'Business-as-usual' defense budget

By Ramon J. Farolan
Philippine Daily Inquirer

For a soldier, some things are difficult to say but the truth is, our armed forces are undermanned and ill-equipped to fight the threats that face the nation. If the recent budget hearings on defense proposals offer any indication, it is that we have been simply carrying on with a "business as usual" attitude.

The defense budget that was presented to Congress last week amounted to P56.5 billion, representing the regular allocations for land, air and maritime forces, plus DND requirements. In addition, the budget provided for Special Purpose Funds (SPF), mainly pension and gratuity benefits. Also included was P5 billion for the Capability Upgrade Program (CUP). So far, much of the CUP has been used for communications equipment, force protection equipment (helmets and vests) and weapons systems upgrade, mostly small-ticket items.

The amount of P56.5 billion represents an increase of 10 percent or P5.4 billion over the appropriation for year 2008 of P51 billion. As against the various agency proposals of about P77.5 billion, the P56.5 billion was short by 27 percent, or P21 billion. If one considers the increase in oil prices, this variance becomes even more pronounced. As usual, the bulk of the P56.5 billion is for personal services (pay and allowances) amounting to 73.1 percent. The rest is for maintenance and operating expenses, plus a minimal amount for capital outlay.

As I mentioned earlier, this budget is a "business as usual" budget. There is absolutely no sense of urgency, no appreciation of the crisis we face and of the dangers that lie ahead. We are not providing the armed forces with the means to accomplish their mission. Over and above the budget that has been presented, the minimum AFP requirement that will allow intensified internal security operations against the two insurgencies (Muslim and NPA) is as follows:
The Army needs P13.4 billion, mainly for the activation of 12 infantry battalions and 140 civilian auxiliary companies, as well as the filling up of units already in place. It also seeks to bring up the equipment of all infantry battalions to a level of 100 percent.

The Air Force needs P12.1 billion, mainly for aircraft maintenance and aviation petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) for current and additional aircraft. Procurement of new aircraft falls under a separate Capability Upgrade Program. My information is that bidding is now underway for 14 attack helicopters after an earlier bidding was scrapped for irregularities.

The Navy wants P12 billion for an Integrated Logistics Support System (ILSS) and Marine Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV), as well as POL and ammunition requirements. The total comes up to roughly P40 billion.

While it is true that we have limited resources, the almost daily scandals on the misuse of government funds-pork barrel, congressional insertions, "bukol" by corrupt government officials-also indicate that we have the resources to support increased defense requirements if we put our minds to it (italics added).

As I mentioned in an earlier column, peace comes from strength and resolve. This will entail sacrifice, fortitude and determination on our part. The AFP must be strengthened at all costs. It is no use talking about wiping out the insurgencies by 2010 if we cannot even supply the mandatory two basic loads of ammo for our soldiers, or if we cannot fund the additional Army and Marine battalions that are needed in the fight. Until we put our money where our mouth is, all talk about 2010 being a year of change and achievement sounds like political posturing more than anything else.