Philippines Defence Forum

[Cossack25A1]

or just skip this light attack 109 and instead upgrade our PAF MD-520MG. and go for the mangusta for our attack helo. sometimes i question the mindset of the DND, they fak up a lot of projects lately.

btw are the pictures visible? or you still have to click to view full image? ty

The AW-109 is for armed recon which is not bad but the PH Military needs dedicated attack helicopters to complement our lack of MBTs (if the CV90105, CV90120 or BMP-3 were only considered). The MD-520 could be upgraded into an unmanned version as there are developments about this.

The pictures are visible without clicking them.

 

[Ayan81]

The AW-109 is for armed recon which is not bad but the PH Military needs dedicated attack helicopters to complement our lack of MBTs (if the CV90105, CV90120 or BMP-3 were only considered). The MD-520 could be upgraded into an unmanned version as there are developments about this.

The pictures are visible without clicking them.

I just get it now, maybe the afp was thinking that the gap for md 520 to dedicated attack helo is to high, thats why they choose the light armed recon first. i have no problem going agustawestland all the way for ease of maintenance and training.

About MBT's, i just really don't get it why some of us is clamoring for it, not here but on the other filipino defense forum , we are an island nation. The only way for an hostile force to land its mobile force is through the sea, destroy them there and dont let them in. a good coverage of radars and coastal defense can do that for us. APC's and IFV's is what we need.

 

[Cossack25A1]

I just get it now, maybe the afp was thinking that the gap for md 520 to dedicated attack helo is to high, thats why they choose the light armed recon first. i have no problem going agustawestland all the way for ease of maintenance and training.

About MBT's, i just really don't get it why some of us is clamoring for it, not here but on the other filipino defense forum , we are an island nation. The only way for an hostile force to land its mobile force is through the sea, destroy them there and dont let them in. a good coverage of radars and coastal defense can do that for us. APC's and IFV's is what we need.

The CV90120 and BMP-3 are not MBTs and one advantage of the latter over the former is that the BMP-3 is amphibious. I think dedicated attack helicopters should be transferred to the Army while the Air Force should concentrate on fixed-wing aircrafts and should consider having a gunship similar to AC-130 but smaller since the PH Air Force did operate AC-47s before as well UAVs and the Navy should pursue more ASW helicopters.

 

[Cossack25A1]

‘How to harness the opportunities from the Asean Economic Community 2015’
CROSSROADS (Toward Philippine Economic and Social Progress)
By Gerardo P. Sicat (The Philippine Star) | Updated November 12, 2014 - 12:00am

In last week’s column, I posed the question, Are we ready for the Asean Economic Community (AEC)? The concept of “readiness” implies the ability to take maximum advantage of the opportunities offered by the institution.


“There will be gains, but are we maximizing them?” Being part of the AEC will bring in some gains for us. But the important issue is how we can harness the greatest amount of gains from the opportunities that are being opened to us within Asean.


The Asean free trade expands the potentials of more trade among the member countries. It also enhances the competition among the traders and producers within the region, effectively bringing benefits to all its members.


But such benefits will not be uniform among them. Those countries with the freest and most flexible policy mechanisms will gain the most, while those burdened with domestic restrictions will be slowed down by those restrictions since they could prevent or cause investments from happening.


We must therefore face the question: How do we maximize the fulfilment of opportunities offered to us by the by the deepening trade and investments within Asean further?


It is a must to be especially mindful of this. In the past, we squandered many opportunities for trade and investment because we did not install the right policies. Let me illustrate.



Under the trade agreement with the US after independence (the so-called Laurel-Langley agreement), the national effort was too focused in securing advantages and support for our old industries like sugar and coconut.


Little effort was exerted to secure access to the US market for products of manufacturing. In fact, Philippine industrialization ignored the trade opportunities but instead built new industries under heavy protectionist barriers.


In contrast, countries without any preferential trade agreement during those times adopted policies built around their comparative advantage in trade and encouraged industries that exploited the market for consumer goods in the huge and high income US market. That was the story of how South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore which took off early in their industrial developments and made them prosperous, self-sustaining growing economies.


Another example: the quotas given to Philippines exports of garments and textiles under the General System of Preferences under the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) before the creation of the WTO (World Trade Organization). Our quotas were under-utilized and quite poorly by our garment industries. At the same time, the countries just mentioned were exporting large quantities of these exports without the benefit of quotas.


