An estimated P60 billion worth of projects under the Armed Forces Modernization Law have been delayed for the lack of President Aquino’s signature according to security sources that revealed the information to the Philippine Star. A total of 28 projects were sent back to the Department of Budget and Management.
The revelation by a security official set back the timetable for the revised Armed Modernization Law, which states that the President, upon recommendation of the budget and defense secretaries, shall submit the program to Congress within 60 days from the date the law took effect.
According to PhilStar, the still unsigned program was sent to Malacañang back in February 2013, or two months after Aquino signed the measure into law.
Sources of the national daily noted that among the P60.14 billion worth of affected big-ticket items are two Navy frigates costing P18 billion; three air surveillance radars, P2.68 billion; six close air support aircraft, P4.97 billion; two units of long range patrol aircraft, P5.98 billion; multi-purpose attack craft, P864.32-million; night fighting system, P1.116 billion; two C-130 aircraft at P1.6 billion; two naval helicopters at P5.4 billion, and lead-in fighter trainer jets ammunition worth P4.47 billion.
The national government did not confirmed nor deny the reports of the national daily revealing the delayed modernization program of the government.