Evaluating the Policy and Governance Factors Affecting the Philippines' Self-Reliant Defense Posture: Assessing Whether Republic Act 12024 Provides the Power to Achieve Self-Reliance

Abstract

This study assesses whether Republic Act 12024, the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, can enable the Philippines to develop a domestic defense industry after five decades of policy initiatives since Presidential Decree 415 (1974). Import dependence persists due to fragmented agencies, weak procurement-industry links, and regulatory delays. RA 12024 establishes a Defense Technology and Industry Development (DTRID) office, mandates offsets and local content, and streamlines acquisition processes to build industrial capacity. Using an integrated framework of grand strategy, policy evaluation, and institutional analysis, the study reviews Philippine laws and compares cases from South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and India. Findings highlight RA 12024’s strengths in centralization and incentives alongside gaps in enforcement, skills development, and niche prioritization. Recommendations include SRDP-specific procurement rules, DTRID empowerment, and alliance-based technology transfer to translate policy into measurable self-reliance for national security and economic growth.