Modernization programs with funds to continue amid Covid-19: DND

Lorenzana made this remark when asked whether the health crisis will have an impact on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. (PNA file photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said military modernization projects with contracts and those already provided with funds will push through amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“Those projects with contract(s) and funds that have been obligated will push through,” he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Monday.

Lorenzana made this remark when asked whether the health crisis will have an impact on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

He, meanwhile, said there is also a possibility that projects still lacking contracts or funding might be postponed.

“The others might be postponed. (It) depends on the DBM (Department of Budget and Management),” he added.

Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program is scheduled for 2018 to 2022 and has a budget of PHP300 billion.

This is the stage where the AFP is supposed to begin the acquisition of multi-role fighters and other advanced weaponry.

Government expenditures for Covid-19 are expected to increase the budget deficit to around PHP1 trillion this year.