QuestionsQuestions (ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 218)
It cites Executive Order (EO) No. 292 (Revised Administrative Code of 1987) and EO 112 series of 1999 as defining the DND’s mandate to guard against external and internal threats to national security, promote the welfare of soldiers and veterans, and provide support to socio-economic development.
For the DND and AFP to comply with the President’s mandate (as declared during the AFP’s 71st Anniversary on Dec. 21, 2006) and to improve the capability and capacity to address national security threats, implement the Defense Reform Program, and achieve other legally mandated goals.
It states that the full actualization of the AFP Modernization Program pursuant to R.A. 7898 is deemed “operative,” meaning it must be pursued as part of the reorganization and reforms contemplated.
Five (5) Offices for Undersecretary positions: (1) Defense Affairs (OUSDA), (2) Civil Veterans and Reserve Affairs (OUSCVRA), (3) Legal Affairs and Strategic Concerns (OUSLASC), (4) Internal Affairs (OUSIA), and (5) Finance and Armed Forces Modernization Affairs (OUSFAFMA).
No. OUSDA, OUSCVRA, and OUSLASC are filled by regular appointments, while OUSIA and OUSFAFMA are filled by seconding Presidential Assistants to the DND.
They handle: (1) Plans and Programs (OASPP), (2) Acquisitions, Installations and Logistics (OASIL), (3) Strategic Assessment (OASSA), (4) Comptrollership (OASComp), and (5) Personnel (OASPer).
All Assistant Secretary positions are filled by regular appointments.
There are four (4) director-level offices: (1) Public and Legislative Affairs (OPLA) and (2) Legal Service (OLS) under Executive Staff; (3) Administrative Services Office (ASO) and (4) Information Management Office (IMO) under Service Staff. They are filled by regular appointments.
Monitoring of operations of the AFP; Defense Policy; Defense Intelligence; Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units; Maritime Security and Coast Watch; and supervision of the National Defense College of the Philippines.
Civil Relations; Reserve Force Development; Civil Military Operations; National Reconciliation Development and the Peace Process; Veterans and Retirees Affairs; Support to socio-economic development; supervision of PVAO (including VMMC and MSS) and OCD; and supervision of PVIDC, PVB, VFP, and AFPRSBS.
Legal matters and strategic concerns; Legislative and public affairs; Strategic assessment; International Policy; Counter-Terrorism; Human Rights; DND Representative to the Dangerous Drugs Board; and Strategic Communication elements (Public and Legislative Affairs, Public Information, Congressional Liaison).
General administration and management of DND Proper; Administrative services; Promotion Board; and Management Information System.
Multi-Year Capability Planning and Execution System; Modernization; Real Estate; AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund; DND Bids and Awards Committee; and supervision of the Government Arsenal.
National Disaster and Coordinating Council (NDCC); Philippine Defense Reform (Project/Program PORJ, as written); Office of the Senior Military Assistant (OSMA); Internal Audit (IA); Defense Intelligence Security Group (DISG); and the Protocol Office.
The Secretary may periodically review performance vis-a-vis mandate and effect necessary changes, including: rotation or transfer/reassignment of officials; transfer/reassignment of functional areas; creation of units/task forces/ad-hoc bodies subject to existing laws and rationalization rules; and designation of officials consistent with civil service laws and rules.
In the exigency of the service, notwithstanding Section 3, the Secretary shall immediately reorganize the DND Bids and Awards Committee, including the appointment of new members in accordance with existing laws and implementing rules and regulations.
Administrative Order No. 167 series of 2006 and all other issuances, circulars, and orders inconsistent with Administrative Order No. 218 are revoked or amended accordingly.
Upon publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.