Malampaya funds for AFP upgrade urged

MANILA, Philippines - Amid allegations that the government’s share in the earnings of the Malampaya natural gas project had been misused, two senators are pushing for the use of part of the amount for modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Senators Ralph Recto and Jinggoy Estrada outlined their proposal in separate bills.

They said a portion of the estimated P130-billion Malampaya fund should be used to procure military equipment and improve the training and capabilities of the country’s military.

In his Senate Bill 466, Recto is also batting for a review of the past implementation of the AFP modernization program.

“Regular review of its accomplishment shows that the slow implementation was due to the lack of funds coming from the national government,” Recto said.

Through SB 466, Recto seeks to tap a substantial amount from the Malampaya project for the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund.

While the law provides for a ceiling for annual appropriations for the program, Recto said that in reality, only a small fraction was being provided for the AFP.

Some military officials have been suggesting that the Malampaya funds be tapped to buy gunboats and modern equipment, especially amid a territorial conflict with China over the West Philippine Sea, where the Malampaya natural gas project is located off Palawan.

Recto said the amount can substantially support the P75-billion funding requirements of the AFP for its modernization program over the next five years.

The program includes acquisition of communications equipment, lead-in fighter trainer jets, closed air support aircraft, long-range patrol aircraft, radar systems and engineering equipment, among others. – With Michelle Zoleta, Evelyn Macairan