MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has restored the P10-billion cut made by the lower chamber in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Fund, said Sen. JV Ejercito revealed on Tuesday.
In an ambush interview, Ejercito said he is glad that the P10 billion was restored, baring that he—together with Sen. Bato dela Rosa—appealed to Sen. Grace Poe that the fund be brought back given the “sensitive situation” in the West Philippine Sea.
READ: Senators push to restore P10B slashed from AFP modernization budget
Article continues after this advertisement“We appealed to the chair of the finance committee, Senator Grace, na given the precarious situation, sensitive situation in the West Philippine Sea, all the more that we need to support the modernization. So, at least I’m happy yung P10 billion cut na at least na-restore natin sa Senate,” said Ejercito.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO ‘Get ready to rumble’ in case VP Duterte is arrested – Dela Rosa NEWSINFO Rodrigo Duterte told: Aquino respected you in office, do it for Marcos NEWSINFO Rodrigo Duterte called out for trying to stir military vs Marcos(We appealed to the chair of the finance committee, Senator Grace, that given the precarious situation, sensitive situation in the West Philippine Sea, all the more that we need to support the modernization. So, at least I’m happy that the P10 billion was cut and at least we restored it in the Senate.)
According to the senator, no discussions were made in the chamber’s floor prior to the approval of the budget on Tuesday because a caucus was already conducted.
Article continues after this advertisement“Nagkaroon ng caucus, so, diniscuss naman dun yung mga important items. So, wala naman nang nag-raise ng issue kasi napag-usapan na before we went out again to vote for it,” said Ejercito.
Article continues after this advertisement(There was a caucus, so the important items were discussed there. So, no one raised any issues because they were already discussed before we went out again to vote for it.)
Article continues after this advertisementEarlier, Ejercito said if only the program was funded well, then the country would already be at the Horizon 3 of the AFP Modernization Program.
“But how can we achieve this if our budget for modernization gets a yearly decrease?” Ejercito asked in Filipino.
Article continues after this advertisement“This investment in our national security is an investment to our future, our sovereignty, and most importantly to our men in uniform,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who was then speaking on behalf of the Department of National Defense as the sponsor of the agency’s budget, said seven projects will be affected by the P10-billion budget cut.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Without going into detail, dela Rosa said these projects concern the following: cyber systems and projects for forward and support equipment and aviation engineering equipmentgoplay, additional aircraft, and joint tactical combat vehicles.
READ NEXT Solon: VP Sara needs to take responsibility for disbursing issue Marcos signs a flurry of proclamations, EOs EDITORS' PICK Disinformation networks exploit West Philippine Sea tensions for profit CHR says role of media as fourth estate vital to uphold democracy SPD confirms arrest of ‘alias Neri’ for securities violation, estafa Chavit’s rare tears break ‘masamang damo’ image in emotional reveal Rodrigo Duterte called out for trying to stir military vs Marcos SC denies motions to reverse ruling separating Sulu from BARMM MOST READ Comelec, PANTAY to raise queer awareness for 2025 polls Chito Miranda’s wife Neri Naig arrested by police — Ogie Diaz ‘Get ready to rumble’ in case VP Duterte is arrested – Dela Rosa Rodrigo Duterte told: Aquino respected you in office, do it for Marcos Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments