The Department of National Defense has signed an agreement with a group of "reformist" officers that will help keep an eye on the military's modernization program.
In a statement, the Defense department said its partnership with Samahang Magdalo will help it oversee the P85.3-billion modernization effort of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Samahang Magdalo has been tapped to monitor the activities of the DND's Bids and Awards Committee, including pre-procurement and pre-bid conferences, the opening of bids, post-qualification, contract awarding, and all other aspects of the bidding process.
The modernization program, which started in 2013, will continue until 2017 and allocates P8.6 billion to the Army, P43.3 billion to the Air Force, P28.2 billion to the Navy, and P5.2 billion to the AFP's General Headquarters.
“There should be nothing that will prevent you from doing your job as observers. Your responsibility is to our country and to our people,” Defense Undersecretary Ferdinand Manalo told Samahang Magdalo officers at the signing ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Both parties have commited to "uphold and advance the principles of good governance, particularly the promotion of transparency, competitiveness and accountability in the procurement of infrastructure projects, goods, and consulting services by the DND."
The DND is looking to buy two warships as well as airplanes, helicopters, and armored personnel carriers. It awarded a P882-million contract for 28 M113 APCs earlier this month.
The DND is looking to buy two warships as well as airplanes, helicopters, and armored personnel carriers. It awarded a P882-million contract for 28 M113 APCs earlier this month.
Last December, former Local Government secretary Rafael Alunan asked President Benigno Aquino III to "cut the bureaucratic red tape" that has been holding up the modernization of the AFP.
Alunan said upgrading the military should be speeded up for the country to protect its "exclusive economic zone" and to "uphold our nation's dignity and honor."
Alunan said upgrading the military should be speeded up for the country to protect its "exclusive economic zone" and to "uphold our nation's dignity and honor."
“Buy brand new, off the shelf, if necessary, but if there are good bargains for existing assets for immediate transfer, please do not hesitate to grab these. Time is of the essence,” he said.
In 2013, Aquino reassured members of the AFP that modernization is still on track, even after rebalancing the government's budget. He added upgrading the military includes providing troops with benefits like a housing program for AFP and Philippine National Police personnel.
The Samahang Magdalo was formed by "reformist
officers" of the AFP and calls itself a social justice group. Its
political arm, the Magdalo party-list has two seats at the House of Representatives.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, a Magdalo member and former Navy officer, is on
his second term at the Senate.
Members of the Magdalo were involved in mutinies against then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003 and 2007. Magdalo members also figured in a stand-off between some officers and men of the Philippine Marine Corps and government troops in 2006.
In 2010, President Benigno Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 75 granting amnesty to members of the Magdalo who joined the mutinies. Congress approved the proclamation.
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