies of the 
government. In lieu thereof, the SND shall issue a certification that the goods being imported are 
exempt from such licenses. 
SEC. 14. 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. 15. 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, 


 
 
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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. 16. Organizational Structure. - The Defense Department shall be composed of the DND-
Proper and its bureaus namely, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Veterans Affairs 
Office (PAO), Government Arsenal (GA), National Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP), 
Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and other instrumentalities under the supervision and control of the 
Secretary of National Defense, as provided for by law. 
SEC. 17. Composition. - The DND-Proper shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary of 
National Defense and the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, and the Department 
of Services. 
SEC. 18. 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. 19. 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. 20. 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. 21. 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. 


 
 
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SEC. 22. 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) Force for national defense and security; and 
c) Plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ, and sustain its Regular and ReservePerform 
such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Commander-in-Chief. 
SEC. 23. 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. 24. Organization and Composition. - The AFP shall be initially composed of three (3) 
component services- the Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy. These 
services shall form the Citizens Armed Force composed of the Regular Force and Reserve Force guided 
by the Table of Organization and Equipment of the AFP, prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense upon recommendation of the CSAFP. 
Article II - The Regular Force 
A. ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION 
Chapter 1 - General Provisions 
SEC. 25. Size and Composition. - The Regular Force, alternately referred to as the Standing 
Force, shall be initially composed of the following: 
a) Regular Officers, Warrant Officers, and Enlisted Personnel; 
b) Reservists called to active duty, or on active duty tour for training; and 
c) Draftees, trainees, and government-sponsored Filipino cadets enrolled in local or 
foreign military schools. 
The size and composition of the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the President, upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP of the Philippines through the Secretary of National Defense. 
SEC. 26. 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. 


 
 
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SEC. 27. 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. 28. Operational Principles. - The operational principles of the AFP shall be as follows: 
a) The Commander-in-Chief shall exercise command and control through the CSAFP 
with the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. The Joint Headquarters AFP 
shall be the command-and-control element of the AFP; 
b) The Joint Headquarters AFP shall exercise centralized command and control to ensure 
unity and coordination of efforts throughout the military establishment; 
c) The Joint Force Operational Commands, as force employers, shall be responsible for 
the decentralized execution of joint operations to achieve maximum operational 
efficiency within the military establishment unless otherwise determined by the 
CSAFP through the supervision of the Secretary of National Defense; 
d) The Component Services, as force providers, shall be responsible for the development, 
organization, training, equipping, maintenance, and sustainment of combat forces, 
combat services, 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. 29. Mandate. - The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be headed by the CSAFP, shall 
be the command-and-control element of the AFP. 
SEC. 30. Organization. - The Joint Staff Headquarters shall be composed of the Office of the 
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, the Office 
of the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AFP Joint, Personal, and Special Staff and the other key staff offices 
and units necessary for effective command and control of the AFP as recommended by the CSAFP with 
the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
SEC. 31. 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, 


 
 
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at any time before the end of the term of the three (3) years and deemed retired from active military 
service. 
SEC. 32. 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)  Be responsible for the formulation of the national military strategy consistent with the 
national defense energy; 
c) Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, plans, and 
programs of the AFP; and 
d)  Prescribe the organization, powers, functions and duties of the various staff, services, 
and other units of the AFP in accordance with the national defense policy. 
SEC.  33. 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 
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 active service: Provided 
further, That Vice Chief of Staff may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time 
before the end of the term of three (3) years and deemed retired from active military service. 
SEC.  34. 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 the 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 
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 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.  35. 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.  36. 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. 


 
 
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Section 37. 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. 38. 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 staff, 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. 39. Organization, Mission, and Function. - (a) The Joint Force Operational Commands 
(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 Joint 
Force Operational Commands shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, in consultation 
with, or upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
Section 40. 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 Commander of the JFOC, as force employer, shall have operational control 
over all units operating within their respective joint area of operation. 
(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 compulsory retirement age as provided in this Act: Provided, That no officer shall be 
appointed as a Joint Force Commander of that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in active 
service: Provided further, That Joint Force Commanders maybe 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 
Section 41. 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. 


 
 
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(b) The Chiefs of the Component Services shall serve for a minimum term of two (2) years and 
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 Chief of Component Service if that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in active 
service: Provided further, That Chief of Component Service may be removed by the President as 
Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 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. 
Section 42. The Philippine Army. - The Philippine Army (PA), headed by the Chief of the 
Philippine Army shall provide forces that will be responsible for the conduct of prompt and sustained 
joint and combined ground operations in support of the AFP mission. It shall be composed of its 
headquarters, maneuver units, and sustainment units and such other units as may be necessary for the 
conduct of ground operations. 
SEC.  43. 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.  44. The Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) headed by the Chief of 
the Philippine Air Force shall provide forces that will be responsible for the conduct of prompt and 
sustained air operations in support of the AFP mission. It shall be composed of its headquarters, air 
combat, combat support, and sustainment units, and such other units as may be necessary for the 
conduct of air and support operations. 
SEC.  45. Functions of the Philippine Air Force. - The Philippine Air Force shall: 
a) Develop, organize, train, equip, maintain, and sustain such air forces or units as may 
be necessary for the conduct of prompt and sustained operations; 
b) Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective implementation of 
the national defense plans and programs and armed forces missions; 
c) Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component Services, doctrines, 
systems, tactics, techniques, and procedures peculiar to the Air Force; 
d) Implement mobilization of the Air Force Reserve; and 


 
 
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e) Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law or assigned by the 
CSAFP. 
SEC.  46. The Philippine Navy. - The Philippine Navy (PN) headed by the Chief of the 
Philippine Navy, shall provide forces that shall be employed for the conduct of prompt and sustained 
naval operations in support of the AFP missions. It shall be composed of its headquarters, naval forces, 
service support and sustainment units, and such other units as may be necessary for the conduct of naval 
operations. 
SEC.  47. 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.  48. 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 49. The Women's Auxiliary Corps. - The Women's Auxiliary Corps as created by 
Republic Act No. 3835, as amended, shall be integrated to their respective Component Service. For this 
purpose, RA 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. 50. Organization, Mission, and Function. - (a) The Philippine Military Academy 
(PMA), Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Officer Candidate School (OCS), Non-
commissioned Officer Academy, and other Military Education and Training Institutions organized and 
established by the CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense shall be under the 
command, 
control, 
and 
direction 
of 
their 
Military 
Education 
and 
Training 
Superintendent/Commandant. 
(b) The mission, functions, duties, and responsibilities of the military education and training 
institutions shall be prescribed by the CSAFP with the approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 
SEC.  51. The Philippine Military Academy. –  


 
 
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(a) Mandate. – The Philippine Military Academy, 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 Academy headed by the Superintendent shall be organized as prescribed 
by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
(c) Development – The Academy shall determine its teaching, manpower, curriculum, research 
and extension thrusts, plans and programs, standards, and budget. 
(d) Cadet Corps - The student body of the Academy shall be known as the Cadet Corps Armed 
Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and shall have such strength, as the Secretary of National Defense 
shall determine, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP. 
(e) Academic Board – There shall be an Academic Board organized by the Superintendent. The 
Board shall, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the CSAFP, have the power to 
confer baccalaureate degrees upon the cadets who satisfactorily complete the approved course of study. 
(f) The Superintendent shall serve for a minimum term of 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 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. 52. 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.  53. 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. 54. 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. 


 
 
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(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. 55. 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 a such commission or who lacks any of the qualifications prescribed by law or 
regulation. 
SEC. 56. Officer Grade Distribution. - The Secretary of National Defense shall prescribe the 
authorized number of officers in the Regular Force in each grade in each Component Service in 
accordance with the Table of Organization and Equipment.  
SEC. 57. Distribution of General/Flag Officers. - The number of general/flag officers herein 
authorized shall be distributed to the various general/flag officer grades by the Secretary of National 
Defense based on the recommendation of the CSAFP in accordance with the Table of Organization and 
Equipment. 
SEC. 58. Tour of Duty in Key Positions. - No officers with less than one (1) year remaining 
in active service shall be designated to positions requiring the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore 
or higher. 
SEC. 59. AFP Promotion System. - (a) The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by the 
principle that as officers are promoted from one grade to the next higher grade, the criteria of 
competence, merit, and potentials are the primary consideration. 
(b) The AFP Promotion System shall be the primary means by which the AFP shall periodically 
evaluate and assess its ranks of officers and shall institutionalize and continue to implement an efficient 
process of selection for promotion, as well as for attrition of officers as prescribed by the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
(c) The AFP Promotion System shall be governed by a management system with a view of 
ensuring smooth succession in the filling of vacancies in key positions as and when these occur. 
(d) The Secretary of National Defense shall prescribe the seniority and promotional lineal list 
of the AFP. 
SEC. 60. Promotion to General/Flag Officer Grades. – No officer shall be promoted to the 
rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher unless there is an existing vacancy, and the officer is 
occupying a position in the Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) that requires the rank for 
which he is being considered for promotion or assignment. 
SEC. 61. 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 
 
 
 
eight (8) years 


 
 
