Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND ESTABLISH EXPEDITIOUS 
TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AND ITS 
BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The National Defense Act of 1935 paved way for the Armed Forces of the Philippines 
and has been the legal basis for the its existence, mandate and strategy. However, with the 
evolving geopolitical dynamics, the state’s armed forces continuously face the issues of 
invasion and non-traditional security threats. Current threats and invasions such as China’s 
aggressive behavior in the West Philippine Sea are a major turning point to reassess and 
evaluate the antiquated law outlining the country’s national defense structure.  
The proposed law seeks to address the long-standing issues on rational programming 
of personnel increase, strategic acquisition of assets, better mechanisms for coordination of 
departments and agencies, and fair budget distribution among all branches of military 
service. 
In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
Sixth District, Negros Occidental 
November 24, 2022
5:23 pm
6376


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
TO FURTHER DEVELOP CAPABILITY AND ESTABLISH EXPEDITIOUS 
TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE AND ITS 
BUREAUS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Preliminary Provisions 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as “The National 
Defense Act of 2022” 
Section 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 that mobilization measures are prepared at all times; 
e. The employment of the nation’s citizens and resources for national
defense shall be effected by a mobilization; 
6376


2 
 
f. The mobilization shall include the execution of all measures necessary to 
pass from a peace to a war footing of in any case of actual invasion or when public 
safety so requires as well as during its transition to normalcy or rehabilitation; 
 
g. The mobilization plans of financial, industrial, economic, technological 
and social resources of the Philippines shall conform to the provisions of the 
Constitution and shall be prepared by the executive departments concerned in 
accordance with the following general policies: 
 
1. The respective responsibilities of the several executive departments 
in mobilization planning will be prescribed by the President; 
2. Forces and resources shall be employed so as to ensure unity and 
continuity of effort until normalcy has been attained; and 
 
h. No profit incident to war shall accrue to any individual, corporation, 
association or partnership. 
 
Section 3.  Defense Conditions and Authority.  —  Defense conditions 
shall be the bases for the designation of persons and entities to act in behalf of 
the  state.  Defense Conditions, hereinafter referred to as DEFCON, ate 
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 President shall prescribe the hierarchy of 
defense conditions and the persons or entities designated to act in behalf of the 
state. 
 
 
ARTICLE I - Employment of Persons and Resources 
 
Section 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 the President of the Philippines 
shall prescribe release of all citizens from their military obligations. 
 
Section 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. 
 
Section 6. During a mobilization, the President through the Secretary of 
National Defense shall have the power to secuxe all such resources as may be 
necessary for national defense. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


3 
 
Article II- National Defense Council 
 
Section 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 which shall preserve a documentary 
record of the Council’s deliberations. 
 
(b) The method of operation of the National Defense Council, its detailed  duties, 
and its rights to summon witnesses of 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. 


4 
 
TITLE I 
 
DEPARTMEN T OF NATIONAL DEFENSE 
Article I - General Provisions 
 
Section 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. 
 
 
Section 9. Powers arid Functions of the Department. - To carry  out  
the above- declared policy, the Department shall exercise and perform the 
following powers and functions: 
 
a. 
Formulate and prepare national defense policies, strategies, plans and 
programs; 
 
b. 
Formulate, develop and update the national defense plan of the 
country, including the mobilization plan for the employment of the country’s citizens 
and resources for national defense; 
 
c. 
Control, monitor, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the 
implementation of national defense policies, plans, programs and activities; 
 
d. 
Exercise supervision and control over the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines (AFP), Government Arsenal (GA), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), 
Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) and the National Defense University 
of the Philippines (NDUP); 
 
e. 
Formulate, establish, implement, supervise and control 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. 
Perforrri such other defense-related functions as may be provided 


5 
 
by law or directed by the President of the Philippines. 
 
Section 10.  Contracts. — The Department is hereby authorized  to 
enter into,  make, perform and carry out contracts of every class, kind and 
description which are necessary or incidental to the performance of its mandate as 
provided herein, with any person, firm ox corporation, public or private, and with 
foreign government entities, subject to the provisions of existing laws, rules and 
regulations. 
 
Section  11. Management and Control of Defense Real Properties - 
 
 (a)   The Department is hereby authorized to administer, operate, manage, 
control, rriaintain arid develop defense real pzopexties for strategic basing and to 
use, hold, acquire, or lease any private real property, right of way, of 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/ox 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. 
 
