FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
7 JUL -2 ’<. :I.( 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No. 
3 6 2 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
New security implications of recent developments in the structure of 
political relations among nation states and the international economy - enhanced 
by advances in science and technology warrant the search for a new approach to 
security, one that covers non-military concerns such as economic, environmental 
and social issues and one that is able to account for the interconnected effects 
that such developments bear down on the state. Note that the country is bereft 
of a Comprehensive National Security Plan. For more than half a century, we 
have been using Commonwealth Act No. 1 otherwise known as the National 
Defense Act. In view of the changes in the international arena, Commonwealth 
Act No. 1 is no longer adequate and responsive in addressing both internal and 
external threats faced by the country. For this reason, a comprehensive national 
security policy needs to be adopted. The country needs a realistic, coherent and 
purposive blueprint to ensure the country’s defense and development. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this measure is 
encouraged. 
Senator 
Senator 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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7 JL -2 
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I
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY AND PLANNING 
FRAMEWORK AND CREATING AN INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM FOR 
IMPLEMENTATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be if enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
TITLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
ARTlCLE I 
TITLE AND DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 
SECTION I. 
Title. - This Act shall be known as "The National Security 
Act of 2007"'. 
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to: 
Provide a comprehensive system that integrates policies and 
procedures relating to national security for all department and 
agencies of the government to achieve unified direction and 
authoritative coordination of the Army, Navy, and Air Force 
and to insure the effective strategic direction of the Armed 
Forces 
into 
an 
integrated and efficient operational 
organization; 
1) 
Promote human development and security through the 
concerted effort of all its agencies and instrumentalities and 
by taking concrete steps to increase the availability and widen 
the distribution of basic life sustaining goods, raise levels of 
living and expand the range of economic and social choices; 
Promote social cohesiveness among its people through 
education and participation in national development; 
Protecting its environment and natural resources from undue 
utilization and exploitation thereby ensuring their productive 


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


The Philippine resources is an instrument of national policy and 
affirms the right of self-defense against all threats to national 
security; 
The Philippines adheres to the policy of peace, cooperation and 
amity with all nations, consistent with national sovereignty, 
territorial integrity and self-determination; 
The Philippines adopts the generally accepted principles of 
international law; 
The security of the State shall be guaranteed to by the 
mobilization of its citizens and resources; and 
The integration of civilian and military personnel and resources 
shall underlie defense policy and structure. 
ARTICLE 2 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
SEC 4. Definitions. - Under this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
1. 
National Security - refers to the state or condition wherein the 
people's way of life and institutions, their territorial integrity and 
sovereignty including their well-being are protected and 
enhanced. 
2. 
Defense - refers to the employment of acceptable and 
reasonable means and methods available to prevent, resist, and 
destroy and enemy attack, in accordance with international laws 
and standards. 
Strategy - refers to plan of action that organizes efforts to 
achieve objectives with the ways and means of achieving those 
ends. 
National Security Strategy - refers to the bridge that connects 
the national instruments of power (military and diplomacy) and 
the country's defined national security objectives. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
National Security Threat - capabilities, intention, and actions of 
actual or potential enemies to prevent or interfere with the 
successful fulfillment of national security interests and/or 
objectives. 
TITLE I1 
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY 
ARTICLE 3 
DEFlNlNG THE RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES OF A NATIONAL SECURITY 
STRATEGY 
SEC 4. Principles and Objecfives of a National Security Strategy. - The 
primary objective of a strategy is to protect and enhance the people's physical 
and the government's political survival. Thus, a national security strategy plan 
shall be governed by the following principles and objectives: 