These types of disconnect in opportunities available against the policies in effect continue to exist and reduce our ability to perform economically. Through the years we have moved our policies toward more openness as a result of our poor performance in the past. But our efforts at reforms have not been sufficient.


“The main story of Philippine industrial development.” This, in short, is the Philippine development story writ large over many decades. But in the public mind, (and especially because in satisfying the need for a comprehensible explanation, the general public is given alternative, simple, and seemingly more apt reasons for) we instead get the refrain that corruption, inadequate infrastructure, poor leadership, etc. are the sources of our failures and difficulties.


In my view, the presence of many types of restrictions in our economic policies (originating from the restrictive economic provisions in our Constitution) has given rise to the multifarious explanations for our problems in development. The root cause is often the hidden cause.


The myriad complications arising from the conduct of economic affairs in the midst of policy restrictions have induced the events that we see and therefore decry: rent-seeking, corruption, and poor investment results in public infrastructure and in other productive activities.


We were shackled by constitutional provisions that few suspected to have been that crippling at the time. In fact, even today, we are being made to believe by those against these measures, that these measures are only of second order.


“PEZA firms and reforms of BOI policies.” I further note the need for immediate reforms and how the problem goes deep to the structural problems of Philippine industrialization. Our government is again saying we must energize industry.


Total industrial output as a percent of GDP has retreated in value despite the country’s forward growth in recent decades. The premature decline of relative industrial output is due to BOI (Board of Investments) policies failing to strengthen the progress of industry over time. This led to the collapse of quite a few of industries promoted under the protectionist period of the past, causing many firms to close shop and give way to competition.


On the other hand, firms promoted under PEZA (Philippine Export Processing Authority) incentives have put the country in the world map of industry. PEZA firms have succeeded where BOI firms have remained essentially small and confined to serving the domestic market.


To do well, PEZA firms are allowed to import their raw materials from other countries. Hardly little internal trade exists between PEZA firms and BOI firms. As a result, PEZA firms contribute little value added, with their main raw materials imported from other countries.


While we will need to increase our trade with our Asean neighbors as a consequence of the free trade principle, our industries also need to create a deeper integration within the economy.


Our PEZA industries which export to the world, including other Asean countries, are essentially import dependent enterprises for their raw materials. There is little integration of their requirements with domestic supplies and even less integration of their manufacturing operations with domestic industries.

The obvious solution to this is to reform BOI policies to allow greater participation of foreign capital in the industries designed to serve the domestic market. This will create pressure on competition for domestic firms. It will further deepen the operations of PEZA firms with the local economy and raise the domestic value added of their exports.


To reform BOI policies much more effectively requires relaxation of many provisions of industrial policies regarding the economic restrictions to foreign capital as provided in the Constitution. The efforts we take to amend the Constitutional provisions can accelerate the participation of FDIs in domestic industry.

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‘How to harness the opportunities from the Asean Economic Community 2015’ | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
-----

 

[Ayan81]

113'th Philippine Coast Guard Anniversary Static Display

cc: Philippine Defense Photos

 

[Ayan81]

The AW-109 is for armed recon which is not bad but the PH Military needs dedicated attack helicopters to complement our lack of MBTs (if the CV90105, CV90120 or BMP-3 were only considered). The MD-520 could be upgraded into an unmanned version as there are developments about this.

The pictures are visible without clicking them.

The CV90120 and BMP-3 are not MBTs and one advantage of the latter over the former is that the BMP-3 is amphibious. I think dedicated attack helicopters should be transferred to the Army while the Air Force should concentrate on fixed-wing aircrafts and should consider having a gunship similar to AC-130 but smaller since the PH Air Force did operate AC-47s before as well UAVs and the Navy should pursue more ASW helicopters.

We are not acquiring attack helo for the lack of MBT's but for ground support. If ever BMP-3's will be considered were not going to get it from russia (alam na natin kung bakit) we can source it from ukraine. I prefer K-21 over CV90.

 

[Ayan81]

Do more than making do? The Philippine Navy faces the future

From Jane's Navy International (Nov 1, 2014)



A nice long analysis for yous to read.

Also check out the article about the Russian missile boats on the Viet military thread. There are 2 ASEAN navies showing interest in those boats. What are the chances of the Filipino navy being one of them?

chances are none, its like asking vietnam to buy m16 to replace ak's. maybe it was indonesia who is interested. If the Maestrales deal had push through, PN would have 2 capable ships by now. The budget they given to the 2 new frigate would have paid for the 2 maestrales and buy 1 frigate (bare). No news for the frigate acquisition yet and for that the arming for the del pilar class is delayed for likely the 2 class carries the same weapon and sensors.

