AFP Modernization Act

Co-Sponsorship Speech on the AFP Modernization Act
Senate Session Hall
May 17, 2012

Article II, Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution states that, “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.”

Tasked to be where the threats and dangers are, we cannot overemphasize the value of the arduous mission our soldiers have to undertake in order to protect the people and the State from lawless violence, invasion, rebellion, terrorist acts and other activities that might affect national security and bring harm to the independence of our nation.
We take pride in our soldiers, whose unassailable bravery and selflessness are known to the world.
But their task is almost a mission impossible considering a daunting limitation that impedes on the ground actions and undermines the morale of our soldiers – the shortage in modern equipment and weapons system.
Moreover, the new security and defense environment has radically changed since the last AFP modernization law. The linchpin of our security is now in the waters where our energy, food and environmental security lie. Thus, capabilities and equipment of the AFP should be reinforced to reflect this need.
It is in this light that this representation, a reserve officer in the AFP, wishes to co-sponsor Senate Bill 3164 that seeks to complete the modernization program with measurable gains and respond to the needs of our military personnel amidst the changing nature of our security environment.
Mr. President, it is high time that we address the long-standing concerns of our soldiers, who always put their lives on the line, through the immediate passage of this measure.
Thank you, Mr. President.