DND to seek Marcos approval for AFP Modernization projects, list to be 'resubmitted'

A new list of projects under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program will be resubmitted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his approval, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.

At a public briefing, DND spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong said this is to determine what projects under the program will push through.

“Ire-resubmit pa ito kay Pangulong Marcos para mapagdesisyunan kung itutuloy o hindi. At may iba pang ire-review din para tignan kung ano ba talaga ang kailangan natin ngayon,” he said.

(This will be resubmitted to President Marcos so he can decide what will be continued or not. And other projects will be reviewed so we will know what we really need now.)

For the Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program, Andolong a new list of projects would be submitted to Marcos.

He said the Air Force and Navy are eager to have multi-role combat aircraft and submarine programs. However, these will have to undergo review.

Anodolong said DND officer-in-charge Jose Faustino Jr. will ask for a congressional review of the modernization program to see if there will be funds for the projects.

Aside from defense, Andolong pointed out that the government is also prioritizing the funding for the health sector especially amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. —KBK, GMA News