 

[William Hung]

chances are none, its like asking vietnam to buy m16 to replace ak's. maybe it was indonesia who is interested. If the Maestrales deal had push through, PN would have 2 capable ships by now. The budget they given to the 2 new frigate would have paid for the 2 maestrales and buy 1 frigate (bare). No news for the frigate acquisition yet and for that the arming for the del pilar class is delayed for likely the 2 class carries the same weapon and sensors.

That make sense, but I've read somewhere that Russia is also keen to offer their stuff to the Filipino military. I don't think it's Indonesia as they can build their own indigenous FAC. Over at the Viet forum they dont think it's VietNam either. Myanmar can build their own ships too. The only countries I can think of is Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

 

[Ayan81]

That make sense, but I've read somewhere that Russia is also keen to offer their stuff to the Filipino military. I don't think it's Indonesia as they can build their own indigenous FAC. Over at the Viet forum they dont think it's VietNam either. Myanmar can build their own ships too. The only countries I can think of is Cambodia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Were not the one. what ship are we talking about?

Russia negotiating military deal with PH | Tempo - News in a Flash
Russia offers radars to track incursions in PH borders | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines

Before the russia/ ukraine crisis and the shooting down of a commercial plane maybe there' a chance but now it's impossible.

 

[William Hung]

Were not the one. what ship are we talking about?

Russia negotiating military deal with PH | Tempo - News in a Flash
Russia offers radars to track incursions in PH borders | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines

Before the russia/ ukraine crisis and the shooting down of a commercial plane maybe there' a chance but now it's impossible.

These ones:

Project 12300 Scorpion
Project 20970 Katran

I'm too lazy to post pics because of the new upload method but you can easily Google for pics.

Russian shipbuilder Vympel Shipyard Joint Stock Company is embarking on a programme to market its Scorpion (Project 12300) and Katran (Project 20970) missile gunboats to navies in the Southeast Asian region, the company confirmed on 7 Nov

Speaking to IHS Jane's via an interpreter at the Indodefence 2014 exhibition in Jakarta, Andrei V. Chikayev, Vympel's senior marketing expert, described the programme as responding to demands from Southeast Asian navies for smaller platforms that can be equipped with not just naval guns but also a range of surface-to-surface and surface-to-air guided missiles and defence systems against hostile aircraft and projectiles.

"For example we are marketing the Scorpion boats equipped with the KASHTAN-1 close-in weapon system (CIWS) that comprises of eight 9M311-1M anti-aircraft missiles and two 30 mm rapid fire guns. This is a very compact yet complete defence system for smaller ships suitable for waters in this region", said Chikayev.

The 56 m Scorpion boats displaces 465 tonnes at full load and can reach a top cruising speed of 40 kt. Besides the CIWS turret, the platform can also be armed with the A-190 100 mm main gun that can fire between 60 and 90 rds per minute. Vympel's 46 m Katran boat displaces about 300 tonnes at full load and can also reach top speed of 40 kt. These vessels can be quipped to carry up to four URAN-E missile system launchers.

Actually, considering the Philippines Navy can only purchases a handful of >2000-ton ships, it would make sense that they would be looking at buying these kind of cheaper small missile boats to compliment the limited number of bigger ships.

 

[Ayan81]

These ones:

Project 12300 Scorpion
Project 20970 Katran

I'm too lazy to post pics because of the new upload method but you can easily Google for pics.



Actually, considering the Philippines Navy can only purchases a handful of >2000-ton ships, it would make sense that they would be looking at buying these kind of cheaper small missile boats to compliment the limited number of bigger ships.

PN is putting missiles on their MPAC's, the planned 3 will be a little longer then the previous MPAC mark 1 and 2.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/23/1293505/dnd-buy-3-new-multi-purpose-attack-craft

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Time to reorient the Philippine Navy

Blueboard
Alma Maria O. Salvador

FOR MANY DECADES, naval modernization in the Philippines has been suspended to give way to an army-led warfare against insurgency. This has led to a tremendous allocation of resources in support of the development of personnel, operations and capital needs of the ground forces, leaving the archipelagic state devoid of a focused and well-financed maritime strategy.

