DND creates 2 new bid panels to hasten modernization

MANILA, Philippines - Two special bids and awards committees were formed at the Department of National Defense (DND) to fast-track the military’s capability upgrade.

The two panels will complement the agency’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) headed by Defense Assistant Secretary Ernesto Boac.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin signed last June 20 Department Order No. 113 creating the two special bids and awards committees.

The STAR obtained a copy of the order which states that the two new panels would address important matters and concerns relative to the fast-tracking of the military’s modernization program.

Fernando Manalo, defense undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations and materiel, will head the DND Special Bids and Awards Committee 1.

The vice chairman will be Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez.

 The members are Director Iluminada Afuang, Armed Forces deputy chief of staff Maj. Gen. Gregorio Macapagal and another representative from the military.

Eduardo Batac, defense undersecretary for civil, veterans and reserve affairs, was named chairman of the Special Bids and Awards Committee 2.

The vice chairman will be Efren Fernandez, defense assistant secretary.

The members are Directors Peter Galvez and Alexander Gonzales, and a military representative.

The provisional members of the two new committees are the vice commanders of the AFP’s major services and the heads of the DND civilian agencies.

Velez told The STAR the DND is committed to fast-track the implementation of about 140 projects under the AFP capability upgrade program.

“The sheer volume and the specialized procedure as well as the highly technical nature of the equipment to be procured for this intended program requires additional BACs,” he said.

Velez said the new committees would provide the appropriate technical support and expertise to speed up the process and complete a majority of the modernization program by year end.

Most of the procurement activities for the program would involve alternative methods of procurement like government-to-government, emergency and direct procurement.

The committee chairmen and members will have a one-year fixed term.

The order took effect immediately.

The original bids and awards committee led by Boac will continue to perform its functions.

The vice chair of the committee is DND legal service chief Cherrie Belmonte-Lim.

The members are Directors Nestor Castro and Marita Yoro and Army Col. Joselito Reyes.

The DND aims to approve the contracts of 138 military modernization projects by July.

It is seeking P75 billion to bankroll the military’s modernization program in the next five years.

Among the defense equipment to be acquired in the next five years are communications equipment, lead-in fighter trainer jets, closed air support aircraft, long range patrol aircraft, radar systems and engineering equipment.

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Alexis Romero | The Philippine Star | June 25, 2012 | Article Link

DND: Ignore Chinese war-mongering

The Department of National Defense (DND) has opted to ignore the war-mongering comments of a Chinese military general who called for “decisive action” by China against the Philippines in the dispute over the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).

Without addressing Major General Luo Yuan of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, DND spokesperson Peter Galvez said people should be “more circumspect” in their comments on the issue, stressing that the Philippines wanted a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“We cannot make an official statement based on opinions, especially commentaries,” Galvez told reporters on Monday.

“It would really be hard to comment. That is his opinion. We respect his (opinion) but as for the department, it would not be proper for us to make statements,” he added.

In a commentary posted on Friday on China.org.cn, Luo said China should come up with “decisive action” against the Philippines to assert China’s claim over Panatag Shoal.

Galvez said the general’s comments did not necessarily reflect that of the PLA.

“Let’s not forget about all the other people… there are more peace-loving people,” he said.

“We have to  be more circumspect. There are a lot of people definitely who understand the value of discussion, of open communication in resolving issues,” Galvez said.

“We can all have our opinions but we in the department maintain (our) peaceful initiatives. No one wants anything other than resolving this issue peacefully,” he said.

The Philippines has formally asked China to bring their dispute to the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), which is based in Hamburg, Germany.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said “this approach would resolve on a long-term basis any differences of position on the issue and ensure a peaceful, stable and lasting bilateral relationship between the Philippines and China.”

Appropriate party

The DFA strongly believes Itlos is the “appropriate third party adjudication body under international law, specifically the Unclos  (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea), with respect to the rights and obligations of the two countries in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.”

But this was rejected by China.

On Sunday, the Chinese foreign ministry said that Beijing had turned down Manila’s call for an international mediation to resolve the maritime dispute.

