Lawmaker Pushes for Enhanced Funding for AFP Modernization

House Deputy Majority Leader Arnan Panaligan has strongly urged defense officials to ensure adequate, timely, and sustainable funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. Panaligan, the congressman for Oriental Mindoro, raised this issue during a budget briefing of the House Committee on Appropriations last week. He sought explanations from defense officials regarding the progress of the AFP Modernization Program and the necessity of securing its financial resources for effective implementation. The modernization program aims to enhance the capabilities of the Philippine military, particularly through equipment upgrades and technological integration. In light of the increasingly complex security environment in the South China Sea and the imperative to maintain domestic security, the modernization of the armed forces is considered crucial from a national security perspective. However, the successful execution of such a large-scale program necessitates consistent and stable budgetary allocations. Panaligan's call is seen as an impetus for concrete actions towards the program's long-term success and the strengthening of the Philippines' defense capabilities. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo