Pimentel: AFP modernization budget bumped up to P33B in 2021

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program is getting an extra P8 billion in 2021 to restore the bulk of program funds earlier “repurposed” for the fight against Covid-19, Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said on Sunday.

“Considering the foreign threats we are facing in the West Philippine Sea, we are assuring the AFP of sustained funding support for its modernization projects, despite the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

In the proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021, Pimentel said the AFP modernization program is getting P33 billion in fresh funding, or P8 billion higher than the usual P25-billion annual allocation.

The AFP modernization program was earmarked P25 billion this year, but Department of National Defense (DND) earlier returned P9.4 billion in “unobligated” funds to the National Treasury to help the government’s fight against Covid-19.

Unobligated funds are appropriations that remain uncommitted by contract.

Pimentel is a staunch backer of the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the United States. The accord is in support of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries.

Pimentel also has bill seeking to reinforce the military by giving the AFP Chief of Staff a more stable 36-month tour of duty.

The military has acquired multiple new weapons systems and capabilities pursuant to the Revised 15-year AFP Modernization Program established by law in 2013.

The latest acquisitions include two guided-missile warships worth a combined P16 billion for the Philippine Navy.

The frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of launching missiles against hostile surface warships and aircraft as well as torpedoes against underwater targets.

The post Pimentel: AFP modernization budget bumped up to P33B in 2021 first appeared on Latest Philippine politics news today.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)