Deng Zhonghua, head of the ministry’s boundary and ocean affairs office, relayed to the Philippine embassy in Beijing its official position on the issue.

In a statement posted on its website, the ministry said China “demands that the Philippines respects the sovereignty of Chinese territory and does nothing more to aggravate or complicate the situation further.”

It asserted that “Scarborough Shoal is an integrative part of Chinese territory,” adding that the Philippine government’s proposal to bring the issue to ITLOS “contravenes the fundamental principles of international relations and also inflicts serious damage on the current international order.”

China claims the entire South China Sea as part of its territory, even waters close to the Philippines, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.

Zhang Hua, the Chinese embassy spokesperson, had earlier told the Inquirer that Beijing’s decision not to bring the conflict to Itlos was final.

Zhang insisted that the shoal, which China calls Huangyan Island, “is China’s inherent territory on which we have sufficient legal basis.”

The Philippines, on the other hand, refers to the Scarborough Shoal as Bajo de Masinloc and Panatag Shoal, and insists it belongs to the country.

In a text message, Zhang said Manila should “fully respect China’s sovereignty.”

Don’t complicate things

He said the Philippine government must “commit to the consensus we reached on settling the incident through friendly diplomatic consultations, and not to complicate or aggravate this incident so that peace and stability in that area can be reached.”

Raul Hernandez, the DFA spokesperson, had told reporters that “hopefully, the impasse would be resolved as quickly as possible with discussions with the Chinese side.”

If the Chinese side insisted on not going to Itlos, he said they were “prepared to do it alone.”

Last week, talks between the two sides ended in a stalemate, according to the DFA.

On Wednesday, DFA Assistant Secretary for Asia and Pacific Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro handed over a note verbale to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing during a meeting at  DFA headquarters in Pasay City.

The DFA “noted with concern the Chinese statement that they have become more assertive because the Philippines allegedly broke an agreement on the pullout of the (Philippine and Chinese) ships and fishing boats (from the shoal).”

It pointed out “there has never been an agreement reached.”

“The DFA is of the view that it was unfortunate that the Chinese response was based on inaccurate appreciation of the facts and dynamics of the negotiations,” it said.

The DFA informed the Chinese embassy that in order to address the impasse and to avoid future misunderstandings, the dialogue between the two governments must be based on complete trust and the confidence that information must be an accurate rendition of facts.

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Dona Z. Pazzibugan, Jerry E. Esplanada | Philippine Daily Inquirer | May 1, 2012 | Article Link

AFP ordered to boost deployment of rapid reaction forces

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) ordered the military to boost its capability to deploy rapid reaction forces since the mobility of troops has been affected by aging naval and air assets.

In a planning guidance to military officials, the DND said the rapid reaction forces would be used to address contingencies and to move troops on short notice.

“Due to the aging of PN (Philippine Navy) and PAF (Philippine Air Force) lift platforms, the mobility of our forces within the theater of operations is severely affected,” the DND said.

“There is a need to acquire a capability to rapidly move our forces that form part of the national maneuver force,” it added.

Armed Forces resource managers were ordered to collaborate in building a capability to deploy two joint rapid reaction forces to be located strategically in Luzon and Mindanao.

The DND planning guidance, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, said the forces would address two major contingencies in any part of the country at the same time.

DND said each of the joint forces would consist of an infantry battalion capable of air mobile operations, a mechanized infantry battalion, a marine battalion capable of amphibious operations, a squadron of tactical helicopters, a squadron of close air support aircraft, a heavy airlift aircraft and a strategic sealift vessel.

“In order to establish this capability, joint combat maneuver and supporting forces should have the means to move (like airlift and sealift platforms) on short notice,” the planning guidance read.

The DND has directed military resource managers to acquire medium airlift capability for short haul flights and strategic sealift capability. It also ordered the military to improve its capability to move ground forces within the area of operations.


The limited state funds have hampered the military’s modernization efforts. 


Only about half of the patrol ships in the Navy’s inventory are operational and with an average age of more than 30 years old. Some of these vessels are more than 60 years old.
Almost half of the Navy’s transport vessels are non-operational while the operational small crafts are of an average age of about 21 years old.


