Marcos OKs National Security Policy 2023-2028

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved Executive Order No. 37, giving the green light to the National Security Policy 2023-2028, which aims to promote the country's independent foreign policy.

In the two-page executive order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Thursday, Marcos issued a directive to all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) and local government units. This mandate underscores the immediate integration of the NSP 2023-2028 into their strategic security blueprints, setting the stage for a unified and coordinated approach.

“For this purpose, the [National Security Council], through the [National Security Agency], shall monitor the implementation of the NSP 2023-2028, and upon consultation with and concurrence of relevant government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, and local government units, shall propose memoranda, circulars and other orders related to the implementation thereof, for the approval of the President,” said the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a statement on Saturday.

To ensure smooth implementation, the National Security Council (NSC) Secretariat is tasked with offering technical support and assistance to agencies and government entities in devising policies and strategies related to national security. Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA) is responsible for conducting periodic assessments and submitting progress reports to both the president and the NSC.

The NSC, facilitated by the NSA, will monitor the execution of the NSP 2023-2028. Proposals for memoranda, circulars, and other implementation-related orders will be developed in consultation with relevant government bodies, GOCCs, and LGUs, and submitted for the president's approval.

Funding for the order's execution will be drawn from the current available appropriations of concerned agencies, adhering to pertinent budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws and regulations. Funding requirements for subsequent years will be integrated into the annual General Appropriations Act, following the customary budget preparation process.