Marcos issues EO approving National Security Policy 2023-2028

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 37 approving the National Security Policy 2023-2028, which pushes for the country to have an independent foreign policy.

The order directs all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) and local government units, to adopt the NSP 2023-2028 in the formulation and implementation of their security-related strategies and programs.

Further, all NGAs and instrumentalities, including GOCCs, and LGUs shall encourage all sectors to participate in the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028 towards achieving a holistic approach to addressing national security issues and priorities, consistent with their mandates, in their respective areas of expertise or jurisdiction.

The National Security Council (NSC) Secretariat will provide technical assistance and support to agencies and other government entities in the formulation of policies and strategies affecting national security.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), meanwhile, shall conduct a periodic assessment and submit reports to the President and the NSC on the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028, as well as coordinate with the various GAs and instrumentalities, GOCCs, and LGUs in the preparation thereof.

The NSC, through the NSA, should thus monitor the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028, and upon consultation with and concurrence of relevant government agencies, GOCCs, and LGUs, propose memoranda, circulars, and other orders related to the implementation thereof, for the approval of the President.

Further, the funds necessary for the implementation of the order shall be charged against current and available appropriations of concerned agencies, subject to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations. Thereafter, the funding requirements for succeeding years shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act, subject to the usual budget preparation process. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News