With this forum admin's permission, some thoughts on reactions against the recent reports on the acquisition of big ticket hardware for the defense of this nation. (with hopes that friends here would understand and help "say it forward.")
FIRST, we are very appreciative of everyone's support and attention to the modernization efforts. Everyone here, regardless of age, or educational background (including those in other forums) have a value and importance on how we develop policies. Thank you and please keep it up.
SECOND, as for fund allotment, we look at crafting policies and implementing programs that are intelligent, sensible and are do-able. Part of the "tuwid na daan" programs include correcting mistakes, programs that are "dead-enders" and is not pro-active - draining resources and are prone to abuse; and programs with implementation process without any real follow through.
So, we do not want to see projects that are simply "papogi" but see programs that are working, funded properly, utilized properly and can be sustainably managed for a long period of time.
THIRD, part of the planning processis to look for ways how to expedite the modernization without cutting corners, modifying rules and laws, re-interpreting them bordering on trampling Constitutional provisions.
Those days are in the past and will not happen in this administration. We DO adhere to laws and procedures related to our Bids and Awards (which is designed to ensure the bets interest for this nation and its people) but there are alternative options such as government-to-government arrangements that strictly follow the conditions of "designed to ensure the bets interest for this nation and its people."
These negotiated arrangements are being done in a transparent process yet expedited STILL following conditions to OUR people's best interest. Of course, we want to get items that are cheaper (if we can haggle) and in term payments that are affordable to us. We are also looking into items that are all practical to our current needs, within our present and future capability and skills to maintain, sustain and operate.
Unlike some conception of friends in other forums, we are not going to a mall to buy just anything at a whim. There are studies being undertaken and under the program initiated under this administration called the DSOM (Defense System of Management), the major armed services are all talking together and sharing their concepts and openly stating what they need. If we can afford and we have the technical skills and future funds to operate a certain hardware, WHY NOT? But the defense establishment is keenly and constantly aware of the need to balance OUR needs against WHAT WE CAN afford and operate in order to ensure the best interest of anyone and everyone.
FOURTH, if not now, THEN WHEN? Despite statements saying we could take it slow BUT based in the original process, IT came and went and what have we attained? Fifteen years passed through under three administrations and little strides have been made to enable this nation to acquire a MINIMUM CAPABILITY to defend and protect itself.
We can cite countless incidents where we are stalled short, of inutile in securing our borders.
One simple example are trawler ships of foreign registry. They trawl the seas off the coast of Luzon. They're bigger and at times well within our 200 NM exclusive economic zones. For that matter, they could even be sighted at dawn by our own fishermen in small bancas not far from our OWN shores. We can not enforce our rights because we can not monitor them and we can not run after them. Illegal shipments and drugs are being dropped off our coasts while some are daring enough to even land on our own shores and we can not do anything about it.
Going back, these fish trawlers are stealing fish stocks for our own local Pinoy 'mamalakaya' who are solely dependent on these fish stocks to earn a living. In order for them to feed their families, we need to protect our own interests.
Common sense against thoughts that we are removing funds to help end their hunger -- we need to invest in capabilities that are protecting our interests that will lead to the EMPOWERMENT of our people to help feed themselves.
FIFTH, all contracts and agreements are transparent. These agreements can be scrutinized and are without any hidden agenda or perks that will benefit the few. There are certain political risks to these contracts ACTUALLY but at times like these, political will is being practiced because we are being left behind. It is not about a matter of macho pride as a nation but a realization that we need to be ABLE to protect our own interests. This is not an arms race, but is a very simple step in building our minimum defense capability.
SIXTH and finally, with conditions that will expedite the modernization already rolling, we hope that each and everyone here who genuinely care for the defense of this nation could help spread out the truth and assist in explaining the rationale of why we are doing this. Let us not allow short sightedness and personal politics stall once again efforts to better this nation.
To friends here, please, join other forums and help us explain this and correct the misinformation that are being propagated.
Salamat po.
Statement from DND-OPA regarding long overdue AFP modernization
Originally Posted by KlaytoN
On the other hand, this unprecedented modernization that the AFP is getting nowadays has directly slapped the face of those who still believe the stupid idea that this current admin is being controlled by the leftist/communist movement..
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