Philippine navy ships are anchored during the navy’s anniversary celebration at Fort San Felipe, in Cavite city on May 21, 2013. -- AFP

With the ongoing peace process that ended the Moro rebellion and the “handover” of Communist-cleared provinces to the local governments, a more prominent role for the Philippine Navy is being called for as the Armed Forces of the Philippines shifts from internal to external defense.

Recognizing the altered transnational threat in the region, the new Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Jesus Millan, aptly states that “the menace of various threats to national security and territorial integrity are real and present.”

Aligned with the National Security policy 2011- 2016 and the Philippine Defense Transformation 2012, the Navy is now being poised to beef up its amphibious capabilities. Its mandate: to protect maritime interests and to “ensure the sovereignty of the archipelago and the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.”

Koh Swee Lean Collin, associate research fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore, notes that the makeup of an amphibious capability upgrade is inclusive of the development of “specialized amphibious ground forces” and the procurement of amphibious vessels such as landing platform docks (LPD), large amphibious landing ships and amphibious transport docks, landing helicopter docks (LHDs, such as amphibious assault ships), amphibious troop carriers, aircraft carriers, etc.

The strategic importance of these forces is based on the increasing requirement of the militaries for airlifts and sealifts for transporting supplies, relief personnel, water and relief goods overseas and in locations ravaged by disasters. Because ASEAN has been wanting of these capabilities, a collective response expected of an emergent political and security community fell short during Typhoon Haiyan.

As in all other choices that the Philippines has to make, the military has to contend with either a territorial or a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)-oriented defense.

To Wu Shang-su, RSIS research fellow, the choice is a zero-sum game that would translate to giving priority to sea-control and sea-denial-capable patrol vessels, fast-attack crafts and the like, over sea lift-capable amphibious forces. The dilemma is further compounded when neighbours in the region factor in these choices in making their own external threat calculations. For instance, China has viewed the Philippines’ joint and interoperability exercises with the United States as part of the US’ Asia-Pacific “rebalancing” strategy and a realist positioning to boost the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea.

RSIS analyst Euan Graham’s pragmatic perspective highlights the duality of purpose of certain types of amphibious forces such as frigates which can be positioned in realpolitik terms and for humanitarian assistance. Objectives of “force mobility,” “territorial defense,” and “power projection” can be achieved when amphibious forces are deployed for joint exercises. At the same time, large amphibious landing ships (LALS) are able to perform the peacetime functions of patrolling, crisis response and HADR. During Haiyan, LALS were used to transport personnel, goods and vehicles.

As has previously reported, the recently concluded agreement between the Philippine government and an Indonesian naval firm will build up the Philippine Navy’s LALS capability in 2016.

But how can the goals of minimum credible deterrence and active archipelagic defense be sustained after the end of President Aquino III’s term in 2016? What progress has been made in the non-materiel areas of doctrine, force structure and human resources? What is the emergent role of the Philippine Army and how effectively does the Army Transformation Roadmap pave the way for a paradigm and operational shift? How much attention has the government paid to police reform?

Alma Maria O. Salvador, PhD, former chair of the Political Science Department of Ateneo de Manila University, is an assistant professor of international relations and the convener of the Working Group on Security.

BusinessWorld | Time to reorient the Philippine Navy

 

[Ayan81]

KAI, private goodwill diplomacy program "1st Global KAI camp held"

Filipino workers camp involved 40 people, state-of-the-art fighter production field trips
KAI · Philippines Embassy, HRD Korea signed mutual cooperation MOU.

Filipino workers are being produced on-site visits to repair participated in the first Global KAI camp. [Photo courtesy of = KAI]

Very economic yisohyeon reporter = Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has been expanded in March domestic relationship with the FA-50 fighter Philippines started exporting to the Philippines as a private diplomatic goodwill.

KAI is Anniversity Embassy of the Philippines in the last 15 to 16 workers, aimed at the 1st Global KAI Camp "held in the said 17 days.

KAI camp was composed of global cultural visits, etc. to enhance the lecture, Korea Cultural Understanding for Healing is of course to experience the development and production of advanced aircraft field. Reconstruct the creative personnel training program for KAI Aviation camp for foreign workers by a global CSR program.

About 40 Filipino workers through this camp field trips, etc. FA-50 fighter production site for export to the country, and showed great interest. Then participants were advanced aerospace Sichuan Science Museum, Nanhai boriam, German town, Tuna, etc. Watching the village and spent the time to understand more deeply the culture of our country and the aerospace industry developments.

