Aquino orders review of RP defense system

President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Monday said he has ordered the review of the country's national defense system, including the possible upgrades and procurement of new equipment, despite the military's budgetary constraints. In his speech at the Philippine Air Force's 63rd anniversary, the commander-in-chief said he has instructed the military leadership and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to determine the needs of the military, which he said will have to bear a heavy load as its duty includes ensuring peace and security to attract investors. "My fundamental philosophy is there cannot be right solutions without the corresponding correct identification of the problems. Secretary Gazmin is undertaking, at my direction, a comprehensive review of the many aspects of our national defense with this orientation in mind," President Aquino said. President Aquino said he aims to complete the on-base housing project to enhance the military’s readiness rate. He also said he is waiting for the presentation of reports on machine upgrades and procurement of new air assets and surveillance equipment, among others. Several accidents involving PAF equipment occurred early this year, resulting in the deaths of a number of military personnel. Last January, eight PAF officials including an Air Force general were killed when the Nomad plane they were riding crashed into a subdivision in Cotabato City. A civilian in the village was also killed in the incident. Last February, two Air Force pilots died when their OV-10 Bronco aircraft crashed during aerial gunnery training in Tarlac province, Aquino's home province. In his speech at the Villamor Airbase, Aquino reiterated his promise during the Armed Forces change of command ceremonies last Friday to address the logistical needs of the military. "Katulad ng sinabi ko sa buong AFP, marami tayong hinaharap na pagsubok. Limitado ang magagastos natin, ngunit marami ang kailangan nating gawin (Like what I told the AFP, we will face many challenges. Our budget is limited, but we have many things to do)," said President Aquino. In an ambush interview after his speech, President Aquino maintained that he wants to expand the number of troops despite the budgetary constraints already hounding the Department of National Defense (DND). "Paano naman kung walang katahimikan, at walang investor? Hindi rin lumaki ekonomiya (What if there's no peace, and no investors? Our economy will not grow)," he said. President Aquino said he expects the report of the defense department — and all other departments — on its current state within two weeks, before he delivers his State of the Nation Address in the last week of the month. - Jam L. Sisante/RJAB Jr/KBK, GMANews.TV