Pcg Strengthening and Modernization Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) AUG -4 P1:46 SENATE RECEIVO B S. No. 832 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 25 AUG -4 P1:46 SENATE RECEIED 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:

Section 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the "PCG Strengthening and

2 Modernization Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

4 modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to a level where it can effectively and 5 fully perform its statutory mandates to ensure the maritime safety, maritime 6 environmental protection, and maritime security of the Republic of the Philippines. 7 Toward this end, the principal thrusts of the modernization program under this Act shall be: (a) The development of a more mobile and visible coast guard force that will establish its vision of a "world-class guardian of the sea" by 2035; (b) The enhancement of the capacity of the PCG to promote, support, and safeguard sustainable economic activities within the maritime territory of the country, in alignment with blue economy principles and environmental protection; (c) The acquisition and upgrading of appropriate technology and equipment;

(d) The doctrinal, organizational, and personnel strengthening of the PCG; and (e) The strategic improvement and construction of bases, installations, and other PCG facilities, with due regard to gender sensitivity, accessibility, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalized coastal communities.

Sec. 3. Objectives - The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program shall

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

foreign policies as well as international accords against smuggling, piracy, armed robbery, poaching, illegal fishing, smuggling, drug trafficking, hijacking of seacraft and vessels, trade in human beings and other serious international crimes, drug-trafficking, and the transport of toxic and other ecologically-harmful substances taking place in or through Philippine territory; (g) To integrate gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in PCG operations, particularly in disaster response, evacuation, search and rescue, and community engagement, with attention to the needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors; (h) To enhance its capability towards inter-agency coordination in terms of maritime law enforcement and maritime counter-terrorism; and (i) To develop its capability to support national development.

Sec. 4. Development of PCG Capabilities - The PCG Strengthening and

Modernization program shall be geared towards the development of the following capabilities: (a) Development of floating assets-The enhanced fleet operations shall enable the PCG to: i. Patrol and enforce laws across the Philippine maritime jurisdiction, including the exclusive economic zone, contested waters, and maritime traffic corridors; i. Project maritime presence and uphold sovereign rights in areas subject to encroachment or coercive activity; ill. Protect and preserve coastal, nearshore, and riparian ecosystems, including reef systems and marine protected areas; iv. Provide rapid transportation of personnel, supplies, and relief goods in times of natural disaster and humanitarian emergency; V. Conduct maritime search and rescue operations in response to incidents such as vessel collisions, fire at sea, grounding, flash floods, and oil or chemical spills, among others; and vi. Integrate with Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) systems,

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; il. Conduct maritime air operations in support of PCG missions, including but not limited to: interdiction, environmental protection, and disaster response missions; ill. 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; iv. 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: i. Response bases for all operational units of the PCG; = Coast Guard stations and substations; and ili. Training, ship/aircraft repair and maintenance, and logistics for PCG operating units; of national (e) Development headquarters capabilities-The modernization of the PCG requires the renovation and development of

the national headquarters capabilities for command, control, communications, and information systems networks.

Sec. 5. Components of the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program -

The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program shall be divided into four tiers in line with the capabilities and include the following: (a) First Tier-Development of PCG Response Bases and Enhancement of Maritime Domain Awareness Capabilities Response Bases-The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program shall entail the construction and development of climate- resilient permanent response bases to house all PCG operational units, such as Marine Laboratories, Search and Rescue Vessels (SARVs), Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), Maritime Pollution Vessels (MARPOL vessels), and others to allow the PCG to rapidly respond to maritime emergency calls in the most efficient and effective manner. ii. Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) Capabilities-The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program shall entail the acquisition and upgrade of equipment and systems such as Radar Stations, Lighthouses, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), and SARVs to enhance MDA capabilities. (b) Second Tier-Development of Infrastructure and Interdiction Capabilities i. Interdiction Capabilities-The PCG Strengthening and Modernization program entails the acquisition of state-of-the-art vessels and equipment to enhance interdiction and law enforcement capabilities. ii. Coast Guard Stations and Substations-The PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program shall entail the improvement, development, and standardization of infrastructure and facilities for Coast Guard stations and substations nationwide. Each

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. MI. 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;

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. Construction and Development of Hangars-The PCG ii. 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.

