Acquisition of much-needed military equipment and platforms
has been given the green light with the signing by President Benigno S. Aquino
III of the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program
last July.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND)
Undersecretary for Finance, Modernization, Installation and Munitions Fernando
Manalo during the presentation of the DND's proposed 2016 budget before the
House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.
Around 30 procurement projects, including the missile-firing
frigate, long-range patrol aircraft, surveillance radars and close-air support
aircraft program, will now move to their next respective bidding phase, Manalo
said.
He noted that these projects "were held in
abeyance" last May pending the signing of the new AFP Modernization Law.
The DND is seeking a PhP158.8-billion budget for 2016,
broken down into PhP63.5-billion for territorial defense, security and
stability; PhP1.5-billion for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief;
PhP667-million for international engagements and peace support missions; and
PhP93.1-billion for force level support and training.
The latter amount is also inclusive of pensions.
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