DND hoping for approval of P25-B military budget

THE Department of National Defense is hopeful that the proposed P25-billion military budget for 2016 will be approved.

“We are hoping that they will see the need for the passage of the proposal,” Defense public affairs chief Director Arsenio Andolong said on Tuesday.

The proposed budget, which is part of the P75-billion military modernization program, will be used to acquire Navy frigates and patrol aircraft.

The budget is 25 percent higher than last year’s.

“This will have a big impact to our modernization program. [This means] we are all getting the support from the government and the treasury and this will go a long way. But everything is still a proposal so let’s wait for its approval,” Andolong said.

The Philippine military is one of the weakest in Asia and is building a minimum credible defense amid China’s expansion in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

Aside from the challenge of territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the Philippines is also battling with communist insurgents and terrorists.

“It would be great if it would we approved as soon as possible but of course they are studying it carefully if the budget for DND and other agencies will be approved. We are willing to wait,” Andolong also said.

President Benigno Aquino recently approved the proposed P3-trillion national budget for next year. It will be proposed to Congress next week for scrutiny.

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