Book on Philippine Defense Law and Policy Launched

24 August 2017 MANILA — The book “Forging Partnerships: Philippine Defense Cooperation under Constitutional and International Law” was launched during a Mabini Dialogue at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in Pasay City.

Published jointly by the FSI and the University of the Philippines Law Center, the book is authored by J. Eduardo Malaya and Maria Antonina Mendoza-Oblena, both lawyer-foreign service officers.

In his remarks during the book launch, Malaya, currently the DFA Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, said “Given the heightened challenges to our country’s security as exemplified by the ongoing conflict in Marawi, there is need to give wider berth to the enhancement of our armed forces’ capabilities. Alongside the AFP’s modernization programs and institutional reforms should be measures to enable our armed forces to deepen traditional alliances and to forge meaningful partnerships with other friends.”

Present during the August 23 book launch were FSI Director General Claro Cristobal, Undersecretary of National Defense Ricardo David, National Security Council Director General Manuel Bautista and Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Pedro Ramboanga, among others.

In his foreword to the 129-page book, Attorney Pio Lorenzo Batino, Undersecretary of National Defense for Policy (2010-2016) stated, “By their cogent presentation of the key principles and concepts on the subject from the perspective of both Philippine domestic law and international law, the authors have come up with a pioneering study that sheds added light on the field of international defense and security cooperation… These are particularly critical at the present time when the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is underway and as we explore options in further enhancing our country’s national defense capabilities and preparedness.”

Forging Partnerships examines the issues of national defense and collective security and their foundations in the Philippine Constitution, laws and jurisprudence, and in international law. The study commences with a discussion on the constitutional provisions relating to national defense and security and the conduct of defense cooperation and engagements with other countries. National defense preparedness is then examined in the context of a country’s inherent right to individual and collective self-defense under international law. The mechanisms often pursued by partner countries in setting up comprehensive security arrangements are also taken up, notably status of forces agreements (SOFAs) and access agreements. References are made to the country’s experiences with its SOFAs with the United States and Australia, and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the U.S.

Malaya is a lawyer and foreign service officer with the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I. He recently served as Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia. In addition to this book, he is also author/editor of four other books, including: “So Help Me God: The Presidents of the Philippines and their Inaugural Addresses” (Anvil Publishing, 2005), “Frontlines of Diplomacy: Conversations with Philippine Ambassadors” (Anvil Publishing, 2011), and “Philippine Treaties Index: 1946-2010” (Foreign Service Institute/Central Law Books, 2011). Ms. Oblena is a lawyer and foreign service officer, with the rank of Career Minister. She co-authored with Mr. Malaya the book Philippine Treaties Index: 1946-2010.

The Mabini Dialogue Series is a venue where specialists, experts and practitioners could engage in discussions with the DFA on national, regional and global issues that have political, economic and socio-cultural impact on the Philippines.

Copies of Forging Partnership are available at the University of the Philippines Law Center Book Room, with telephone no. 632-920-5514, loc. 226, and email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END