THE modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will receive a record P50 billion in fresh funding in 2025, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said on Sunday.
“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,” Pimentel said.
“Congress is absolutely determined to keep up the funding for projects that are meant to build up the military’s national defense capabilities,” Pimentel added.
Pimentel previously served as chairperson of the House strategic intelligence committee, and is a strong backer of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.
He is also author of House Bill No. 1782, which seeks to appropriate P5 billion for the installation of new naval forward operating bases to secure the West Philippine Sea’s vast natural gas and oil deposits that have the potential to supply the country’s energy demand in the decades ahead.
Under the Revised AFP Modernization Program Law of 2012, the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) administers the release and use of 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.