National Assembly of Filipino Congressman and jasmine through a video message, "Thanks to the president of KAI haseongyong sold in global social contribution activities" and "leaving home to cheer you're working hard in the Republic of Korea," he encouraged the Filipino workers.

Raul Hernandez, Philippine Ambassador to Korea poses on board the aircraft FA-50. [Photo courtesy of = KAI]

KAI and the Philippine embassy in Korea, Human Resources Development Service of Korea has signed a cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the successful and continuous operation of the global KAI camp.

KAI haseongyong said "In March this year, the domestic FA-50 aircraft were the ties between the KAI and the Philippines started to export to prepare the camp hoping to become a more developed mind" and "KAI is a global camp - the more one muscled friendship between the Philippines a good opportunity to increase hope and expectation, "he said.

Raul Hernandez, Ambassador Embassy of the Philippines, "Thanks for the hospitality of the Filipino workers KAI" and "KAI global camp continues to expect to become operational," he said.

Chairman of the Human Resources Development Service of Korea Young-Bum Park "South Korea and the Philippines is the first country signed an MOU Employment Permit System," said, "We will cooperate with South Korea to support the successful life of the workers," he said.

KAI plans to expand its global operations gradually camp. KAI through the camp to inform the developments in the global aerospace industry in Korea go out raising the friendly relations between the world's countries is a policy. In addition to domestic aircraft are expected to lead to expanded exports.

KAI said, "pushing the first exporter and KF-X Development of a co-worker in Indonesia 2nd destination of KAI KT-1 trainer of the primary global camp and advanced trainer T-50" he said.

http://translate.google.com/transla...http://www.ajunews.com/view/20141117090205435

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CELEBRATES 75th ANNIVERSARY

Earlier today, November 17, 2014, President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the commemoration of the 75th founding anniversary of the Department of National Defense. The President delivered this speech: http://www.gov.ph/2014/11/17/speech...ersary-of-the-department-of-national-defense/

The Department of National Defense is tasked with guarding the Republic of the Philippines “against external and internal threats to national peace and security, and to provide support for social and economic development.” Learn more about its history: http://www.gov.ph/history-the-department-of-national-defense/

All photos by the Malacañang Photo Bureau.

75th anniversary of the Department of National Defense | Facebook

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BRP Artemio Ricarte getting P249.6M upgrade

PN ships PS-37 and PS-36 in formation ...

BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), one of the three Emilio Jacinto-class patrol corvettes, is getting a marine engineering upgrade worth PhP249,671,000 as part of Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization through the Department of National Defense to ensure combat readiness and seaworthiness of current assets of Philippine Navy.

The said marine engineering upgrade is the second phase of upgrade. Phase one which was completed in 2005 consisted of brand-new M242 Bushmaster 25mm-cannon installation, upgrade of Command and Control & Fire Control Systems. Raytheon Gyro Compass, Sperry Marine Naval BridgeMaster E Series Surface Search Radar, GPS, Anemometer, and EM logs were also integrated in the system of BRP Ricarte.

On the second phase, the ship’s hull will be repaired and undergo remediation. Main propulsion system will be overhauled and improved including control and monitoring systems, electrical plant, and auxiliary systems.

BRP Ricarte is also armed with an Oto Melara 76-mm gun.

The three Jacinto-class patrol corvettes previously served the Royal Navy for Hong Kong as Peacock-class patrol vessels. However, in 1997, when sovereignty of Hong Kong was transferred to China from United Kingdom, three Peacock-class vessels were sold to Philippine government as sign of good-will.

BRP Artemio Ricarte getting P249.6M upgrade | Ang Malaya Net

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Japan Donates Emergency Vehicles To BFP

The Japanese Government extends its assistance once again to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda with the provision of 17 fire trucks and 3 ambulances, in addition to a cash grant amounting to USD 202,760 (approx. 8.5 million Php) to be distributed to the municipalities seriously affected by last year’sTyphoon Yolanda.

BFP Officer-in-Charge CSUPT CARLITO S ROMERO and Japanese Charges d’affaires to the Philippines MR. TETSURO AMANO signed the grant contract for the “Project for Providing Emergency Vehicles for the Typhoon-Affected Areas of the Philippines” held at the BFP National Headquarters, Agham Road, Quezon City yesterday.

