House ratifies bicam report on AFP modernization

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has ratified the bicameral conference committee report on House Bill 6410, extending the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act for another 15 years.

Earlier, the Senate ratified the reconciled version, Senate Bill 3164, establishing the revised AFP Modernization Program.

The House panel in the bicameral conference committee was headed by Muntinlupa City Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, chairman of the House committee on national defense, while the Senate panel was chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate committees on national defense and security.

“The AFP revised modernization program shall develop and transform the AFP into a multi-mission oriented force capable of effectively addressing internal and external security threats,” Biazon said.

Under the measure, which amends Republic Act 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act, the revised program will be based on an amount of at least P75 billion for the first five years, subject to the capacity of the Department of National Defense (DND) to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management (DSOM).

The Revised AFP Modernization Program Planning and Procurement will be conducted in accordance with the DSOM, which is a strategy-driven, capability-based multi-year planning and execution process.

The measure exempts certain major defense purchases such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicles, communications equipment and high- powered firearms from public bidding.

The measure also exempts from value-added tax and customs duties the sale and importation of weapons, equipment and ammunition to the AFP which are directly and exclusively used for its projects, undertakings, activities and programs.

A congressional oversight committee, composed of six members from the Senate and six from the House, will be formed. The chairs of the committees on national defense and security of both houses will serve as joint chairs of the panel.

As the need arises, the oversight panel shall conduct a “sunset review,” a systematic evaluation of the accomplishments and impact of the measure, as well as the performance and organizational structure of the implementing agencies for purposes of determining remedial legislation.

The DND and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will issue the implementing guidelines to ensure consistency with the revised AFP Modernization Program and existing guidelines in the contracting of multi-year projects.