Senate probe on ‘slow’ AFP modernization sought

A lawmaker called on the Senate Wednesday to conduct an inquiry into the implementation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, citing growing security threats in the West Philippine Sea, continued harassment of Filipino fishermen and emerging cyber threats.

In Senate Resolution 161, Senator Jinggoy Estrada urged the chamber’s relevant committees to exercise their oversight functions to assess the program’s progress and determine possible legislative measures to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.

“Our defense posture must evolve rapidly. We cannot afford delays when the safety and security of the Filipino people are at stake,” said Estrada, who is the Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security.

The senator expressed concern over the slow pace of the AFP’s modernization, which is critical for protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to Estrada, numerous key projects remain incomplete as of 2025: 15 from Horizon 1 (2013–2017), 73 from Horizon 2 (2018–2022), and 37 under Horizon 3 (2023–2027).

He also lamented the stark reduction in the Department of National Defense’s proposed P133.74-billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026. That amount was reduced to just P90 million in the National Expenditure Program, with P50 million of that falling under unprogrammed appropriations.