Last year, the Navy acquired its first Hamilton-class vessel from the US Coast Guard to enhance its external defense capabilities. It also inaugurated the BRP Tagbanua, a landing craft utility that is 100 percent Filipino made.


On the other hand, a 2010 report by the Commission on Audit (COA) said the Air Force “virtually has a non-existent air deterrent capability” due to aging air assets. COA said as of 2010, only 91 of the 339 aircraft in the Air Force inventory are full mission-capable, 81 are inactive and the rest are for disposal.


Early this month, the Air Force inaugurated its four brand-new combat utility helicopters acquired from Polish company PZL Swidnik SA.


Four more combat utility helicopters are scheduled to arrive in November.


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Alexis Romero | The Philippine Star | March 19, 2012 | Article Link

DND committee formed to review termination of contracts

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense has formed a committee that will review the possible termination of problem-ridden contracts.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the Contract Termination Review Committee will look into acquisition contracts, worth P50 million and up, which are facing delays in implementation.

 

The committee will then recommend to the head of the procurement entity, such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to terminate a contract if needed. 

 

DND spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said: "For example, there is a problem in the process of delivery of the project, the Contract Review Termination Committee can check where the problem lies. Is the problem on the contract?”

 

"What indeed happened? Is it the fault of the contractor? What is important, is there is going to be a delivery of the project, whatever the project is…It will look into the problems and if there is really a need to terminate the contract or not," he added.

 

If a contract is terminated, the government will ensure that it will be offered anew to contractors, he said.

Asked if there are problematic contracts at present, he said: "There are a few but I don't specifically [know which ones].”

 

On whether some of the contracts were entered into during the Arroyo administration, Galvez said: "I am not sure. That I have to check on which contract that will pass through that (committee).”

 

Fernando Manalo, the DND's Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel, is the chairperson of the committee. DND Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Installation and Logistics Patric Velez, on the other hand, is the vice chairman. 

 

Its members are DND Assistant Secretary for Comptrollership Ernesto Boac, and DND Legal Affairs Office chief Cherrie Belmonte-Lim.

 

Its provisional members include the AFP deputy, the Office of Civil Defense administrator, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator, Government Arsenal director, Veterans Memorial Medical Center director, and the president of the National Defense College of the Philippines. 

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ABS-CBNnews.com | 03/04/2012 6:08 PM | Article Link

Defense chief belittles China protest of Philippine oil exploration invitations

MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday dismissed China’s protestations over the Philippine government’s invitation to major foreign oil companies to invest in fuel exploration near Palawan in the West Philippine Sea, saying the offshore areas were well within the country’s territory.

In an  interview at Camp Aguinaldo, Gazmin also said he saw no reason for fresh tensions to build up over the disputed waters.

“I don’t think so. I don’t think so,” Gazmin said in answer to a question whether the Philippine move might strain relations with China.

“Now, if they get angry, we cannot control their emotions. But then, we still stick to the fact that these [areas] are within our territory. It is ours. Like our President said, ‘what is ours is ours.’ That’s very definite,” he told reporters.

Gazmin said he did not see any particular need to step up patrols in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), although “we will continue to maintain our patrols in the area.”

He said foreign oil companies should rest assured that their operations would be secure should they accept the Philippine invitation.

“Of course, the investors would not come here if they weren’t assured of their safety. We are doing all that we can in order to protect what’s ours,” Gazmin said.

Energy Secretary Jose Almendras earlier said the Philippine government had invited major foreign oil companies to invest in fuel exploration in two offshore areas northwest of Palawan province within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

But when asked to comment, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said the offshore areas were under China’s jurisdiction.

The Philippines and China traded barbs early last year over repeated incursions by the latter into the former’s territory, including an incident in which two Chinese vessels allegedly harassed a Philippine exploration ship at Reed Bank, prompting the Philippines to send planes and Coast Guard ships to the area.

This was followed by a string of other incidents over the next few months that drew protests from the Philippines. China then issued strong words warning the Philippines about its statements.

