TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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25 AUG-4 P1-46
SENATE
S. No. S32
RECElVnO 3V
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD TO 
ENSURE MARITIME SAFETY, SECURITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION,
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines, an archipelagic nation with 7,641 islands and 36,289 kilometers 
of coastline, commands one of the world's most critical maritime domains. Its waters 
are not only rich in biodiversity and marine resources but also form a vital corridor for 
regional trade, food security, and climate resilience. However, this vast maritime 
territory is increasingly threatened by external encroachments, environmental 
degradation, and intensifying disaster risks.
In particular, the situation in the West Philippine Sea continues to escalate. 
Filipino fishermen are regularly harassed, artificial structures are being built on reefs 
within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and patrol and resupply missions face 
obstruction. These gray-zone tactics by foreign actors undermine our sovereignty and 
endanger our people. At the same time, our coastal waters remain vulnerable to 
typhoons, oil spills, illegal fishing, and other threats to life and livelihood.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) serves as the country's primary maritime 
governance institution—tasked not only with protecting sovereignty and enforcing 
maritime laws, but also with safeguarding the environment, responding to 
emergencies, and supporting economic development. In order to effectively perform 
this multidimensional role, the PCG must be modernized into a capable, agile, and


climate-responsive force equipped with the tools, training, and infrastructure 
necessary for 21st-century maritime challenges.
This measure proposes a comprehensive 12-year PCG Strengthening and 
Modernization Program that will:
1. Acquire modern surface and aerial assets, including Offshore Patrol Vessels 
(OPVs), Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) vessels, search and rescue units, and 
aircraft;
2. Develop a nationwide Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) system integrating 
coastal radar, drones, unmanned underwater systems, and digital command 
centers;
3. Construct climate-resilient response bases. Coast Guard stations in all shoreline 
municipalities, and logistical support infrastructure;
4. Upgrade training facilities and institutionalize continuous human resource 
development for technical, legal, and environmental specialization;
5. Strengthen law enforcement, interdiction, and environmental response 
capabilities, including through the deployment of green technologies and 
unmanned systems;
6. Create a dedicated PCG Modernization Trust Fund with multi-source financing 
and rigorous accountability measures.
The Program is divided into four tiers, structured by capability domains, and 
includes provisions for multi-year contracting, performance monitoring, and 
Congressional oversight. It also affirms the PCG's identity as a civilian maritime service, 
distinct yet complementary to the Armed Forces, and committed to upholding 
international maritime norms and sustainable development goals.
In a time of increasing regional tension, environmental risk, and technological 
disruption, modernizing the PCG is essential to national resilience, maritime integrity, 
and intergenerational stewardship of our seas.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
I-/' 
;;(
SENATE
832
25 AUG-4 PI :46
RECEIVED
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING AND MODERNIZING THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD TO 
ENSURE MARITIME SAFETY, SECURITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, 
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in the 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short r/f/e—This Act shall be known as the "PCG Strengthening and
2 
Modernization Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
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modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to a level where it can effectively and
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fully perform its statutory mandates to ensure the maritime safety, maritime
6 
environmental protection, and maritime security of the Republic of the Philippines.
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Toward this end, the principal thrusts of the modernization program under this Act
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shall be:
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(a) The development of a more mobile and visible coast guard force that
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will establish its vision of a "world-class guardian of the sea" by 2035;
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(b) The enhancement of the capacity of the PCG to promote, support, and
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safeguard sustainable economic activities within the maritime territory
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of the country, in alignment with blue economy principles and
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environmental protection;
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(c) The acquisition and upgrading of appropriate technology and
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equipment;


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(d) The doctrinal, organizational, and personnel strengthening of the PCG;
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and
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(e) The strategic improvement and construction of bases, installations, and
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other PCG facilities, with due regard to gender sensitivity, accessibility,
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and the protection of vulnerable and marginalized coastal communities.
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Sec. 3. Objectives—The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program shall
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be implemented in accordance with the following objectives:
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(a) To develop its capability to uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity,
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and sovereign rights of the Republic of the Philippines and to maintain
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security and safety of the maritime domain from all forms of maritime
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incidents and transnational crimes;
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(b) To strengthen its capability for maritime domain awareness, digital
13 
surveillance, cyber-resilience, and the deployment of unmanned and
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autonomous systems to enhance operational effectiveness in a modern
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and complex maritime environment;
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(c) To develop its capability to support other government agencies in the
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preservation of the national patrimony, including the country's living and
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non-living marine, submarine, mineral, coastal forest, and other natural
19 
resources located within its territory and its exclusive economic zone
20 
(EEZ);
21 
(d) To enhance its capability to fulfill its mandate to protect the Filipino
22 
people not only from armed threats at sea but from the ill effects of life
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threatening and destructive consequences of disasters and calamities,
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including typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, oil spills,
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major accidents in the far-flung or inaccessible areas at sea, and from
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all forms of ecological damage;
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(e) To institutionalize its role in building coastal and marine climate
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resilience, including through early warning, ecological enforcement, and
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disaster risk reduction in collaboration with local governments,
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international partners, and relevant agencies;
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(f) To improve capability and capacity in the enforcement of domestic and


