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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Libanan tells Congress to act early as AFP Modernization Program set to expire next year

Libanan tells Congress to act early as AFP Modernization Program set to expire next year

Published Jan 12, 2026 10:38 am

At A Glance

  • There is an urgent need to pass a successor law to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program before the current one expires next year, House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan reckoned.
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan (PPAB)
4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan (PPAB)


There is an urgent need to pass a successor law to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program before the current one expires next year, House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan reckoned.
“The 15-year Revised AFP Modernization Program, enacted in 2012, is set to expire in 2027, and early legislative action would ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of the military’s modernization,” Libanan said over the weekend.
"By acting early, we can ensure that the AFP remains capable, credible, and responsive while maintaining a stable and coherent modernization strategy,” he added.
The AFP modernization initiative covers the acquisition of advanced military equipment, weapons systems, and defense-related technologies, including intelligence, surveillance, and other critical operational capabilities.
In 2025, the program marked key milestones with the delivery of two newly built 3,200-ton guided-missile frigates—the BRP Miguel Malvar and the BRP Diego Silang.
These warships complement the 2,600-ton guided-missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna, which were delivered in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Additionally, the Department of National Defense (DND) received five more multi-role S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in 2025 and finalized a contract for 12 additional FA-50PH supersonic fighter jets.
The 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) signed last Jan. 5 by President Marcos allocates ₱40 billion in capital outlays for the military’s modernization projects, up from ₱35 billion in 2025.
Congress first approved a 15-year AFP modernization program in 1995 through Republic Act (RA) No. 7898, with initial funding of at least ₱50 billion for the first five years.
The program was revised and extended in 2012 under RA No. 10349, which increased initial funding to ₱75 billion for the first five years.
A review of budget records shows that from 2013 to 2025, Congress allocated a total of ₱313.6 billion in new appropriations to support the AFP modernization program.
An additional ₱134.1 billion in “unprogrammed appropriations” was also authorized to support the AFP’s modernization efforts over the same period.
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