Press Release - PRIB: Bill on Self-Reliant Defense Posture gets Senate nod

The Senate approved on third and final reading a measure aimed at developing the country's defense industry and enhancing its locally produced advanced weaponry and equipment for the armed forces Monday, December 11, 2023.

Voting 20-0-0, the chamber passed Senate Bill No. 2455 (SBN 2455), also known as the "Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act", which is designed to revitalize and strengthen the defense posture program of the country while promoting the development of a national defense industry.

Principally authored by Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri, the proposed measure seeks to lessen the Philippines' dependence on foreign and overseas suppliers and help generate employment opportunities in accordance with Section 12, Artcile XII of the Philippine Constitution.

Under the said constitutional provision, the state is mandated to "promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials and locally produced goods, and adopt measures that help make them competitive."

"We hope to limit Philippine dependence on allies for the provision of defense requirements and develop the defense capability of the country, as well as reduce foreign exchange outflow, generate local employment opportunities and enhance technology transfer to the Philippines," Zubiri said.

According to Zubiri, the proposed measure will mandate companies seeking to sell firearms to the armed forces to establish shops and manufacture the weapons in the Philippines to contribute to the income and employment generation of the country.

Under SBN 2455, the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development (DTRID) will be established under the Department of National Defense (DND).

DTRID will be authorized to manage a databank for analysis, conduct research and development, facilitate technology transfer, promote the defense industry, establish public-private partnerships, initiate domestic and foreign collaborations, and provide recommendations to the DND secretary on policies, rules and regulations for the development of the National Defense Industry.

The measure also mandates the formulation of a Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP)