In this decade and on to the unfolding of the 21st century, fundamental changes are occurring and are expected in the global security environment. The end of the Cold War has led to new security arrangements which are still evolving and in the process of maturing. Economics and trade have replaced superpower and ideological confrontation. However, the potential for instability remains as latent forces and enmities, long hold in check under the Cold War framework, have been unleashed. These have resulted to regional tensions and internal conflicts that have bred uncertainty in the security environment. Indeed, as the world moves toward the end of the millennium, the global security environment continues to be fluid, offering opportunities on one hand, while imposing new challenges on the other.
In the Asia-Pacific, major developments have taken place that have enhanced peace and cooperation throughout the region. Significant economic progress has paced greater political stability and a stronger sense of regional purpose and identity. This is evident in enhanced economic and security cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific. Nonetheless, there remain uncertainties which could lead to miscalculations, conflict and instability. These include security concerns like the relations among the major powers (US, China, Japan and Russia) and the numerous territorial and in maritime disputes in East Asia.
In Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has now become a more confident player in regional affairs. Its active involvement in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and its leadership in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) are evident of its drive to promote both economic growth and regional stability. ASEAN member countries are aware that continued progress is, to a great extent, dependent on the ability of each member country to manage its own affairs and on how they relate to one another and make a positive contribution to wider regional goals.
Within the Philippines, the political system is now much more stable and open. Economic reforms have propelled national development and restored investor confidence. The Philippines is now moving towards becoming a newly industrializing economy as set out in the national vision of "Philippines 2000" The peace and reunification efforts with the military rebels, communist insurgents and Muslin secessionists have significantly reduced the level of internal dissent. In general, the national security environment has improved significantly and national defense and security planning is now shifting to a more confident and externally focused policy.
In this changing security environment, it is important to have a ear vision of how Philippine national security and defense interests might best be promoted, independently and in cooperation with regional friends and allies. In Defense of the Philippines: 1998 Defense Policy Paper contributes to this objective by providing a comprehensive statement of Philippine National Defense Policy. It explains the roles and functions of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It seeks to promote greater Public understanding of security and defense issues. It is also an instrument for promoting transparency and building confidence within the region, reflective of our commitment to the initiative of the ASEAN Regional Forum to promote trust and confidence among member countries. This Defense Policy Paper shows that the Philippines, along with other nations in Southeast Asia, is once again ready to account for itself more significantly in the region and the world.
The Defense Policy Paper explains the National Defense Policy of the Philippines in the context of the changing security environment. Chapter I reviews the external policy environment -global and regional- focusing on Asia-Pacific security concerns and the role of the major powers and ASEAN. Chapter 2 reviews the internal policy environment to include the geography and national security in terms of political stability, economic development and social cohesion. Chapter 3 identifies various defense challenges and opportunities arising from developments in the security environment. Chapter 4 discusses the foundations of our National Defense Policy the Constitution, statutes, international obligations and peace agreements. Chapter 5 explains the national defense objectives and approach. Chapter 6 discusses the various policy areas which support the effective and efficient implementation of the defense approach and the attainment of defense objectives. Finally, Chapter 7 describes the present state of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and draws attention to the force modernization process that is underway.
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