President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, designed at bolstering the country’s defense capabilities by developing domestic industries.

The law, Republic Act No. 12024, was authored by Oriental Mindoro 1st District Representative Arnan C. Panaligan and seeks to enhance the country’s ability to produce and manufacture defense equipment locally, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act is expected to play a critical role in this effort, providing the necessary framework for the development of domestic defense industries and the acquisition of new equipment.

The act includes provisions for local production and manufacturing, strategic partnerships between the government and private sector, research and development, capacity building and sustainability.

President Marcos said the law would anchor the country’s defense strategy in its own resources and capabilities, allowing it to stay ahead of threats to its sovereignty and security.

The signing ceremony was attended by top government officials and lawmakers including Rep. Panaligan.

The law is expected to breathe new life into the local defense industry, providing the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the tools and resources needed to effectively safeguard the country’s security.

Panaligan, the principal author of House Bill 9713, said the law will strengthen the defense industry of the country.

“The bill aims to promote the development of defense industries in the country to achieve a self-reliant defense posture for our military,” Panaligan said.

“This will also industrialize our national economy and strengthen the power of our Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, so they will no longer have to rely on arms and equipment from other countries, because local defense industries will produce these,” he added.

The signing of the law is deemed as a major boost to the country’s defense capabilities, which have been strained in recent years due to a lack of resources and infrastructure.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Defense Community Page.