MANILA, Philippines -- The global economic crisis is expected to affect modernization plans for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. admitted in a press conference Thursday.

“It will push through as planned, in terms of the amounts set aside. But in terms of the cost of the equipment to be acquired, this may fluctuate and it depends on market forces,” said Teodoro at the press briefing that followed a command conference in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.

“Maybe, we might get more because of the prices of goods to be [bid] out may be cheaper,” Teodoro said.

He added that the bidding for military equipment such as modern communications devices and force protection equipment, and the re-bidding for P2 billion worth of night capable attack helicopters, are still continuing as scheduled.

In 2008, the bidding for the night capable attack helicopters was scrapped after the losing bidder alleged that the bid and awards committee of the Department of National Defense (DND) favored a foreign manufacturer.

“The process of re-bidding is continuous. I am letting the bids and awards committee do their jobs and I’m not meddling with their work so that the transparency and regularity of procedures will be protected,” Teodoro said.

“Everything is [bid out] according to schedule and on track. It’s not only the night capable attack helicopter but the combat utility helicopters that we are keen on acquiring [this year],” he added.

DND spokesman Nelson Victorino said the Office of the President gives them P5 billion annually to fund the AFP modernization and capability upgrade program.