MALACAÑANG announced on Sunday the release of P10 billion for the Armed Forces modernization program, to be funded from the 2010 and 2011 appropriations at P5 billion each year.
Presidential Deputy Spokesman Abigail Valte made the announcement as she said President Aquino has ordered the Department of Budget and Management to release the money.
“Now, the Special Allotment Release Order [Saro] is being prepared, and it would be charged against the 2010 and 2011 appropriations at P5 billion each.”
She said the plan is to provide the Army with armored personnel carriers and communications gear, as well as upgrade existing equipment.
The Navy, on the other hand, will procure sealift vessels, while the Air Force is targeting to acquire one special mission aircraft and two light aircraft costing about P1.6 billion.
“Ang budget po na iyan ay gusto nilang gamitin to purchase vehicles for civil-military operations, for health services and disaster- response activities,” she added.
Valte clarified that the 2011 appropriations is broken down as follows: the Army will purchase 32 five-ton trucks and 55 special purpose vehicles.
The Air Force, on the other hand, will acquire two search-and-rescue helicopters, 30 special purpose vehicles and 15 amphibian vehicles.
Under the 2011 budget, the Armed Forces will also acquire communication equipment, as well as sniper rifle systems and standard weapon systems.
“So marami po tayong magagawa doon sa pondong ito,” Valte added.
She denied that the release of the fund was in reaction to the recent ambush of Army troops, 19 of whom died in Basilan last week.
“Hindi naman po. This is something that was already in the works. Nagkataon lang po ngayon lang natin mailalabas.
The Armed Forces is suffering from a serious lack of equipment.
The Army has not been issued new armored vehicles in the past five years, while the Air Force has been forced to use it troops as infantry because of the lack of flying assets.
The Navy’s newest warship, on the other hand, is more than 40 years old.