The BFP has expressed their greatest appreciation andis eagerly awaiting the arrival of the fire trucks and ambulances which is expected to be arriving at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority this early November. The vehicles are made by Japanese manufacturers such as Hino, Isuzu, Mitsubushi and Toyota. The agency currently has 1,592 serviceable fire trucks, which is only 44.58% of 3,571, the ideal number of fire trucks for the whole population of the Philippines which reached 100 million this 2013. The donated equipment of 7 water tankers, 8 pumpers, and 2 rescue vehicles are a welcome addition the agency’s firefighting capabilities.

The project was initiated on May 5, 2014, when SEN. FRANKLIN DRILON accepted the terms of donation by the Japanese House of Councilors represented by HON. KENJI KOSAKA, President of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians’ Friendship League (JPPFL).

Ambassador Amano assured the continuing good relations between the governments of the Philippines and Japan in matters of security and mutual progress.

Donated firetrucks for Yolanda victims | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines
http://bfp.gov.ph/japan-donates-emergency-vehicles-bfp/

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Gazmin: AFP to acquire P23B worth of new ships, equipment

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will soon acquire more than P23 billion worth of brand new boats, helicopters, rifles and other combat and communication equipment, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin announced on Monday.

In his speech during the 75th founding anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Gazmin said 36 projects with a total contract price of P23.39 billion were “already obligated and are just awaiting delivery” to the AFP.

Among the units to be acquired under the said projects are the following:

Strategic sea-lift vessels (two units)
Naval helicopters (two units)
Attack helicopters (eight units)
Medium-lift aircraft (three units)
Light-lift aircraft (two units)
Assault riffles (several units)
Force protection and communication equipment (several units)

Gazmin said these projects were part of the AFP Modernization Program under Republic Act (RA) 7898 and amended by RA 10349.

Gazmin said that apart from the 36 projects, the DND, in line with the implementation of RA 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program, has also lined up an additional 33 projects to be implemented over the next five years, from 2013 to 2017 with the total amount of P90.86 billion.

Gazmin said President Benigno Aquino III had already approved two projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program—the acquisition of 12 units of surface attack lead-in fighter aircraft and eight units of combat-utility helicopters with a total contract price of P23.6 billion.

“To date, total payment made for these two projects amount to P9.74 billion,” Gazmin said.

Gazmin said other items set to be purchased under the Revised AFP Modernization Program are air defense surveillance radar system, long-range patrol aircraft, close-air support aircraft, C-130 Tango aircraft, anti-submarine warfare helicopters, frigates, amphibious assault vehicles, and various items of communication equipment and night-fighting systems.

Gazmin also boasted of the Philippine Defense Transformation (PDT) Roadmap that the DND has recently crafted to serve as guide of various government agencies in responding to disasters and other emergency situations.

“Even in peaceful times, we must be prepared to protect our countrymen from the wrath of nature and assist in saving lives and properties during disasters. We must also continue to inculcate in our citizens the importance of risk reduction and individual preparedness, and teach them how to counter-act the effects of earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rains, floods, and climate change,” Gazmin said.

Gazmin: AFP to acquire P23B worth of new ships, equipment | News | GMA News Online

 

[Ayan81]

SC orals on EDCA: China threat looms over charter issues

Will the High Court approach the case from a purely legal standpoint? Or will they consider the security situation in the West Philippine Sea?

More of it here --- SC orals on EDCA: China threat looms over charter issues

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Justices to EDCA critics: How to defend West PH Sea?

Acting Solicitor General Florin Hilbay feels victorious after the first day of Supreme Court oral arguments on the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

MANILA, Philippines – Listening to the way she grilled for 45 minutes and demolished the arguments of a counsel of the petitioners against the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) on Tuesday, November 18, it appears Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno is the biggest defender of the pact.

"It seems that she (Sereno) is in favor of either relegating the issue to the Senate or dismissing the petition. It's just my speculation," said former University of the Philippines College of Law Dean Pacifico Agabin, a petitioner calling for the nullification of EDCA, after the first day of Supreme Court oral arguments on EDCA on Tuesday.

First, Sereno offered arguments to dismiss petitioners' claims that EDCA requires Senate ratification. Next, she dismissed as "speculative" declarations made by petitioners that EDCA violates territorial integrity and sovereignty and that it is meant only to advance US interests and not the Philippines'.


