MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed on Tuesday a law requiring the Philippine government to pursue a self-reliant defense posture.
The new law, now known as Republic Act (RA) No. 12024, is a priority legislation of the Marcos administration that aims to develop the country’s defense industry by creating ways to boost the local production of defense equipment.
In his speech, Marcos said the new law will enable the Philippines to develop technologies to counter “unconventional threats” in the current defense and security landscape.
“Cyber security breaches, chemical attacks, radiological threats — these are more than hypothetical risks, but pressing realities. With this, we are broadening our perspective on defense. We are not just looking at tanks and rifles. We are building capacities that address these unconventional dangers head-on,” Marcos said.
“This means developing systems and strategies that are reactive and predictive, allowing us to stay a step ahead of those who wish harm to the Philippines,” he added.
Under the law, the Department of National Defense is tasked to formulate and implement the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program to revitalize the defense industry and address the short-, medium-, and long-term needs for defense equipment in the country.
Furthermore, it seeks to give preference to Filipino-owned enterprises when it comes to the development, servicing, and operation of materiel in the country.
These include military technology, arms and ammunition, combat training, weapon systems, armor, and other various military equipment and materials.
The new law is seen to complement the recently-adopted the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, a deliberate initiative to enhance maritime security and the defensive posture of the country amid Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. (PNA)