Lacson seeks restructuring of AFP, DND in a bill

Sen. Panfilo Lacson has pushed for the restructuring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), streamlining of procurement of defense equipment and the imposition of two-year mandatory military service in a bill that seeks to improve the country’s capability to fight terrorism and other threats to national security.

Lacson, chair of the Senate committee on public order and safety, filed Senate Bill 1734 seeking to strengthen the Department of National Defense (DND) to allow the country to address internal and external threats.

“This bill is envisioned to update national defense policies, principles and concepts, to institutionalize needed improvements and to codify various laws on national defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian bureaus, with the end in view of streamlining and further professionalizing our country’s defense establishment,” Lacson said.

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.

The bill also exempts from the Government Procurement Law the acquisition by the AFP of special defense equipment.

The exemption is upon prior approval by the President; or when the defense secretary determines that the country’s interests shall be protected by negotiating directly with a local or foreign supplier, “provided that such procurement contract shall be covered by a performance security.”

It also exempts the DND from securing import and other licenses for the acquisition of defense materiel.

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

The bill also includes the defense secretary in the chain of command.

The President will exercise authority over the AFP through the defense secretary. However, the President can still issue orders directly to the AFP.

The Women’s Auxiliary Corps and the Technical and Administrative Service will also be integrated into the AFP Component Services under the bill.

The measure also establishes Warrant Officers in the AFP. These will include highly technical experts, combat leaders, trainers and advisors who specialize in a specific technical area.

On the other hand, the National Defense College of the Philippines will be transformed into the National Defense University of the Philippines.