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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solon says foreign maritime threats justify hike in AFP modernization budget

Solon says foreign maritime threats justify hike in AFP modernization budget

Published Sep 6, 2020 02:21 pm

Deputy Speaker Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said foreign maritime threats justify the proposed P8-billion increase in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program budget under the 2021 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

House Deputy Speaker Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

“Considering the foreign threats we are facing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), we are assuring the AFP of sustained funding support for its modernization projects, despite the coronavirus pandemic,” Pimentel said.

The Philippines have dealt with aggressive incursion by foreigners in the resource-rich WPS, particularly during the past decade.

Pimentel said the P8 billion is also meant to restore the bulk of modernization funds earlier “repurposed” by government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the proposed P4.5-trillion NEP or national budget for 2021, Pimentel said the AFP modernization program is getting P33 billion in fresh funding, or P8 billion higher than the usual P25-billion annual allocation.

The AFP modernization program was earmarked P25 billion this year, but Department of National Defense (DND) earlier returned P9.4 billion in “unobligated” (program) funds to the National Treasury to help the government respond to the public health emergency.

Unobligated funds are appropriations that remain uncommitted by contract, the House leader said.

Pimentel is a staunch backer of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States which is in support of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the two countries, which have been military allies since World War 2.

Pimentel has filed a bill seeking to reinforce the military by giving the AFP chief of staff a more stable 36-month tour of duty.

The Philippine military has acquired multiple new weapons systems and capabilities pursuant to the Revised 15-year AFP Modernization Program established by law in 2013.

The latest acquisitions include two guided-missile warships worth a combined P16 billion for the Philippine Navy. Frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of launching missiles against hostile surface warships and aircraft as well as torpedoes against underwater targets.

Built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., the BRP Jose Rizal was put into service in July, while the BRP Antonio Luna is due for delivery this month.

The Navy also plans to acquire two heavier warships – missile-armed corvettes – worth a total of P30 billion.

Last month, the Department of National Defense also signed the contract for the Philippine Air Force’s acquisition of a P5.5-billion Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) from Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

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