House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has commended President Marcos for prioritizing national security and defense modernization, through the latter's signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 10242 or the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act. 

Romualdez, who witnessed the signing of the law in Malacañang on Tuesday morning, Oct.8, expressed expressing optimism that the revitalized defense posture will be instrumental in preserving peace and stability in the region while protecting the country’s maritime interests. 

“As a nation, we are committed to peace and diplomacy in the resolution of disputes, but we will also stand by our duty to defend our territory and uphold international law. This law ensures that our military is well-prepared and self-sufficient,” said Romualdez, Leyte 1st district representative. 

The Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act aims to boost local defense industries, enhance military modernization efforts, and foster partnerships with allied nations to secure a credible defense posture in the face of external threats. 

“This is a pivotal moment for the country. The passage and signing of this law sends a strong message that we are serious about protecting our sovereignty and securing our future,” said the leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives. 

The new law is a consolidation of House Bill (HB) No. 9713 and Senate Bill (SB) No. 2455. It is among the priority measures of President Marcos and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). 

Romualdez stressed the Act’s importance in reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign military imports by enhancing local manufacturing capabilities and research and development. 

He said it would spur modernization of the country’s military by enhancing local defense industries--which is crucial for ordinary Filipinos--as it will better safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, especially amid tensions in areas like the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Speaker Romualdez affirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to fully support the law’s implementation by ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the development of the local defense industry. 

“As the leader of the House of Representatives, I pledge our full support in allocating the necessary resources to turn this law into reality. We will ensure that our armed forces have the tools, technology, and resources they need to protect our sovereignty and defend our people from any external aggression,” he declared. 

In addition, Romualdez pointed out that the revitalization of the local defense industry will contribute to economic growth by creating jobs, advancing technological innovation, and fostering a culture of self-reliance within the defense sector. 

“This law will not only strengthen our security but also open up opportunities for our industries to grow and innovate. It paves the way for greater collaboration between government and private sector partners to build a robust defense ecosystem,” he added. 

He noted that RA No. 12024 mandates that preference should be given to Filipino-owned enterprises engaged in the development, production, manufacturing, assembly, servicing, or operation of materiel in the Philippines. 

As far as practicable, Filipino workers would be hired in the envisioned self-reliant defense industry to promote the economic and employment generation policies of the Marcos administration. 

In addition, the law opens doors for innovation in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber defense. 

“By fostering technological advancements, the law will help the Philippines stay ahead in these emerging areas and contribute to long-term economic growth. By shifting the focus to local production of defense equipment, the law will lessen our country’s reliance on costly imports,” Romualdez said. 

“This ensures that Filipinos’ tax money is reinvested in our local economy and for social services, like education, health care, infrastructure, and financial assistance to the poor," he added.