7 projects to suffer from looming cuts in military modernization - Dela Rosa
Metro Manila, Philippines – Seven key modernization projects may face the axe in a substantial military budget cut, Sen. Bato Dela Rosa told lawmakers during Senate deliberations on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Dela Rosa said the proposed P10-billion reduction in the P50-billion proposal may affect projects concerning cybersystems and purchase of additional aircraft, among others. The lawmaker is defending the budget of the revised AFP modernization program and the Department of National Defense (DND).
Sen. JV Ejercito said he supports Dela Rosa’s appeal to restore cuts and even increase the modernization funding, noting that the revised AFP Modernization Act requires a P75-billion budget for the program.
“Mahigit isang dekada na mula noong naipasa natin ang revised AFP modernization law ngunit hindi pa natin minsan na kumpleto ang itinakda ng batas na 75 billion para sa modernisasyon ng ating sandatahang lakas, kadalasan pa Ginoong Pangulo ito ay nakakaltasan o nababawasan and that’s explain probably why we are so much delayed in our AFP modernization program,” he said.
[Translation: It has been almost a decade since we passed the revised AFP modernization law, but we still haven't fully completed the P75 billion allocated by the law for the modernization of our armed forces. Often, Mr. President, this amount is reduced or cut, and that’s probably why we are so delayed in our AFP modernization program.]
Dela Rosa said nothing was done to carry out the third phase of the modernization program, which covers projects from 2023 to 2027.
He added only 23% of projects under phase two have been accomplished.
“Dapat 2023 pa lang, horizon 3 na tayo (As early as 2023, we should be at horizon 3) focusing on our external defense already, especially now with the precarious situation in the West Philippine Sea,” Ejercito said.
“Hindi naman natin inaambisyon na tapatan ang China in terms of military might. Sila po ay superpower, tayo ay third world country. But again we do support the aim of the armed forces to have that minimal credible defense posture,” he added.
[Translation: We do not aspire to match China in terms of military might. It is a superpower, while we are a third world country. But again, we do support the aim of the Armed Forces to have that minimal credible defense posture]
Leasing foreign assets
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino suggested leasing foreign assets as an alternative to buying new equipment to boost the naval force.
‘Kapag tayo po ay nag-lease kasama ang financing costs, lease payments, maintenance costs would cover just half the cost,” he said.
[Translation: If we lease, including financing costs, lease payments, and maintenance costs, it would cover just half of the cost]
Dela Rosa said the government is “seriously considering it as an option” as a stopgap measure.
