Manila, Philippines — Lawmakers are divided over the Aquino government’s planned acquisition of 12 brand-new FA-50 fighter jets worth P18.9 billion from the state-owned Korea Aerospace Industries Inc. (KAI).
Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said the Aquino government’s decision to upgrade the Armed Forces is part of the President’s “straight path†governance which will “build up our defense†in the West Philippine Sea.
But, Gabriela party-list Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Youth Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) party-list Rep. Carol Jayne Lopez did not agree with their colleagues, questioning the spending priorities of the Aquino government.
“Where did he (President Aquino) get the funds? Did he again dip his fingers into funds that are not allowed by law? Has he been authorized to purchase these planes? Bago ba ito o luma na naman? The purchase will provoke China into taking steps to challenge further claims. May pambili ng eroplano, (pero) kinukulang ang relief at rehabilitation ng Bohol at Cebu,†Ilagan said.
Lopez, for her part said Aquino should have spent the P18.9 billion to rebuild Cebu and Bohol that were hit by earthquake. “And they are saying that the calamity and contingency funds are almost depleted. I think it is about time we rethink our priorities,†she said.
In supporting Aquino’s move, Quimbo said, “Our people must realize that even our recent ability to beef up our external defenses with the acquisition of two Hamilton vessels and now these new fighter jets is a product of the President’s Tuwid na Daan program.â€
“Dati ang pera napupunta sa pangungurakot kaya walang natitira para sa depensa ng ating bansa. Tuwid na Daan does not only improve our economy but it also allows us to build up our defense against external aggression,†Quimbo, a stalwart of the ruling Liberal Party, said.
Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, who joined Trillanes during the 2003 Oakwood mutiny, said he believes that the government’s move “will definitely boost the morale of our troops and elevate the state of our defense as a respectable country.â€
President Benigno S. Aquino III and South Korean President Park Geun-hye agreed to finalize and expedite the procurement and the delivery of the jets, which seek to enhance the capability of the Philippine Air Forces in guarding Philippine skies.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who accompanied the President in his two-day visit to Korea, said they hope to complete the military acquisition before the end of the year.
http://www.mb.com.ph/solons-split-on-planned-purchase-of-new-jets/