Hangars shall be designed with energy-efficient systems, water- saving facilities, and provisions for emergency mobilization and disaster relief operations.

Sec. 6. Organization and Personnel Capability - In view of the enhancements

in capability, acquisition of new equipment, and establishment of new facilities, the 6 PCG shall implement organizational and personnel strengthening measures parallel to 7 the modernization program. These measures shall be carried out in the following manner: (a) First Tier - Development of Rationalized Systems and Organizational Strengthening i. Doctrinal Development - The PCG shall generate, evaluate, consolidate, formalize, and update maritime doctrines necessary for lawful, effective, and efficient operations. ii. Doctrine Review and Validation - Conduct periodic reviews and validation of doctrines through field application, testing, and exercises. iii. Organizational Review and Streamlining - Undertake a comprehensive review of the organization's structure and functions, including the streamlining of units and offices. This process aims to eliminate overlapping functions, simplify procedures, and improve response times. (b) Second Tier - Professionalization and Training of Human Resources i. Enhanced Recruitment - Establish enhanced recruitment processes to attract highly qualified candidates to join the PCG. ii. Comprehensive Training Programs - Formulate and implement comprehensive training programs tailored to various specializations within the PCG, ensuring personnel are well- educated, motivated, and highly skilled. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall provide technical 30 budgetary assistance to the PCG to ensure it attains an optimal organizational size.

1 This support will enable the PCG to effectively operate its modernized equipment, 2 manage new facilities, and assume additional tasks.

Sec. 7. Period of Implementation - The strengthening and modernization

program under this Act shall be implemented in four (4) tiers, with each tier composed of three (3) years, as used in Section 5 and 6 of this Act, for a total period of twelve 6 (12) years. Provided, however, that payments for the amortization of outstanding 7 multi-year contract obligations incurred under this Act may extend beyond this period.

Sec. 8. Submission of the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program -

(a) Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretaries of the Departments of Transportation, and Budget and Management, shall submit the PCG Strengthening and Modernization program as provided for in this Act to Congress for its consideration and approval in a joint resolution of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The program shall indicate or show inter alia: i. Personnel, equipment, and facilities inventory before the commencement and during the various phases of the modernization program; ii. The target strengthening and modernization projects under it, including the major weapon and non-weapon equipment and technology acquisitions, any major infrastructure construction or improvement to be made, doctrinal and organizational review, and the particular objectives) and component(s) under Sections 3 and 4, respectively, of this Act to which such intended acquisition, construction, or improvements belong; ill. The priorities, schedules as well as the estimated average cost for each strengthening and modernization project or upgrading to be undertaken; and iv. The specific and measurable success indicators, performance metrics, means of verification of the success

of the activities and acquisitions composing the PCG Strengthening and Modernization program, and the monitoring and evaluation plan for its implementation. (b) In the event Congress approves the PCG Strengthening and Modernization program, the joint resolution shall be the basis for subsequent executive and legislative actions to implement the PCG Strengthening and Modernization program until its complete and full realization.

Sec. 9. Appropriations - The annual appropriations for the PCG Strengthening

10 and Modernization Program shall include the amounts necessary to support the funding requirements for all the modernization components approved by Congress under the preceding sections. The appropriated funds under this Act shall be considered distinct and separate from the regular appropriations for the Department of Transportation. Such funds shall 15 be facilitated by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation for its proper 16 implementation. The amount of One Hundred Billion Pesos (PhP 100,000,000,000.00) for the first implementation period, or the first three years, shall be appropriated and shall be renewed every implementation period, as stated in this Act. Provided, that such amount may be increased thereafter.