Section 12.  Special Defense Material 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: Prodded, That the 
performance by the supplier of its obligations under the procurement contract 
shall be covered by a performance security. 
 
Section 13. Exemption from import Licenses. — All acquisition of 
defense matetiel 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 ate exerript from 
such licenses. 
 
Section 13. 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 of foreign, for purposes relevant to its 
functions: Provided, That in case of donations from foreign governments or 


6 
 
persons, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing laws, rules and 
regulations. 
 
Section 14. 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 aimed foxces of other countries. 
 
(b) Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include but not 
limited to the exchange of information, exchange of visits, exchange of 
personnel, subject matter expert exchange, logistics cooperation, defense 
industry cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, defense 
and military doctrine development, research and development in defense 
science and technology, participation in trade, science ox technology exhibits, 
military and defense exercises, training activities, and education exchanges of 
other areas of mutual concern. 


7 
 
Article II - Organization 
 
Section 15. 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 (PVAO), 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. 
 
Section 16. 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 Services. 
 
Section 17. 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. 
 
Section 18. The Secretary of National Defense. - The Secretary of 
National Defense shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmation by 
the Commission  on Appointments. 
 
Section 19. 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 
Section 20. Declaration of Policles. - 
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 


8 
 
member of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political 
activity, except to exercise the right of suffrage. 
 
 
Section 21. 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 fonns of threats to national defense and security; 
 
b. Plan, organize, train, equip, develop, employ and sustain its Regular 
and Reserve Force for national defense and security; and 
 
c. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law ox assigned 
by the Commander-in- Chief. 
 
Section 22. Curate 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 ate 
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: Prodded, That this does not preclude the President from issuing 
orders directly to the AFP. 
 
Section 23. 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. 
 


9 
 
 
Article II - The Regular Force 
A. ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION 
Chapter 1 - General Provisions 
 
Section 24. 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 of 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. 
 
Section 25. 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 axeas as the Secretary 
of National Defense may direct. 
 
Section 26. 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 
of in pursuance of operational of contingency plans. 
 
 
Section 27. 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; 


1
 
 
c. 
The Joint Force Operational Commands as force employees 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 Secietaq of 
National Defense; 
 
d. The Component Services as force providers shall be responsible for the 
development, organization, training, equipping, maintenance and sustainment of 
combat forces, combat service forces, technical and administrative service, and 
combat service support forces. 
 
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  
Section 28. Mandate. — The Joint Staff Headquarters, which shall be 
headed by the CSAFP, shall be the command and control element of the .RFP. 
 
Section 29. Organization. — The Joint Staff Headquarters shall be 
composed of the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Aimed Forces of the Philippines, 
Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AFP Joint, 
Personal and Special Staff and 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. 
 
Section 30. The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 
— (a) The President shall appoint the CSAFP from among the officers with the 
tank 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 2 years and maximum of 
3 years. For this purpose, the CSAFP shall be allowed to complete his maximum 
tour of duty beyond his xettrement  age: Provided, That the CSAFP may be 
removed  by the  President as Commander  in Chief at any time before the end of 
the term of 3 years and deemed retired horn active military service. 
 
Section 31. Powers and F'unct1oris. - 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 strategy; 


11 
 
c. Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies, missions, 
plans and programs of the AFP; 
 
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; 
 
Section 32. 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 1 year and 
maximum of 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 the 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 team of 3 years and deemed retired from active 
military service. 
 
Section 33. The Deputy Chief of Staff. — The Deputy Chief of Staff shall 
integrate and synchronize the Joint Staff works to assist the CSAFP in policy 
formulation 
and implementation, and command decision-making process 
through completed staff work. 
 
The Deputy Chief of Staff shall serve for a minimum term of 1 year and 
maximum of 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 the active service: Provided 
further, That the Deputy Chief of Staff may be removed by the President as 
Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years and 
deemed retired from active military service. 
 
Section 34.   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. 
 
Section 35. 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. 
 
