ARMEL RAMOS- NATIONAL SECURITY

A. DEFINITIONS

Traditional Definition and Transitions

• The protection of the nation’s people and territory from physical assault
• Equated with national Defence
• Threats that emanate from outside territorial boundaries

President Fidel Ramos (1992-1998): “as a state or condition wherein the people’s way of life and
institutions, their territorial integrity and sovereignty, and their welfare and wellbeing are
protected and enhanced” (Almonte, 1992).

President Noynoy Aquino (2010): “a state or condition wherein the country’s interests, its
sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic institutions, and the people’s way of life,
cherished values, welfare and well-being are preserved.” (NSC, 2010).

President Rodrigo Duterte (2016): security is a national concern that every Filipino must
consider ensuring peaceful existence of the state. It shall the state’s primordial concern as well as
to secure its constituents.

B. Measures taken to ensure National Security

- Using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats
- Maintaining effective armed forces
- Implementing civil defense and emergency preparedness measures
(including anti-terrorism legislation)
- Ensuring the resilience and redundancy of critical infrastructure
- Using intelligence services to detect and defeat or avoid threats
and espionage, and to protect classified information
- Using counterintelligence services or secret police to protect the nation
from internal threats

C. ELEMENTS OF NATIONAL SECURITY

 The elements of national security serve as the government’s strategic focus and guide in
the planning and resource allocation.
3.2.1 Public Safety, Law and Order and Justice

Ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and dispense social justice within the scope
of the constitutionally enshrined principles of democracy, rule of law and respect for
human rights.

- Strengthened the five pillars of the criminal justice system:

▪ Law enforcement
▪ court
▪ prosecution
▪ penology
▪ community
- All sectors, both the government and the people collaborate and are fully
engaged in building a safer and more tranquil society which involves
protection of human lives, private property, public assets and critical
infrastructure

3.2.2 Socio- Political Stability

This is a condition where peace prevails even in diversity and where cooperation and
support exist between the Government and the people under an atmosphere of mutual
respect and empathy, bound by a strong notion of nationhood and a sense of duty to
respect the rule of law and serve the common good.

3.2.3 Economic Solidarity and Sustainable Development

The key objective of this element is to reduce poverty and income gaps, create equal
economic opportunities for all, and distribute the fruits of development to the broader
segments of society.

- This means building an economy that is strong and capable of supporting

and sustaining human livelihood and national endeavors which is driven
by the Philippines’ developmental plans and goals.
- Encourages collective economic initiatives at the community level where
community groups and grassroots organizations (solidarity) are able to
confront their problems and satisfy solidarity and satisfy their needs
(selfreliance).
 3.2.4 Territorial Integrity
The territory of the country is intact and inviolable, and under the effective control and
jurisdiction of the Philippine Government. Within the bounds of pertinent international
laws, it involves:

- Exercise of sovereign rights over land, aerial domain and maritime

territpries within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and
continental shelf.
- Protect and defend all land, marine and sub-marine features and resources
within its territory from invasion and illegal incursions and resource
exploitation

3.2.5 Ecological Balance

- Pursue a developmental path that is sustainable, and beneficial to both present and
future generations. The country must be able to maximize the rewards of its rich natural
resources while at the same time conserving and protecting these finite resources for the
sake of future generation.

3.2.6 Cultural Cohesiveness

- People must continue to embrace the values and belief systems, the moral and ethical
standards, the traditions and cultural heritage which have made them truly distinct. Amid
diversity, such attributes and value systems teach Filipinos to care and work for the
common good and are continuously harnessed in order to promote national harmony and
keep the spirit of patriotism and national pride alive.

3.2.7 Moral and Spiritual Consensus

- There is a moral and spiritual consensus among the people on the wisdom and
righteousness of the national vision, and they are inspired and motivated to get involved
and to participate vigorously in the implementation of governmental programs that
promote peace and development.

3.2.8 International Peace and Cooperation

- The commitment of the country in the promotion of global peace, development and
humanitarianism. The security of the state is best enhanced through the pursuit of amity
and cooperation with all nations and partnership with “like-minded” countries and
strategic partners.

- Includes the country’s pursuit of constructive and cordial relations with all peoples, but
remain free from any control, interference or threat of aggression from any of them.
 D. GOALS OF NATIONAL SECURITY

The national security goals serve as basis for the strategic actions of concerned government
agencies and departments, namely:

1. Human and Political Security- Guarantee public safety and achieve good governance.
2. Health Security- Mitigate the impact of health-related threats.
3. Economic and Financial Security- Develop a dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable
economy.
4. Food and Water Security- Achieve food and water security.
5. Military and Border Security- Safeguard and preserve national sovereignty and territorial
integrity.
6. Socio-Cultural Security- Heighten consciousness and pride on Filipino heritage, culture
and values.

E. National Security and the NSTP Program

The 1987 Philippine constitution enshrined declaration of principles that the Filipinos are duty to
bound to protect the country and, as such, they may be subjected to undergo service training
programs (Art. II, Sec, 14, The Philippine Constitution). The government may call upon the
people to defend the state, and in fulfilment thereof, all citizens may be required, under
conditions provided by law, to render personal military or civil service. The NSTP is a program
aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the
ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of its three (30 program
components, specifically designed to enhance the youth’s active contribution to the general
welfare.