Sec. 10. PCG Strengthening and Modernization Act Trust Fund - There is hereby

created a trust fund, to be known as the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Act Trust Fund. This trust fund shall be used exclusively for the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Act and shall be funded through the following: (a) Appropriations for the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program pursuant to the provisions of this Act; (b) Percentage (40%) of the annual proceeds of the Oil Pollution Management Fund provided for under RA 9483; (c) Sale of proceeds from the sale, lease or joint development of assets, and disposal of excess and/or uneconomically repairable equipment and other movable assets of the PCG;

(d) Dues, fines, and penalties collected by the PCG in the exercise of its functions; (e) Grants, donations and endowments from various domestic and foreign sources; (f) Unused or undisbursed funds, other than unused appropriations for salaries and benefits of the PCG personnel, remaining from all previous appropriations; (g) Savings from austerity measures by the PCG, generated in the previous fiscal year; and (h) All interest income of the Trust Fund. The trust fund shall be administered by the Secretary of Transportation, in accordance with existing government auditing rules and regulations.

Sec. 11. Multi-year Contracts and Other Contractual Arrangements -

(a) The Secretary of Transportation, pursuant to the PCG Strengthening and Modernization program, projects and appropriations approved by Congress, may, subject to the approval by the President, provisions of existing laws and regulations including those of the Commission on Audit and under such terms and conditions most favorable to the government, enter into multiyear contracts, lease and lease-purchase agreements. (b) For multi-year contracts, Congress shall, upon certification by the President, make the corresponding appropriation for the ensuing fiscal year: Provided, that Congress shall appropriate only such funds as may be necessary to pay any unpaid amount where such funds mentioned in Sections 8 and 9 of this are not sufficient or available to meet such payment in full or in part. (c) The Secretary of Transportation shall submit to Congress, through the Congressional Oversight Committee, copies of these multi-year contracts and other agreements/arrangements to enable Congress to appropriate funds.

Sec. 12. PCG Procurement System - The Department of Transportation and the

2 PCG shall strengthen its systems and procedures for equipment acquisition, taking into 3 account new requirements under the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Program. 4 Contract negotiations, and equipment, vessel and facilities acquisition shall be treated 5 as two sequential but separate steps, each requiring the separate decision of the 6 Secretary of Transportation. Both the decision-making and contract negotiation 7 processes for its acquisition shall start at the PCG level and be submitted to the 8 Secretary of the Department of Transportation. In its systems and procedures for equipment acquisition, the provisions of RA 10 9184, as amended, and other applicable laws shall apply.

Sec. 13. Guidance for the President - To meet unforeseen national security

12 emergencies, the President, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation, may modify the program through substitution or revision of a component project therein: Provided, however, that he/she shall report such action to Congress within thirty (30) days.

Sec. 14. Annual Reports - Not later than the end of the first quarter of the

succeeding year: (a) The Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the President and Congress an annual report on the status of the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Act Trust Fund, as provided for in Section 9 of this Act; and (b) The Commandant of the PCG shall submit to the President and Congress, through the Secretary of Transportation, an annual report containing the progress of the implementation of the strengthening and modernization program under this Act to include the PCG Strengthening and Modernization Activities implemented prior to the approval of this Act. This report shall include PCG's actual performance based on the identified specific and measurable success indicators, its means of verification, and the results of progress monitoring and evaluation.

Sec. 15. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee - A Joint Congressional

Oversight Committee is hereby created to monitor and oversee the implementation of

1 the provisions of this Act. The Committee shall be composed of six (6) members each 2 from the Senate and the House of Representatives who are to be appointed by the 3 Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The minority shall have at least two (2) representatives from both Houses. The Joint 5 Congressional Oversight Committee shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the 6 Committees on Transportation of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. 7 The Committee shall be convened by the Chairpersons within thirty (30) days after 8 the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 16. Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or

10 parts thereof which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 17. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

Sec. 18. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines. Approved,

Ultice En TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG -4 P1:47 SENATE RECENED A 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 ) AUG -4 • P1:47 SENATE RECENCE E. S. No._ 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:

Section 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the "Philippine Defense

2 University System Act".

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, 8 integrated, comprehensive, and attuned to the evolving defense and security 9 requirements of the country.