Section 36. Special Staff. — The Special Staff, as specialized, technical 
and administrative staff shall advise and assist the CSAFP in the performance of 


12 
 
his/her functions. The organization, functions and duties of the Special Staff 
shall be prescribed by the CSAFP 
 
Section 37.  Authority  to  Reorganize  the  General  Headquarters 
into the Joint Staff Headquarters. — In the interest of efficiency and 
effectiveness, the CSAFP, upon the approval of the Secretary of National 
Defense, may: 
 
a. Establish and organize staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff 
Headquarters in addition to the AFP Joint, Personal and Special Staff, and 
prescribe the organization, mission and functions; and 
 
b. Abolish existing staffs, offices and units in the Joint Staff Headquarters not 
specifically provided in this Chapter or by any other provision of law, or transfer or 
consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, offices or units. 


13 
 
 
Chapter 3 - Joint Force Operational Commands 
 
Section 38. Organization, Mission and Function. — (a) The Joint Force 
Operational Commands 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, of upon the recommendation 
of the CSAFP. 
 
Section 39. Designation or Assignment of Joint Force Commanders. 
—  
(a) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall be designated or 
assigned to the said position by the President, upon the recommendation of the 
CSAFP of the Philippines through the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(b) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC, as force employer, shall 
have operational control over all units operating within their respective joint area 
of operations. 
 
(c) The Joint Force Commanders of the JFOC shall serve lot a minimum term 
of 2 years and maximum of 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 if 
that officer has less than two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided, 
further, That Joint Force Commanders may be removed by the President as 
Commander in Chief at any time before the end of the term of 3 years and 
deemed retired from active military service. 
 
Chapter 4 - The Component Services 
 
Section 40. Organization — (a) The Component Services shall be 
organized by the President,  upon  the recommendation of  the Secretary of  
National  Defense and the CSAFP. The Chiefs of the Component Services shall 
be designated or assigned  to the said position  by the President. 
 
(b) The Chiefs of the Component Services shall serve for a minimum  term 
of 2 years and maximum of 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 the 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 3 
years and deemed retired from active military service. 
 
(c) The Component Services shall act as force providers, which shall 


14 
 
develop, organize, train, equip, maintain and sustain the necessary forces in 
support of the AFP missions. 
 
Section 41. 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. 
 
Section 42. 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. 
 
Section 43. 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. 
 
        Section 44. 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 of units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation  of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
missions; 
 
 
 


15 
 
 
 
c. 
Formulate and develop, in coordination with the other Component 
Services, doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures peculiar to the 
Air Force; 
 
d. 
Implement mobilization of the Air Force Reserve; and 
 
e. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law of assigned by 
the CSAFP. 
 
Section 45.  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. 
 
Section 46. 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; 
 
a. Prepare such forces or units as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the national defense plans and programs and armed forces 
missions; 
 
b. 
Formulate 
and 
develop, 
in 
coordination 
with 
the 
other 
Component Services, doctrines, systems, tactics, techniques and procedures 
peculiar to the Navy; 
 
c. 
Implement mobilization of the Navy Reserve; and 
 
d. Perform such other functions and duties as may be provided by law  
 
       or assigned by the CSAFP. 
 
Section 47. 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. 


16 
 
 
Section 48. 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 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 
 
Section 49. 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. 
 
Section 50.  The  Philippine Military Academy. — 
 
(a) Mandate. The Philippine Military Academy categorized as 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. 


17 
 
(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 2 years and 
maximum of 3 years unless otherwise promoted to the next higher position and  
without  prejudice  to compulsory  retirement age as provided in this Act: 
Provided, That no Officer shall be appointed as Superintendent if that officer has 
less than two (2) years remaining in the active service: Provided further, That the 
Superintendent may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any 
time before the end of the term of 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. 
 
Section 51. 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 
 
Section 52. 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. 
 
Section 53. Appointments in the Regular Force. — (a) Officers shall be 
permanently appointed by the President in the Regular Force in accordance with the 
provisions of the Constitution. 
 
(b)       Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the date of rank of a 
commissioned officer in active service in the Regular Force shall be the date of 
permanent appointment in that grade by the President. 
 
Section 54. Revocation of Commission. — The commission of an officer 
may be revoked by the President at any time, upon the recommendation of the 


18 
 
Secretary of National Defense when found not fully qualified for such commission or 
who lacks any of the qualifications prescribed by law or regulation. 
 
Section 55. 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. 
 
Section 56. 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. 
 
