By Priam Nepomuceno – PNA
MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal expressed his appreciation to legislators for approving the defense department and the military’s budget for 2019.
The Department of National Defense (DND)’s budget for 2019 is placed at PHP183,893,177,000, of which the AFP is considered as one of its line agencies.
“The AFP extends its thanks to the 17th Congress for the approval of the defense department and military’s budget for 2019. This will ensure the continuity of our programs and operations vital in keeping our communities safe and secure. The budget also includes provisions for the second tranche of increase in the salary of our soldiers,” Madrigal said in a statement forwarded to reporters Wednesday night.
A Department of Budget Management statement dated Oct. 19, 2018 said that for 2019, the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy have been allocated PHP89 billion, PHP24.6 billion, and PHP27.8 billion, respectively.
“Rest assured that this will be put to good use and that safeguards against corruption are in place to prevent and punish wrongful acts in the management of our resources,” the AFP chief added.
