Law Summary

Introduction

This document, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on April 16, 1979, outlines the establishment of the MAHARLIKA Service Corps, a Volunteer Corps for National Service, integrating civil and military training in response to constitutional mandates regarding citizenship and national defense.

Constitutional Basis

• Legal Principle: The Constitution emphasizes the development of responsible citizenship and the duty of citizens to defend the state.
• Key Definitions:
  • Citizen Military Training (CMT): Programs for military preparedness, including the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and Women’s Auxiliary Training Corps (WATC).

Objective and Scope

• Legal Principle: To refine existing CMT programs to encompass civil dimensions of national defense.
• Key Requirements:
  • The MAHARLIKA Service Corps will be developed, organized, and trained to serve both civil and military aspects of national security.

Responsibilities and Agencies Involved

• Legal Principle: Designation of specific ministries and agencies responsible for the implementation of the MAHARLIKA Service Corps.
• Key Agencies:
  • Ministry of Human Settlements: Primary responsibility for the project.
  • Ministry of National Defense: Overseeing military training components.
  • Ministry of Education and Culture: Focusing on civil education and training.
  • University of the Philippines System: Providing specialized education and training.

Training and Education Framework

• Legal Principle: Integration of military training policies and educational programs relevant to national service.
• Key Requirements:
  • Policies of the Ministry of National Defense regarding CMT are applicable to the Corps.
  • The Ministry of Education and Culture will implement programs like the Youth Civic Action Program for civil training.

Volunteer Recruitment

• Legal Principle: Selection criteria for volunteers.
• Key Details:
  • Volunteers will be drawn from colleges and universities, as well as civil government employees.
  • Initial recruitment focused on the Metropolitan Manila Area, with plans for regional expansion.

Funding and Implementation

• Legal Principle: Authorization for funding support for the Corps.
• Key Requirements:
  • The involved ministries and the University of the Philippines System can utilize reserve funds for activities in 1979.
  • An initial pilot project is to be implemented during the summer of 1979.

Coordination and Agreements

• Legal Principle: Collaboration between ministries and the University of the Philippines.
• Key Requirements:
  • Development of Memoranda of Agreement among involved parties to facilitate project execution.

Key Takeaways

• The MAHARLIKA Service Corps aims to foster a sense of national service through combined civil and military training.
• The initiative involves multiple government agencies working in coordination to implement training programs.
• Volunteers will be selectively recruited, and funding is authorized to support the Corps' activities.
• The project is set to commence with a pilot implementation in the summer of 1979, laying the groundwork for future expansions.