Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 1)
The official title of the Act is "The National Defense Act."
The President of the Philippines is the Commander-in-Chief of all military forces and is responsible for ensuring that defense measures are prepared at all times.
The preservation of the State is the obligation of every citizen, and all citizens without distinction of age or sex, along with all resources, shall be employed for national defense.
The categories are: Trainees (20-22 years), First Reserve (22-30 years), Second Reserve (31-40 years), and Third Reserve (41-50 years).
During national mobilization, the government has the right to secure by mutual agreement or requisition all resources, tangible and intangible, and all services and other assets, public or private, necessary for national defense.
The Council consists of the President, Vice President, heads of each executive department, the Chief of Staff, six other members designated by the President with consent of the Commission on Appointments, and a permanent secretary who is an Army officer.
Any male citizen between 18 and 30 years of age, able-bodied and possessing certain qualifications, may enlist for a term of three years.
The Provost Marshal General supervises all police forces as directed by the President, manages training, discipline, administration, recruiting, and interior economy of the Philippine Constabulary under the direction of the Chief of Staff.
Exemptions include ecclesiastics regularly ordained and serving as clergy, seminary students, practicing physicians, superintendents of certain institutions, coast guard personnel, pilots, navigators, and others as may be exempted by law.
Failure to register can result in a sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to two thousand pesos, or both, at the court's discretion, without exemption from military service obligations.
Preparatory military training develops national spirit and prepares youth for military service. It begins with children at age 10 in school and extends through schooling until age 18. Schoolgirls receive necessary auxiliary instruction.
National Mobilization is decreed by the President upon approval of the National Assembly. The President may decree a Partial Mobilization when safety is endangered and must report and summon the National Assembly, which may annul the Partial Mobilization.
Reserve officers undergo a theoretical training course and a probationary period. Those demonstrating leadership are appointed and commissioned as third lieutenants of the Reserve Force.
Appropriations are categorized for Pay and Allowances of Personnel; Maintenance of Personnel; Transportation; Armament, Equipment, and Supplies; Construction; and Miscellaneous.
They shall not be compelled to lose their position or suffer loss of pay due to absence for fulfillment of military obligations.