By Fred M. Lobo President Duterte has announced a P139-billion upgrade for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to improve air assets and ensure a stronger and safer country. Time for better planes, helicopters, and wider air patrol of Philippine territory. *** President Duterte’s designated Consultative Committee (Con-Com) has approved the draft Federal Constitution which seeks to create 18 federated regions in the country. Powers and resources to be distributed among them. And no more Imperial Manila. *** Speaking at the 71st anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Duterte said air defense surveillance radars, utility aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles have been acquired to augment existing air assets this year. Additional air equipment and modern machinery welcomed. *** “We will continue to face challenges as we realize our shared vision of a stronger and safer Philippines. It is therefore vital to innovate and invest in strategies and technologies that will allow our forces to perform their duties safely and effectively,” Duterte stressed. Yes to a better- performing Air Force. *** “In order to further develop a modern, adequately equipped border security force, the government is currently working on the implementation of the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program by 2022 with 16 projects for the Philippine Air Force worth over P139 billion already in the pipeline,” the President added.. Time for better equipage and effective border patrol. *** Duterte recognized the PAF men and women for their service, sacrifice and commitment to safeguard the nation and defend Philippine sovereignty and territory. Time to honor PAF’s unsung heroes. *** The President specifically commended the Air Force for their contributions to territorial defense, counter-terrorism and internal security, international defense and security engagement as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster operations. “We have proven that with unity, cooperation and a determined spirit, we can make our nation strong and our defense impregnable,” he said. *** Duterte cited the military’s collaborative efforts in reclaiming Marawi City from the clutches of terror groups and bringing order and stability in the country. “Be assured that we will remain steadfast in supporting the Philippine Air Force as we implement the necessary reforms that will enable you to become effective agents of genuine and lasting peace,” he assured. *** Meanwhile, the 22-member Consultative Committee voted to unanimously approve the draft Federal Constitution at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. The draft has 21 articles compared to only 18 in the 1987 Constitution. *** The body, which worked over four months, said they will submit the draft to President Duterte on or before July 9, in time for his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23 . Expect federalism to reverberate in DU30’s SONA and thereafter prior to people’s ratification. *** Under the proposal, the federal republic would be comprised of separate regions for the Bangsamoro and the Cordillera, the 15 other administrative regions in the current set-up, and additional Negrosanon federated region. To ensure least disruptive transition, Con-Com said it decided to stick with current regional configuration. *** With the exception of the Bangsamoro and Cordillera federated regions (which will have different structures and additional powers), the other 16 regions will be headed by a regional governor and a deputy regional governor, to be elected by a regional legislative assembly. Half of the regional legislative assembly members will be elected as representatives of component provinces, and independently chartered or highly urbanized cities, while the remaining half will be filled by representatives of political parties who obtain a certain number of votes during the regional elections.