Marcos signs law boosting defense industry

Metro Manila, Philippines — A new law has set in place a policy of increasing reliance on local military materiel and boosting the defense industry, marking a departure from the long-standing reliance on foreign supplies.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act (RA) 12024 or the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act (SRDP) which aims to foster an independent and dynamic defense industry that capitalizes on local capabilities and resources,

“We lay today the foundation of resilience shaped by our own ingenuity, our own talent, and our unwavering resolve,” the president said in his speech during the signing ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 8

“With the signing of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act, we are anchoring our defense strategy firmly in the strength of our own resources and capabilities,” he added, emphasizing the importance of this initiative for national sovereignty.

The law will establish a framework for the development of the defense industry through partnerships between the government and private manufacturers.

This initiative aims to meet the weapon and materiel requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement agencies.

Marcos noted that the country has historically depended on foreign acquisitions for its defense needs.

“For decades, our defense capabilities have relied upon what we could acquire from abroad. Every purchase, every negotiation, and every partnership—although necessary—reminded us that our strength depended on the supply chains and the interests of other parties,” he said.

The defense self-reliance program, which was initially implemented under his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, has a legacy of producing essential defense materials.

“In the early years and in the ‘80s, the SRDP successfully met the basic materiel requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said, highlighting the manufacturing of ammunition, mobility equipment, and tactical communication sets.

A key feature of the new law is the establishment of the Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development. This office will be responsible for conducting research and development to foster innovation, facilitate technological advancements, and establish public-private partnerships that can bolster the national defense industry.

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

The law prohibits the sale of defense materiel to private entities, ensuring that the resources developed under this program are solely for the use of the state’s uniformed services and law enforcement agencies.

This measure guarantees that the equipment designed to protect citizens will not be used against them.

Marcos concluded his speech by reinforcing the importance of collaboration across sectors to realize the goals of the new law.

“This endeavor requires the best minds in defense, science and technology, and business, from both practitioners and researchers,” he said. “It is our chance to contribute to something greater—to help us protect the sovereignty and security of our nation.”