Senators seek restructuring of military to boost security

MANILA, Philippines — Senators have pushed for the immediate passage of measures seeking to restructure the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) to help improve the country’s capability to confront various security threats.

Senators Panfilo Lacson and Sonny Angara filed separate bills for the restructuring of the AFP and DND to include streamlining of procurement of defense equipment, banning the sale of strategic defense properties and imposition of two-year mandatory military service.

It also aims to make the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), an infantry force under the Navy, a separate branch in the military.

 Under Angara’s Senate Bill 1731, the PMC shall become the fourth service branch of the country’s armed forces, making it equal and mutually independent as the three existing branches of the AFP—the Army, Air Force and Navy.

 “Despite the lack of charter, the Marines Corps has provided seamless transition of military power between sea and land domains. After their heroism in Marawi and past battles, it’s high time that we reward and recognize their achievements through its institutionalization,” Angara said.

 The senator said the PMC could play a crucial role in terms of protecting the country’s territorial waters amid the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine Rise disputes.

“The country’s archipelagic makeup necessitates the need for a comprehensive yet rapidly deployable amphibious force primarily mandated to conduct seaborne and on-shore tactical operations to protect the country’s territories, communities and inhabitants,” he said.

 To carry out the powers and functions of the PMC, the bill seeks the establishment of headquarters in all three major regions of the country—with the command center in Mindanao serving as its national headquarters.

 Lacson said his Senate Bill 1734 seeks to update national defense policies and institutionalize needed improvements to streamline and further professionalize the country’s defense establishment.

 Under the bill, the sale of strategic defense real properties is prohibited, unless recommended by the defense secretary and approved by the President with the consent of Congress.

 Income from the lease or development of defense real estate shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.

 Also, the bill seeks to exempt from the Government Procurement Law the AFP’s acquisition of special defense equipment after a prior approval by the President or when the defense secretary determines that the country’s interests are protected by negotiating, “provided that such procurement contract shall be covered by a performance security,” directly with a local or foreign supplier.

 The measure also allows the DND to accept donations, contributions and grants for its functions although donations from foreign governments or persons shall be subject to existing laws.

 Although the bill includes the defense secretary in the chain of command, the President will still exercise authority over the AFP through the defense secretary or issue orders directly to the AFP.

 Also, the Women’s Auxiliary Corps and the Technical and Administrative Service will be integrated into the AFP Component Services. It also establishes Warrant Officers in the AFP, which include highly technical experts, combat leaders, trainers and advisors who specialize in a specific technical area.

 The bill also provides for a two-year mandatory service to be rendered by Filipinos, both natural-born and naturalized.

 In Zamboanga City, President Duterte cited the AFP and the Philippine National Police in their relentless fight against terrorism. 

“I salute the valiant soldiers of the Western Mindanao Command for their successful efforts in combating threat groups in their area of operations,” the President said Saturday during his visit to Edwin Andrews Air Base, where he had a ‘talk to men’ session with both the military and police personnel.   

Duterte also conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan to 10 military officers and personnel and Rank of Kamagi to 22 others. 

 The Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan is awarded to individuals who were seriously wounded or injured or suffered great loss of property as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

The Rank of Kamagi is conferred on individuals who actively participated and contributed significantly to the campaign of the President against terrorism and illegal drugs.

“By fulfilling your sworn duty to protect our people and to defend our democratic institutions, you helped pave the way for a stronger Republic. Together, let us continue fighting for our people’s welfare and for the betterment of the entire Philippines,” Duterte said. 

He thanked the AFP and PNP officers and members for their sacrifice for the country saying, “I know that you have this distinct honor of offering your life for the country.” – With Edith Regalado, Edu Punay