TACLOBAN CITY — With the current Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program set to lapse in 2027, House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan is urging Congress to move early in crafting and approving a successor law to ensure the continuity of the country’s defense build-up.
Libanan stressed that timely legislative action is crucial to avoid gaps in planning, funding, and procurement as the 15-year revised AFP Modernization Program nears its end.
“The revised AFP Modernization Program, enacted in 2012, will expire in 2027. Congress should enact a successor modernization framework ahead of its expiration to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase,” Libanan said. “By acting early, we can keep the AFP capable, credible, and responsive, while maintaining a stable and coherent long-term modernization strategy.”
The AFP modernization program focuses on upgrading the military’s capabilities through the acquisition of advanced equipment, weapons systems, and defense technologies, including intelligence and surveillance assets critical to national security.
In 2025, the program reached several milestones with the delivery of two newly built 3,200-ton guided-missile frigates—BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang. These vessels complement the earlier deliveries of the 2,600-ton guided-missile frigates BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna in 2020 and 2021.
The Department of National Defense also received five additional S-70i Black Hawk multi-role helicopters in 2025 and finalized a contract for 12 more FA-50PH supersonic fighter jets.
Funding support for modernization continues to grow, with the 2026 General Appropriations Act allocating P40 billion in capital outlays for AFP modernization projects, up from P35 billion in 2025.
Congress first approved a 15-year AFP modernization program in 1995 through Republic Act No. 7898, which earmarked at least P50 billion for the first five years. The program was revised and extended in 2012 under Republic Act No. 10349, increasing initial funding to P75 billion for the same period.
Budget records show that from 2013 to 2025, Congress allocated a total of P313.6 billion in new appropriations to support the AFP modernization program, with an additional P134.1 billion authorized in unprogrammed appropriations to further bolster the military’s capability development.
Libanan said sustaining these gains requires foresight and decisive action from lawmakers to ensure that the AFP’s modernization remains on track beyond 2027.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
