Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez yesterday hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for signing the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, saying it marks a significant milestone for the nation’s defense capabilities, particularly amid escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, a press release from the House of Representatives said.
The Speaker commended the administration of President Marcos, Jr. for prioritizing national security and defense modernization, expressing optimism that the revitalized defense posture will be instrumental in preserving peace and stability in the region while protecting the country’s maritime interests.
The Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act aims to boost local defense industries, enhance military modernization efforts, and foster partnerships with allied nations to secure a credible defense posture in the face of external threats.
The new law, or Republic Act No. 10242 is a consolidation of House Bill (HB) No. 9713 and Senate Bill (SB) No. 2455. It is among the priority measures of President Marcos Jr. and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
Romualdez stressed the Act’s importance in reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign military imports by enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and research and development.
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.
In addition, Romualdez pointed out that 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 added.
He noted that 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.
As far as practicable, Filipino workers would be hired in the envisioned self-reliant defense industry to promote the economic and employment generation policies of the Marcos administration.
In addition, the law opens doors for innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber defense.
Romualdez affirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to fully support the law’s implementation by ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the development of the local defense industry.*