At the heart of the dispute is competing claims over the Spratly group of islands, a reputedly oil-rich chain of tiny islands and reefs located near Palawan. The chain is claimed wholly by China, and partly by the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan.

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By DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer

5:26 pm | Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Article Link

Defense chief laughs off reports Joma Sison offered Cabinet post

MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday denied reports that President Benigno Aquino offered Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison a Cabinet post if he returns to the country.

In a chance interview after the first quarter nationwide earthquake drill, Gazmin said that he has not verified the reports adding that the sources of the reports were “not reliable.”

“I have not verified the information, or their sources of information are not reliable, they took it hook line and sinker,” Gazmin said.

When asked for a categorical answer on the veracity of the reports, Gazmin said: “Tsismis nga eh (They’re just rumors).”

He also urged the media to think twice before publishing similar reports that are of national interest.
“Sa mga ganitong isyu na seryoso, na makakaapekto sa national interest, pag-aralan muna siguro na bago magsalita siguruhin na tama iyong sinasabi (When it comes to serious issues like this that may affect national interest, it should be studied first before issuing any statement, make sure the reports are true),” the defense secretary said.

Sison, the chief political consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political arm of the CCP, has been living in Utrecht in the Netherlands since 1987 after he was released from prison by then newly installed President Corazon Aquino in the spirit of national reconciliation.

Sison, in a telephone interview, denied that he has returned to the Philippines following unconfirmed reports that he was offered a government post circulated recently.

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By Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net

8:04 pm | Thursday, March 1st, 2012

Article Link

DND to end internal security combat operations in 2 years

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of National Defense (DND) plans to conclude internal security combat operations within two years and has ordered military units to enhance preparedness in conducting joint operations.

The DND ordered the Armed Forces chief to come up with a readiness reporting system that would establish a uniform policy for assessing the readiness of troops.

“The objective is to achieve at least 95 percent readiness rating for personnel, equipment, maintenance and training readiness in these forces as rapidly as practicable so we can successfully conclude internal security combat operations no later than 2014,” DND said.

A planning guidance, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR, was issued amid plans by the military to shift focus from internal security to territorial defense.

The readiness ratings and criteria set by the DND states that a 95 percent readiness rating translates to “fully mission capable.”

The planning guidance said units that could not attain at least 95 percent readiness would be deactivated.

The major services namely the Army, Air Force, and Navy shall report on the readiness of field units.

Units involved in internal security operations in priority regions shall be prioritized in terms of logistics support, training, funding, and filling up of resources.

DND, however, said the territorial defense requirements shall be satisfied using forces involved in internal security campaigns.

“Our territorial defense needs for this planning period (2013 to 2018) will essentially be met by our forces that are engaged in internal security operations in priority regions and our units in non-priority regions,” the DND guidance read.

DND said the defense of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty “poses the foremost security challenge.”

The DND listed territorial defense and maritime security as the top two core security concerns followed by natural disasters and internal security.

The agency, nevertheless, said the military should continue reducing the capabilities of armed groups that threaten national security.

To improve territorial defense capability, DND said the National Coast Watch System Project “shall continue to be treated as a priority effort” for allocating resources. The National Coast Watch System would enable the military to monitor the country’s maritime borders.

“Territorial defense is gaining greater prominence in the light of the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea that have undermined the Philippines’ sovereignty in the Kalayaan Island Group,” DND said.

The Kalayaan is located in the disputed Spratly Islands, which is being claimed, in part or in whole, by the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.

The DND is also pushing for a restructuring plan that would deactivate some combat battalions and those that conduct development projects.

The number of battalions would be reduced in the next few years as the military shifts focus on territorial defense.
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By Alexis Romero
The Philippine Star
February 20, 2012 12:00 AM
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Modernization not getting full support from military — DND chief

The Department of National Defense (DND) has conceded that some members within the military disagree as to whether reforms in government, particularly in the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are necessary.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, during the alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) held at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City yesterday, declined to identify the groups opposing the modernization, and instead expressed optimism that it would materialize before the end of the term of President Aquino.

Gazmin disclosed that the DND has already approved 10 percent of the 138 modernization projects in AFP.

