A big chunk of the proposed ₱297 billion budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) is allocated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization and pension of retired soldiers.
During the budget deliberation on Wednesday (Sept. 1), the DND said it plans to amplify the AFP modernization program, which was affected by the more pressing need for COVID-19 response.
Meanwhile, lawmakers asked the DND to submit performance indicator reports on the West Philippine Sea issue, as well as its ongoing investigation on the C-130 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force and Black Hawk helicopter mishap.
Solons recognized the need to improve the state and capacity of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, especially in the time of the pandemic. – Report from Bea Bernardo / CF – bny