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foreign policies as well as international accords against smuggling,
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piracy, armed robbery, poaching, illegal fishing, smuggling, drug
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trafficking, hijacking of seacraft and vessels, trade in human beings and
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other serious international crimes, drug-trafficking, and the transport of
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toxic and other ecologically-harmful substances taking place in or
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through Philippine territory;
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(g) To integrate gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in PCG
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operations, particularly in disaster response, evacuation, search and
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rescue, and community engagement, with attention to the needs of
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women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors;
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(h) To enhance its capability towards inter-agency coordination in terms of
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maritime law enforcement and maritime counter-terrorism; and
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(i) To develop its capability to support national development.
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Sec. 4. Development of PCG Capabilities — The PCG Strengthening and
15 
Modernization program shall be geared towards the development of the following
16 
capabilities:
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(a) Development of floating assets—The enhanced fleet operations shall
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enable the PCG to:
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i. Patrol and enforce laws across the Philippine maritime jurisdiction,
20 
including the exclusive economic zone, contested waters, and
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maritime traffic corridors;
22 
ii. Project maritime presence and uphold sovereign rights in areas
23 
subject to encroachment or coercive activity;
24 
iii. Protect and preserve coastal, nearshore, and riparian ecosystems,
25 
including reef systems and marine protected areas;
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iv. Provide rapid transportation of personnel, supplies, and relief goods
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in times of natural disaster and humanitarian emergency;
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V. Conduct maritime search and rescue operations in response to
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incidents such as vessel collisions, fire at sea, grounding, flash
30 
floods, and oil or chemical spills, among others; and
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vi. Integrate with Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) systems.


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including radar, satellite, and unmanned platforms, for real-time law 
enforcement and disaster coordination.
(b) Development of air assets—The enhanced air operations shall enable 
the PCG to:
i. Patrol, detect, monitor, and challenge, if necessary, any vessel and 
aircraft operating or illegally intruding into or passing through the 
Philippines' EEZ management, up to areas near or around the 
Philippine territorial limits;
Conduct maritime air operations in support of PCG missions, 
including but not limited to: interdiction, environmental protection, 
and disaster response missions;
Provide airlift, search and rescue, rapid deployment, logistical and 
other related support in disaster and other civilian relief operations, 
including in isolated and disaster-stricken areas;
Deploy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, 
environmental monitoring, and search and rescue coordination; and 
Support the operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 
other civilian maritime agencies through joint air-sea coordination.
(c) Development of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) capabilities—The 
PCG shall acquire and upgrade contemporary, modern, and state-of-the 
art equipment and systems to enhance its MDA capabilities in the 
performance of its mandate.
(d) Development of fleet support and infrastructure—The PCG shall acquire, 
construct, develop, and upgrade its infrastructure and facilities for the 
following:
Response bases for all operational units of the PCG;
Coast Guard stations and substations; and 
Training, ship/aircraft repair and maintenance, and logistics for 
PCG operating units;
(e) Development of national headquarters 
capabilities—The
modernization of the PCG requires the renovation and development of
IV.
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the national 
headquarters capabilities for command, control,
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communications, and information systems networks.
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Sec. 5. Components of the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program -
4 
The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program shall be divided into four tiers in
5 
line with the capabilities and include the following:
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(a) First Tier—Development of PCG Response Bases and Enhancement of
7 
Maritime Domain Awareness Capabilities
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i. 
Response Bases—The PCG Strengthening and Modernization
9 
program shall entail the construction and development of climate-
10 
resilient permanent response bases to house all PCG operational
11 
units, such as Marine Laboratories, Search and Rescue Vessels
12 
(SARVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), Maritime Pollution
13 
Vessels (MARPOL vessels), and others to allow the PCG to rapidly
14 
respond to maritime emergency calls in the most efficient and
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effective manner.
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ii. 
Maritime 
Domain Awareness (MDA) Capabilities—The PCG
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Strengthening and Modernization program shall entail the
18 
acquisition and upgrade of equipment and systems such as Radar
19 
Stations, Lighthouses, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),
20 
Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), and SARVs to enhance
21 
MDA capabilities.
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(b) Second Tier—Development of Infrastructure and Interdiction
23 
Capabilities
24 
i. Interdiction 
Capabilities—The 
PCG Strengthening and
25 
Modernization program entails the acquisition of state-of-the-art
26 
vessels and equipment to enhance interdiction and law
27 
enforcement capabilities.
28 
ii. Coast Guard Stations and Substations—The PCG Strengthening
29 
and Modernization Program shall entail the improvement,
30 
development, and standardization of infrastructure and facilities
31 
for Coast Guard stations and substations nationwide. Each


