FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
. SENATE 
S.NO. 351 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
• 
Article II Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution declares that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is 
the protector of the people of the State. Its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the 
integrity of the national territory. It is in this light that Republic Act No. 7898, otherwise known 
as the AFP Modernization Act was enacted in 1995. However, fifteen years and billions of pesos 
later, the present AFP is still a far cry from the modern, professional force capable of containing 
internal security threats and external defense risks that it envisaged itself to be. 
Among the major obstructions that thwart the full implementation of the law is the highly tedious 
procurement process ofthe AFP which has consequently resulted to the lengthy acquisition of its 
weaponry and artillery. In its early years, AFP and defense officials cited a lack offunds and the 
cumbersome procurement process as among the reasons for the AFP's failure to acquire 
equipment.! One ofthe possible roadblocks to the acquisition of the same is the provision that no 
major equipment and weapons system shall be purchased if the same are not being used by the 
armed forces in the country of origin or used by the armed forces of at least two countries. In 
response, this bill seeks to amend the aforementioned provision by allowing the acquisition of 
the same provided that they are being used by the armed forces in the country of origin or used 
by the armed forces of another country. It is hoped that by loosening the limitation to the 
acquisition of quality and modem equipment and weapons system, the acquisition process shall 
be unclogged, thereby hastening the implementation of the law. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. 
Yvonne 
T, 
Chua, 
Luz 
Rimban. 
AFP 
modernization 
drive 
sputters. 
Information 
retrieved 
from: 
http://ncwsinfo. i I1quircr.net/inguirerheadlines/nation/view/20070 1 08A2164! AFP modern ization drive sputters 
Re!rieved on 6 July 2020. 
1 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.NO. 351 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
AMENDING SECTION 4 (B) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7898, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE "AFP MODERNIZATION ACT" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
1 
SECTION 1. Republic Act No. 7898 is hereby ameuded to read as follows: 
2 
Sec. 4 (b). 
Capability, 
material, 
and technology. 
-
The AFP 
3 
modernization program entails development and employment of certain 
4 
capabilities that can address the assessed threats: Provided, That the acquisition of 
5 
air force, navy and army equipment and material of such types and quantities shall 
6 
be made in accordance with the need to develop AFP capabilities pursuant to its 
7 
modernization objectives: Provided, further, That the acquisition of new 
8 
equipment and weapons system, shall be synchronized with the phase-out of 
9 
uneconomical and obsolete major equipment and weapons system in the AFP 
10 
inventory. Provided, even further, That no major equipment and weapons system 
11 
shall be purchased if the same. are not being used by the armed forces in the 
12 
country of origin or used by the armed forces of [at least two countries] 
13 
ANOTHER COUNTRY. Provided,furthermore, That only offers from suppliers 
14 
who are themselves the manufacturers shaH be entertained: Provided, finally, That 
15 
no supply contract shall be entered into unless such contract provides for, it is 
16 
clear and unambiguous terms, an after-sales services and the availability of spare 
17 
parts. 
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• 
• 
1 
SEC. 2. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
2 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
3 
circulation. 
Approved, 
2