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President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has signed the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, Republic Act No. 12024 on October 8 aiming to bolster the Philippines’ defense industry by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine News Agency/RTVM.

The ceremonial signing took place at Malacañang Palace, just before Marcos left for the ASEAN Summits, signifying a turning point in the country's defense modernization efforts.

“We are not just looking at tanks and rifles; we are building capacities that address these unconventional dangers head-on,” Marcos said in his speech.

The law aims to address emerging threats, including cybersecurity breaches and chemical attacks, by equipping the country with systems that are both reactive and predictive.

''It is a commitment to a long-term growth trajectory for a national defense industry that will support the defense requirements of our country. It’s a logical move forward for a country that finds itself at the fulcrum of geopolitical shifts and volatilities,'' Marcos added..

Under the SRDP Act, the Department of National Defense (DND) is tasked with implementing a comprehensive program to meet the country’s short-, medium-, and long-term defense needs.

This includes the development of critical defense materiel such as small arms, tactical vehicles, and advanced military technologies.

The law also prioritizes collaboration with Filipino-owned enterprises to drive innovation in the defense sector.

Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, the principal author of the SRDP Act, lauded the signing as a significant step toward building a self-reliant defense system.

"We are transitioning from being dependent on foreign suppliers to being a producer ourselves in the global defense arena," Zubiri said, adding that the law sets the stage for the Philippines to become a key player in the global defense market.

Marcos emphasized that the SRDP Act establishes a long-term growth strategy for the country's defense sector, providing the necessary institutional support for research, development, and production capabilities.

"This law goes beyond the development of weapons or equipment; it creates a framework that makes us less dependent, more resilient, and better prepared," the President said.

The SRDP Act also establishes the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development (DTRID) to drive innovation, research, and technological advancement in support of national defense objectives.

In addition to enhancing national security, the SRDP Act is expected to generate economic benefits by creating jobs, attracting investments, and boosting the country’s industrial capabilities.

"This is not just about defense; it’s about building an industry that will strengthen both our economy and our defense posture," Zubiri noted.

With the SRDP Act now in place, the Philippines moves toward self-reliance in defense, prepared to address and compete with the global defense market.

"This law goes beyond the development of weapons or equipment as it seeks to create a framework that makes us less dependent, more resilient, better prepared," Marcos said.

The now-Republic Act began its legislature with House Bill 9713 in 2023, with a bicameral approval signed in August of 2024.