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shoreline municipality shall have at least one (1) fully equipped 
and operational substation designed to support local maritime 
operations, with consideration for strategic location, accessibility 
by land and sea, and proximity to critical maritime areas.
All stations and substations shall, as far as practicable, 
incorporate climate-resilient design features, including typhoon- 
and flood-resistant structures, renewable energy systems, and 
disaster response integration. Substations shall serve as the 
frontline operational arms of their respective Coast Guard 
stations and shall be designed to expand modularly as needed in 
times of heightened maritime activity or emergency response. 
Substations shall be under the supervision of larger Coast Guard 
stations.
iii. 
MARPOL (Maritime Pollution) Vessels—The PCG Strengthening 
and Modernization program shall acquire MARPOL vessels to 
strengthen the marine environment protection mandate of the 
PCG.
iv. 
Development and Improvement of Training Facilities—The PCG 
Strengthening and Modernization program shall entail the 
development and improvement of training facilities for study, 
training, professional progress, and exercise.
(c) Third Tier—Acquisition and Development of Patrol Vessels and Air 
Capabilities
i. Offshore Patrol Vessels—The 
PCG Strengthening and
Modernization program shall develop and acquire new OPVs to 
strengthen coastal defense and the management of the country's 
EEZ. The acquisition of OPVs shall enable the PCG to:
1) Patrol, detect, intercept, engage, and challenge, if 
necessary, any vessel illegally intruding into or passing 
through the Philippines' EEZ, up to areas near or around 
the Philippine territorial limits;


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2) Provide transportation of personnel and material in times 
of natural disaster and rescue operations;
3) Conduct search and rescue operations during maritime 
incidents; and
4) Support the Philippine naval armed forces.
ii. 
Aircraft—The PCG Strengthening and Modernization shall acquire
and develop aircraft to enable the PCG to:
1) Strengthen maritime and airspace security in different 
areas and stations;
2) Patrol, detect, and challenge, if necessary, any vessel and 
aircraft illegally intruding into or passing through the 
Philippines' EEZ management, up to areas near or around 
the Philippine territorial limits;
3) Support its operations as a law enforcement arm and 
nautical services; and
4) Support the Philippine naval armed forces.
(d) Fourth Tier—Infrastructure and Facilities Development
i. 
Construction and 
Development 
of Shipyards—The 
PCG
Strengthening and Modernization program shall provide for the 
construction and development of strategically located shipyards 
that promote regional industrial development, disaster response 
readiness, and national security interests. Wherever feasible, 
shipyard designs shall incorporate green building principles, 
renewable energy systems, and climate-resilient features to 
minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.
ii. 
Construction and 
Development 
of Flangars—The 
PCG
Strengthening and Modernization program shall entail the 
construction and expansion of climate-resilient hangars to 
protect air assets from extreme weather conditions and direct 
sunlight, and to support critical operations such as maintenance, 
repair, production, assembly, and safe storage of aircraft.


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Hangars shall be designed with energy-efficient systems, water-
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saving facilities, and provisions for emergency mobilization and
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disaster relief operations.
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Sec. 6. Organization and Personnel Capability - In view of the enhancements
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in capability, acquisition of new equipment, and establishment of new facilities, the
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PCG shall implement organizational and personnel strengthening measures parallel to
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the modernization program. These measures shall be carried out in the following
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manner:
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(a) First Tier - Development of Rationalized Systems and Organizational
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Strengthening
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i. Doctrinal Development - The PCG shall generate, evaluate,
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consolidate, formalize, and update maritime doctrines necessary
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for lawful, effective, and efficient operations.
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ii. Doctrine Review and Validation - Conduct periodic reviews and
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validation of doctrines through field application, 
testing, and
16 
exercises.
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iii. 
Organizational Review and Streamlining - Undertake a
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comprehensive review of the organization's structure and
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functions, including the streamlining of units and offices. This
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process aims to eliminate overlapping functions, simplify
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procedures, and improve response times.
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(b) Second Tier - Professionalization and Training of Human Resources
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i. 
Enhanced Recruitment - Establish enhanced recruitment
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processes to attract highly qualified candidates to join the PCG.
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ii. Comprehensive Training Programs - Formulate and implement
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comprehensive training programs 
tailored 
to various
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specializations within the PCG, ensuring personnel are well-
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educated, motivated, and highly skilled.
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall provide technical
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budgetary assistance to the PCG to ensure it attains an optimal organizational size.


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This support will enable the PCG to effectively operate its modernized equipment,
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manage new facilities, and assume additional tasks.
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Sec. 7. Period of Implementation - The strengthening and modernization
4 
program under this Act shall be implemented in four (4) tiers, with each tier composed
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of three (3) years, as used in Section 5 and 6 of this Act, for a total period of twelve
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(12) years. Provided, however, that payments for the amortization of outstanding
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multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend beyond this period.
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Sec. 8. Submission of the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program -
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(a) Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the President,
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upon the recommendation of the Secretaries of the Departments of
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Transportation, and Budget and Management, shall submit the PCG
12 
Strengthening and Modernization program as provided for in this Act
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to Congress for its consideration and approval in a joint resolution of
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the House of Representatives and the Senate. The program shall
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indicate or show inter alia:
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i. 
Personnel, equipment, and facilities inventory before the
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commencement and during the various phases of the
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modernization program;
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ii. 
The target strengthening and modernization projects under
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it, including the major weapon and non-weapon equipment
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and technology acquisitions, any major infrastructure
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construction or improvement to be made, doctrinal and
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organizational review, and the particular objective(s) and
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component(s) under Sections 3 and 4, respectively, of this
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Act to which such intended acquisition, construction, or
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improvements belong;
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The priorities, schedules as well as the estimated average
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cost for each strengthening and modernization project or
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upgrading to be undertaken; and
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The specific and measurable success indicators,
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performance metrics, means of verification of the success


