Clarification of Powers and Functions of the Ministry of National Defense (To Prevent the Division of Command Power in Crisis Situations).
I have been asked repeatedly what powers the Ministry of National Defense has in the transfer of and reassignment of military units because of the removal from and transfer of the 60th PC [Philippine Constabulary] Bn. [Battalion] from Kalinga-Apayao and more recently the PC elements and marine units last May from Samar by order of the Minister of National Defense apparently without the previous approval or authority of the President/Prime Minister as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Because of the need to maintain a semblance of unity in the administration, I have maintained that these were done upon my orders.
However, because the question as well as the said transfers of military units misses the basic and crucial principle of the need of a united and NOT a divided command, I find it necessary to establish these rules that delineate powers and jurisdiction to prevent a conflict of authority that may result in a divided command of our small armed forces with the attendant inefficiency confusion and tragedy that has often resulted from such divided command.
For the record here and in many wars is replete with regrettable examples of a divided command. Presumably, this is the reason for the constitutional provision that The President/Prime Minister shall be the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
This being so, the Ministry of National Defense has no command function. It is a part of the President/Prime Minister’s cabinet that establishes “the program of government” and determines “the guidelines of national policy.” It does not have the power or function to control or order military operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as a whole or any of the units thereof. It cannot transfer officers and men, units or their equipment.
These are command functions exercised by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and the President/Prime Minister as Commander-in-Chief of such Armed Forces.
The Ministry of Defense may recommend and may even participate in the preparation of operational plans when so ordered by the .President/Prime Minister. But the orders for operations are promulgated by the Commander-in-Chief, the President/Prime Minister.
To allow otherwise would result in possible [council?] of orders and in time of crisis and war, potential failure and tragedy.