President Aquino vows to boost PHL defense by acquiring new aircraft

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): President Aquino vows to boost PHL defense by acquiring new aircraft

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday vowed to modernize the Philippine Air Force (PAF) through the acquisition of new and modern aircraft and equipment that would boost the country's defense and prevent the loss of lives among soldiers.

The President, in his speech during the PAF's 66th anniversary celebration at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City here, has assured the PAF of new lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, attack helicopters, air defense radars, flight simulators and other modern equipment before his term ends.

This is part of the AFP modernization program wherein P75 billion will be allocated in the next five years.

President Aquino cited that it is important to modernize the PAF as this would improve the delivery of services to the nation and the people.

"Nananalig ako sa pagsasanib ng mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan upang gawing mas moderno ang inyong mga pangangailangan, at ang panibagong dangal at kumpiyansa ng taumbayan sa ating kasundaluhan, talagang magiging abot-langit ang serbisyong hatid ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas," he said.

The Chief Executive also lamented last week's plane crash in Palawan involving a military 0V-10 Bronco aircraft.

"Ang ganitong mga pangyayari nga mismo ang iniiwasan natin simula’t sapul pa. Kaya naman, nakatutok tayo sa modernisasyon ng ating pambansang tanggulan," he said.

He, however, assured the plane crash victims' families for the government's full support and assistance.

He said there is no doubt that the government is gradually entering into a new chapter in the history of the PAF.

He said the government is now responding to the needs of the military from the modern airplane up to their benefits such as housing unlike before that their welfare have been neglected.

In the light of the continuing efforts of the government to modernize the PAF, the President, however, is asking them to render utmost service to the nation and the people

Sa susunod na lumipad kayo, tanawin ninyo ang libu-libong islang bumubuo sa ating bansa. Isipin ninyo kung ilang Pilipino ang nakatingala, pinagmamasdan ang pagbagwis ninyo sa langit, at buong-pagmamalaki nilang nasasambit na "Salamat at nariyan ang Philippine Air Force. Walang maaaring sumindak o manggipit sa akin. Ligtas ako," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539747