‘AFP modernization program needs scrutiny’
The military’s multibillion-peso modernization program requires a thorough assessment to make it responsive to the emerging security challenges, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday.
DND public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong said it would not be reasonable to expect Malacañang to approve the program without a careful examination of its items.
“The Department of National Defense fully understands the weight and importance of the Armed Forces Modernization Program and as such, it would be unfair to expect the President to grant his approval on the matter without thoroughly scrutinizing and reviewing every item in the program,” Andolong said.
On Thursday, The STAR reported the implementation of 28 military projects, including those intended to boost the country’s territorial defense, face delay because Malacañang has yet to approve the Armed Forces Modernization Program.
DND submitted the upgrade program to the Office of the President in February 2013 in compliance with a requirement of the revised Armed Forces modernization law. The program, which outlines the projects to be funded, delivery schedules and costs, has yet to secure the President’s nod.
Andolong said the Aquino administration has been supportive of the military’s upgrade efforts.
“Malacañang has always been fully supportive of the program and is subjecting it to a continuous evaluation in order to ensure its relevance to our dynamic internal and external security environment,” he said.
For his part, Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said a big number of projects could still be contracted even if the modernization program is still awaiting approval.
The 28 military projects have a total cost of P60.14 billion and include Navy frigates, air assets, radars and base upgrades.
Among the big-ticket items in the list are two Navy frigates worth P18 billion; three air surveillance radars worth P2.68 billion; six close air support aircraft worth P4.97 billion; two units of long range patrol aircraft worth P5.98 billion; multi-purpose attack craft project worth P864.32 million; night fighting system worth P1.116 billion; two C-130 aircraft worth P1.6 billion; two naval helicopters worth P5.4 billion; and lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition worth P4.47 billion.
Also included in the program are four basing support system and logistics projects with a total budget of P2.15 billion. The projects seek to improve existing military facilities in strategic areas.