He filed Senate Bill 1734 or the National Defense Act of 2018, which seeks a stronger Department of National Defense that will implement a more credible national defense system to address inside and outside threats. SB 1734 is envisioned to update national defense policies, principles and concepts, to institutionalize needed improvements and to codify various laws on national defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the civilian bureaus. Under the bill, the sale of strategic defense real properties is prohibited, unless recommended by the Defense secretary and approved by the President with the consent of Congress. Income from the lease or development of defense real estate shall be remitted only to the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund. On the other hand, under the bill, the National Defense College of the Philippines will be transformed into the National Defense University of the Philippines.

Source: Manila Times March 10, 2018 16:07 UTC