Eastern Visayas Media Without Borders
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Tacloban City–Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan urges Congress to pass a new AFP modernization program as the 2012 law expires in 2027. “Early action ensures the AFP stays capable, credible, and responsive,” Libanan say.
The lawmaker calls for timely passage of successor AFP modernization program
Saying that the 15-year Revised AFP Modernization Program, enacted in 2012, is set to expire in 2027, and early legislative action would ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of the military’s modernization.
“Congress should enact a successor modernization framework ahead of the current program’s expiration. By acting early, we can ensure that the AFP remains capable, credible, and responsive while maintaining a stable and coherent modernization strategy,” Libanan added.
The AFP modernization program is all about boosting the military’s capabilities with advanced equipment, tech, and defense systems .
2025 was a big year with the arrival of 2 new frigates (BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang) + 5 Black Hawk helicopters and a deal for 12 FA-50PH fighter jets .
For 2026, ₱40 billion’s allocated for modernization, up from ₱35 billion in 2025 .
The 2026 General Appropriations Act allocates ₱40 billion in capital outlays for the military’s modernization projects, up from ₱35 billion in 2025.
Congress first approved a 15-year AFP modernization program in 1995 through Republic Act No. 7898, with initial funding of at least ₱50 billion for the first five years.
The program was revised and extended in 2012 under Republic Act No. 10349, which increased initial funding to ₱75 billion for the first five years.
A review of budget records shows that from 2013 to 2025, Congress allocated a total of ₱313.6 billion in new appropriations to support the AFP modernization program.
An additional ₱134.1 billion in “unprogrammed appropriations” was also authorized to support the AFP’s modernization efforts over the same period.
