Law Summary

Overview

This Executive Order, issued by President Manuel Roxas on July 29, 1947, recognizes civilian volunteers who served in officially recognized guerrilla units during the war. It grants them the status equivalent to those who have completed military trainee instruction, allowing them to be classified as part of the Reserve Units of the armed forces.

Legal Basis

• Reference to National Defense Act:
  • The Executive Order cites sub-paragraph 2 of paragraph 3, section 52 of the National Defense Act, as amended by Commonwealth Act No. 569, which defines the First Reserves.
  • This provision includes individuals aged 22 to 31 and those who have completed equivalent training.

Declared Status of Civilian Volunteers

• Recognition of Training Equivalent:

  • Civilian volunteers who were members of recognized guerrilla units are declared to have the equivalent military training of those who have completed formal trainee instruction.

• Inclusion in Reserve Units:

  • These volunteers are officially recognized as part of the Reserve Units, thereby enhancing the military's capacity in light of personnel shortages resulting from wartime casualties.

Rationale for the Declaration

• Military Service Depletion:

  • It acknowledges that the trained reserves available for military service have been significantly depleted due to wartime losses.

• Valuable Experience:

  • The Order highlights that the combat experience gained by these civilian volunteers qualifies them to meet the military needs of the country effectively.

Signatories

• Authority:
  • The Executive Order is signed by Manuel Roxas, President of the Philippines, and Emilio Abello, Chief of the Executive Office.

Key Points

• Executive Order No. 70 was signed on July 29, 1947, by President Manuel Roxas.
• Civilian volunteers from recognized guerrilla units are given equivalent training status to formally trained military personnel.
• The Order addresses the depletion of military reserves due to war casualties.
• It emphasizes the combat experience of the civilian volunteers as a critical resource for military service.
• The inclusion of these volunteers into the Reserve Units aims to bolster the country's defense capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Executive Order No. 70 provides formal recognition to civilian volunteers from guerrilla units, granting them military training equivalency and inclusion in Reserve Units.
• This measure is a response to the depletion of military personnel post-war and acknowledges the valuable combat experience of these volunteers.
• The legal basis for this declaration is rooted in the National Defense Act, reinforcing its significance in the context of Philippine military law.