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Brigadier General/Commodore  
 
four (4) years 
 
Major General/Rear Admiral 
 
 
three (3) years 
 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral 
 
three (3) years 
 
General/Admiral 
 
 
 
three (3) years 
Unless earlier separated or retired or promoted to the next higher rank or occupying a position 
calling for the ranks of higher grade in the AFP TO&E, Colonels/Captains and Generals/Flag Officers 
shall be compulsorily retired upon the attainment of the maximum tenure in rank herein prescribed, or 
upon reaching the age of compulsory retirement, whichever is earlier, except for those, who may be 
allowed by the President to finish tenure in position, as recommended by the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
SEC. 62. 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. 63. 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. 64. Appointments in the Regular Force. - Warrant Officers shall be appointed by the 
Secretary of National Defense. 
SEC. 65. 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. 66. 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. 67. 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 


 
 
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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 emergencies, or entered into during its continuation shall 
remain in force until six (6) months after its termination unless sooner terminated by 
the President; 
b) Enlistments for service shall be apportioned among the various provinces of the 
Philippines, as far as practicable, provided that qualifications for competency as 
prescribed shall be observed; and 
c) Re-enlistment in the Regular Force shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National 
Defense. 
SEC. 68. Enlisted Ranks. - The ranks of enlisted personnel in the AFP shall be in accordance 
with the guidelines set forth by the CSAFP. The total number of enlisted personnel in the enlisted ranks 
and non-commissioned officer grades shall be prescribed by the CSAFP in accordance with the number 
of authorized positions in the approved Table of Organization & Equipment. 
SEC. 69. Enlistment and Career Development of Enlisted Personnel System. - The Secretary 
of National Defense shall, upon the recommendation of the CSAFP, prescribe the guidelines, which 
shall govern the procurement, enlistment, training, promotion, and discharge or separation of all 
enlisted personnel in the AFP. 
Section 70. Authority to Promote and Demote. - The authority to promote and demote Enlisted 
Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 
C. RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION 
SEC. 71. 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. 72. Recall from Retirement. - An Officer, Warrant Officer or Enlisted Personnel 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. 73. Retirement and Separation Benefits. – Congress shall allocate funds for retirement 
and separation benefits according to existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
SEC. 74. Attrition System. - (a) The attrition system for Officers shall be prescribed by the 
President as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
(b) The attrition system for Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed by the 
Secretary of National Defense, as recommended by the CSAFP. 


 
 
18 
SEC. 75. Effect of Loss of Filipino Citizenship. - Pursuant to existing laws, any retired military 
personnel, receiving retirement and pension benefits pursuant to the provisions of this Act, who loses 
his/ her Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled to receive pension and retirement benefits. The 
survivors of any retired military personnel who lose their Filipino citizenship shall no longer be entitled 
to receive survivorship benefits. 
D. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM 
SEC. 76. 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 a reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension of active service, and 
forfeiture, suspension, or withholding of pay and allowances of Officers, except those ranks confirmed 
by Commission on Appointments, found administratively liable. The procedure, extent or system of 
which shall be prescribed by the President as recommended by the Secretary of National Defense. 
E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE 
SEC. 77. Extension of Legal Assistance. - All military personnel charged with 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 the 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. 78. Mandatory Military Service. - In relation to the patriotic duty of every citizen to 
defend the country when obliged to preserve and protect sovereignty, every Filipino, natural-born or 
naturalized shall be subject to basic, suitable, and sufficient military training and education for a 
minimum of two (2) years of mandatory military service. 
SEC. 79. Purpose. - The purpose of the Reserve Force is to provide the base for the expansion 
of the AFP in the event of a disaster, internal disorder, and invasion; 
SEC. 80. Organization of the Reserve Force. - The organization of the Reserve Force shall 
conform to projected and actual needs as determined by the Secretary of National Defense upon the 
approval of the President. The Table of Organization and Equipment of the Reserve Force shall be 
prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense upon recommendation of the CSAFP. 
Chapter 2- Composition of the Reserve Force 


 
 
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SEC. 81. Composition. - The Reserve Force shall have three (3) components, namely: 
a) The Army Reserve Component; 
b) The Air Force Reserve Component, and 
c) The Navy Reserve Component. 
SEC. 82. 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. 83. 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. 84. 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. 85. Organization. - (a) Unless otherwise provided by law, the organization, functions, 
duties and responsibilities of the staff and operating units of each of the bureaus and agencies under the 
Department shall be as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense in appropriate rules and 
regulations issued for the purpose. 
(b) For this purpose, and in the interest of service, the Secretary of National Defense may, in 
accordance with the policies or directives of the President: 
1. Establish and organize staffs, offices, and units in the bureaus or agencies and prescribe 
the titles, powers, functions, and duties of the positions therein; 
2. Abolish existing staffs, offices, and units in the bureaus or agencies not specifically 
provided by law, or transfer or consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, 
offices or units; and 
3. Abolish a position of any bureau or agency and transfer or consolidate its functions 
and duties with those of another position. 
SEC. 86. 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 separation pay and other benefits in accordance with existing laws, rules, 
or regulations. 