the plan shall be created in the context of the prevailing 
political system and the prevailing security environment, 
taking into account the threats and opportunities that 
the nation faces; 
the plan shall be realistic, coherent, and purposive 
blueprint to ensure the country’s defense and 
development because security is not inherited but 
created; 
the plan shall determine how threats can be countered 
and how opportunities can be pursued without risking 
the core values that the people treasure; and, 
the plan shall define the strategic vision which shall 
contain or reflect the aspirations of the people as 
defined by the national leadership or by the President, 
provided that the strategic vision must be translated into 
specific security objectives, 
so that appropriate 
approach can be designed and implemented for the 
purpose. 
SEC 6. lmperatives for a National Strategy. - A national strategy shall 
outline three basic elements - ends, ways, and means - and the process that 
govern their interactions. 
(a) 
Ways -the national leadership must be able to foster the broad 
public 
understanding and 
support 
necessary for 
the 
implementation of the country’s national security strategy and 
plans. It shall also sustain its current security activities or 
engagements. 
In the event where shaping the security environment proves 
difficult, the country must be prepared to respond to the 
different challenges using the national security instruments in 
its possession. The ways adopted must therefore provide an 
array of possible responses consonant to the anticipated risks 
that may occur in its security environment. 
Means - the country’s diplomatic instrument of power shall be 
the first line of defense. A diplomatic corps shall be established 
which shall be composed of professionals to well-trained 
individuals. Members of the diplomatic corps must possess a 
broad understanding of the dynamics of domestic and 
international politics. 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall remain the 
strong sources of the country’s security. 
The AFP shall 
likewise be composed of professional in individuals and shall 
be equipped with tools or technology demanded by the times. 
Ends -the national security strategy must be focused. It shall 
define the country’s strategic objectives or visions which are 
derived from the hopes and aspirations of the people it serves. 
Henceforth, the ends must ensure the protection of the 
country’s fundamental and enduring needs; protect the lives 
(b) 
( 4  


and safety of the people; maintain the sovereignty of the 
country with its values, institutions and territory intact. 
SEC 7. Threats to National Security Requiring the Employment of Armed 
Forces. - Upon the direction of the President, threats to national security 
requiring the employment of Armed Forces shall be addressed by the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. 
TITLE 111 
IMPLEMENTING STRUCTURES AND MECHANISMS 
ARTICLE 4 
THE NA TIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL 
SEC 8. Composition of the National Security Council. - There shall be 
created a National Security Council (NSC) which shall be composed of the 
following: 
(a) The President; 
(b) The Vice President; 
(c) The Secretary of Foreign Affairs; 
(d) The Executive Secretary; 
(e) The Secretary of National Defense; 
(f) The Secretary of Interior and Local Government; 
(9) The Secretary of Justice; 
(h) The Director-General of the National Economic Development 
Authority; 
(i) The National Security Adviser; 
(j) The Chairman of the Committee on National Defense and Security of 
both Houses of Congress; and, 
(k) Other government officials and private citizens whom the President 
may designate from time to time. 
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Director- 
General of the Philippine National Police shall serve as advisers to the Council. 
SEC 9. Chairman of the National SecuLity Council. - The President shall 
serve as the Chairman of the National Security Council. He shall convene and 
preside all meetings of the Council provided that in his absence, he may 
designate any member of the Council to preside in his place. The Council shall 
meet as the President may deem necessary. 
SEC I O .  Powers and Functions. - The National Security Council (NSC) 
(a) 
Advise 
the 
President on the 
formulation, 
integration, 
coordination and supervision of the implementation of all 
national security policies; 
Formulate guidelines for all agencies of the government on 
matters relating to national security, including such rules that 
will govern the conduct of information and intelligence 
shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
(b) 


gathering, collation and analysis by agencies and officials 
involved in national security; 
Ensure integration of relevant domestic and foreign policies 
relating to national security to enable all departments and 
agencies of the government to cooperate more effectively on 
matters involving national security; 
Provide guidance to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on 
the conduct of intelligence operations; and, 
Exercise oversight function over the NIA. 
(c) 
( 4  
(e) 
SEC 11. Executive Committee. - The National Security Council shall 
have an Executive Committee which shall be composed of the President as the 
Chairman, the Vice President, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Executive 
Secretary, the Secretary of National Defense, the National Security Adviser, and 
such other members or advisers as the President may appoint from time to time. 
SEC 12. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee. - The 
following shall be the primary duties and responsibilities of the Executive 
Committee: 
(a) Review and analyze national security problems; 
(b) Formulate positions or solutions for consideration by the Council; 
(c) Determine the agenda and order of business of the Council; and, 
(d) Advise the President on the implementation of any decisions. 
To carry out the functions of the Executive Committee, the Chairman shall 
utilize the facilities and expertise of any of the government agencies and 
instrumentalities and shall promulgate rules and regulations to govern the 
operations of the Executive Committee. 
SEC 13. National Security Adviser. - For purposes of this Act, the 
Director of the National Security Council shall be hereinafter be referred to as the 
National Security Adviser. 
He shall be assisted by a Deputy who shall be 
appointed by and shall Serve at the pleasure of the President. 
SEC 14. Duties of the National Security Adviser. - The National Security 
Adviser shall advise the President on matters pertaining to national security and, 
whenever directed by the President, supervise and monitor the implementation of 
national security policies adopted by the Council. He shall likewise attend and 
participate in the meetings of the Cabinet with the permission of the Chairman. 
SEC 15. The National Security Council Secretariat. - The NSC shall 
have a permanent Secretariat which shall be headed by the Deputy National 
Security Adviser, under the general supervision of the National Security Adviser. 