And when anti-EDCA counsel Rachel Pastores argued that EDCA poses threats to national sovereignty and integrity, Sereno started talking about the incursions in the West Philippine Sea as the "single biggest threat" to the country's security.

The Chief Justice wrapped up to say that expanded US military presence in the country – along with the prepositioning of their ships and other defense assets – may be needed to defend the West Philippine Sea(South China Sea). (READ: SC orals on EDCA: China threat looms over charter issues)

"In a situation where the West Philippine Sea becomes a theater of war, is that not, in fact, in the concept of self defense? If the prepositioning has been in consultation with the Philippines and we have to wait for how this mutual help is going to be really actualized. What those prepositioned materials can do, is to try to have inhibitory effects within a certain area. I believe that Palawan has already been announced as one of the envisioned agreed locations. Palawan is nearest Reed Bank and all the areas that we thought we can exploit economically for the benefit of the people," Sereno said.

When Pastores expressed doubts that EDCA will address security threats in the West Philippine Sea because it's a "one-sided agreement" meant only to advance US interests, Sereno asked her what's the alternative for government. "We should, your honor, improve our own defense capacity and not be dependent on the US," said Pastores.

Sereno replied: "Yes, that is a desire. Even AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) understands that they do no want to be dependent on foreign aid. But they are admiting here in EDCA that they have short-term capability ssues. What do we do with short-term capabilies issues? We ignore them?"

Signed in April 2014, EDCA allows American troops 2 new activities in the Philippines: The construction of facilities and the prepositioning of defense assets in agreed locations that the US military will have operational control over. The rotational presence of US troops is already covered by the Visiting Forces Agreement, which was ratified by the Senate in 1999.

In May, EDCA critics asked the High Court to declare the agreement unconstitutional, saying it's contrary to national interest and should have been scrutinized by the Senate first.

'Give them a chance'

Sereno however said it may be "premature" to rule on the constitutionality of EDCA because the deal has yet to be implemented and the implementing arrangements have yet to be finalized. The Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board has yet to identify the Agreed Locations, the types of facilities the US may build, and the types of assets they can bring in.

"Should we not just give them a chance first? When we see implementing agreements and acts that really derogate Philippine sovereignty and then that is when we step in," she added. Pastores argued that the provisions in the EDCA giving powers and authorities to US forces is already a threat to territorial integrity.

Acting Solicitor General Florin Hilbay felt victorious even before he could present the government's arguments next week, November 25. Hilbay said the oral arguments on Tuesday were able to establish that "the President has the power to defend the nation."

Another anti-EDCA petitioner and counsel, Harry Roque, brushed off Sereno's line of questioning, however. Roque said it's possible that the Chief Justice was only playing "devil's advocate."

Spratlys, US help

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio was the first to bring the oral arguments on EDCA to the practical situation in the West Philippine Sea. Citing an old letter of a US envoy, Carpio established that the West Philippine Sea is covered by the Mutual Defense Treaty.

Carpio: Let us go specifically to Spratlys. We have a warship there, Sierra Madre. It doesn't run anymore but in the roster of active Philippine warships, it is still part of our warships. Supposing now that China has been running around guarding that place without touching it because they are worried that if they attack that warship and evict our Marines there it could be an armed attack on a public vessel of the Philippines and that will trigger the MDT's operation.You think that if China evicts those Marines there, we can invoke the MDT?

Roque: We can invoke but there's no guarantee that the US will, in fact, undertake its operation.

Carpio: Yes, it's a different thing. We can invoke but we do not know if the Americans will actually do it.

Carpio noted how the US declared during the tense standoff in Scarborough Shoal that it would not take sides inspite of early maps showing that the shoal has always been a part of Philippine territory and were actually used by the US military as target range from the 60s to the 80s.

Roque also noted that China is the largest foreign holder of US debt, that the 2 countries are each other's biggest trading partners, and that they also have military cooperation agreements.

Considering the realities, Carpio also asked Roque what he would suggest the President would do to defend the West Philippine Sea. Carpio asked: "Knowing that China has moved its borders and been reclaiming islands and reefs and everything within the Philippines is within their range. Knowing that Filipino fishermen cannot fish in Scarborough. You are now the adviser of the President, what would you advice him?"

Carpio gave Roque 4 options:

a) Increase defense spending

b) Enter into alliances with neighboring countries such as Japan

c) Strengthen partnership with sole treaty partner, the US, under the MDT

d) Sue China under UNCLOS

Roque replied: "Except strengthening our partnership with the US, your honor.... We are considered as factotum of US. What is crucial, I believe, to a peaceful resolution of this conflict is to explain to China that we have become an independent state from the US."

