REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ____________ 
Introduced by REP. MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
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 
December 12, 2022
5:01 pm
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ____________ 
Introduced by REP. MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
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: 
In defending the Philippines, the paramount consideration shall be national 
sovereignty, territorial integrity, national interest and the right to self-
determination; 
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; 
The national defense organization shall be adapted as closely as 
possible to the territorial and administrative organization of the 
Philippines; 
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; 
The employment of the nation’s citizens and resources for national defense 
shall be effective by a mobilization; 
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a.
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; 
b.
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 
c.
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 secure all such resources as may be 
necessary for national defense. 
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. 
 
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. 
Perform such other defense-related functions as may be provided 
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, maintain arid develop defense real properties 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/or development of defense real properties, by 
joint venture or otherwise shall be allowed upon prior approval by the President 
of the Philippines. 
 
(d) 
Any and all income derived from the lease or disposition of such 
defense real estate shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust 
Fund, and disbursed in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. 
 
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 materiel by the DND and its bureaus shall be exempt from import and 
other licenses imposed by other agencies of the government. In lieu thereof, 
the SND shall issue a certification that the goods being imported ate excerpt 
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 
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 forces of other countries. 
 
(b) Defense/Military Cooperation Agreements shall include but not 
limited to the exchange of information, exchange of visits, exchange of 
personnel, subject matter expert exchange, logistics cooperation, defense 
industry cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, 
defense and military doctrine development, research and development in 
defense science and technology, participation in trade, science ox technology 
exhibits, military and defense exercises, training activities, and education 
exchanges of other areas of mutual concern. 
 
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 Policies. - 
a.
The AFP, as the protector of the people and the State, shall secure
the sovereignty and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines 
against all threats; 
b. The AFP shall uphold the Constitution and adhere to the rule of law at all times;
c.
Professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and
benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of the State; and 
d.
The AFP, as an institution, shall be insulated from partisan politics.
No member of the military shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan 
political activity, except to exercise the right of suffrage. 
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 funds 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. 


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 areas 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; 
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 Society 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 Armed Forces of the Philippines, 
Office of the Vice Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff; the AFP Joint, 
Personal and Special Staff and 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 rank of Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral in the active service, 
who shall hold the rank of General/Admiral. 
 
(b) CSAFP shall serve a minimum tour of duty of 2 years and maximum 
of 3 years. For this purpose, the CSAFP shall be allowed to complete his 
maximum tour of duty beyond his retirement age: Provided, That the CSAFP 
may be removed by the President as Commander in Chief at any time before 
the end of the term of 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; 
 
 
a. 
Be responsible for the development of the policies, strategies,  
missions, plans and programs of the AFP; 
 
b. 
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 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, ox transfer or consolidate their functions and duties with other staffs, offices 
or units. 
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 ox 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. Or antiradio. — (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 
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 lot 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 ox 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 of assigned by the 
CSAFP. 
 
Section 43. The Philippine Force. — The Philippine AT 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; 


 
 
 
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 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. 
 
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. 
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) Organi2ation. — The Academy headed by the Superintendent shall 
be organized as prescribed by the Secretary of National Defense, upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
(c) Development. — The Academy shall 
determine 
its 
teaching, 
manpower, curriculum, research and extension thrusts, plans and programs, 
standards and budget. 
 
(d) 
Cadet Corps. - The student body of the Academy shall be known 
as the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) and shall have 
such strength, as the Secretary of National Defense shall determine, upon the 
recommendation of the CSAFP. 
 
(e) Academic Board. — There shall be an Academic Board organized by 
the Superintendent. The Board shall, in accordance with the rules and 
regulations prescribed by the CSAFP, have the power to confer baccalaureate 
degrees upon the cadets who satisfactorily complete the approved course of 
study. 
 
(f) 
The Superintendent shall  serve for a minimum term of 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: 
Prodded, 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. authorized to establish other military training academies 
and 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. regulation of Commission. — The commission of an officer 
may be revoked by the President at any time, upon the recommendation of the 
Secretary of National Defense when found not fully qualified for such commission 
or who lacks any of the qualifications prescribed by law or regulation. 
 
Section 55. officers 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. Promotion and Designation — No officers with less than 1 
year remaining active service shall be designated to positions requiring the Bank 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 ate 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 tank for which he is being considered 
for promotion or assignment. 
 
 
Section 60 The maximum tenure of ranks. — The maximum tenure of 
officers in the ranks 
Of Colonel/Captain and General/Flag Officer in the AFP are hereby prescribed 
as follows: 
 
 
General/Commodore                        - 4 years 
Major General/Rear Admiral             - 3 years 
Lieutenant General/Vice Admiral          - 3 years 
 General/Admiral                                 - 3 years 
 
Unless earlier separated or tenured or promoted to the next higher rank 
or occupying a position calling for the tanks 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 tank herein prescribed, or upon 
teaching 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


Chapter 2- Warrant Officers 
 
Section 62. Qualifications and/or appropriate. — 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. current office Management. — The Secretary of National 
Defense shall prescribe the special 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. 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 as/or other grave national emergency, ox 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. 
 


Section 68. enlisted 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. 
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. Recur 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 lot 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. Object loses 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 ox 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. 
 
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. 
 
ARTICLE III - THE RESERVE FORCE 
Chapter 1 -GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
Section 77. 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, 
 
a. The Army Reserve Component; 
b. The Air Force Reserve Component  
c. and The Navy Reserve Component 
 


the 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. fall to Active Dirty 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 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. 
 
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 ox consolidate its 
functions and duties with those of another position. 
 
Section 85. Separation benefits of Employees. — Government 
employees displaced or separated horn the service as a result of the restructuring 
pursuant to this Act shall be entitled to a separation pay and other benefits in 
accordance with existing laws, rules or regulations. 
 
 
ARTICLE II 
THE GOVERNMENT ARSENAL 
 
Section 86. Mundi. — 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, 
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 administration. — The Government 
Arsenal shall be headed by a Director with one or more Assistant Directors who 
shall support the Director in the administration, manufacturing operations and other 
affairs of the bureau; all of whom shall be appointed by the President upon the 
recommendation from the Secretary of National Defense, and who shall have 
the relevant expertise, training and experience in the field of munitions. 
 
Section 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 ox similar agreements with local and foreign 
entities. 
 
ARTICLE III 
NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES 
 
Section 90. transformed action of the VDCP. — 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 planting positions 
and receive appropriate funding to fulfill the requirements of transforming into 
a defense university. 
 
Section 91. date. — 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 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 master’s, and doctorate degrees on 
defense and security; and 
 
c. 
Undertake policy research and special studies as well as policy 
formulation on strategic defense and security issues. 
 
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. 
 
(c) 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. 
 
(d) The Secretary of National Defense may establish a Council of 1-“elloos 
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. 
 
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 was ox other national 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 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 assistances 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 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 under secretary. 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 
 
 
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 an 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 café, 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. 
 
Section 104.  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. residential Decrees, rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are 
deemed modified and repealed accordingly 
 
 
Approved, 


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