AFP modernization fund shortfall at P20.8B - solon

MANILA, Philippines — The modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines would have a total funding shortfall of P20.8 billion in 2014 and 2015, a partylist lawmaker said.

Magdalo partylist Rep. Ashley Acedillo belied claims that the military is provided with hefty allocation each year.

During the hearing House of Appropriations Committee on the defense department's P141.84 billion proposed budget, Acedillo said the AFP requested P24 billion for 2014 and P26.8 billion for 2015 for its modernization program.

The Department of Budget and Management, however, refused to grant the full amount.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said that for 2014, the AFP received only P9.7 billion for its modernization program.

Acedillo said based on the AFP expenditure program, the Development Bank of the Philippines approved P20 billion as 2015 funding for the military's modernization program, which is P6.8 billion less than the AFP's requested funding of P26.8 billion.

"In other words there is a shortfall of P6.8 billion in 2015. For 2014 and 2015, there is a shortfall of around P20.8 billion," said Acedillo, a former Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilot and officer.

"Sinasabi po nila binibigyan ng maraming pera ang AFP at Philippine National Police (PNP) (pero ang totoo po nyan) kulang po," Acedillo added.

He said while the government has other priorities, support for AFP Modernization Program should be adequate for the country's welfare and national security.

"As pointed out by our colleagues, we have many priorities. We understand that the AFP Modernization Program, spread for several years, will cost the government a lot But we firmly believe that there is no price tag for national security," said Acedillo.

He urged the government not to drastically slash the funding.

The Department of National Defense should similarly work closely with the DBM and the House Committee on National Defense to find a solution to budgetary requirements of the AFP modernization targets, he said.

Budget and Management Assistant Secretary Tina Rose Marie Canda said the original segregation or annual amount for the AFP Modernization Program is about P15 billion a year.

"We did not expect that there will be an acceleration in the acquisition of projects for the modernization program," Canda said.

The AFP modernization law was enacted on Feb. 23, 1995 during the administration of President Fidel Ramos.

On Dec. 11, 2012, President Aquino signed into law Republic Act 10349 extending the program for another 15 years with an initial budget of P75 billion for the first five years.