The Senate of the Philippines will conduct a public hearing on the proposed ₱295.2 billion budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) for the fiscal year 2026. A significant portion of this budget, approximately ₱40 billion, is allocated for the continuation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

The hearing is expected to cover the following key areas:

The allocation of funds for the DND and its attached agencies.

Details of the AFP Modernization Program’s “Re-Horizon 3” phase, which aims to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

The budget’s role in addressing threats to national security, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.

The utilization of funds for the maintenance and operations of the armed forces.

The DND is the executive department responsible for guarding against external and internal threats to peace and security in the Philippines.[4] The AFP Modernization Program is a long-term plan to upgrade the capabilities of the Philippine Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Chapters:
0:00:00 – Introduction of DND and AFP Officials
0:02:07 – Sen. Bato dela Rosa Opening Remarks
0;03:55 – Sen. Bato’s Gratitude to DND’s Non-Partisanship
0:07:02 – Sen. Win Gatchalian on Strengthening Defense
0:08:15 – Sen. JV Ejercito on Budget Cuts & Modernization
0;14:32 – Sec. Gibo Teodoro Begins DND Budget Presentation
0:17:15 – Thrust 1: Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
0:19:55 – Thrust 2: Internal Security and Stability
0:25:58 – Thrust 3: Welfare of Veterans
0:31:33 – Thrust 4: Modernizing the Armed Forces
0:36:55 – Issues with BCDA Funding for Modernization
0:41:25 – The Problem with Renting Naval Facilities at SBMA
0:49:18 – Sen. Loren Legarda on Inventory of DND Land Assets
0:58:55 – Challenges with Contracting and Procurement
1:02:25 – Security Cooperation and International Agreements (SOFA)
1:18:40 – The Vastness of Philippine Waters and Maritime Defense
1:21:35 – Lack of Army Personnel in Palawan
1:29:00 – Security Concerns in BARMM Region
1:38:28 – Thrust 5: Disaster and Institutional Resilience
1:53:57 – Sen. Legarda on Bottlenecks in LGU Disaster Funding
2:05:25 – DND Budget Highlights and Breakdown
2:10:35 – AFP Modernization: A Closer Look at the Numbers
2:15:25 – Accomplishments and Operational Capabilities
2:20:00 – Challenges in the Government Arsenal (GA)
2:41:00 – House Initiatives: Balabak Strategic Base
2:50:39 – Unfunded Priority Programs
3:00:20 – The Problem with ‘Tikas’ Projects
3:10:05 – Can the DND Borrow for Modernization?
3:20:40 – Reaching the 2% of GDP Target for Defense Spending
3:26:20 – Uncompleted Projects from Previous Modernization Horizons
3:35:50 – The Need for Institutional Reforms
3:47:40 – Senators’ Concerns on Second-Hand Equipment
3:52:19 – Sen. Bong Go Expresses Full Support
4:48:45 – Gen. Browner on ‘Political Noise’
4:52:00 – Approval of the DND Budget at the Committee Level

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