Army open to Senate probe on undelivered military supplies

The Philippine Army says it is open to a Senate investigation on undelivered military supplies.

“Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano has directed the Army offices concerned to open its books and fully cooperate with the Senate inquiry,” Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said on Tuesday.

On Monday, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago said she would file a resolution calling for a Senate probe on a Commission on Audit report that said the bulk of the military supplies that the Army was programmed to procure in 2014 had not been delivered.

Quoting the COA report, Santiago said only P42.4 million worth of ammunition were delivered in 2014 despite the P569.6 million the Army released to the Government Arsenal for ammunition.

In the same report, it also said that of the P231.9-million worth of combat clothing and equipment the Army requested through the procurement service of the Department of Budget and Management from 2004 to 2011, P786,000 remained undelivered in 2014.

“How can we expect our troops to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity when they have no ammunition or equipment for training? Funds have been disbursed, why were supplies not delivered?” she said.

COA said that because of these failures, the Army was deprived of the timely use of the procured items.

“The Philippines is threatened by a neighbor encroaching on its territory. We cannot afford to postpone—not even for a day—the delivery of much-needed ammunition and equipment,” Santiago said.

Meanwhile, Hao explained that less than only one percent of the undelivered combat clothing was set to be delivered soon.

“The Philippine Army follows the procedures in the procurement of supplies and equipment based on Republic Act No. 9184,” he said.

“On the other hand, the Army is required by government procedures to procure small arms ammunition from the Government Arsenal. After complying with the procurement process, the Philippine Army is now awaiting the delivery of the ammunition,” Hao said.

The Army spokesperson said that in the interest of transparency, they were willing to cooperate with other government agencies in the conduct of an investigation.

“The Philippine Army appreciates the care and concern of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago with our troops,” Hao said. Frances Mangosing/RC