SEC 16. Functions. - The Secretariat of the Council shall be responsible 
It shall further 
for providing technical and administrative services to NSC. 
undertake the following: 
(a) 
Document the proceedings and manage and maintain the 
records of the meetings of the Council; 
Ensure the policies formulated by the Council as approved by 
the President are clearly and promptly communicated to the 
agencies concerned, and that the implementation of national 
security plans and policies are closely monitored and 
appropriate evaluations of such policies are made; 
Prepare strategic studies, plans and policy options on issues 
and concerns affecting national security; 
Ensure the timely collections and dissemination of information 
necessary for the improvement of the national security 
process; 
Engage the services of and extended financial support to 
domestic and foreign specialists and experts, private research 
entities and other non-government organizations involved in 
the conduct of the NSC: and 
(b) 
( 4  
(d) 
(e) 
(9 
Perform such other tasks as the President may direct. 
TITLE IV 
THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY (NIA) 
SEC 17. Powers and Authority. -The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) 
shall be the central authority on national intelligence. As such, it shall undertake 
intelligence activities; direct, coordinate and integrate governmental activities 
involving national intelligence; and prepare intelligence estimates of local and 
foreign situations for the formulation of national policies. 
SEC 18. 
Reconstitution of the NICA. - The National Intelligence 
Coordinating Agency (NICA) is hereby converted into the National Intelligence 
Agency (NIA). To ensure the continuity of NICAs operations, all its personnel 
and resources therein shall be absorbed by the NIA. Salaries of its personnel 
shall be fixed or adjusted by the NIA Director, provided that the same is within 
the limits of appropriations provided for the purpose. 
SEC 19. Organi zafion. - Th e National Intelligence Agency (NIA) is 
It shall be headed by a 
Both officials shall be 
hereby created under the Office of the President. 
Director who shall be assisted by a Deputy Director. 
appointed by the President. 
SEC 20. Functions. -The following are the primary functions of the NIA: 
(1) Provide the President, the National Security Council, 
and other government agencies with intelligence 


estimates, reports and other services essential to 
national security; 
(2) Undertake intelligence activities, focusing on collecting 
strategic intelligence requirements of the country 
(political, economic, defense, etc.) to include the 
collection of foreign intelligence; 
(3) Collect and process information for dissemination of 
accurate, comprehensive and timely intelligence to 
end-users: 
(4) Coordinate with the various government agencies and 
instrumentalities 
to 
provide 
information 
and 
assistance, which the Agency may require in the 
performance of its mandate; 
(5) Maintain 
and 
operate 
a 
communication 
and 
information operations infrastructure; and 
(6) Perform such other functions and duties related to 
intelligence affecting the national security as the 
President of the National Security Council may direct. 
ARTICLE 5 
NATIONAL INTELLlGENCE BOARD 
SEC 21. Creafion of a National Intelligence Board. - There shall be 
created a National Intelligence Board (NIB) which shall be the advisory body to 
the Director of NIA on the conduct, coordination, and integration of intelligence 
activities and the preparation of national intelligence estimates on domestic and 
international situations. 
SEC 22. Composition of the NIB. - The NIB shall be composed of the 
NIA Director as ex-officio Chairman and the heads of all departmental and other 
intelligence units, who shall be appointed by the President, as members. 
ARTICLE 6 
DEPARTMENT STRATEGlC INTELLIGENCE UNITS 
SEC 23. Departmental Strategic Intelligence Agencies. - There shall be 
created an intelligence unit in all departments which shall collect and process 
information in support of the implementation of the country’s national security 
strategy. 
TITLE V 
DEFENSE AND MILITARY ORGANIZATION 
SEC 24. Principles of the Defense and Military Organization. - The 
defense and military organization shall be governed by the principles of simplicity 


