MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has remitted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) more than P15 billion from the proceeds of the sale of former military camps as of last year.
The military uses its share of proceeds from the disposition of its former bases to buy new defense equipment or improve its facilities.
AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said for 2011 alone, the BCDA turned over P2.64 billion, P2.37 billion of which went to the military.
He said the BCDA had remitted a total of P12.7 billion from 2000 to 2010.
Burgos said the funds they received would be used to support their modernization efforts.
“These (funds) will further equip the AFP with the necessary requirements of its capability upgrade and modernization projects which does not only benefit the men and women in uniform but ultimately the whole Filipino nation as well,” he said.
Burgos said a total of 43 military capability upgrade projects worth P4.7 billion have been completed using the BCDA remittances.
Of the 43 completed projects, 19 were already delivered to the AFP and are now being used by troops.
Among the projects delivered are the 1,621 Night Fighting System for the Army; 18 basic trainer aircraft and aerial camera for the Air Force; two multi-purpose attack craft, four landing craft utility and 76-mm ammunition for the Navy; an integrated radio tracking system and base communication network for the AFP General Headquarters; 402 squad automatic weapons, and 8,100 force protection equipment.
The AFP Medical Center also benefited from the BCDA remittances, which were used to improve four operating rooms.
The military is also entitled to shares from non-sale transactions like lease agreements from various companies.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexis Romero | The Philippine Star | March 05, 2012 | Article Link
No comments:
Post a Comment