AFP marks 'more meaningful' 77th year with new modernization act

From the Sun Star (Dec 21): AFP marks 'more meaningful' 77th year with new modernization act

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) celebrated its 77th founding anniversary on Friday with a pronouncement from the Commander-In-Chief himself that new and modern equipment for government troops will be used soon. In his speech during the anniversary celebration at Camp Aguinaldo, President Benigno Aquino III said the organization's 77th year is "more meaningful" due to the recent signing of the New AFP Modernization Act. "Ito ang susi tungo sa mas moderno, mas matatag, at mas mapagkakatiwalaang kabanata sa kasaysayan ng ating kasundaluhan. Wala pong ibang paglalaanan ng pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo sa susunod na limang taon kundi para sa mga bagong kagamitan at kinakailangang kasanayan ng Sandatahang Lakas," Aquino said. The President said better weapons and force protection equipment will also be used by soldiers for their duties.

On December 11, Aquino signed into law Republic Act (RA) 10349, which amends RA 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act, extending the program for another 15 years. It has a budget of P75 billion for the first five years of implementation subject to the capacity of the Department of National Defense to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management. The new law exempts certain major defense purchases such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicles, communications equipment and high-powered firearms from public bidding. It also exempts from value-added tax and customs duties the sale and importation of weapons, equipment and ammunition to the AFP which are directly and exclusively used for its projects, undertakings, activities and programs. RA 10349 also institutionalizes the defense system of management, which incorporates a collegial and collaborative planning and decision-making process by senior defense and military leaders. It also allows additional funding from public-private partnerships entered into by the DND as well as multi-year contracts

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2012/12/21/afp-marks-more-meaningful-77th-year-new-modernization-act-259500