28 AFP modernization projects delayed, lacked Aquino’s signature

Philippine Navy chopper
(Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office/SSg Randulf Obinque)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Law has P60-billion worth of projects pending, lacking President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino’s signature.

The revised Armed Forces Modernization Law, with the proposal of the budget and defense secretaries, was supposed to be submitted by the President to the Congress within two months since the day the law was made. But with several projects still unsigned, the AFP program was delayed.

Twenty-eight projects sought to upgrade military equipments and facilities have then been handed back to the Department of Budget and Management for scrutiny.

The AFP projects included naval frigates costing P18 billion; long range patrol aircrafts, P5.98 billion; naval helicopters, P5.4 billion; close air support aircraft, P4.97 billion; lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition, P4.47 billion; air surveillance radars, P2.68 billion; basing support systems, P2.15 billion; several other aircrafts, P1.6 billion; night fighting system, P1.116 billion; and multi-purpose attack craft, P864.32-million.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Peter Galvez, for his part, maintained that the Philippine government was committed to improving the AFP.

“These items are being scrutinized. These projects have to be examined because of the changing security environment,” Galvez said.

It can be noted that the Armed Forces Modernization Law was said to be prioritized as world-giant China has been conducting massive and rapid reclamation activities in the disputed Spratly Islands, including reefs which the Philippines claimed sovereignty on.

But should the President be unable to approve the program soon, the DND could still seek funding separately per project. This process, however, would take more time.