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.

Military modernization, economic growth

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, meanwhile, expressed optimism that the revitalized defense posture will be instrumental in preserving peace and stability in the region while protecting the country’s maritime interests.

“This is a pivotal moment for the country. The passage and signing of this law sends a strong message that we are serious about protecting our sovereignty and securing our future,” Romualdez said in a statement.

He said it would spur modernization of the country’s military by enhancing local defense industries, which is crucial for ordinary Filipinos as it will better safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, especially amid tensions in areas like the West Philippine Sea.

Romualdez said the revitalization of the local defense industry will contribute to economic growth by creating jobs, advancing technological innovation, and fostering a culture of self-reliance within the defense sector.

“This law will not only strengthen our security but also open up opportunities for our industries to grow and innovate. It paves the way for greater collaboration between government and private sector partners to build a robust defense ecosystem,” he said.

He added RA 12024 mandates that preference should be given to Filipino-owned enterprises engaged in the development, production, manufacturing, assembly, servicing, or operation of materiel in the Philippines.

The new law opens doors for innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber defense.

“By fostering technological advancements, the law will help the Philippines stay ahead in these emerging areas and contribute to long-term economic growth. By shifting the focus to local production of defense equipment, the law will lessen our country’s reliance on costly imports,” Romualdez said.

“This ensures that Filipinos’ tax money is reinvested in our local economy and for social services, like education, health care, infrastructure, and financial assistance to the poor.”

Romualdez assured that the House of Representatives is fully committed to ensure adequate budgetary allocations for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the development of the local defense industry.

Dynamic defense system

DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said the law would also support the weapon and materiel requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies.

“With a focus on research and development, the SRDP Program will prioritize the promotion of innovations and technological breakthroughs in the defense industry and dual-use technologies,” DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

He added that it would also build up AFP’s capabilities in multiple domains, both traditional and non-traditional, and which will ultimately facilitate the attainment of a credible defense posture and self-reliance.

“By enabling the development of a national defense industry, the law will also harness the potential of local enterprises through collaborative partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers from like-minded countries willing to extend their assistance through transfer of technology,” Andolong said. (PNA)