CONGRESS should restore the P10-billion cut from the P50-billion budget for the Philippine military modernization program next year to beef up the country’s defenses amid tensions with China in the South China Sea, according to a Philippine senator.
Citing the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito told the Senate plenary that the government must allot at least P75 billion every year.
“This investment in our national security is an investment to our future, our sovereignty, and most importantly to our men in uniform,” he said.
The proposed P6.325-trillion national budget next year, as approved by the Senate finance committee, earmarked P255.99 billion for the Department of National Defense for next year.
The Department of Budget and Management earlier slashed the P50-billion budget by P10 billion for the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization program in 2025.
“We are aiming for is, at least, to have the minimum credible defense posture for the country,” Mr. Ejercito said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