Section 57. Tour of Duty in Key Positions. — No officers with less than 1 
year remaining active service shall be designated to positions requiring the rank of 
Brigadier General/Commodore of higher. 
 
Section 58. AFP Promotion Systems. — (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. 
 
Section 59. Promotion to General/Flag Officer Grades. — No officer shall be 
promoted to the rank of Brigadier General/Commodore or higher unless these is an 
existing vacancy and the officer is occupying a position in the Table of Organization 
and Equipment that requires the rank for which he is being considered for promotion 
or assignment. 


19 
 
 
 
Section 60. 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 
Brigadier General/Commodore 
Major General/Rear Admiral 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral 
General/Admiral 
8 years 
4 years 
3 years 
3 years 
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. 
 
Section 61. 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. 


20 
 
Chapter 2- Warrant Officers 
 
Section 62. 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. 
 
Section 63. Appointments in the Regular Force. — Warrant Officers shall 
be 
appointed by the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
Section 64. 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. 
 
Section 65. 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 
 
Section 66. Qualifications for Enlistment — Any natural born citizen of the 
Philippines, of legal age, physically and mentally fit for military service, of good moral 
character, and possessed of such educational attainments as may be prescribed by 
the Secretary of National Defense, may be enlisted in the Regular Force under the 
following restrictions: 
 
a. Except as otherwise provided herein, each enlistment  in the Regular  
Force shall be for a term of five (5) years: Provided, That all enlistments in force 
at the outbreak of war, or other grave national emergency, or entered into during 
its continuation shall remain in force until six 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. 
 
Section 67. 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. 


21 
 
 
Section 68. 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 69. Authority to Promote and Demote. — The authority to promote 
and demote Enlisted Personnel shall be prescribed by the CSAFP. 


22 
 
C. RETIREMENT AND SEPARATION 
 
Section 70. Retirement and Separation. — Retirement, whether  
compulsory  or optional, and separation horn military service, shall conform with 
existing laws, rules and regulations without prejudice to the provisions of this 
Act. 
 
Section 71. Recall from Retirement. — An Officer, Warrant Officer of 
Enlisted Personnel who retired from the 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 Bank held before 
retirement. 
 
Section 72. Retirement and Separation Benefits. Congress shall allocate funds 
for the 
retirement and separation benefits as according to existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
Section 73. 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 the CSAFP. 
 
Section 74. 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 his Filipino citizenship 
shall no longer be entitled to receive survivorship benefits. 
 
D. ADMINISTRATION OF MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM 
 
Section 75. Millar justice. — (a) Except as otherwise  provided  in  this  
Act, enforcement of discipline and military justice shall be governed by applicable 
laws and administrative issuances as prescribed by the President upon 
recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense. 
 
(b) There shall be reduction in grade, demotion of rank, suspension of 
active service, 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. 
 
(c) Procedure, extent of system of reduction in grade, demotion of Bank, 
suspension of active service, and forfeiture, suspension or withholding of pay and 
allowances of Warrant Officers and Enlisted Personnel found administratively 
liable shall be prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense as recommended 
by the CSAFP. 


23 
 
 
E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE 
 
Section 76. Extension of Legal Assistance. — All military personnel 
changed of service-related or service-connected administrative, civil or criminal 
offenses, upon approval of their Chiefs of Component Services, shall be provided 
adequate legal representation  and assistance by military lawyers or counsel of 
their own choice until conclusion of the case. Reasonable allocation can be 
changed against  the fund of component service to support  such case. 


24 
 
ARTICLE III - THE RESERVE FORCE 
Chapter 1 -GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 77. 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 
mandatory military service. 
 
Section 78. Purpose. — The purpose of the Reserve Force is to provide the 
base for the expansion of the AFP in the event of disaster, internal disorder and 
invasion; 
 
Section 79. Organization of be 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 by 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 
 
 
 
Section  80. 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. 
 
Section 81. Addicted Rescue 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. 
 
Section 82. 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 
 
Section 83. 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. 


25 
 
 
Section 84. 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. 
 
Section 85. Separation benefits of Officials and Employees Affected 
Bureaus or Agencies— Government employees displaced or separated from the 
service as a result of the restructuring pursuant to this Act shall be entitled to a 
separation pay and other benefits in accordance with existing laws, rules or 
regulations. 
 


