18

Ensuring
Security,
Public Order,
and Safety
CHAPTER 18

Ensuring Security, Public Order,

and Safety

The realization of the Filipino people’s long-term vision of a matatag, maginhawa, at panatag
na buhay para sa lahat rests upon an environment that is safe, secure, and orderly. It is the
government’s duty to ensure that all Filipinos feel secure to walk and travel around all places
in the country, without fear of harm to themselves and their property, and are able to go about
their business, economic, and social pursuits. Moreover, as the country pursues greater
economic development, it is imperative that the government safeguards national interests,
territory, and sovereignty.

In the first three years of the Duterte Administration, efforts towards building a safe, secure,
and orderly Philippines were intensified. While significant strides have been made in terms of
putting in place structural reforms and various mechanisms in the security sector, recurring
challenges persist and new threats to public safety have emerged. The protection of our
country’s entitlements, not only in the West Philippine Sea, has been one of the most pressing
security concerns facing the country. Criminality and illegal drugs remain a prevalent threat to
public safety, along with the increased frequency of natural disasters, isolated occurrences of
human-induced disasters, and outbreak of diseases.

For the remainder of the Plan implementation, the government will maintain its independent
and principled foreign policy. The government will strengthen the capabilities of its security
forces to ensure that Philippine territories and sovereignty is defended. It will also remain
committed in its campaign against all forms of criminality, illegal drugs, transnational crimes,
trafficking-in-persons, and violent extremism. During times of health emergencies, the whole
security sector will be mobilized to adequately respond to the needs of the people, including
the provision of support to sectors that bring food, basic necessities, and essential services to
them. Furthermore, the government will upgrade its systems and operations to conform to the
new normal in keeping public order and safety. The protection of human rights, as enshrined
in the Constitution, will be ensured, especially during the implementation of policies and
measures in times of crisis and emergencies.

Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 309

Assessment and Challenges
Assessment: Successful negotiations for the Challenges: Managing conflict and reducing
formulation of the “Association of Southeast Asian tensions among claimant states of the SCS, continue
Nations (ASEAN) - China Code of Conduct in to be the main challenge to external security.
the South China Sea” have been pursued to ensure Various emerging and non-traditional threats such
security and stability in the region. Various efforts as radicalization, violent extremism, and increasing
have been exerted to engage claimant states and risks to disasters and health hazards continue to
to promote a rules-based regime in the “South threaten the safety of Filipinos.
China Sea (SCS),” including the Single Draft Code
of Conduct (COC) Negotiating Text, which will The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed another
inform the formulation of the COC. The crime challenge to ensuring security and safety of the
situation has generally improved with the reduction people. Despite the continued reduction in reports of
of average monthly index crime rate and the criminal incidents even during the implementation
improvement of index crime solution efficiency of the community quarantine, law enforcement
rate from 2016 to 2018. A holistic approach, operations are stifled by the need to observe strict
involving community and civil society groups, to health protocols amidst limited supply of personal
the campaign against illegal drugs was introduced protective equipment (PPE), exposing enforcers to
through the issuance of Executive Order (EO) 66, risk. On the other hand, incidence of cybercrimes
s. 2018, which institutionalized the Philippine Anti- is on the rise with the increased digital dependency
illegal Drugs Strategy. of the public for financial and government
transactions. The imposition of quarantine
protocols also demands greater accountability from
the government to ensure that human rights are
protected and upheld.

310 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022

Strategic Framework
Ensuring security, safety, and public order is one pursuing the following strategic outcomes taking
of the foundational strategies in the Philippine into consideration the new normal situation
Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022, hence brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as
it is accorded high priority by the current shown in Figure 18.1 below.
administration. Achieving this goal will entail

Figure 18.1 Strategic Framework to Ensure Security, Public Order, and Safety

Note: Refer to Migration on Chapter 21 for strategies relating to overseas Filipinos (OFs).

Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 311

Strategies
Ensuring public safety The Philippine Public Safety College and PNP
will continue to institutionalize a highly efficient,
competent, credible, and professionalized corps
The government will continue to exert efforts in
of peace and order and public safety personnel
building the capabilities of public safety institutions
through the conduct of mandatory courses,
to respond to all hazards, including pandemics,
specialized and in-service training, and continuing
that pose risks to the safety of the people. This will
quality education and training to PNP uniformed
include interventions in preventing the spread of
personnel. Online training programs and digital
radicalization resulting in violent extremism. The
platforms will form integral parts of the learning
following strategies will be implemented to raise the
process during this pandemic situation.
standards for public safety.
Being at the frontline of the pandemic and other
Increase police presence, professionalize the
crisis situations, the police force will be equipped
police ranks, and conduct internal cleansing in
with adequate logistical support for its operations
law enforcement. Efforts to enhance police presence
and be provided with sufficient PPE. This is to
to maintain peace and order is primordial. As such,
ensure the safety and protection of the police forces
the Philippine National Police (PNP) will strive to
while performing their duty of upholding the rule
meet the standard police-to-population ratio of
of law to maintain peace and order and public safety
1:500 to greatly improve public safety. In addition,
in the middle of a public health crisis.
the government will pursue the construction of
additional police stations in every community to
Strengthen the partnership between law
further strengthen and expand their presence. To
enforcement agencies, local peace and order
enhance police presence in communities, various
institutions, and communities. LGUs will
programs and activities, such as Pulis Nyo Po sa
continuously strengthen local peace and order
Barangay, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams,
institutions to effectively address criminality and
and Barangay Information Networks, will be
illegal drugs within communities. Maintaining
organized and empowered as force multipliers
peace and order and discipline in communities is
for the PNP. Moreover, the Community and
of utmost importance, as quarantine restrictions
Service-Oriented Policing (CSOP) System will be
adversely affect the economy and people’s livelihood
strengthened to help build ties between the PNP and
and income. To this end, the government will
communities and to strengthen the involvement of
capacitate local government unit (LGU) officials,
the latter in addressing public safety issues such as
especially those at the barangay level, as force
crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.
multipliers and frontliners in the fight against
COVID-19. Capacity-building interventions will
The PNP will continue its efforts in sustaining
include developing protocols on checkpoints and
internal discipline within their ranks through
enforcement of community quarantine guidelines.
the implementation of the Revitalized Internal
The PNP will support other sectors, particularly
Cleansing Strategy, with particular focus on getting
those involved in supply chains, to ensure
rid of incompetent and corrupt police personnel.
unhampered distribution of food and other essential
Reporting platforms such as the Integrity Monitoring
goods, including medical supplies and equipment.
and Enforcement Group (IMEG) Hotline aimed
Together with the Department of Interior and Local
at receiving complaints and information from
Government (DILG), the PNP will also develop
the public about erring police officers will also be
a concise rules of engagement with their civilian
sustained. Disciplinary actions and sanctions will
counterparts.
be strictly imposed on those involved in corruption
and other unlawful activities.

312 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022

Sustain and expand systems for responding to provide support in the implementation of social
crime and emergencies. The implementation of the support programs, especially during public health
911 Emergency Hotline Service, which serves as the emergencies. Duty bearers in the security sector
direct access of the people to the government, will will be capacitated on providing medical/paramedic
be sustained. The DILG will expand its coverage services to enable and intensify the conduct of
to better serve and respond to emergencies in contact tracing and early detection.
the countryside. Moreover, training programs
for telecommunicators and responders will be In line with the implementation of the National
provided. Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security
(NAP-WPS) 2017-2022, which acknowledges the
In response to challenges arising from the new vulnerability of women in emergency situations,
normal, the DILG, the Department of Health the government will strengthen the coordination
(DOH), and other relevant security sector and harmonization of protection and rehabilitation
agencies will expand the utilization of internet and initiatives for women and girls in various
mobile-based reporting channels. This will enable emergencies. It will also develop comprehensive
frontliners to respond in a timely manner to the gender- and culturally- sensitive disaster risk
information and security needs of the public under reduction and management programs that
the new normal. specifically highlight the context and vulnerabilities
of women during emergencies, including women in
Enhance the capability of the security sector frontline agencies.
for humanitarian assistance and disaster
response. To enable security sector agencies to Furthermore, the passage of the bill to establish the
effectively respond to natural and human-induced Department of Disaster Resilience will be actively
disasters, the National Disaster Risk Reduction pursued in the Congress. The bill will strengthen
and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the coordination among agencies in providing
the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), will continue response during emergencies and disasters. The
to provide capacity-building programs for disaster bill should also be revisited to explicitly specify
responders such as the National Urban Search and public health emergencies such as pandemics as
Rescue (USAR) Capacity Building. In support of disaster events, and identify measures that will
this, by the fourth quarter of 2020, the DILG is enable the government to mitigate the impacts
expected to implement the Safe Philippines Project of such emergencies and to respond effectively.
Phase I which will provide police, public safety Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction
institutions, and emergency response units with the and Management Plan (NDRRMP) will be revisited
latest technologies and equipment on surveillance to reflect the aforementioned aspects, among others.
and monitoring, with its own integrated operations
and command center, and a remote back-up center. Improve capability of the fire protection
This will allow them to predict, detect, prepare for services to respond to fire and other related
and quickly respond to incidents, and mitigate and emergencies. To safeguard life and property, as well
respond to disasters promptly. The security sector as the country’s vital and critical infrastructure, the
shall also continue to build its capacities to qualify capability of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
for International Search and Rescue Advisory will be strengthened. This includes fast-tracking
Group’s (INSARAG) external classification, to be the modernization of fire protection services and
recognized for international response support. the implementation of the BFP service upgrade and
capability upgrade programs. This will include the
In view of the new normal, the OCD will augment hiring of additional personnel and procurement of
the Human Resources for Health through the firefighting and communication equipment and fire
establishment and mobilization of a pool of medical trucks to service communities. The modernization
and allied health professionals and volunteers programs of the BFP will likewise cover the
from the security sector. These personnel will procurement of PPE and other safety equipment for

Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 313

firefighters during operations, especially those at with non-government organizations (NGO) and
the frontline providing assistance during pandemic other stakeholders, and employing social media, as
response and other emergency situations. Strict means for disseminating information.
compliance with health protocols and standards will
be observed during operations to ensure not only
the safety of the public, but also of the firefighters.
Significantly reducing all forms
The capacity of the BFP to enforce the Fire Code of criminality and illegal drugs
and respond to fire and other related emergencies
will be further strengthened. Priority will be The government remains committed to its campaign
given to urban areas with low firefighter-to- against all forms of criminality and illegal drugs.
population ratio and to LGUs with inadequate fire Likewise, the government recognizes the need to
protection services. Moreover, pursuant to DILG address the spread of radicalization and violent
Memorandum Circular 2019-121, roads will be extremism that leads to terrorism, transnational
cleared of obstructions to ensure the smooth and crimes, and other non-traditional threats that
quick access of responders. pose risks to public safety. The conduct of law
enforcement operations will need to consider new
Establish a secure and resilient Philippine challenges brought about by the current pandemic.
cyberspace. The Department of Information and The following strategies will be pursued.
Communications Technology (DICT) will ensure
the successful implementation of the National Sustain the intensified law enforcement
Cybersecurity Plan (NCSP) 2022, which aims to operations, including military support, to fight
protect the critical information infrastructure, criminality, trafficking, and terrorism. The
government networks, supply chains, and PNP will sustain its efforts in reducing all forms
individuals and establish programs and platforms of criminality and intensified crime prevention
for local and international cooperation in measures even amidst the pandemic. This will
cybersecurity. The strategic initiatives of the NCSP involve updating of existing and/or developing
will include enhancing security resilience of critical new policies, manuals, and procedures to ensure
information infrastructure, government, public, compliance with pertinent laws and human rights
and military networks, to deal with sophisticated standards, particularly on crime investigations
attacks, promoting the adoption of cybersecurity including those for missing persons, case
measures among individuals and businesses, documentation and filing, and harmonization of
and enhancing and expanding the pool of local inter-agency procedures. Coordination between law
cybersecurity experts. enforcers and military, especially during conduct of
operations, will also be enhanced.
To better address the challenges to cybersecurity
arising from the new normal, a strategic defensive To address the challenges under the new normal,
posture within the Office of the President (OP) will standard procedures for law enforcement and anti-
be established. This will be complemented by the illegal drug operations will be revised and updated.
strengthening of the country’s capability to protect Health protocols and measures will be incorporated
the National Critical Information Infrastructures in the procedures to ensure that both law enforcers
and improve its cyber resiliency through and criminal personalities are protected from
cybersecurity assessment and compliance and getting infected by the virus. The PNP will also
national drill exercises. The government will build consider using non-lethal weapons and other police
the skills and capabilities of local cybersecurity equipment in the conduct of police operations,
experts, strengthen cooperation between law delivery of public safety services, and other law
enforcement, cybersecurity experts, academe, enforcement functions while strictly adhering to
and the private sector, and improve cybersecurity the minimum health standards provided by the
awareness through the conduct of National Department of Health (DOH).
Cybersecurity Awareness Month, engagements