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of the activities and acquisitions composing the PCG
2 
Strengthening and Modernization program, and the
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monitoring and evaluation plan for its implementation.
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(b) In the event Congress approves the PCG Strengthening and
5 
Modernization program, the joint resolution shall be the basis for
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subsequent executive and legislative actions to implement the PCG
7 
Strengthening and Modernization program until its complete and full
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realization.
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Sec. 9. Appropriations—l\\e annual appropriations for the PCG Strengthening
10 
and Modernization Program shall include the amounts necessary to support the
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funding requirements for all the modernization components approved by Congress
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under the preceding sections.
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The appropriated funds under this Act shall be considered distinct and separate
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from the regular appropriations for the Department of Transportation. Such funds shall
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be facilitated by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation for its proper
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implementation.
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The amount of One Hundred Billion Pesos (PhP 100,000,000,000.00) for the
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first implementation period, or the first three years, shall be appropriated and shall be
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renewed every implementation period, as stated in this Act. Provided, that such
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amount may be increased thereafter.
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Sec. 10. PCG Strengthening and Modernization Act Trust Fund- There is hereby
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created a trust fund, to be known as the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Act
23 
Trust Fund. This trust fund shall be used exclusively for the PCG Strengthening and
24 
Modernization Act and shall be funded through the following:
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(a) Appropriations for the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program
26 
pursuant to the provisions of this Act;
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(b) Percentage (40%) of the annual proceeds of the Oil Pollution
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Management Fund provided for under RA 9483;
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(c) Sale of proceeds from the sale, lease or joint development of assets,
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and disposal of excess and/or uneconomically repairable equipment
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and other movable assets of the PCG;
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(d) Dues, fines, and penalties collected by the PCG in the exercise of its
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functions;
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(e) Grants, donations and endowments from various domestic and foreign
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sources;
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(f) Unused or undisbursed funds, other than unused appropriations for
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salaries and benefits of the PCG personnel, remaining from all
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previous appropriations;
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(g) Savings from austerity measures by the PCG, generated in the
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previous fiscal year; and
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(h) All interest income of the Trust Fund.
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The trust fund shall be administered by the Secretary of Transportation, in
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accordance with existing government auditing rules and regulations.
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Sec. 11. Multi-year Contracts and Other Contractual Arrangements -
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(a) The Secretary of Transportation, pursuant to the PCG Strengthening
15 
and Modernization program, projects and appropriations approved by
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Congress, may, subject to the approval by the President, provisions of
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existing laws and regulations including those of the Commission on
18 
Audit and under such terms and conditions most favorable to the
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government, enter into multiyear contracts, lease and lease-purchase
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agreements.
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(b) For multi-year contracts. Congress shall, upon certification by the
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President, make the corresponding appropriation for the ensuing fiscal
23 
year: Provided, that Congress shall appropriate only such funds as may
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be necessary to pay any unpaid amount where such funds mentioned
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in Sections 8 and 9 of this are not sufficient or available to meet such
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payment in full or in part.
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(c) The Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress, through the
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Congressional Oversight Committee, 
copies of these 
multi-year
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contracts and other agreements/arrangements to enable Congress to
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appropriate funds.
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Sec. 12. PCG Procurement System - The Department of T ransportation and the
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PCG shall strengthen its systems and procedures for equipment acquisition, taking into
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account new requirements under the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program.
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Contract negotiations, and equipment, vessel and facilities acquisition shall be treated
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as two sequential but separate steps, each requiring the separate decision of the
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Secretary of Transportation. Both the decision-making and contract negotiation
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processes for its acquisition shall start at the PCG level and be submitted to the
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Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
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In its systems and procedures for equipment acquisition, the provisions of RA
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9184, as amended, and other applicable laws shall apply.
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Sec. 13. Guidance for the President - To meet unforeseen national security
12 
emergencies, the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of
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Transportation, may modify the program through substitution or revision of a
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component project therein: Provided, however, that he/she shall report such action to
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Congress within thirty (30) days.
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Sec. 14. Annual Reports - Not later than the end of the first quarter of the
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succeeding year:
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(a) The Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the President and
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Congress an annual report on the status of the PCG Strengthening and
20 
Modernization Act Trust Fund, as provided for in Section 9 of this Act;
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and
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(b) The Commandant of the PCG shall submit to the President and Congress,
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through the Secretary of Transportation, an annual report containing the
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progress of the implementation of the strengthening and modernization
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program under this Act to include the PCG Strengthening and
26 
Modernization Activities implemented prior to the approval of this Act.
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This report shall include PCG's actual performance based on the
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identified specific and measurable success indicators, its means of
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verification, and the results of progress monitoring and evaluation.
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Sec. 15. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee - A Joint Congressional
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Oversight Committee is hereby created to monitor and oversee the implementation of
12


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the provisions of this Act. The Committee shall be composed of six (6) members each
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from the Senate and the House of Representatives who are to be appointed by the
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Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The
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minority shall have at least two (2) representatives from both Houses. The Joint
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Congressional Oversight Committee shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the
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Committees on Transportation of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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The Committee shall be convened by the Chairpersons within thirty (30) days after
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the effectivity of this Act.
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Sec. 16. Repealing Cause- k\\ laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or
10 
parts thereof which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are
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hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 17. Separability Cause - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
13 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and
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subsisting.
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Sec. 18. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
16 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in
17 
the Philippines.
Approved,
13


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
'f'; A--' , 
r J ■
LO^l’irp i [
25 AUG -4 P1 :47
SENATE
833
RECEIVED T
S. No.
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE DEFENSE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines today faces many serious challenges to its safety and security. 
These include both traditional threats like armed conflict and new dangers such as 
terrorism, cyberattacks, and the effects of natural disasters. Because of these growing 
risks, it is crucial for our country to have strong leaders and professionals who are 
trained to understand and respond to these complex problems.
Although we already have schools that teach about defense and national 
security such as the Philippine Military Academy and the National Defense College of 
the Philippines, these schools often work separately. As a result, there are overlapping 
programs and missed chances to work together. There is currently no single system 
that brings them all under one direction or makes sure that their lessons are connected 
and updated.
This bill proposes to create the Philippine Defense University System (PDUS). 
This system will connect the existing defense and security schools into one well- 
organized institution. The PDUS will help make defense education more complete, 
efficient, and ready to meet the needs of our country. It will also offer advanced 
degrees, including a Doctor of National Security Administration (DNSA), for 
experienced leaders in government, the military, and important industries.