26 
 
 
ARTICLE II 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
 
Section 86. 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. 
 
Section 87. 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; 
 
e. Establish, secure and operate government defense manufacturing plants, as 
necessary, in strategic locations within the country; and 
 
Section 88. Organization and Adm1n1stzatiozt. — 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. 


27 
 
Section 89. 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 90. Transformation of the NDCP — In view of the rapidly 
evolving national and regional security environment, the current academic trends 
and research thrusts of defense institutions in the Asia Pacific, and the increasing 
need for specialized defense and security courses to enhance the academic 
foundation of promoting Philippine national security, The National Defense 
College of the Philippines (NDCP) is hereby transformed into the National 
Defense University of the Philippines (NDUP) categorized as a special higher 
education institution. To  ensure the continuous operation of the College, all its 
personnel and resources shall be absorbed by the NDUP. 
 
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. 
 
Section 91. 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. 
 
Section 92. Powers and Functions. — The University shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
 
a. Confer the degree of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) 
upon the graduates thereof; 
 
b. Develop and Confer other baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate degrees 
on defense and security; and 
 


28 
 
c. Undertake policy research and special studies as well as policy 
formulation on strategic defense and security issues. 
 
Section 93.   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. 
 
(d) 
The University shall have an Academic Board to assist the President 
discharge the following functions: 
 
   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 Chapman, 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. 
 
(b) All resource persons of the University including but not limited to academic 
consultants, professors, lecturers, instructor, thesis advisers, members of 
examining and evaluating panels, examiners, collectors, 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. 


29 
 
 
 
(d) The Secretary of National Defense may establish a Council of 1 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. 
 
Section 94. 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 oz designation to key 
positions and promotion of AFP officers to the grade of O-7 (Brigadier 
General/Commodore). 
 
Section 95. 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. 
 
 


30 
 
ARTICLE  IV  
OFFICE OF CIVIL DEFENSE 
 
Section 96. 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. 
 
Section 97. Powers and Functions. — The Office shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
a. 
Establish and administer a comprehensive national civil defense and 
civil assistance program to include the allocation to agencies and local government 
units such aid and funds as may be made available by the national government, 
assisting governments, and international and local organizations; 
 
b. 
Formulate policies and prepare plans lot the protection and  welfare  
of  the civilian population in times of war or other national emergencies as may be 
determined by the President of the Philippines; 
 
c. 
Furnish guidance and coordinate the activities of national 
government agencies, local government units, private institutions and civic 
organizations for natural and  human- induced disasters; 
 
d. 
Develop and coordinate a program for informing, educating and 
training the general public, volunteer workers and civil defense groups on civil 
defense and assistance measures and activities; 
 
e. 
Prepare and disseminate disaster control manuals and other 
publications  related to measures on disaster prevention and mitigation, 
preparedness, response and rehabilitation and recovery; 
 
f. 
Advise the Secretary of National Defense on matters concerning civil 
defense and make recommendations from time to time as may be deemed 
appropriate or as the Secretary may require; 
 
g. 
Provide assistance and secretariat services to the National Disaster 
Risk Reduction and Management Council to implement the policies set by the latter 
relative to disaster management; 
 
h. 
Furnish guidance to the various provinces, cities and municipalities 
in the planning, accreditation, organization and operation of their civil defense 
organizations; and 
 
i. 
Perform such other civil defense functions as may be provided by law. 
 
Section 98. Organization. — The Office of Civil Defense shall be headed 


31 
 
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 
 
Section 99. 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. 


32 
 
It shall also administer, maintain and develop military memorials and 
battle monuments proclaimed as national shrines. 
 
Section 100. Powers and Functions. — The Office shall have the following 
powers and functions: 
 
a. Formulate and promulgate, subject to the approval of the 
Secretary of National Defense, policies, rules and regulations 
governing the adjudication and  administration  of veterans claims and 
benefits; 
 
b. Adjudicate and administer benefits, pensions and other 
privileges granted to veterans, their hers 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. 
 
Section 101. 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 
 
Section 102. Implementing Rules md 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. 
 
Section 103.  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 enactment into law. 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued 
implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act. 
 


33 
 
Section 104.  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. 
 
Section 105. 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 
 
Section 106. 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,