While Congress has the power to amend any law, I do not see the wisdom or logic in amending Republic Act 11709, a new law which has not been tested yet.

In fact, the final version is generally the same as the original legislative proposal submitted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of National Defense, with some amendments of course.

Further, the implementing rules and regulations crafted by the former DND officials led by ex-OIC Jose Faustino Jr. do not conform with the provisions of the law, which I sponsored and co-authored in the Senate.

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