SENATOR Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito expresses strong support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) but raises concerns about budget cuts and delays in the implementation of the modernization program.
During the hearing of the Finance Subcommittee C on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 on the proposed 2025 budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached agencies, including the Revised AFP Modernization Program, Ejercito highlighted the need for the timely procurement of essential assets, such as multi-role fighters and modern frigates to bolster national defense, especially in light of external threats.
The senator expressed concern over the potential impact of budget cuts on the AFP modernization program and emphasized his commitment to supporting the AFP’s needs.
“For me, if our priority programs are to be effective, they should be clearly defined in the budget. Given the precarious situation in the West Philippine Sea, we must prioritize and give importance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program. We have already faced delays with Horizon 1 and Horizon 2, and we should be focusing on external defense with Horizon 3. However, due to these cuts, many programs have been moved to the addendum, and I am very concerned about this,” JV Ejercito said in Filipino.
