Lawmaker questions cost of AFP gear

Representative Neri Colmenares: Inquiring. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A lawmaker has questioned the military’s purchase of equipment—such as radios and global positioning system devices—saying their prices appeared to be high compared to other devices in the market.

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Neri Colmenares said he would seek a congressional inquiry if he was not satisfied with the explanation of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officials.

“If the documents they submit will not be in order, I will file a resolution to investigate,” Colmenares said Sunday.

Lawmakers had asked defense officials to submit documents pertaining to the purchase of the equipment. This came after Colmenares questioned the prices during the House hearing on the Department of National Defense budget last week.

AFP officials, for their part, told the lawmakers the equipment had security features and specifications fit only for the military, hence their higher cost.

During the hearing, Colmenares pointed out the AFP procured 6,356 five-watt VHF handheld radios for P1.645 billion, pegging each unit at P258,823.

Colmenares said his staff canvassed VHF radios in commercial markets and found one for only P32,981.

Aside from the handheld radios, Colmenares also questioned the planned purchase of 100 base radios for P1.4 million each and the procurement of 2,934 global positioning units worth P33,907 each.—Leila B. Salaverria