of structure, clear lines of command, expedient decision-making, jointness, 
complementarity, 
economy 
of 
resources and 
adaptability to specific 
environmental conditions. 
SEC 25. The Line of Aufhorify. - The established lines of authority shall 
be the following: 
(4 
In times of peace, the Line of Authority starts from the 
President of the Philippines being the Commander-in-Chief of 
the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines to the: 
a. Secretary of National Defense as it pertains to the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines; 
b. Secretary of Interior and Local Government as it pertains to the 
Philippine National Police ; 
c. Secretary of Transportation and Communications as it pertains 
to the Philippine Coast Guard. 
In times of emergency to meet threats to national security 
where mobilization is effected by the President, the Line of 
Authority starts from the President of the Philippines, as the 
Commander-in-Chief of the entire armed forces, to the 
Secretary of National Defense and to the Chief of Staff of 
Armed Forces of the Philippines. 
(b) 
ARTICLE 7 
THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
SEC 26. Powers and Funcfions of the Department of National Defense. - 
The Department of National Defense (DND) shall be responsible for the planning, 
directing, and supervising the national defense programs; undertaking and 
promoting research and development activities; and performing such other 
functions as may be prescribed by the President. It shall exercise control and 
supervision over the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Government 
Arsenal (GA), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Philippine Veterans Office 
(PVAO), and the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). 
SEC 27. Composjfjon. -The Office of the Secretary of National Defense 
shall be headed by the Secretary and shall include the Undersecretary, the 
Executive Staff, Service Staff and Personal Staff. 
ARTICLE 8 
THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SEC 28. Powers and Funcfions. - The Armed Forces of the Philippines 
is the military establishment of the government under the command, control and 
supervision of the President as its Commander-in-Chief through the Secretary of 
National Defense. Its mission is to uphold the Constitution, protect the people, 


preserve territorial integrity and secure the sovereignty of the state. Its broad 
functions are: 
(a) Promote and advance the national security interests of the country; 
(b) Plan, organize, maintain, develop and employ its regular and reserve 
(c) Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by 
forces for national defense; and 
higher authorities in the Line of Authority. 
SEC 29. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall undertake a program 
of strengthening the patriotic spirit and nationalist consciousness of all its 
members, and respect for people's rights. 
SEC 30. The members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be 
insulated from partisan politics and they shall not engage in partisan political 
activities, directly or indirectly, except to vote. 
SEC 31. Recruitment of the AFP. - The officers and men of the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines shall be recruited proportionately from all regions of the 
country, to the extend practicable, taking into account the existence of 
multicultural composition of the population. 
SEC 32. The President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces 
of the Philippines, whenever it becomes necessary, may call on the AFP to 
support the PNP in preventing or suppressing lawlessness, violence or rebellion. 
SEC 33. Regular and Resewe Forces. - The Armed Forces of the 
Philippines shall be composed of the Regular Force and the Reserve Force. The 
Regular Force shall consist of all personnel in the active military service. 
SEC 34. Organization of the AFP. - The Armed Forces of the Philippines 
shall be organized into three Major Services, namely: Philippine Army, Philippine 
Navy, and Philippine Air Force. It shall have an AFP-Wide Service Support Units 
(AFPWSSU's), a General Headquarters (GHQ), and organized Operational 
Commands. 
SEC 35. AFP Technical Services. -The AFP Technical Services shall be 
composed of services in specialized fields requiring at least baccalaureate 
preparation in a particular discipline which are rendered to all AFP personnel and 
their dependents. 
,The AFP Technical Services shall consist of Chaplain Service, Corps of 
Professors, Judge Advocate General Service, Medical Corps. Dental Service, 
Veterinary Corps, Nurse Corps, and Medical-Service Corps. 
SEC 36. General Headquarfers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. - 
The General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall be 


