Recognizing the complex situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asked the Congress to continue supporting the military’s modernization program to further improve its land, air and sea capabilities.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said this as she expressed appreciation to the commitment of the House of Representatives to allocate P50 billion for the AFP modernization program next year.
“While this allocation is a positive step, the modernization of our forces is an ongoing process that requires sustained support,” Padilla said on Sunday night, Aug. 18.
“The AFP remains committed to utilizing these resources effectively to ensure the defense and security of our nation, but we acknowledge that further investment will be needed in the coming years to fully realize our modernization goals,” she added.
The AFP will be allocated with a record-high P50 billion for its modernization program in 2025 as part of the P419.3 billion budget for the defense sector next year.
“This increase, which is P10 billion higher than the previous year's allocation, signifies the government's dedication to enhancing our defense capabilities,” Padilla said.
The AFP spokesperson said that the increased funding will enable the military to continue its efforts in acquiring advanced technologies to improve its capabilities in land, air, and sea operations, and address current security challenges.
“We look forward to the continued partnership with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that our forces are equipped and prepared to meet the evolving security demands of our country,” she noted.
The AFP’s modernization program began in 1995. The 15-year program sought to equip the three major branches of the AFP – Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy – and other support units with new equipment and assets, and provide them with better training.
However, it was stopped due to an economic crisis two years later and was neglected until the program expired in 2010.
A revised 15-year modernization program was re-introduced in 2012, consisting of three phases or “horizons”, in response of the government to a heated maritime dispute with China in the WPS.
The first horizon was from 2013 to 2017, the second horizon from 2018 to 2022, and the third horizon is supposed to be from 2023 to 2028. The first two horizons of the acquisition program were marked by delays due to budget deficit as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.
In January this year, the AFP said that President Marcos Jr. approved another revised military modernization plan dubbed as the “Re-horizon 3”, a 10-year program replacing the third horizon.
It will cost P2 trillion as the national government plans to further boost the military's intelligence, area denial and deterrence capabilities.