The Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization program will be hit by repercussions on the temporary restraining order on the funds from Malampaya gas field project.
“It will affect the modernization because our funds come from there, such as for the maintenance for our two cutters,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told reporters.
He was referring to the two Hamilton-class ships acquired from the United States Coast Guard — the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.
Last month, the SC issued a TRO against the release of priority development assistance fund (PDAF), known as pork barrel, and funds from Malampaya natural gas.
Gazmin said that they use funds from Malampaya to maintain the two weather high endurance cutters — for refurbishments and installation of additional equipment to these ships.
Gazmin also said they might not be able to maintain the ships.
“Maybe the TRO will not last long and they will eventually understand the needs of the armed forces,” Gazmin said.
Other sources of military funds are the general appropriations and a percentage of the remittances from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