composed of the offices of the Chief of Staff, the Vice Chief of Staff, the Deputy 
Chief of Staff, the Armed Forces Joint Coordinating Staff, and the Personal, 
Special and Technical Staff. 
The AFP Chief of Staff shall exercise command and control 
over all elements of the AFP. 
He shall execute command 
functions in relation to military strategy and tactics operation. 
He shall be responsible for the development and execution of 
the national defense programs and armed forces mission 
under the authority and direction of the President and the 
Secretary of the National Defense, the organization powers, 
functions and dufies of the various staff, services, installations 
and other units of the AFP; 
The Vice Chief of Staff shall be the principal assistant Chief of 
Staff and shall act as the Chief of Staff during the latter’s 
absence of disability. He shall assist the Chief of Staff in the 
administration and management of the AFP; 
The AFP General Staff shall advice and assist the Chief of 
Staff in the performance of his functions and in the 
accomplishment of the tasks of the General Headquarters. It 
shall be headed by the Deputy Chief of Staff, who shall be 
appointed by the Chief of Staff, subject to the approval of the 
President. 
The AFP General Staff shall be a joint staff 
consisting of the coordinating, personal, and special and 
technical staff. The organization, functions and duties of the 
General Staff shall be prescribed by the Chief of Staff. 
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
ARTICLE 9 
THE PHILIPPINE ARMY 
SEC 37. Mandate. - The Philippine Army shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain, and provide ground forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained 
land operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC 38. Organization. - The Philippine Army shall be composed of its 
headquarters, land combat and service forces and spch other units as may be 
necessary to accomplish its assigned mission. 
It shall be headed by a 
Commanding General who shall hold the rank of Lieutenant General. 
SEC 39. Functions. - The Philippine Army shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) 
Prepare such units as may be necessary for the effective 
prosecution of the national defense plans and programs and 
armed forces mission, including the expansion of the peacetime 
army component to meet any emergency; 
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major 
Services, concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, 
strategies, tactics, and techniques for army operations; 
(b) 


(c) 
( 4  
(e) 
(9 
Organize, train and equip all army reserve units; 
Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
Support national development efforts; and, 
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
ARTICLE IO 
THE PHILIPPINE NAVY 
SEC 40. Mandate. - The Philippine Navy shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain and provide navy forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained naval 
operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC 41. Organizafion. - The Philippine Navy shall be composed of 
headquarters, naval combat, marine support and such other forces as may be 
necessary to accomplish its mission. It shall be headed by a Flag Office in 
Command who shall hold the rank of Vice Admiral. 
SEC 42. 
Functions. - The Philippine Navy shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) 
Prepare the necessary naval units for the effective prosecution 
of national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
mission, including the expansion of 
peacetime navy 
component to meet any emergency; and support the 
enforcement of all applicable laws pertaining to maritime 
matters like safety of life at sea, immigration, customs, 
revenues, narcotics, quarantine, and fishing; 
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major 
Services, concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, 
strategies, tactics, and techniques for naval operations; 
Organize, train and equip all naval reserve units; 
Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
Support national development efforts; and, 
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
ARTICLE I 1  
THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE 
SEC 43. Mandate. - The Philippine Navy Shall organize, train, equip, 
maintain and provide air forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained air 
operations to accomplish the AFP mission. 


SEC 44. Organization. -The Philippine Air Force shall be composed of a 
headquarters, tactical and service support forces as may be necessary to 
accomplish an assigned mission. It shall be headed by a Commanding General 
who shall hold a rank of Lieutenant General. 
SEC 45. Functions. - The Philippine Air Force shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) 
Organize, train, and equip forces for airlift, airborne and tactical 
air operations; 
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Major 
Services, concepts, doctrines, systems, policies, procedures, 
strategies, tactics and techniques for air operations; 
Organize, train, and equip all air force reserve units; 
Assist in disaster relief and search and rescue operations; 
Support national development efforts; and 
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
(b) 
(c) 
(4 
(e) 
(9 
ARTICLE 12 
OPERATlONAL COMMANDS 
SEC 46. Operational Commands. - Operational Commands shall be 
created which shall consist of Area Commands and Specified Commands. The 
SND shall prescribe the operational boundaries and force structure of these 
commands. Area Command refers to a military command which has broad, 
continuing mission in a particular operational area of responsibility and shall be 
composed of forces from two or more major services. Specified Command refers 
to military command which has specific I particular continuing mission which shall 
be composed of forces from a single major service. 
The President shall 
prescribe the operational boundaries and force structure of these commands. 
SEC 47. Mandate. - The operational commands shall conduct such 
prompt and sustained land, sea, and air operations as may be necessary to 
accomplish the AFP mission. 
SEC 48. Role of the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines. - 
The Chief of Staff shall periodically review the mission, responsibilities, including 
operational boundaries and organization of each command and, as may be 
necessary, recommend to the President, through the Secretary of National 
Defense, any changes to such mission, area of responsibility, and organization. 
ARTICLE 13 
RESERVE FORCE 