 
 
20 
ARTICLE II 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
SEC. 87. 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. 88. Power and Functions. - The Government Arsenal shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
a) Formulate and implement plans and programs towards the achievement of self- 
sufficiency in weapons, small arms ammunition, mortars, medium and large caliber 
ammunition, and other munitions needed by the country's defense and security 
establishments; 
b) Design, conduct research, develop, manufacture, procure, repair, stockpile and allocate 
weapons, munitions, and other defense materiel subject to existing laws and regulatory 
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. 
Section 89. 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. 
 Section 90. Modernization of the Arsenal. - The modernization of the Government Arsenal, 
for the development of production capabilities to enhance self-sufficiency in defense requirements, 
shall be part of the defense modernization program. The Government Arsenal may use such production 
facilities as it may own or be provided with under this Act or as it may arrange, under joint venture, co-
production or similar agreements with local and foreign entities. 
ARTICLE III 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Section 91. 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 


 
 
21 
Philippines (NDCP) is hereby transformed into the National Defense University of the Philippines 
(NDUP), categorized as a special higher education institution. To ensure the continuous operation of 
the College, all its personnel and resources shall be absorbed by the NDUP. 
The degree programs, instruction, faculty complement, research, and facilities of the NDUP 
shall be accredited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The NDUP shall likewise have 
adequate plantilla positions and receive appropriate funding to fulfill the requirements of transforming 
into a defense university. 
SEC. 92. Mandate. - In accordance with the standards set forth in pertinent laws and 
regulations on higher education, the NDUP shall train and develop the competence of potential national 
defense leaders, civilian officials of the different agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and 
selected executives from the private sector in the formulation and review of national security policies 
and undertake research and studies as basis for the formulation of national defense and security policies, 
plans and programs. The NDUP shall be headed by a President, and assisted by an Executive Vice 
President, and four (4) Vice-Presidents, all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the 
Philippines, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. The NDUP President shall 
have a term of six (6) years. 
SEC. 93. 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 in defense 
and security; and 
c) Undertake policy research and special studies, as well as policy formulation on 
strategic defense and security issues. 
SEC. 94. Organization and Administration. - (a) The NDUP President shall administer the 
affairs of the University. 
(b) The NDUP President shall be assisted by the Executive Vice President (EVP). The EVP 
shall act as NDUP President in the absence or incapacity of the NDUP President and shall perform such 
other functions and duties as may be assigned to him by the NDUP President or the Secretary of 
National Defense. 
(c) There shall be a Vice-President for Academic Affairs, who shall be responsible for the 
development, implementation, supervision and evaluation of academic programs; a Vice-President for 
Strategic Studies and Policy Formulation, who shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of 
research and special studies and policy formulation and review for the Department; a Vice-President 
for Military Affairs, who shall be responsible for the overall military activities of the University, a Vice-
President for Administration, who shall be responsible for the overall administrative support to all the 
activities of the University and such other officials as may be required by the University subject to the 
approval of the Secretary of National Defense. 


 
 
22 
(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. 95. Graduates of the Regular Course of the University. - All graduates of the University 
shall be conferred the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA). Civilian 
graduates of the MNSA program shall receive an initial rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Commander in the 
Reserve Force subject to existing AFP regulations. The MNSA or its equivalent in military career 
development course shall be required for appointment or designation to key positions and promotion 
of AFP officers to the grade of 0-7 (Brigadier General/Commodore). 
SEC. 96. Transition. – The SND shall determine the appropriate transition period for NDCP 
to attain the status and competency of becoming a university. Further, Congress shall allocate the 
necessary funds for the transformation of NDCP to NDUP. 
ARTICLE IV 
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
SEC. 97. 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. 98. Powers and Functions. - The Office shall have the following powers and functions: 


 
 
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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; 
g) Provide assistance and secretariat services to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and 
Management Council (NDRRMC) 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. 99. 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. 100. 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. 101. Powers and Functions. - The Office shall have the following powers and functions: 


 
 
24 
a) Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense, policies, rules, and regulations governing the adjudication and administration 
of veterans claims and benefits;  
b) Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions, and other privileges granted to veterans, 
their heirs, and beneficiaries; 
c) Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to existing law; 
d) Administer, develop, and maintain military memorials and battle monuments 
proclaimed as national shrines; and 
e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
SEC. 102. 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. 103. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DND shall formulate the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for proper implementation of this Act within twelve (12) 
months from the effectivity hereof. The said rules and regulations shall be approved by the President 
of the Philippines. 
SEC. 104. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act is 
hereby appropriated in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 105. 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. 106. 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. 107. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever 
comes first. 
 
Approved,