P75 B needed for AFP modernization program

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) wants Congress to allocate P75 billion for the military’s modernization program in the next five years.

Defense Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel Fernando Manalo said the money is needed for 39 projects intended to boost the armed forces’ capabilities.

He added that the passage of a bill seeking to extend the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act would ensure the availability of the funds.

“Amending the law on the modernization of the armed forces is very critical. Aside from the funds given to the armed forces in 2012, we created a program for the medium-term development plan to be implemented in the next five years,” Manalo told the weekly Defense Press Corps Forum in Camp Aguinaldo.

“We will submit the program to Congress for approval. It consists of 39 projects worth P75 billion,” he added.

Among the defense items to be acquired in the next five years are communications equipment, lead-in fighter trainer jets, closed air support aircraft, long-range patrol aircraft, radar systems and engineering equipment.

Manalo said the proposal was submitted to President Aquino last May 25. – With Jaime Laude