THE House of Representatives on Thursday terminated the period of sponsorship and debate on the P254.115 billion proposed budget of Department of National Defense (DND) for 2025, after members of the minority finished their interpellation over the department’s unprogrammed funds and Balikatan exercises.
House Committee on Appropriations vice chairperson Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino II (1st District, Agusan del Norte), who sponsored the DND budget on the floor, emphasized the importance of providing sufficient budget for the country’s defense sector.
“It … allows the department to refocus its strategic direction primarily on archipelagic defense, while upholding the nation’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” Aquino said.
ACT-Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro noted that the DND has P10 billion in continuing appropriations which will be added to next year’s proposed P25 billion in unprogrammed funds.
Aquino said the funds are allotted for the procurement of the fiber system of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), upgrading of weapons and sensor systems of military aircraft and sea vessels, and acquisition of new aircraft, among others.
Castro also took issue on the frequent conduct of Balikatan exercises, citing reports that the same affected the livelihood of fisherfolk.
“Mayroon po tayong Balikatan sa iba’t ibang areas. Nakuha natin yung reports sa ating mga mangingisda ‘tsaka sa mga karatig na komunidad ng mga mangingisda, (na) pag nagkakaroon po ng Balikatan exercises napipigilan po yung kanilang economic activity, to the detriment nung ating mga kababayan natin,” Castro said.
She then asked if the statement “Measures (are being) taken to ensure international activities does not disrupt local communities, specifically in fishing areas” is accurate, which Aquino affirmed.
Aquino thanked his colleagues for their support and even urged them to consider augmenting the DND’s budget.
“With your support I am confident that our allocation will not only safeguard our peace and security but will also support the Philippine Development Plan, which aligns with the President’s vision of a united, resilient and prosperous Philippines,” he said.
Other sponsors of the DND 2025 budget were House Committee on Appropriations senior vice chairperson Stella Luz Quimbo, vice chairpersons Reps. Arnie Fuentebella (4th District, Camarines Sur), Loreto Acharon (Lone District, General Santos City) Zia Alonto Adiong (1st District, Lanao del Sur), Mikaela Angela Suansing (1st District, Nueva Ecija) and Claude Bautista (Lone District, Davao Occidental).
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