314 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022

The rollout of the Core Competency-Based Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Training Program for investigators will strengthen (BFAR), and other law enforcement agencies are
the PNP’s investigative capability and contribute critical in addressing threats posed by local and
to the success of law enforcement operations. transnational terrorists and criminal groups, and
Capabilities of police personnel, in case of recording emerging security threats, such as cybercrimes.
and tracking, case filing and arrest, operational Information and communications capabilities of
readiness, and disaster and emergency response law enforcement agencies will be strengthened to
will also be enhanced. Moreover, the current ensure that they are responsive in addressing such
pandemic brought the need to utilize advanced threats. Online trainings may be utilized as the
information and communications technology primary mode in implementing capacity-building
(ICT) in the performance of PNP's mandate, programs for personnel.
such as the adoption of secured, mobile, artificial
intelligence-driven, and real-time policing. This Protection of our porous borders will be
will harmonize information systems and improve ensured through the enhanced interdiction and
data sharing and coordination within the criminal strengthened presence and capability of the Bureau
justice system. of Immigration (BI), the Bureau of Customs
(BOC), and other agencies mandated to enforce
Law enforcement capability on cybercrime border security. The PCG and BFAR will intensify
detection and investigation will be improved and the conduct of maritime security law enforcement
modernized. This also calls for efforts to increase patrols within Philippine territory. The PCG
the general public’s awareness on the detection of will also pursue the development of maritime
cybercrimes to protect themselves and avoid being detection systems and operationalize the Vessel
a victim, especially at the height of a pandemic and Traffic Management System to secure the country’s
other crisis situations. Moreover, the DILG will lay maritime jurisdiction.
down policies to protect and rehabilitate children
at risk and children in conflict with the law. This The threat of global pandemics calls for intensified
will include developing a manual on handling and air and maritime border security and strict
treatment of children at risk, as well as preventing imposition of health protocols and quarantine
trafficking of persons, especially women and procedures for arriving passengers and visitors.
children. This will be carried out through the installation of
modern e-gates and other border control systems,
The PNP will ensure timely and accurate crime which will also efficiently prevent human trafficking
monitoring and reporting through information and entry of terrorists, especially in major ports of
technology solutions and initiatives. The conduct of entry.
a periodic nationwide Crime Victimization Survey
will be pursued to augment administrative-based Strengthen commitment to a holistic campaign
data. In addition, a survey on the perception of against the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of
criminality and law enforcement will be carried out. dangerous drugs. The government will continue
to strengthen the conduct of its intensive and
Enhance the capability of police, coast guard, unrelenting campaign against the trafficking
military, and other law enforcers to address and use of dangerous drugs1 and other similar
internal security threats. Development and full substances through an integrated system of
implementation of the modernization programs planning, implementation, and enforcement of
of the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects.
(AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the In doing so, the government will aim to achieve a

1 Dangerous drugs include those listed in the schedules annexed to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972
Protocol, and in the schedules annexed to the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances as enumerated in the annex, which is an integral part
of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).

Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 315

balance in its national drug control program, so that all government agencies through the Inter-Agency
people with legitimate medical needs will still have Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, as created
access to dangerous but licit drugs, subject to the through EO 15, s. 2017, to ensure that the anti-illegal
prescription of appropriate medication. drugs campaign is implemented in an integrated
and synchronized manner.
Central to the government’s campaign is to address
the country’s illegal drug use problem through the
Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS). Prevent and counter terrorism and the rise of
The PADS recognizes the need for a holistic, radicalization leading to violent extremism. To
human rights-based approach in addressing the address communist terrorist groups, the National
problem on illegal drugs production, trafficking, Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict
and use. The strategy entails a comprehensive and (NTF-ELCAC) will intensify the implementation of
balanced approach to drug demand and drug supply the whole-of-nation approach at the regional and
reduction. This involves the suppression of the local levels. This will require strong coordination
flow of illegal drugs supply through sustained law between regional and local development and peace
enforcement operations and reduction of consumer and order councils, as well as the commitment
demand for drugs and other illegal substances and support of local chief executives and the
through drug rehabilitation and massive preventive communities.
education and awareness programs.
Following the adoption of the National Action Plan
In support of the implementation of the PADS on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism
pursuant to EO 66, s. 2018, all government (NAP-PCVE),2 various national government
agencies, including government-owned and agencies (NGA) will be capacitated, particularly
controlled corporations and state universities and on the formulation of their respective agency’s
colleges, are mandated to formulate their respective PCVE plans that are aligned with the NAP. In the
implementing and operational plans. This will same manner, the LGUs will be capacitated on the
include programs and activities to ensure a drug- preparation of their local plans that will adopt and
free workplace, including those in the private translate national strategies into concrete action at
sector. The strategy also calls for the support of the grassroots level, taking into consideration the
LGUs through the strengthening of Anti-Drug current health crisis and other emerging threats
Abuse Councils (ADAC), conducting barangay to peace and order and public safety. These plans
drug clearing operations, and appropriating funds will include programs aimed at addressing the
for anti-illegal drugs programs and projects. The political, economic, cultural, psychosocial, and
EO also prescribes the conduct of a nationwide religious factors of radicalization that lead to
survey to determine the extent and magnitude of violent extremism. The government will pursue
drug abuse prevalence in the country. In addition, a comprehensive and people-centered approach
the establishment of an age- and sex- disaggregated in addressing drivers of radicalization and
database and secure database for dangerous drugs ensure that such plans are conflict-, culture-, and
operations will ensure transparency and enable an gender- sensitive, uphold the rule of law, and are
effective monitoring of the implementation of the compliant with international human rights law and
government’s fight against dangerous drugs. international humanitarian law.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) The government’s efforts to prevent violent
will also intensify the random drug testing in the extremism and terrorism will be further intensified
transportation sector as a preventive effort against to maintain community resilience, especially during
drug-related road traffic accidents. It will enjoin pandemics and other public health emergencies.

2
Adoption of the NAP-PCVE is pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Council’s Resolution No. 38, s. 2019.

316 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022

The cooperation of the citizens, private sector, and and protected, and that violators will be treated
NGOs with the government’s efforts on PCVE humanely in the enforcement of community
will build a strong and solid front against violent quarantine procedures and protocols amidst
extremists, which may lead to their possible the pandemic situation. Updating of standard
containment and neutralization. procedures for law enforcement operations must
adhere to human rights standards while ensuring
The government will continue to deepen health protocols to protect both the suspects and
partnerships with the international community the law enforcers from getting infected by the virus.
through multilateral and bilateral mechanisms
such as mutual legal assistance agreements, global
cooperation, and international law enforcement
arrangements (e.g., International Criminal Police
Upholding and protecting
and joint law enforcement operations). This will also territorial integrity and
include intensified government and multisectoral sovereignty
efforts against domestic and transnational trafficking
in persons through international partnerships and Deescalating tension and resolving disputes in the
the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking. SCS continue to be the main challenges in sustaining
stability and security in the region. To uphold and
Intensify investigation and resolution of human protect territorial integrity and sovereignty, the
rights violations cases. Investigation strategies following strategies will be implemented:
and approaches to strengthen case build-up will
be further strengthened to ensure successful Promote respect for a rules-based regime in
prosecution of human rights violation cases. Philippine seas and territories. The government
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will will sustain efforts that promote respect for legal
pursue efforts to empower the poor, marginalized, and diplomatic processes in clarifying issues and
vulnerable, and disadvantaged to seek response and resolving disputes on maritime jurisdictions, in
remedies for injustice through the development of accordance with international law, particularly the
client-based education and training programs. These 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of
will include developing learning modules, teaching the Sea (UNCLOS). Central to this is the push for
aids, and education materials and organizing and an effective and substantive ASEAN-China COC
mobilizing a network of public support for the that will guide actions of claimant-states to avoid
conduct of human rights events, utilizing primarily activities that raise tension or threaten security
digital platforms and mechanisms during the and stability in the SCS. On the other hand, the
pandemic. Partnerships with state and non-state Philippines remains committed to taking necessary
duty bearers in addressing human rights violations diplomatic interventions against actions that
cases will also be pursued. Furthermore, the NAP- run counter to international laws and principles,
WPS will pursue the protection of human rights of including the UN Charter, the 1982 UNCLOS,
women and girls at all times and the prevention of and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the
gender-based violence. Conduct of Parties in the SCS, to preserve national
security and maintain peace and stability in the
In line with the international human rights law, region. The government will continue to enhance
which mandates that duty-bearers not derogate its relations with other claimant countries such as
from their obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill China, but with the consciousness of the need to
human rights even in times of emergencies, a protect the country’s rights and interests in the West
human-rights based approach will be followed in the Philippine Sea, as recognized under the foregoing
implementation of relevant laws, policies, protocols, international instruments and the 2016 Award of
and guidelines. The government will ensure that the Arbitral Tribunal on the SCs arbitration case.
constitutionally-enshrined human rights are upheld

Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 317

In addition, the government will pursue negotiations patrols and operations in Philippine maritime
of maritime boundary delimitation agreements jurisdiction, as well as the establishment of domain
with countries the Philippines shares borders with. awareness platforms. Various structures that can
Further, dispute settlement mechanisms consistent be used for territorial defense operations, marine
with international law will be pursued for the resource protection, information gathering, and
settlement of maritime border delineation and civilian purposes will be established to strengthen
outstanding territorial claims. the AFP’s presence in Philippine-owned islands
and features. Moreover, the AFP will strengthen the
Promote greater amity and cooperation with Reserved Forces and the Reserved Officers Training
all nations. The country will continue to enhance Corps (ROTC) Program to augment its numbers,
and strengthen existing bilateral relations, especially during crisis situations.
alliances, strategic partnerships, and defense
cooperation, while expanding bilateral diplomatic Pursue declaration of some parts of the West
engagements. The government will maximize Philippine Sea as marine protected areas (MPAs).
existing platforms and pursue alternative platforms The government will pursue this strategy to
to maintain diplomatic engagements with its address environmental degradation and to ensure
bilateral and multilateral partners and strengthen food security and the livelihood of fisherfolk who
cooperation towards addressing the impact of depend on the area. Pursuant to existing domestic
public health emergencies such as pandemics. laws, specifically the Expanded National Integrated
Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (RA 11038),
Expand and enhance diplomatic engagements the management and enforcement of MPAs will be
and cooperation in regional and international the mandate of the military and relevant civilian
fora. The country will strengthen relationships NGAs, local communities, and NGOs. Towards
at the regional level. Aside from the existing this end, the government will acquire sea vessels
Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Indonesia to aid navigation, construct and maintain bases,
and Malaysia, which contributed to the enhanced support organization and operations of bantay-
stability in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, the Philippines dagat, and conduct marine scientific research in
will continue to engage ASEAN through its these areas. While MPAs are considered national
various platforms towards promoting joint patrols, initiatives, the Philippines will also pursue cross-
maritime exercises, intelligence cooperation, border and multilateral or regional cooperation
regional security, and stability. It will also strengthen with neighboring countries for more effective
cooperation to effectively manage the current and administration and management of the oceans.
avoid future pandemic situations.

Pursue and sustain modernization programs for

Ensuring security and safety of
a credible and self-reliant defense posture. The overseas Filipinos
establishment of a credible and self-reliant defense
posture is critical to the protection and preservation Armed conflicts, economic instabilities, and
of the country’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and social tensions in other countries continue to put
sovereign rights. Thus, the government will fully the welfare and safety of all Filipinos overseas at
implement the AFP Modernization Program and risk. Strategies to ensure the security and safety
the AFP Capability Upgrade Program by ensuring of overseas Filipinos are discussed thoroughly in
continued budgetary support to these programs. Chapter 21.
Air and maritime domain awareness will likewise be
intensified through the conduct of law enforcement

318 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022

Legislative Agenda
To support the implementation and effectiveness of the strategies, legislative action is needed on the
following:

Table 18.1 Legislative Agenda to Ensure Security, Public Order, and Safety

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RATIONALE

Territorial integrity and sovereignty upheld and protected

National Defense This will update and define key national defense policies, principles, and concepts. It will codify the
Act various issuances concerning national defense, the AFP, and the civilian bureaus in the DND with the aim
of streamlining and professionalizing the defense bureaucracy through the institutionalization of reforms.
It will prohibit the sale of defense real properties; redefine the minimum and maximum tenure in key
positions to provide stability in the AFP leadership, implement mandatory military service for all natural-
born or naturalized Filipino citizens for a minimum of two years, and transform the National Defense
College of the Philippines into the National Defense University of the Philippines, among others.

Defense This proposed legislation will exempt all acquisition of defense equipment, materiel, ordinance, and
Acquisition Act integrated military systems of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached bureaus from
the regular procurement process bounded by the Government Procurement and Reform Act (GPRA).

National Security This measure seeks to institutionalize the national security planning process. This aims to address the
Code required regular preparation of a National Security Policy and a National Security Strategy and identify
how the government will implement the policy and strategy.

Philippine This bill will promote and stimulate the local defense industry, as in-country enterprises will be entitled
Defense Industry to avail incentives under the Omnibus Investments Code (EO 226, s. 1987). The proposed law places
Development Act premium in encouraging local industry players to invest in developing in-country defense capabilities.
The industry players may avail of credit and other financial products extended by government financial
institutions and enjoy exemption from customs duties and national internal revenue taxes that are payable
on the importation of raw materials and critical components. The government will promote the export of
locally made defense materiel and the in-country enterprises to other countries.

Philippine Maritime This will serve as a general declaration of the maritime zones under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the
Zones Act Philippines. It will also provide the necessary foundation and framework for the enactment of subsequent
laws pertinent to the rights and obligations of the Philippines over its maritime zones.

Philippine The proposed law will establish archipelagic sea lanes in Philippine archipelagic waters and the adjacent
Archipelagic Sea territorial sea. It will likewise prescribe the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft that exercise
Lanes Act the right of passage through the established archipelagic sea lanes. The bill will also determine and
put in place appropriate measures for the protection of areas along said sea lanes, in accordance with
international conventions and agreements to which the Philippines is a party.

All forms of criminality and illegal drugs reduced

PNP Revitalization This will enhance the capabilities of the PNP through infrastructure and facilities development, as well as
and Capability equipment acquisition and upgrading.
Enhancement Act

Chapter 18 Ensuring Security, Public Order, and Safety | 319

 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA RATIONALE

Forensic The bill will give way for the establishment of a DNA database system for the collection, storage, and
Deoxyribonucleic maintenance of genetic identification information for law enforcement purposes.
acid (DNA)
Database Act

Anti-Drug Abuse This will institutionalize the creation of Anti-Drug Abuse Councils in every local government unit. It
Council Law provides for the corresponding budget allocation for the operations of the Councils and the conduct of
other anti-illegal drug activities, among others.

Amendment of the This will allow for the mandatory drug testing of students in the secondary and tertiary levels and the
Comprehensive forfeiture of properties involved in drug cases in favor of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Dangerous Drugs The amendment will also prescribe stronger penalties to those found guilty of trafficking dangerous drugs,
Act of 2002 provide for the destruction of seized dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals,
and restore plea bargaining and probation laws. It will also strengthen the PDEA as an organization,
including the provision of benefits for personnel, among others.

Public safety ensured

BFP Modernization This intends to modernize the BFP and enable it to become a fire and emergency medical and rescue
Act services agency capable of responding to hazards, such as destructive fires, accidents, and other natural
and human-induced disasters. It will strengthen the ongoing modernization of the BFP and give them the
power to investigate all causes of fire, and if necessary, file proper complaints.

Amendment of the This aims to amend certain provisions of the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines of 2008 (RA 9514) and
Fire Code clarify the respective authorities and jurisdictions of the BFP, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
(PEZA), and other similar entities on the enforcement of the law within economic zones. It will give the
BFP the sole responsibility to administer and enforce the Fire Code. It also expands the utilization of the
Fire Code Fees collections for the acquisition of properties of fire stations. It also provides more stringent
penalties for every act that compromises fire safety and endangers the lives and limbs of Filipinos.

Disaster Resilience This proposed measure seeks to establish a Department of Disaster Resilience with sufficiently high level
Bill of authority to lead the coordination, monitoring, oversight, and implementation of disaster risk reduction
and management efforts. The proposed Department will be equipped with the necessary competency
and resources to engage new actors, particularly in the field of risk transfer and insurance and build the
necessary structure to manage broader governance programs. The current version of the bill should also
be revisited to explicitly specify public health emergencies, such as pandemics as disaster events and
to identify measures that will enable the government to mitigate the impact of such emergencies and
respond effectively.

Mandatory ROTC This will address the decline in the number of students taking up ROTC, which resulted in the insufficient
Program number of reserve officers and personnel for the AFP that may be tapped in times of need. The proposed
law seeks to revive the mandatory nature of the ROTC.

The re-establishment of mandatory basic ROTC Program will form part of the basic curricula for Senior
High School (Grades 11 and 12) in public and private schools and a requisite for graduation. The program
aims to enhance the students’ consciousness in the ethics of service, patriotism, and nationalism, military
training for national defense preparedness and civil military operations, and civic training for disaster risk
reduction and management, human and civil rights awareness, and law enforcement.

320 | Updated Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022