NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY CHAPTER 1: DEFINING NATIONAL SECURITY “There can never be real, tangible and felt development without making our people feel secure.” “Enduring peace can be attained only if fundamental needs of every man, woman and child.” we meet the PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE First State of the Nation Address 25 July 2016 The concept of national security has changed, evolved and expanded in immense ways over time. No longer does it exclusively refer to the traditional notions of internal and external defense, but now also encompasses virtually every aspect of national life and nation-building. In the new framework, economic development and security are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing concepts. Development, or economic and social well-being, is a precondition for national, internal and external security — and vice versa. Prosperity leads to greater social peace and stability, and greater peace and stability leads to more progress. For the Philippines and the Filipino people, national security is defined as “a state or condition wherein the people’s welfare, well-being, ways of life; government and its institutions; territorial integrity; sovereignty; and core values are enhanced and protected.” National security is anchored on three major pillars. The first pillar is safeguarding the Philippines’ national unity, its democracy and its social institutions. The most important foundation of national unity is that all citizens share one national identity that is, being Filipinos regardless of their ethnic, religious, cultural and ideological orientations. The second pillar of national security is ensuring the security of the State and preserving and protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and institutions. This is clearly provided in the Constitution, to wit: Q Q Q Q Definition of national territory consistent with new international covenants. (Art. I) Renunciation of war as an instrument of national policy. (Art. II Sec. 2) Civilian supremacy over military. (Art. II Sec.3) Role of the armed forces as protector of the people and the State. (Art. II Sec 3) 2|Page