Sec. 3. Establishment of Philippine Defense University System. - In furtherance

of the policy enunciated in Section 2 of this Act, an educational institution known as the Philippine Defense University System (PDUS) shall be established at Camp General 13 Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Sec. 4. Objectives - The PDUS shall be established to serve as the over-all

integrating and coordinating institution in the field of defense and security education 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 and extension in the country. It shall also aim to strengthen the career system, and

1 to prevent overlap and fragmentation among defense and security educational 2 institutions.

Sec. 5. Organization and Administration - The PDUS shall be organized as an

4 educational institution under the Department of National Defense (DND). a. The PDUS shall be headed by a University President who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense (SND). The University President of the PDUS shall be a PhD holder who shall have the rank of a Department Undersecretary. The University President shall serve as the chief executive officer, chief academic officer, and head of the University Faculty of the PDUS. The University President shall preside over the meetings of the autonomous schools and colleges of the PUS and exercise powers specifically provided for in this Act, those determined by the Board of Regents, and such other powers as may be provided by related laws and executive issuances; b. The University President shall be assisted by an Executive Vice-President (EVP) and three (3) Vice-Presidents who shall be appointed in the same manner as the University President. The EVP who shall have the rank of a Department Assistant Secretary shall be a Master's degree holder and with experience in defense and security. The EVP shall act as University President of the PDUS in the absence or incapacity of the University President, and perform such other functions and duties as may be assigned by the University President or the SND. The EVP shall have supervisory functions over Academic Affairs, Administration and Research and Extension; C. The PDUS Vice Presidents shall have the rank of a Department Director. The Vice President for Administration shall be responsible for providing overall administrative support to the activities of the PDUS; the Vice President for Academic Affairs who shall be a PhD holder shall be responsible for the development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of academic programs; and the Vice President for Research and Extension shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of research and special studies and policy formulation and review for the DND; and

d. The PDUS shall likewise have an Academic Council who shall assist the University President in the discharge of the following functions: i. Supervise the academic affairs of the University; ii. Recommend the courses of studies to be conducted by the University to accomplish its objectives; and iii. Recommend academic consultants, professors, lecturers, instructors, research assistants and other resource persons of the University. 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 PUS 10 constituent schools and colleges as well as the Heads of their respective faculties as Members, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense as recommended by the PDUS President.

Sec. 6. Board of Regents - The PDUS shall have a Board of Regents to be

composed of the following: a. Secretary of National Defense - Chairman; b. PDUS President - Co-Chair; c. Representative, Office of the President - Vice-Chairman; and d. Members: 1. Director-General, National Security Council; 2. Chairman, Senate Committee on Defense and Security; 3. Chairman, House Committee on Defense and Security; 4. Director-General, National Economic and Development Authority; 5. Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines; 6. Secretary of the Interior and Local Government; 7. Secretary of Budget and Management; and 8. Chairman, Commission on Higher Education

Sec. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board of Regents - The Board of Regents

shall act on all matters related to the conduct of defense and security education in the country which shall include but not limited to the following: a. To adopt and define the thrusts of the PDUS and provide policy guidelines to ensure their implementation; b. To approve the graduation of students as recommended by their

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,

for the inclusion of other AFP training and educational institutions not covered by Section 8 of this Act, into the PDUS system; k. To delegate any of its powers to the PDUS University President or any other officials or officers as it may deem necessary; and I. To prescribe rules for its own government and the discipline of the faculty and other personnel and to enact for the government of the University such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are consistent with the purposes of this Act. The Board of Regents shall have a regular meeting. A simple majority of all the members of the Board of Regents holding office at the time the meeting is called shall constitute a quorum.

Sec. 8. The Constituent and Autonomous Schools and Colleges - The following

schools and colleges existing under the DND and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) shall be integrated under the system: a. The National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP); b. The Command and General Staff College (CGSC); c. The Philippine Military Academy (PMA); and d. Strategic Intelligence Training School (SITS). The aforementioned schools and colleges shall have an autonomous status and shall be exempted from the standards, rules, and regulations prescribed by the Commission on Higher Education.

Sec. 9. The National Defense College of the Philippines - The National Defense

College of the Philippines shall be the country's highest educational, research and training institution in the field of defense and national security. For this purpose, it shall maintain, establish and operate centers and institutes for research, training and continuing studies in the field of defense and national security in addition to the regular courses it currently undertakes.

