Alan Cayetano wants camp development fund for AFP, PNP
At A Glance
- Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has renewed his push for the measure seeking a P25 billion budget each for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the modernization and upgrade of their respective camps and facilities.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has renewed his push for the measure seeking a P25 billion budget each for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the modernization and upgrade of their respective camps and facilities.
Cayetano pointed out the military and police forces’ role in safeguarding national security, territorial integrity and law enforcement warrants them additional budget for the upkeep of their amenities.
“Peace and order is essential to not just the stability of the country, but also its continued growth. We help our military and police personnel perform and realize their mandate by ensuring that the AFP and PNP has sufficient funding for its programs, including the development of their camps and headquarters,” the senator wrote in the proposed AFP and PNP Camp Development Fund which he filed on July 3 for the 20th Congress.
Cayetano said the AFP-PNP Camp Development Fund is envisioned to provide a five-year program with P5 billion annual funding for each agency to modernize, develop, and upgrade military and police camps in accordance with development plans – totaling P25 billion for both AFP and PNP over the implementation period.
The senator said all development plans and related procurements will be carried out with transparency, with access to sensitive information appropriately restricted to protect national security and public order.
Moreover, the proposed fund will cover construction and enhancement of key infrastructure, including training centers, lodging areas, wellness and sports facilities, internet connectivity, and security systems such as close-circuit televisions (CCTV).
The lawmaker also highlighted the multiplier effect of infrastructure investment, citing its potential to generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and help reduce poverty.
“Investing in infrastructure produces a multiplier effect in terms of generating employment, increasing foreign exchange earnings, and stimulating the local economy, all of which help to alleviate poverty,” he said.