Last April 2017, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Executive Order No. 16, “Directing All Government Departments and Agencies, Including GOCCs and LGUs to adopt the National Security Policy 2017-2022 in the Formulation and Implementation of Their National Security Related Plans and Programs” which stipulates thus:

“Whereas, consistent with the President’s vision of a more secure, peaceful and prosperous Filipino nation, the National Security Policy (NSP) 2017-2022 was formulated, providing guidance and a comprehensive approach in addressing national security challenges;

“Whereas, NSP 2017-2022 was formulated in coordination and consultation with key agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, and with the participation of various stakeholders, including the academe and non-Governmental organizations;

“Whereas, there is a need to harmonize the national security efforts of Government and ensure that it is responsive and complementary to the country’s development goals and objectives as set forth in “AmBisyon Natin 2040”…
(Note: NEDA’s “AmBisyon Natin 2040” is the result of a long-term visioning process that began in 2015. It represents the collective aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the country in the next 25 years. It describes the kind of life that people want to live, and how the country will be by 2040. As such, it is an anchor for development planning across at least four administrations.)

SIX-YEAR ROADMAP ON NATIONAL SECURITY

PRRD directed the formulation of NSP 2017-2022 to “provide guidance as we face pressing national security challenges in the coming years.” He added that NSP 2017-2022 embodies our efforts to address all threats to our nation’s survival and way of life. As a matter of policy, we will end all conflicts and lawlessness based on three distinct but interrelated realities.

First, economic prosperity is undeniably dependent on national security. Hence, aside from guarding against external threats, we will quell all existing secessionist and ideological rebellions and address their root causes.

Second, the formulation of a single ASEAN Economic Community presents both risks and opportunities. We will therefore equip our people with the necessary tools and skills to adapt to the challenges of regional integration.

Third, national security must be viewed within the context of an expansive global community. Thus, we will pursue an independent foreign policy anchored on international law without compromising our unique culture and the enduring values that distinctly characterize us as a sovereign nation.

The NSP 2017-2022’s Executive Summary asserts: “The Government of the Republic of the Philippines envisages a Filipino nation that has an empowered people with dedicated and professional leaders, living in freedom, dignity and prosperity as one community, united in its vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous country that is capable of ensuring the survival and promoting the well-being of its citizen.

“The primary objective of the NSP is to fulfill this national vision and safeguard the national interests which include, among others, the protection of the people, their ways of life, welfare and well-being; strengthening of the country’s democratic institutions, safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereign rights; and enhancing the Philippines’ role and image as a strategic partners of the international community.

The NSP 2017-2022 is a document that outlines our national security priorities based on a realistic and profound outlook on the dynamic and evolving security environment. Essentially, it provides a roadmap for the attainment of our national security vision and aspirations within six years, as well as prescribes the course of action that the Government would undertake to achieve those. Corollary to this, the NSP 2017-2022 seeks to promote transparent, unified and balanced resource allocation to effectively and efficiently realize our defined goals and objectives, in the furtherance of our national security vision.”

12-POINT NATIONAL SECURITY AGENDA

“This document is the declaration of the Government’s commitment to continuously develop a national security system that is rules-based, able to effectively respond not only to security threats but also to opportunities beneficial to the national interest. Enhancing the process, scope and organizations cohesiveness of the national security system is imperative so that the whole of Government, with the support of the Filipino society, acts in a coordinated and synchronized manner toward the implementation of the following 12-point National Security Agenda:

1. “Human and Political Security. Effectively respond to the complexity of both old and new security threats to the safety, welfare and well-being of Filipinos. It is an important element to protect the core of human lives and institutions that enhance peace, unity, freedom, democracy and people’s dignity.
2. “Health Security. Enhance the quality of life of Filipinos by preventing and mitigating the effects of infectious diseases as well as interdicting illegal and hazardous agents (e.g., chemical, biological and radiological contrabands) including illegal drugs that destroy the future generations of Filipinos.
3. “Economic, Infrastructure and Financial Security. Harness science and technology for global competitiveness, level the economic playing field, promote multi-resource economy that guarantees the interests of the next generation, develop infrastructure and tourism attractiveness, and enable our people to innovate and upgrade their capabilities to protect that livelihood and resources. Pursue the development of financial institutions, which are essential mechanisms for productive enterprises.
4. “Food and Water Security. Promote food security in the country by addressing the causes of food shortage and low agricultural productivity due to natural calamities, obsolete agricultural technology, and conversion of agricultural lands to subdivisions and other commercial land uses. Safeguard access to quality water to preserve ecosystem, sustain livelihoods, health, food and nutrition, and achieve socio-economic development.
5. “Military and Border Security. Achieve self-reliance in defense, assume full responsibility for security, protect the country from internal and external threats, and strengthen national sovereignty by modernizing capabilities of core security sectors.
6. “Socio-Cultural Security. Heighten consciousness and pride on the Filipino heritage and values, strengthen and preserve them from unintended destruction and violence that threaten the integrity of our nation and the character of our democracy.
7. “Environmental and Disaster Security. Guarantee the right to live in green and environment-friendly conditions, preserve and develop these conditions, and protect the eco-systems from damages brought about by the people’s destructive practices on land, air and marine life. In addition, enhance our disaster preparedness through preventive and mitigating mechanisms from natural and/or human-induced emergencies that may impact on our environment and the safety of our citizenry.
8. “Energy Security. Secure and protect energy supply throughout the country and pursue the sustainment of existing sources and the development of alternative sources of energy to support the demands of economic enterprises and households and contribute to the global efforts to address climate change.
9. “Maritime and Airspace Security. Ensure safety of life and protection of trade and marine resources against piracy, poaching, illegal intrusion, terrorism, and human and drug trafficking at sea. In addition, ensure safe and secure airspace by improving airspace security measures and capabilities in space-based radar systems and satellites.
10. “International Security. Maintain an independent foreign policy in the community of nations, and ensure a stable and secure international environment for the country and people to thrive as a nation, politically, economically, socially and ecologically.
11. “Information and Cyber Security. Safeguard our classified action plans and programs, sensitive Government intentions, and State secrets from espionage and other hostile actions to protect and preserve national security interests. In addition, shield the country from computer-generated cyber attacks that could cause massive crises in our economy, banking and financial institutions, communications, and other critical infrastructures.
12. “Transportation and Port Security. Strengthen the integration and modernization of multi-modal transport systems (i.e., land, sea and air) to connect all the islands of the archipelago and thereby securing the mobility of people, goods, services and commerce. Further, safeguard both public and private transportation terminals and ports of the country.

ORGANIZATION FOR NATIONAL SECURITY

Responding effectively to the constantly and rapidly changing challenges of the national security environment requires a reliable and coordinated decision-making and policy response mechanism and structure. This is to ensure that national security managers are given timely and accurate information and well-informed advice to enable them to arrive at sound policy decisions. Once the decision is made, this will be properly coordinated to the designated Government Agencies for implementation.

This is the rationale behind the formation of an Organization for National Security (ONS). To address the NSP’s goals and objectives and the emerging and urgent national security concerns, the Government shall periodically convene the National Security Council (NSC) Proper and regularly conduct NSC Executive Committee (ExCom) meetings.

The NSC Proper is a collegial body with the President as Chairman and the following as members, as provided in E.O. No. 34, s-2001: 11 members of the Cabinet, 16 Legislative officials, the former Presidents, and other officials and private citizens who may be called on by the President from time-to-time.

The NSC ExCom shall be composed of the President as Chairman and the following as members: Senate President or rep, House Speaker or rep, National Security Adviser, DFA Secretary, DND Secretary, DOJ Secretary, DILG Secretary, NEDA Director-General and other officials and private citizens who may be called on by the President from time-to-time.

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