With the PDUS, we can build a new generation of national security leaders who 
have the skills and knowledge to protect our country and its people. They will be ready 
not only for today's problems, but also for future challenges we may face.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. No. 833
■„:v' ‘.0!rir:' r'
25 AUG-4 PI :47
Rl-CEiVCL e.
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE DEFENSE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the "Philippine Defense
2 
University System Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Policy. - It shall be the policy of the State to provide a continuing
4 
advanced education in the field of defense and security to outstanding and qualified
5 
men and women in the military service as well as to key officers in the government
6 
service, the private sector and civil society organizations both local and international.
7 
The State shall likewise ensure that defense and security education is holistic,
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integrated, comprehensive, and attuned to the evolving defense and security
9 
requirements of the country.
10 
Sec. 3. Establishment of Philippine Defense University System. - In furtherance
11 
of the policy enunciated in Section 2 of this Act, an educational institution known as
12 
the Philippine Defense University System (PDUS) shall be established at Camp General
13 
Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
14 
Sec. 4. Objectives - The PDUS shall be established to serve as the over-all
15 
integrating and coordinating institution in the field of defense and security education
16 
in the country. It shall aim to promote, to the highest degree possible, the
17 
enhancement and development of defense and security education, research, training
18 
and extension in the country. It shall also aim to strengthen the career system, and
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to prevent overlap and fragmentation among defense and security educational
2 
institutions.
3 
Sec. 5. Organization and Administration - The PDUS shall be organized as an
4 
educational institution under the Department of National Defense (DND).
5 
a. The PDUS shall be headed by a University President who shall be appointed by
6 
the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary of
7 
National Defense (SND). The University President of the PDUS shall be a PhD
8 
holder who shall have the rank of a Department Undersecretary. The University
9 
President shall serve as the chief executive officer, chief academic officer, and
10 
head of the University Faculty of the PDUS. The University President shall
11 
preside over the meetings of the autonomous schools and colleges of the PDUS
12 
and exercise powers specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by
13 
the Board of Regents, and such other powers as may be provided by related
14 
laws and executive issuances;
15 
b. The University President shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-President (EVP)
16 
and three (3) Vice-Presidents who shall be appointed in the same manner as
17 
the University President. The EVP who shall have the rank of a Department
18 
Assistant Secretary shall be a Master's degree holder and with experience in
19 
defense and security. The EVP shall act as University President of the PDUS in
20 
the absence or incapacity of the University President, and perform such other
21 
functions and duties as may be assigned by the University President or the
22 
SND. The EVP shall have supervisory functions over Academic Affairs,
23 
Administration and Research and Extension;
24 
c. The PDUS Vice Presidents shall have the rank of a Department Director. The
25 
Vice President for Administration shall be responsible for providing overall
26 
administrative support to the activities of the PDUS; the Vice President for
27 
Academic Affairs who shall be a 
PhD holder shall be responsible for the
28 
development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of academic
29 
programs; and the Vice President for Research and Extension shall be
30 
responsible for the conduct and supervision of research and special studies and
31 
policy formulation and review for the DND; and
32


1 
d. The PDUS shall likewise have an Academic Council who shall assist the
2 
University President in the discharge of the following functions:
3 
i. 
Supervise the academic affairs of the University;
4 
ii. 
Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University
5 
to accomplish its objectives; and
6 
iii. Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors,
7 
research assistants and other resource persons of the University.
8 
The Academic Council shall be composed of the PDUS President as Chair, the
9 
Vice President 
for Academic Affairs as Vice Chair, and the Heads of the PDUS
10 
constituent schools and colleges as well as the Heads of their respective faculties as
11 
Members, subject 
to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense as
12 
recommended by the PDUS President.
13 
Sec. 6. Board of Regents - The PDUS shall have a Board of Regents to be
14 
composed of the following:
15 
a. Secretary of National Defense - Chairman;
16 
b. PDUS President - Co-Chair;
17 
c. Representative, Office of the President - Vice-Chairman; and
18 
d. Members:
19 
1. Director-General, National Security Council;
20 
2. Chairman, Senate Committee on Defense and Security;
21 
3. Chairman, House Committee on Defense and Security;
22 
4. Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority;
23 
5. Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines;
24 
6. Secretary of the Interior and Local Government;
25 
7. Secretary of Budget and Management; and
26 
8. Chairman, Commission on Higher Education
27 
Sec. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board of Regents - The Board of Regents
28 
shall act on all matters related to the conduct of defense and security education in the
29 
country which shall include but not limited to the following:
30 
a. To adopt and define the thrusts of the PDUS and provide policy
31 
guidelines to ensure their implementation;
32 
b. To approve the graduation of students as recommended by their


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respective colleges and schools and confer honorary degrees upon 
persons in recognition of their outstanding contributions to defense and 
security of the country;
c. To approve and promulgate rules on admission and discipline of students 
as recommended by the Heads of the autonomous schools and colleges 
within the PDUS;
d. To approve proposals for the creation, organization, abolition, merger or 
reorganization of training and research centers and institutes within the 
PDUS and in each autonomous college and school;
e. To establish and maintain chairs in the autonomous schools and colleges 
and provide for fellowship and scholarship programs to faculty, staff and 
students who demonstrate exceptional merit and fitness;
f. To appoint heads of autonomous schools and colleges and other 
officials, to draw up a position classification and compensation plan for 
its faculty and staff, and to fix and adjust salaries and benefits of the 
faculty members and other employees; to determine their hours of 
service, and such other terms and conditions as it may deem proper; 
and to remove them for cause as provided by law after due investigation 
and proper hearing;
g. To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the 
support of the PDUS to the ends specified by law; and all other sums in 
the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to carry out the purposes 
and functions of this Act;
h. To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, 
equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real 
and personal properties, including the necessary supplies, materials and 
equipment;
i. 
To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same when 
necessary for the benefit of the PDUS and subject to the instructions of 
the donor, if any;
j. To propose, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense,


1 
for the inclusion of other AFP training and educational institutions not
2 
covered by Section 8 of this Act, into the PDUS system;
3 
k. To delegate any of its powers to the PDUS University President or any
4 
other officials or officers as it may deem necessary; and
5 
I. To prescribe rules for its own government and the discipline of the
6 
faculty and other personnel and to enact for the government of the
7 
University such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to
8 
law, as are consistent with the purposes of this Act.
9 
The Board of Regents shall have a regular meeting. A simple majority of all the
10 
members of the Board of Regents holding office at the time the meeting is called shall
11 
constitute a quorum.
12 
Sec. 8. The Constituent and Autonomous Schools and Colleges - The following
13 
schools and colleges existing under the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
14 
shall be integrated under the system:
15 
a. The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP);
16 
b. The Command and General Staff College (CGSC);
17 
c. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA); and
18 
d. Strategic Intelligence Training School (SITS).
19 
The aforementioned schools and colleges shall have an autonomous status and
20 
shall be exempted from the standards, rules, and regulations prescribed by the
21 
Commission on Higher Education.
22 
Sec. 9. The National Defense College of the Philippines - The National Defense
23 
College of the Philippines shall be the country's highest educational, research and
24 
training institution in the field of defense and national security. For this purpose, it
25 
shall maintain, establish and operate centers and institutes for research, training and
26 
continuing studies in the field of defense and national security in addition to the regular
27 
courses it currently undertakes.
28 
Sec. 10. Academic Programs of the NDCP - Within two years after effectivity of
29 
this Act, the Academic Board of the NDCP shall offer, subject to the approval of the
30 
Board of Regents, the course curriculum and other requirements for the conduct of
31 
the Doctor of National Security Administration (DNSA), on top of the Master in National
32 
Security Administration (MNSA) program. Upon the approval of the course curriculum


1 
and other requirements by the Board of Regents, the NDCP shall immediately offer
2 
the DNSA program.
3 
Provided, that no person shall be admitted to the program unless he is more
4 
than 40 years old at the time of admission, holder of an MNSA degree, and with a
5 
rank of Colonel or Naval Captain if from the military, or Assistant Secretary or its
6 
equivalent in the government service, or Chairman, President or CEO of a private
7 
industry or corporation vital to national security and interest as identified by the Board
8 
of Regents.
9 
There shall be a regular review and enhancement of the courses and programs
10 
being offered by NDCP to address the evolving defense and national security
11 
requirements of the country.
12 
Sec. 11. Promotion to General/Flag Rank - The MNSA or its equivalent in military
13 
career development course shall be required for appointment or designation to key
14 
positions.
15 
Sec. 12. Grant of Commission to Civiiian Graduates - Subject to existing AFP
16 
regulations, civilian graduates of regular courses from NDCP may be commissioned as
17 
officers in the Reserve Corps of the AFP with the initial rank of lieutenant colonel or
18 
its equivalent for those who are holders of the MNSA degree. For those holding the
19 
degree of DNSA, the rank of full colonel may be given provided that the candidates
20 
are at least forty (40) years old, have completed their CGSC course, and hold a rank
21 
equivalent to Department Assistant Secretary.
22 
Sec. 13. The Command and General Staff College - The Armed Forces of the
23 
Philippines Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) shall ensure
24 
complementation of curriculum and course offerings of the CGSC with the PDUS. All
25 
academic programs, training programs, curricula, modules currently conducted by the
26 
abovementioned college, shall, upon effectivity of this Act and subject to existing DND
27 
and AFP regulations, be reviewed, evaluated and approved by the Board of Regents.
28 
There shall be a regular review and enhancement of the courses and programs
29 
being offered by CGSC to address the command and general staff academic
30 
requirements of AFP regular and reserve officers.
31 
Sec. 14. The Philippine Military Academy - The Philippine Military Academy
32 
(PMA) shall ensure complementation of curriculum and course offerings with the


