The modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will receive a record P50 billion in fresh funding in 2025, according to Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel.
“In the 2025 national budget, the sum of P50 billion in capital outlays has been earmarked to be used exclusively to support the funding requirements of the military’s ongoing modernization projects,” Pimentel said.
“The amount is 25 percent, or P10 billion, higher than the P40 billion appropriation for the acquisition and upgrading of military hardware and systems in the 2024 national budget,” he added.
Pimentel is the author of House Bill No. 1782 that seeks to provide P5 billion for the installation of new naval forward operating bases to secure the vast gas and oil deposits in the West Philippine Sea that have the potential to supply the country’s energy demand in the decades ahead.
“Congress is absolutely determined to keep up the funding for projects that are meant to build up the military’s national defense capabilities,” he stressed.
Under the Revised AFP Modernization Program Law of 2012, the Department of National Defense (DND) secretary is authorized to release and use the money for modernization projects.
Allotments for the purpose would be issued only upon submission by the DND of the recommendation by the appropriate bids and awards committee of the grant of contracts.
Last April, the Department of Budget and Management released the fourth milestone payment of P6 billion for the DND’s order for two brand-new, multi-role missile corvettes from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.
Worth a total of P28 billion and due for delivery in 2025 and 2026, the missile corvettes for the Philippine Navy are capable of anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-aircraft missions.
The AFP through spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla welcomed the House of Representatives’ decision to increase the military’s budget for the modernization program.
In a statement, Padilla said this will significantly boost the military’s efforts to acquire advanced technologies and improve its operational readiness across land, air, and sea.
She noted that the additional funding is crucial for addressing current security challenges and strengthening the AFP’s ability to protect the nation.
Padilla also noted that the modernization of the AFP is an ongoing endeavor that will require continued investment in the coming years.
“The AFP remains committed to utilizing these resources effectively to ensure the defense and security of our nation, but we acknowledge that further investment will be needed in the coming years to fully realize our modernization goals,” she said. –With Rex Espiritu