The DND secretary noted that the military modernization projects will hopefully be approved until November this year.

The AFP sought to buy force protection equipment such as bullet-proof vest, helmets, ammunition.

Gazmin said the DND has been checking military equipment made in Italy, South Korea, France and Spain.

He added the transactions of purchasing the military equipment will be done government to government.

Aquino has allocated P80 billion for the military modernization projects.

Gazmin claimed that before the President’s term, the military is more modernized and equipped.

“Perhaps, before 2016 we will have modern military equiptment,” Gazmin said.

Relatedly, Aquino failed to show up at the PMA Alumni Homecoming.

He was supposedly the guest of honor for this year’s PMA alumni celebration.

It was Gazmin who read Aquino’s message to the alumni and cadets at the ceremony that was held infront of the Borromeo field inside the PMA campus.

The said event hosted by PMA Sandigan Class of 1992 were attended by hundreds of cavaliers and cadets.

PMA information officer, Insp. Carisma Santawana said Baguio City has been placed on full alert status until February 28, 2012 since the City is set to celebrate the Panagbenga Festival 2012.

At least 1,000 PNP personnel, traffic police, tourist police, Special Weapons and Tactics Teams (SWAT) and Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) teams have been deployed in the city to maintain the peace and order situation during the event.

During the PMA homecoming, some 18 alumni were given recognition including the lifetime achievement award, outstanding award, outstanding achievement award, award for highest command category.

Gazmin was the guest of honor and AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa.

Next month, Aquino is set to be the guest of honor during the PMA graduation.

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By Gina P. Elorde

02/19/2012

The Daily Tribune

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DND approves 10% of military modernization projects

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City—The Department of National Defense has approved about 10 percent of the 138 modernization projects meant to modernize the military to defend the Philippine territories.

Speaking to reporters on the sideline of the alumni homecoming at the Philippine Military Academy, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin expressed optimism the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Projects will be approved in its entirety until November.

Among the approved projects were the purchase of force protection equipment like bullet-proof vests and helmets, and ammunition for troops, Gazmin said.

Gazmin said the DND has been checking military equipment made in Italy, South Korea, France and Spain, adding that all transactions would be “government-to-government.”

“Tinitingnan na lahat itong mga makakapag-offer sa atin ng equipment na kailangan natin at kaya nating bayaran (We are looking at all these countries that can offer us the equipment we need at the price we can afford),” Gazmin said.

On top of the list are military equipment needed to secure the country’s borders, he said.

“Tinitingnan natin iyong para ma-address natin iyong issue ng territory natin. Kailangan maguwardiyahan natin iyong ating kapaligiran, iyong ating bakuran, upang sa ganon ay hindi naman tayo nalalapastangan (We are looking for equipment that will our territorial issues. We need to protect our environment, our territory, so we would not be transgressed),” he said.

The Aquino administration has earmarked P70 billion for the AFP modernization projects.

In 1995, the Ramos administration enacted RA 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act, which allocated P330 million worth of upgrades for the military spread in a 15-year period. However, only P33 million of the amount was spent and only for capability upgrade.

“Bago matapos ang panahon ng pangulo maipagmamalaki na natin ang armed forces natin… Siguro hindi na aabutan ng 2016 ito, siguro mga 2013 o 2014 meron na tayong maipagmamalaking sariling atin (Before the term of our president ends, we will have an Armed Forces that we can be proud of. Maybe this won’t even take until 2016. Maybe by 2013 or 2014 we will have something that we can be proud of),” Gazmin told reporters.

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By Frances Mangosing, Katherine Evangelista
INQUIRER.net

4:51 pm | Saturday, February 18th, 2012

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DND seeks 138 military modernization projects by 2012—defense chief

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of National Defense is hoping to sign up a total of 138 modernization projects for the Armed Forces of the Philippines by July 2012, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Friday.

Gazmin told reporters after the launch of Defense Acquisitions System Assessment at Camp Aguinaldo that these projects, worth about P70 billion, would include fighter jets and multi-role vessels.