1 
PDUS. All academic programs, training programs, curricula, modules currently
2 
conducted by the PMA shall, upon effectivity of this Act and subject to existing DND
3 
and AFP regulations, be reviewed, evaluated and approved by the Board of Regents.
4 
There shall be a regular review and enhancement of the courses and programs
5 
being offered by PMA to address the military academic requirements of the AFP cadets.
6 
Sec. 15. The Special Intelligence Training School - The Special Intelligence
7 
Training School (SITS) which runs the Special Intelligence Course for future Defense
8 
Armed Forces Attaches (DAFAs) shall ensure complementation of curriculum and
9 
course offerings with the PDUS. All academic programs, training programs, curricula,
10 
modules currently conducted by the SITS shall, upon effectivity of this Act and subject
11 
to existing DND and AFP regulations, be reviewed, evaluated and approved by the
12 
Board of Regents.
13 
There shall be a regular review and enhancement of the courses and programs
14 
being offered by the SITS to enhance the competency of the intelligence community
15 
and address the requirements of the AFP.
16 
Sec. 16. Faculty Members and Consultants - The PDUS shall have a core faculty
17 
composed of civilian and military professors, instructors and lecturers serving on a full-
18 
time basis. Upon the recommendation of the Academic Council, the Board of Regents
19 
shall appoint Senior Military Officers, with the rank of Brigadier General or higher, as
20 
members of the respective core faculty of the PDUS constituent academic institutions.
21 
Full-time adjunct professors and the consultants of the PDUS serving on a part-
22 
time basis may be drawn from both the military and civilian branches of the national
23 
government, from the business sector, and from public and private educational
24 
institutions upon the approval of the PDUS President as recommended by the
25 
Academic Council. All instructors, professors and lecturers may be rotated and
26 
assigned to other autonomous colleges and schools if the exigency of service so
27 
requires. All academic consultants, professors, instructors or lecturers, whether civilian
28 
or military personnel, in addition to their regular salaries, shall be entitled to receive
29 
honorarium or fees as may be approved by the Board of Regents.
30 
Faculty members, permanent or part-time shall comply with the qualification
31 
standards of the Commission on Higher Education and the Civil Service Commission.
32 
Sec. 17. Fiscal Autonomy. - The PDUS shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Pursuant to


1 
its authority to coliect various fees in aii academic and training courses, it shall be
2 
allowed to retain the proceeds of such collection and to appropriate the same for the
3 
regular expenditure of PDUS subject to government accounting rules and regulations.
4 
The PDUS may receive in trust legacies, devises, gifts, donations of reai and
5 
personai property of ail kinds and nature and to administer the same for the benefit
6 
of the PDUS in accordance with the instructions or directions of the donor or in defauit
7 
thereof, as the law on donation may provide.
8 
Sec. 18. Personnel Details or Secondment - Heads of bureaus and officers of
9 
the national government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer such apparatus or
10 
supplies as may be needed by the PDUS and to assign employees on detail or
11 
secondment for duty therein. For the purpose of promotion or other personnei
12 
transactions, service in the university either by uniformed or civilian personnel shall
13 
be counted as part of active service in their mother units.
14 
Sec. 19. Promulgation of Implementing Rules. - The Secretary of National
15 
Defense is hereby empowered to promulgate rules and regulations to effectively
16 
implement the objectives and purposes of this Act.
17 
Sec. 20. Initial Appropriations. - The amount of Five Hundred Miilion Pesos
18 
(P500,000,000.00) or such sum or sums as may be needed to carry out the provisions
19 
of this Act shali be appropriated and shall be carried generaliy under the DND in the
20 
Generai Appropriations Act.
21 
Sec. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential
22 
issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof contrary to or inconsistent with any
23 
provision of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. If any part or
24 
provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions which are
25 
not affected thereby shall continue to have the force and effect of iaw.
26 
Sec. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shali take effect fifteen (15) days after its
27 
complete publication in the Offidai Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of generai
28 
circulation.
Approved,