Sec. 10. Academic Programs of the NDCP - Within two years after effectivity of

this Act, the Academic Board of the NDCP shall offer, subject to the approval of the Board of Regents, the course curriculum and other requirements for the conduct of the Doctor of National Security Administration (DNSA), on top of the Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) program. Upon the approval of the course curriculum

and other requirements by the Board of Regents, the NDCP shall immediately offer 2 the DNSA program. Provided, that no person shall be admitted to the program unless he is more than 40 years old at the time of admission, holder of an MNSA degree, and with a 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. 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 requirements of the country.

Sec. 11. Promotion to General/Flag Rank - The MNSA or its equivalent in military

career development course shall be required for appointment or designation to key positions.

Sec. 12. Grant of Commission to Civilian Graduates - Subject to existing AFP

regulations, civilian graduates of regular courses from NDCP may be commissioned as officers in the Reserve Corps of the AFP with the initial rank of lieutenant colonel or its equivalent for those who are holders of the MNSA degree. For those holding the degree of DNSA, the rank of full colonel may be given provided that the candidates are at least forty (40) years old, have completed their CGSC course, and hold a rank equivalent to Department Assistant Secretary.

Sec. 13. The Command and General Staff College - The Armed Forces of the

Philippines Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) shall ensure complementation of curriculum and course offerings of the CGSC with the PDUS. All academic programs, training programs, curricula, modules currently conducted by the abovementioned college, shall, upon effectivity of this Act and subject to existing DND and AFP regulations, be reviewed, evaluated and approved by the Board of Regents. There shall be a regular review and enhancement of the courses and programs being offered by CGSC to address the command and general staff academic requirements of AFP regular and reserve officers.

Sec. 14. The Philippine Military Academy - The Philippine Military Academy

(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. 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.

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, modules currently conducted by the SITS shall, upon effectivity of this Act and subject to existing DND and AFP regulations, be reviewed, evaluated and approved by the Board of Regents. There shali be a regular review and enhancement of the courses and programs being offered by the SITS to enhance the competency of the intelligence community and address the requirements of the AFP.

Sec. 16. Faculty Members and Consultants - The PDUS shall have a core faculty

composed of civilian and military professors, instructors and lecturers serving on a full- time basis. Upon the recommendation of the Academic Council, the Board of Regents shall appoint Senior Military Officers, with the rank of Brigadier General or higher, as members of the respective core faculty of the PDUS constituent academic institutions. Full-time adjunct professors and the consultants of the PDUS serving on a part- time basis may be drawn from both the military and civilian branches of the national government, from the business sector, and from public and private educational institutions upon the approval of the PDUS President as recommended by the Academic Council. All instructors, professors and lecturers may be rotated and assigned to other autonomous colleges and schools if the exigency of service so requires. All academic consultants, professors, instructors or lecturers, whether civilian or military personnel, in addition to their regular salaries, shall be entitled to receive honorarium or fees as may be approved by the Board of Regents. Faculty members, permanent or part-time shall comply with the qualification standards of the Commission on Higher Education and the Civil Service Commission.

Sec. 17. Fiscal Autonomy. - The PDUS shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Pursuant to

its authority to collect various fees in all 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. The PDUS may receive in trust legacies, devises, gifts, donations of real and 5 personal property of all 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 default 7 thereof, as the law on donation may provide.

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 secondment for duty therein. For the purpose of promotion or other personnel transactions, service in the university either by uniformed or civilian personnel shall be counted as part of active service in their mother units.

Sec. 19. Promulgation of Implementing Rules. - The Secretary of National

Defense is hereby empowered to promulgate rules and regulations to effectively implement the objectives and purposes of this Act.

Sec. 20. Initial Appropriations. - The amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos

(P500,000,000.00) or such sum or sums as may be needed to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be appropriated and shall be carried generally under the DND in the General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 21. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential

issuances, rules and regulations or part thereof contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. If any part or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to have the force and effect of law.

Sec. 22. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,