AFP modernization program secures record P50 billion in 2025 budget

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to receive a historic P50 billion allocation in the 2025 national budget for its ongoing modernization program.

The allocation represents a 25% increase from the previous year’s budget, marking the highest level of funding ever granted for the military’s capital outlays.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, who announced the funding boost, emphasized Congress’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities.

“The sum of P50 billion in capital outlays has been earmarked to be used exclusively to support the funding requirements of the military’s ongoing modernization projects,” Pimentel stated.

He noted that the P10 billion hike over the 2024 budget underscores the government’s dedication to strengthening the AFP.

The AFP modernization is guided by the Revised AFP Modernization Program Law of 2012, which places the administration of the program under the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND).

The release of funds is contingent upon recommendations from the appropriate bids and awards committee.

In line with this modernization effort, the Department of Budget and Management released a P6 billion milestone payment last April for two new multi-role missile corvettes ordered from South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.

These vessels, worth a total of P28 billion, are capable of executing anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft missions and are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026.