Senator Win Gatchalian said he wants to sustain increased budgetary support to accelerate the AFP modernization program to improve the country’s external defense posture.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Gatchalian pushed for an additional P20 billion for the AFP modernization fund in the Programmed Appropriations on top of the P30 billion allocated under the Unprogrammed Appropriations. “Ito yung modernization fund na gagamitin sa pagbili ng mga kagamitan na tutulong sa atin sa pag shift sa multi-domain external defense posture mula sa internal security strategy,” he said during deliberations on the proposed budget of the Department of National Defense for next year.

“The AFP modernization program should reflect current realities on the ground, particularly the current geopolitical situation,” the senator said, referring to a series of hostile actions committed by Chinese forces in the West Philippine Sea.

Under the Senate version of the proposed budget for next year, the defense sector is set to receive P385.97 billion, or 1.25% of projected GDP –its highest share to date — aimed at boosting capabilities and addressing key defense needs. 

Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS GATCHALIAN