Marcos signs Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday signed the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, a key priority measure of his administration.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace, hours before the President leaves for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR. 

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

''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 said in his speech.

Marcos noted that with the new law, the Philippines broadens its perspective on defense.

''We are not just looking at tanks and rifles; we are building capacities that address these unconventional dangers head-on. This means developing systems and strategies that are reactive and predictive, allowing us to stay a step ahead of those who wish harm to the Philippines,'' he said.

This measure aims to develop the country's defense industry and its capability to locally produce advanced military weaponry and equipment. 

The Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on Senate Bill 2455 and House of Representatives Bill 9713 or the proposed SRDP Act in August.

Under the law, the Department of National Defense is tasked to formulate and implement the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program to revitalize the defense industry and address the short, medium, and long-term needs for defense equipment in the country.

The said program is seen to enhance the Philippines' industrial base capability and workforce, increase in supply chain, promote defense innovation, improve information sharing, encourage standardization, reduce bamers to cooperation, and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

The SRDP program shall include materiel, capital equipment, spare parts and accessories essential to and designed to effectively counter and address chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and cyberattacks or incidents.

Through this law, the DND eyes the elimination or at least lessening of dependence on foreign military in the acquisition of defense equipment.

The Office of the Undersecretary for Defense Technology Research and Industry Development (DTRID) will be created following the enactment of the law. This will conduct research and development to foster innovation and facilitate technological advancement in support of national defense objectives.

The DTRID also seeks to establish public-private partnerships; set up domestic and foreign collaborations; and provide recommendations for the development of the National Defense Industry. — KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News