House extends AFP modernization law

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill extending the implementation of Republic Act 7898, otherwise known as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act, for another 15 years.

House Bill 6410, which amends RA 7898, substituted seven separate but related measures, consolidated and sponsored in plenary by the House committee on national defense and security chaired by Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon.

Biazon, one of the bill’s authors, hailed its approval, saying the measure will make the provisions of RA 7898 more responsive to a continuously changing international and regional security environment.

“When RA 7898 was conceived, it was based on the assumption that counterinsurgency operations or threats to the state’s internal security will no longer be the prime responsibility of the AFP,” Biazon said.

“RA 7898 and the AFP Modernization Program have expired last year in December but certain provisions still need to be adjusted and the measure of amendments shall be substantially focused and directed initially towards addressing the internal security threats to the country and develop the AFP towards an organization with a shifting capability to meet internal and external security threats,” he said.

The measure mandates the submission to Congress of the revised AFP Modernization Program within 60 days from approval of the Act.

The Revised AFP Modernization Program Planning and Procurement shall be conducted in accordance with the Defense System of Management (DSOM), which is a strategy-driven, capability-based multi-year planning and execution process.

An initial P75-billion budget for the first five years of the Revised AFP Modernization Program shall be provided subject to the capacity of the Department of National Defense (DND) to use and implement the program in accordance with the DSOM.

“The DND and the Department of Budget Management (DBM) shall issue the Implementing Guidelines to ensure consistency with the revised AFP Modernization Program and existing guidelines in the contracting of multi-year projects,” Biazon said.

Proceeds from lease and joint venture agreements of military camps shall accrue to the AFP Modernization Program Trust Fund, he said.

The measure exempts certain major defense purchases, such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicle, communications equipment and high-powered firearms, from the requirement of public bidding.