This is where Carpio noted that China evicted Vietnam, which is fiercely independent, from the Paracels and the Johnsoon Reef. "To China, it doesn't matter," he said. (READ: What's at stake in our case vs China)

EDCA doesn't need ratification?

Two petitions were filed before the High Court to demand the nullification of EDCA on 2 grounds: procedural and substantive. Procedurally, petitioners argued that EDCA cannot be a simple executive agreement to be signed by the defense secretary. It requires Senate ratification because it is "de facto" basing, which is only allowed in the 1987 Constitution through treaties, they said.

Pastores argued that EDCA is tantamount to basing. Some provisions in the EDCA, she said, recalls provisions in the already defunct PH-US Military Bases Agreement. "The gamut of rights and authorities granted to US forces with respect to Agreed Locations is practically surrendering to the US forces the sovereignty of the Philippines with respect to the agreed locations," Pastores explained.

Sereno said it is a non-issue. While Pastores recalled ugly episodes in Philippine-US relationship, the Chief Justice stuck to the wordings of EDCA and explained that the High Court is not a trier of facts. Based on the agreement, she said it is clear that the facilities to be constructed by the US military belong to the Philippines.

Sereno: All buildings remain the property of the Philippines. The 'Agreed Location' means the location plus the facilities are owned by the Philippines. The ownership dictates that characterization of whether it is foreign or not.

Pastores: Even though, your honor, the EDCA provides that ownership and title to these agreed locations - plus the structures - shall remain with the Philippines, your honor, the Philippines cannot exercise the rights of an owner.

Sereno: The allegation that you basically have no title to whatever is going to be built is not correct. The situation under EDCA is that of a usufructuary, is that not correct? That is similar to the usufructuary situations that we allow in many instances.

Pastores: I don't think so, your honor. The Agreed Locations are given to US forces for free.

Sereno: The use of it is given for free.

MORE OF IT HERE === Justices to EDCA critics: How to defend West PH Sea?

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

Philippines Allots P90.86B to Boost Defense
Posted by Maki Catama on 7:11 PM

MANILA, -- The government has set aside P90.86 billion to sustain the implementation of the defense and military modernization program until 2017, President Aquino announced on Monday.

The President shared the government’s initiatives to further upgrade military capacity and equipment at the 75th anniversary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo.

“Ongoing na rin ang ating DND Medium Term Capability Development Program na saklaw ng ating Revised AFP Modernization Law. Sa programang ito, 33 proyekto ang kinukumpleto na natin na aabot hanggang 2017. Ang halagang inilaan na natin dito: P90.86 billion. [The DND Medium Term Capability Development Program under the Revised AFP Modernization Law is ongoing. Under the program, 33 projects must be completed by 2017 with a budegt of P90.86 billion],” the President said in his speech.

SURPASSED

The President said the government has already spent P41.38 billion on 46 various military modernization and capability upgrade projects from June, 2010, to October, 2014. Aquino took pride that his administration has surpassed the 45 combined projects of three previous administrations since 1995.

“Mayroon pa tayong natitirang mahigit isang taon at pitong buwan, kaya’t tiyak na madaragdagan pa ang makukumpleto natin [We have one year and seven months left so I’m certain we will complete more projects],” the President said.

In 2013 alone, Aquino said 12 projects, including the purchase of two modern ships, three naval helicopters, and eight combat utility helicopters, were completed under the AFP modernization program.

He also welcomed the formation of the Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028 that will ensure all reform initiatives will be implemented.

BENEFIT FOR SOLDIERS

Apart from the military upgrade program, the President assured that the government will continue to provide benefits for the country’s brave soldiers such as decent and affordable housing, reforms in their pension system, and livelihood programs for retired and active soldiers.

With these programs, Aquino said gone are the days when soldiers and their needs are neglected. “Ang nais natin: Ipagkaloob ang mga benepisyong karapat-dapat lang matanggap ng mga nagmamalasakit sa bayan [Our goal is to provide the benefits commensurate to those who cares for the nation],” he said.

While the government promotes the welfare of soldiers, Aquino said he has higher expectation from the military to improve its service, particularly in protecting the country’s sovereignty.

Philippines Allots P90.86B to Boost Defense ~ ASEAN Military Defense Review