SEC 49. Mobilization of the Reserve Force. - The utilization of the 
Reserve Force in times of emergency to meet threats to national security shall be 
through mobilization which shall be effected by the President as follows: 
Full Mobilization. When full mobilization is ordered, all units 
of the Ready, Standby and Retired Reserves shall be 
activated. The reservists constituting the same shall be called 
to active duty and placed on operational readiness; 
Partial Mobilization. When partial mobilization is ordered, 
only the units of the Ready Reserve necessary to meet the 
threat will be activated. The reservists assigned to these units 
called to active duty and placed on operational readiness. 
Selective Mobilization. When selective mobilization shall be 
ordered, the President and shall himself select the units of the 
Ready Reserve to be activated for the purpose. 
(1) 
(2) 
(3) 
SEC 50. Mobilization Fund. - For purposes of Section 52, the President 
shall submit to Congress a mobilization plan and its corresponding budgetary 
requirements. Under this Act, the President is authorized to cause the utilization 
of any private entity necessary for the implementation of the mobilization plan. 
The cause for such mobilization shall be paid by the national government. 
SEC 51. 
Duration of Mobilization. - The President may call for a 
mobilization for a period not exceeding one hundred (100) days after which, he 
shall render a report to Congress immediately after the termination of 
mobilization or in case of new appropriation for the extension of the period of 
mobilization. 
SEC 52. Demobilization. -When the threat or emergency for which the 
mobilization had been ordered has passed, the President shall order the 
demobilization and subsequent deactivation of the reserve units and reservists 
shall be reverted to inactive status. 
SEC 53. 
Reserve Force Readiness Evaluation. - Reserve Force 
Readiness Evaluation shall be conducted by the Secretary of National Defense 
upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff on a periodic basis to provide the 
reservists with training opportunities and evaluate operational effectiveness of 
units and individual members. Reservists participating in training and readiness 
evaluation shall be entitled to medical, incapacity and death benefits in 
'accordance with law. 
SEC 54. Role of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National 
Police. - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police 
(PNP) shall be affiliated reserved units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In 
times of war or emergency, the PCG and PNP, upon the approval of the 
President, may be called upon to provide forces and resources to support the 
AFP mission. 


TITLE VI 
SECURITY AND DEFENSE STRATEGY FORMULATION 
SEC 55. Role of the President - The President as the Commander-in- 
Chief shall have the responsibility to undertake strategic planning on defense and 
security policies. The President shall transmit to Congress a comprehensive 
report on the Philippine national security strategy, along with the mid-term and 
long-term defense programs with its concomitant annual budget. The report shall 
primarily contain the following: 
(a) 
national interests, goals, objectives and consequent national 
defense capabilities vital to national security; 
foreign policy, international commitments and legislative 
actions necessary to implement the national strategy of the 
country; and 
(b) 
short, medium and long term uses of the elements of national 
power to protect and promote the security interests of the 
country. 
SEC 56. Role of the Secretary of National Defense. - The Secretary of 
National Defense shall be the principal assistant to the President on policy and 
strategy matters involving national defense. He shali provide the Chief of Staff 
an annual Defense Planning Guidance which shall contain national defense 
objectives, policies and strategies and the resource levels projected to be 
available for the period. 
SEC 57. Role of the Chief of Staff. - The Chief of Staff shall assist the 
President and Secretary of National Defense in providing strategic direction to 
the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He shall prepare the national military 
strategy which will contain military objectives, strategic concepts, and force 
options, and a risk analysis of such recommended strategy and conduct periodic 
strategic review thereof. 
SEC 58. Strategic Plans. - Strategic Plans shall enumerate specific 
objectives, identify resources and constraints, outline strategy for securing 
objectives, and determine force capability requirements. 
SEC 59. Strategic Reviews. - There shall be a periodic review of the 
defense organization to determine its continuing relevance, viability and 
capability. The strategic review shall be conducted by a special committee to be 
constituted by the Secretary of National Defense upon approval of the President 
of the Republic. 
TITLE VI1 
ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT 
SEC 60. 
The administration of the Armed Forces shall be the 
responsibility of the Secretary of National Defense. 


