DND chief: 'Best product' must be top factor in asset acquisition

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 20, 2023): DND chief: 'Best product' must be top factor in asset acquisition (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (File photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday said the "best product" and not the cost should be the primary consideration in acquiring modern equipment and platforms for the military's ongoing modernization.

"What is supportable, who can give us the best product, not necessarily at the lowest price but at the lowest price for value delivered, not the lowest least cost but value delivered like supportability, availability of supplies in stores, survivability, lead time for ordering of spares, technology transfer, potential joint ventures in production of component parts, the whole value of the package will be reviewed," he said in an interview with select reporters at the DND headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo when asked what factors should be checked first before equipment should be acquired.

Teodoro said he has also given "strict guidelines" to all technical and project working groups, including having the "technical competence" to review the products and companies, particularly their ability to deliver what they promised based on the agreed schedule.

The review, he said, must also look into the companies' capability to provide services without any delay on their part or any excuses and to answer supply chain problems for serviceability.

"I'll like to stress that we are in the process of instilling the capability of our personnel not only to view the product itself but the supportability of the product and the reputation and track record of the companies that are supplying the contract for supportability and sustainability and possible long term interactions with them for product upgrades and improvements," he added.

Teodoro further said the DND is now working closely towards building up the Philippines' credible deterrent posture.

"In terms of credible deterrent posture, the upgrade is purely focused on Philippine interest and the strengthening of the integrity of this country as I said a value proposition on its own and without violating any law or international law or domestic law," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206028