Arroyo approves purchase of military equipment worth P10 billion

By Ronron
January 5, 20007

Manila- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved on Friday the purchase of military equipment worth P10 billion under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, which is expected to boost the military’s capability in defeating the different enemies of the state.

After more than three hours of closed-door meeting at Camp Aguinaldo with top officials of the AFP, led by Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Arroyo ordered Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya to immediately release the balance of P5 billion for the P10 billion AFP modernization program as the bidding formally opens today (Saturday), said Esperon.

Earlier in the day during the New Year’s Call of AFP and Defense officials on Arroyo, the latter said in her speech that a pre-procurement conference will immediately be held after to mark the start of the purchase of the modernization equipment.

She said the government was able to collect more than enough funds as a result of its economic reforms, which may now be utilized to address basic services needs, fund infrastructure projects, and support the modernization program, which was approved by a law signed in 1995.

“With your dedication to the service of our country and people, our Administration shall continue to implement programs that would propel growth and its social payback of jobs, food, health and education,” Arroyo said.

The President, who is currently the Defense Secretary, recognized the role of the AFP in the attainment of the country’s economic gains by maintaining peace and order.

“The President has approved the 14 projects, record number of projects that were approved in one day, in fact less than a day. This is worth P10 billion,” Esperon told reporters after their meeting.

The AFP Cabability Development Chairman, Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero, who is the AFP’s Vice Chief of Staff, said P5 billion of the P10 billion was already released in April 2005, and the balance of P5 billion is expected to be released this month.

Esperon said among the equipment to be purchased include radio and other communication equipment, helicopters, watercrafts, mobility vehicles, EOD (Explosives and Ordnance Division) equipment, and firearms.

Romero said that with the purchase of said equipment, they expect that the operational capability of the AFP will increase to 70 percent from the current 50 to 60 percent.

“We are sticking to our target of defeating the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines / New People’s Army) by 2010. All the more that we are confident that we can achieve this with these new equipment,” Esperon said.

“These are all intended to support the insurgency operations,” Romero addded.

Romero said the public bidding officially starts today (Saturday) and will last for 30 days.

Given this period, they expect the first deliveries of the equipment by April through July.

“All of these 14 (items), if there will be no obstacles, should be delivered within the year, except maybe for the aircrafts,” Romero said./DMS