SEC 61. Personnel Politics. - Personnel policies and administration shall 
be in accordance with the following principles: 
Recruitment of the Armed Forces shall be governed by the 
principle of equality, without distinction of any kind as to 
ethnicity, gender, religion and political beliefs. It shall be limited 
to natural born citizens in case of officers; 
Career management in education, training, assignment and 
appointment shall provide for equal opportunities to all 
members; 
Promotion of members of the Armed Forces shall be based on 
merit, efficiency and competence. 
It shall be governed by 
principles of justice, equality, fairness and professionalism; 
Members of the Armed Forces shall receive pay, allowances 
and other benefits that shall promote professionalism and 
afford them a respectable life; 
Members of the Armed Forces shall be entitled to retirement 
and separation benefits that shall enable them to live a descent 
life. Retirement and separation benefits shall not be subject to 
attachment, garnishment, 
levy, execution 
or 
any tax 
whatsoever, neither shall they be assigned, ceded or conveyed 
to any third party. 
Attrition of members of the Armed Forces shall consider the 
best interest of the service over that of its individual members; 
At any time during the active service, no officer or member of 
the Armed Forces of the Philippines may be appointed or 
designated in any capacity whatsoever to any civilian position , 
in ay branch, department, agency or unit of government, or any 
of the corporations that it owns or controls, or any of the 
subsidiaries of such corporations; and, 
Military officers shall not be allowed extension of service upon 
retirement. 
ARTlCLE 14 
GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
SEC 62. Mandate. - The Government Arsenal shall undertake research 
and development on munitions and to operate as ah integrated manufacturing 
entity producing munitions primarily for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 
the Philippine National Police. 
SEC 63. Organizafion. - The Government Arsenal shall be headed by a 
Director, who shall be a natural-born citizen, with relevant education and 
experience in munitions and its related fields. 


SEC 64. Functions. -The Arsenal shall have the following functions: 
(a) Operate and maintain the government arsenal; 
(b) Formulate and implement plans and programs to achieve self- 
sufficiency in arms and munitions; 
(c) Design, develop, manufacture, stockpile, and allocate arms and 
munitions without the necessity of obtaining any permits or licenses; 
(d) In case of war or an emergency, facilitate the efficient mobilization of 
civilian industry to augment the production of the government arsenal; 
(e) In case of full mobilization, supervise the operations of the civilian 
munitions industry; 
(0 Procure raw materials, test weapons and other equipment in support 
of its mission. 
ARTICLE 15 
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
SEC 65. Mandate. -'The Office of Civil Defense shall promote and 
ensure the protection and security of the population, their property and 
environment from all kinds of disasters by overseeing the effective and efficient 
implementation of civil protection programs and services through an integrated, 
multi-sectoral and community-based approaches and strategies. 
SEC 66. Organization. - The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed by 
the Administrator. 
SEC 67. Functions. -The Office of Civil Defense shall have the following 
functions: 
(a) 
Formulate and administer a comprehensive national civil 
protection and disaster risk reduction program; 
Formulate policies and prepare plans for the protection and 
security of the population, their property and environment, from 
all kinds of disasters: 
(b) 
(c) 
Estimate the total material manpower and fiscal requirements 
for carrying out the national civil protection and disaster risk 
reduction program, and provide the local government units and 
autonomous regions such aid facilities, materials and funds as 
may be made available from the national government; 
Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating 
and training the general public, volunteer workers, local 
government units and other principal groups on civil protection 
measures and activities; 


(e) 
Furnish guidance and technical assistance to the various 
provinces, cities, municipalities in the planning, organization, 
training and operation of the local Disaster Management 
Councils; 
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; 
National Disaster Management Councils; and, 
Perform such other duties as may be provided by law. 
(9 
(9) 
Provide secretariat and technical support services to the 
(h) 
SEC 68. Renaming of the NDCC. - The National Disaster Coordinating 
Council (NDCC) and the other Disaster Coordinating Councils established under 
Presidential Decree No. 1566 are hereby renamed as the National Disaster 
Management Council (NDMC) and Regional, Provincial, City, Municipality, and 
Barangay Disaster Management Council, respectively. 
ARTICLE 16 
PHILIPPINE VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFICE 
SEC 69, Mandate. - The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) shall 
administer the needs of veterans and their dependents and shall develop and 
maintain national military shrines. 
SEC 70. Organization. -The PVAO shall be headed by an Administrator. 
SEC 71. Functions. - The PVAO shall have the following functions: 
(a) 
Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense, policies, rules and regulations 
governing the adjudication and administration of veterans 
claims and benefits; 
Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other 
privileges granted to veterans claims and benefits; 
Provide medical care and treatment to veterans pursuant to 
existing laws; 
Provide administrative supervision of the Veterans Memorial 
Center; 
Administer, develop and maintain military shrines; 
Formulate policies concerning the affairs, placement and 
training of ex-servicemen, and assist their widows and 
dependents, and other retired military personnel; and, 


