Structure and Command
- The militia is divided into the "National Guard" (organized, armed, enrolled men aged 18-45 and officers up to 64) and the reserve militia.
- The Governor-General serves as Commander in Chief of all militia forces.
Enrollment and Activation
- The reserve militia can be enrolled by proclamation of the Governor-General for law enforcement, invasion response, riot suppression, or upon U.S. presidential requisition.
- The Governor-General oversees organization into military units, appoints enrolling officers, and ensures readiness.
National Guard Composition and Organization
- The National Guard shall not exceed nine infantry regiments, cavalry squadron, field artillery regiment, coast artillery companies, and various staff and specialist corps forming a complete division.
- Initial organization may include fewer units but with full general and staff departments commanded by a major general.
Staff Departments and Units
- Detailed composition for adjutant-general, inspector general, judge-advocate-general, quartermaster, medical, engineer, ordnance, and signal corps with ranks and duties.
- Specific officer and enlisted ranks and unit compositions for infantry, cavalry, artillery, and support companies.
Formation and Command Hierarchy
- The Governor-General commands the militia and may order consolidation of understrength units.
- Officers are commissioned after examination; their commissions may be terminated for various reasons including misconduct.
- Non-commissioned officers are appointed by respective commanding officers and serve under warrant.
Duties and Training
- Regular drills, parades, maneuvers, and field camps are mandated to maintain readiness.
- Commanding officers have authority to enforce discipline during drills, including arrest and prohibition of alcohol sales near encampments.
Equipment and Property Management
- Clothing, arms, and equipment issued under bond with strict accountability.
- Armories are under command control; improper handling or false certification of military property constitutes estafa punishable by law.
- Regular inventory and inspection of arsenals, camps, and property mandated.
Membership Eligibility and Enlistment
- Filipino males aged 18–45 who can read and write are eligible to enlist for a minimum of three years.
- Restrictions on re-enlistment for discharged or dishonorably separated persons.
- Enlistment oath pledges allegiance and obedience to Philippine and U.S. governments and military laws.
Transfer, Reduction, and Discharge
- Procedures for transfer of enlisted men and reduction of non-commissioned officers.
- Grounds and process for discharge including disability, inaptitude, misconduct.
- Provision for certificates of discharge indicating nature and reason.
Military Justice System
- Establishment of general, special, and summary courts-martial with powers, jurisdiction, and penalties mirroring U.S. Army practice.
- Authority to impose fines, demotions, dismissal, and imprisonment.
- Procedures for arrest, subpoenas, trials, and enforcement of sentences.
Riot Control and Use of Force
- Governor-General may deploy militia to suppress riots, invasions, or breaches of law.
- Militia acts in strict subordination to civil authorities and may arrest without process when necessary.
- Allowed to use necessary force to restore order.
Legal Protections and Penalties
- Protection against arrest for minor offenses while on active service.
- Penalties for assaulting militia or interfering with their duties include felony charges.
- Misuse of uniforms and military property subject to fines, imprisonment, or other disciplinary actions.
Pay and Benefits
- Specified pay scales for officers and enlisted men for active service and training.
- Compensation for defense costs if prosecuted for acts done in line of duty.
- Provision for assistance to members or families for permanent injury or death incurred in service.
Regulation and Oversight
- A Militia Commission with government officials advises the Governor-General and oversees organization and governance.
- Governor-General authorized to make rules consistent with Philippine and U.S. Army laws.
- Authority to organize, expand, or discontinue units as necessary.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Prohibition on unauthorized military organizations parading or drilling with arms except with Governor-General consent.
- Establishment of military flags incorporating Philippine arms.
- Appropriations and funding controls, including reporting requirements to the legislature.
- Repeals conflicting laws upon effectivity of this Act.
This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for the Philippine militia, defining membership, command structures, organization of units, duties, discipline, legal procedures, and administrative controls essential to national defense and internal order.