Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT PROMOTING AND REGULATING THE EXPORT OF DEFENSE 
EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES, PROVIDING FOR SAFEGUARDS, SUPPORT 
MECHANISMS, AND APPROPRIATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine defense industry is a critical component of national security, economic 
growth, and technological development. With the increasing demand for defense equipment and 
technologies across the globe, the Philippines has the opportunity to position itself as a 
responsible and competitive player in the international defense market. 
At present, the country lacks a comprehensive legal framework governing the export of 
defense products and technologies. This absence creates regulatory gaps that limit the industry’s 
capacity to compete globally while also raising risks of unauthorized transfers that could 
undermine national security and international commitments. 
This proposed measure seeks to address these gaps by establishing a clear and robust 
regulatory system for defense exports through the creation of a Defense Export Office (DEO). 
The DEO will serve as the lead agency in evaluating export applications, ensuring compliance 
with national laws and international obligations such as the Arms Trade Treaty, and maintaining 
transparency and accountability in the defense export process. 
August 28, 2025
5:45 pm
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The bill also provides safeguards against proliferation by prohibiting exports to entities or 
states deemed threats to national security, those under United Nations arms embargoes, and those 
with documented histories of human rights abuses. In addition, the measure introduces 
mechanisms to prevent diversion, illicit trade, and misuse of defense products. 
To strengthen the domestic defense sector, the bill establishes a Defense Export Incentive 
Program to encourage local manufacturers through tax credits, research and development 
support, and participation in international trade fairs. These initiatives aim to stimulate 
innovation, create jobs, and open new markets for Filipino defense products. 
Finally, the measure authorizes the Department of Foreign Affairs to pursue bilateral and 
multilateral defense trade agreements that will expand opportunities for local industries while 
reinforcing international cooperation and security. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT PROMOTING AND REGULATING THE EXPORT OF DEFENSE 
EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGIES, PROVIDING FOR SAFEGUARDS, SUPPORT 
MECHANISMS, AND APPROPRIATIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Defense Export Promotion and 
Regulation Act” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to:​
a) Promote the growth of the Philippine defense industry as a key pillar of national security,
economic development, and technological innovation;
b) Establish a robust regulatory framework for the responsible export of domestically produced
defense equipment and technologies, ensuring alignment with national interests, international
law, and global security norms;
c) Safeguard against the proliferation of arms and defense technologies to unauthorized or
adversarial entities; and
d) Foster international partnerships and open new markets for Philippine defense products while
maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical standards.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act:​
a) Defense Equipment and Technologies refer to weapons, ammunition, military vehicles,
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defense systems, dual-use technologies, and related components produced in the Philippines;​
b) Defense Export refers to the sale, transfer, or shipment of defense equipment and technologies 
from the Philippines to a foreign country;​
c) Adversarial Entities refer to governments, groups, or individuals designated as threats to 
Philippine national security under national laws, or as identified in coordination with 
international partners and multilateral agreements. 
SEC. 4. Creation of the Defense Export Office (DEO). —  
a) There is hereby created a Defense Export Office (DEO) under the joint supervision of the 
Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and 
Commission on Audit (COA), which shall serve as the primary regulatory and coordinating body 
for defense exports.  
b) The DEO shall have the following powers and functions:  
(1) Formulate and implement the National Defense Export Policy Framework;  
(2) Evaluate and issue export permits and licenses for defense products, ensuring 
compliance with national laws and international agreements, including the Arms Trade 
Treaty;  
(3) Screen and vet prospective buyers and end-users of Philippine defense products, with 
input from intelligence and diplomatic agencies;  
(4) Maintain a National Defense Export Registry and regularly update a list of approved, 
pending, and denied export applications;  
(5) Monitor global trends, emerging markets, and international arms control regimes to 
inform policy and identify opportunities and risks;  
(6) Conduct post-delivery verification and ensure end-use compliance;  
(7) Develop training modules and provide technical assistance to local defense 
manufacturers to navigate export procedures and legal requirements; and  
(8) Submit annual reports to Congress on defense export activities, including economic 
impact, compliance issues, and global trends. 
SEC. 5. Safeguards Against Proliferation and Diversion. —  
a) The DEO shall establish a screening and compliance system to ensure Philippine defense 
products do not reach unauthorized or adversarial entities.  


b) No defense export shall be authorized to:  
(1) Entities or countries designated as threats to Philippine national security;  
(2) Nations under UN Security Council arms embargoes or international sanctions; and  
(3) Entities with a documented record of human rights abuses or violations of 
international humanitarian law, as determined by the DEO in consultation with the DFA 
and DND. 
 c) The DEO shall coordinate with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), intelligence 
agencies, and international partners to detect suspicious transactions and prevent illicit trade. 
SEC. 6. Support for the Philippine Defense Industry. —  
a) The DEO, in partnership with the DTI and the Philippine Defense Industry Development 
Council (PDIDC), shall:  
(1) Organize capacity-building programs on export compliance, product standards, and 
international marketing; 
(2) Facilitate participation in international defense exhibitions, trade fairs, and bilateral 
trade missions; and  
(3) Provide financial incentives, including tax breaks and preferential access to export 
financing, to defense companies successfully penetrating foreign markets. 
b) A Defense Export Incentive Program is hereby established, offering:  
(1) Tax credits;  
(2) Priority processing of permits;  
(3) Access to government-supported R&D programs; and  
(4) Recognition awards for exemplary exporters. 
SEC. 7. International Cooperation and Bilateral Agreements. — The Department of Foreign 
Affairs (DFA), in coordination with the DEO, shall pursue bilateral and multilateral agreements 
to open new markets, establish end-use monitoring protocols, and foster defense trade 
partnerships. 


SEC. 8. Funding. — The initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current 
appropriations of the DND, DTI, and COA. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). 
SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). — Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the DND, DTI, COA, and DFA shall jointly promulgate the necessary IRR 
to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules inconsistent with 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
 
 
 
 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List