(9) 
Perform other functions as the Secretary of National Defense 
may direct. 
ARTICLE 17 
NA TlONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SEC 72. Conversion of the NDCP. - The National Defense College of 
the Philippines is hereby converted into the National Defense University of the 
Philippines (NDUP). To ensure .the continuous operations of the College, all its 
personnel and resources thereof shall be absorbed by the NDUP. Salaries of its 
personnel shall be fixed or adjusted at the discretion of the NDUP Academic 
Board within the limits of approprimation provided for the purpose. 
SEC 73. 
Mandate. - The NDUP shall maintain and develop such 
academic programs of instruction and research as designed for the education 
and training of defense and naltional security leaders and managers and for 
NDUP to be the center of strategic studies on defense and security in the 
country. 
SEC 74. Organization. -The NDUP shall be headed by a President. 
SEC 75. Functions. -The NDUP shall have the following functions: 
(a) 
Train and develop the skills and competence of potential 
national defense leaders, civilian officials of the different 
agencies and instrumentalities of the government and selected 
executives from the private sector in the formulation and 
implementation of national security policies and for high 
command and staff duty; 
Confer postgraduate, graduate and baccalaureate degrees in 
national security administration and related fields; and, 
Engage in high-grade research and studies as called for by its 
mission. 
TITLE Vlll 
DEFENSE EDUCATION 
SEC 76. Defense Education. - Defense education shall be geared 
towards the development of professional and intellectually-competent personnel 
at all levels of the defense establishment who are imbued with values, knowledge 
and skills necessary for the attainment of the country’s security objectives. It 
shall actively promote, develop and complement Philippine education and 
personnel who shall be leaders, professionals or staff workers endowed with 
nationalism and patriotism cognizant of the country’s role as a member of the 
international community. Defense education and training shall be governed by 
the principles of sequential learning and jointness. 


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


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


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


SEC 99. Role of the DND. - The DND shall take part in the preservation 
of national patrimony including the country’s living and non-living marine, 
submarine, mineral, forest and other natural resources. 
SEC 100. Rule of the DOE. - The Department of Energy (DOE), 
in the 
management if energy resources, shall ensure environmental protection and 
maintenance of ecological balance. 
ARTICLE 24 
Human Welfare and Social Dimensions 
SEC 101. 
Role of the DOLE. 
’- 
The Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE) shall ensure that the rights of all workers to self- 
organization, collective bargaining negotiations, and peaceful concerted 
activities, including the right to strike in accordance with the law. It shall promote 
the voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce 
their mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace. 
SEC 102. Role of the DOH. - The DOH shall protect and promote the 
right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; adopt 
an integral and comprehensive approach to health development, with priority for 
the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children; endeavor to 
make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people 
at affordable cost; establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory 
system; and undertake appropriate health manpower development and research 
responsive to the country’s health needs and problems. 
SEC 103. Role of the DSWD. - The DSWD shall provide a balanced 
approach to welfare whereby the needs and interests of the population are 
addressed not only at the outbreak of the crisis but more importantly at the stage 
which inexorably lead to such crisis. 
SEC 104. Role of the DENR. - The DENR shall promote equitable 
access to natural resources by the different sectors of population and enhance 
the contribution of natural resources for achieving national economic and social 
development. 
SEC 105. Role of fhe DFA. - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 
shall be the lead agency in the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and 
evaluating the total national effort in the field of foreign relations. Other agencies, 
in consultation with the DFA, may initiate bilateral or multilateral cooperative 
activities in their respective areas of concern with other countries. 
ARTICLE 25 
Separability and Repeals 


SEC 106. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this 
Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SEC 107. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
proclamation, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof, which 
are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC 109. Effecfivify. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,