He added that they would seek to secure a multi-year obligation authority for the projects to be able to enter multi-year contracts that would include the delivery of purchased equipment up to 2020.

These projects will address different concerns like internal security operations and territorial defense.

Starting Saturday, assessment teams will visit different countries to evaluate the equipment that the military needs to acquire.

“Starting tomorrow, marami nang lalabas na mga assessment teams papunta sa mga iba-ibang countries para sa ganun magkaroon sila ng evaluation ng mga equipment na kailangan natin. Kunyari, sabihin natin barko, barko ng europe, barko ng amerikano, barko ng asia, titingnan natin yun ieevaluate natin kung ano yung pinakamagaling at kung ano yung pinaka-affordable sa atin, yun ang uunahin natin, not necessarily sa US,” Gazmin said.

He said the teams would visit the countries which were offering military equipment on sale –Italy, Spain, United States, Korea, France and United Kingdom.

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By Frances Mangosing
INQUIRER.net

6:04 pm | Friday, January 27th, 2012

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Modernization projects get DND boost

HE Department of National Defense (DND) has ticked off a total of 138 projects geared toward the acquisition of major defense materiel in accordance with the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program. 
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Friday disclosed the listing in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City during the launch of the defense acquisition system in the presence of the military chief of staff and all the commanders of the three major commands—Army, Navy and Air Force—saying that he wanted all the projects sealed within the year.

“Our main responsibility is to ensure the approval and signature of the contracts for all the 138 projects for the AFP modernization and capability upgrade program not later than 31 July 2012,” Gazmin said.

“The common task on hand that we have courageously assumed lies on the brink of proximate impossibility. The factor of time is our adversary. Nevertheless, I am confident that we shall prevail in the pursuit of this objective. This is guaranteed by our unity of purpose and clarity of direction and most of all by our individual dedication to fulfill our prescribed duties and functions,” he added.

Of the 138 projects, 22 would be for priority acquisition of the Air Force while the rest would be divided among the Army and the Navy.

The Air Force vice commander, Maj. Gen. Renato Lorenzo Sanchez, said that the 22 projects would boost their aircraft by 79, of which 56 would be new and 23 refurbished, adding that they would also acquire a 3D radar and at least 30 engineering equipment.

“By 2016, we shall have expanded our air space and maritime domain awareness and provided territorial defense capability. Modernization has been a long cherished dream of the Philippine Air Force and now we are finally in the threshold of realizing this dream, “ he added.

The Navy plans to acquire an additional Hamilton class patrol craft, which is designed to endure high weather; a satellite vessel-tracking system; a fire-control tracking system; and possibly the Philippines’ first submarine, among others.

Its acting flag officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Jose Luis Alano, said that the Navy needed to enhance its capabilities to organize, train and equip its fleet marine team to support and accomplish its mission of protecting and defending the country’s security.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said that they needed modern firearms, audio/visual systems, troop carriers, trucks and other war materials.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa said that the military in the past years remained consistent in its desire to modernize itself to be at par with the armed forces of neighboring countries but that there is still much to be done.

According to Dellosa, the crafting of the defense system of management, wherein the defense acquisition system is one of the four major components, would ease the rigid nature of procurement and acquisition system at the strategic level that was further complicated by legal technicalities, existing policies and other vital factors.

The three other components of the defense system of management are the defense strategic planning system, the defense capability assessment and planning system and the defense resource management system.

Republic Act 7898 or the Armed Forces Modernization Act declared modernization of military capabilities as a state policy.

It was enacted into law in 1995 with a P331-billion budget to develop the naval, air and ground defense capability of the military.

Of the 331 billion, P164 billion was supposed to be provided by congressional appropriations and the remaining P167 billion would come from different sources, including part of proceeds from sale or lease of military of military camps as provided under the Bases Conversion Act.

Republic Act 7898 provides that within five years, from the time the law was enacted in 1995 to 2000, the amount of P50 billion or P10 billion a year should be allotted to the modernization program but it was not followed.
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Published : Saturday, January 28, 2012 00:00
Written by : William B. Depasupil, Reporter
ManilaTimes.Net
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