Solon lauds possible purchase of fighter jets from US

 (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker on Saturday highlighted the significance of the Philippines’ possible acquisition of fighter jets from the United States in bolstering the country’s defense capabilities.

“Sa tagal na ng modernization plan hindi na bago ito at suportado po natin ang anomang hakbang na ginagawa ng ating Sandatahang Lakas, ng ating pamahalaan, at ng administrasyon na palakasin ang ating defense capability,” House Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said, as quoted in a statement.

(Given the length of the modernization plan, this is no longer new, and we support any steps taken by our Armed Forces, our government, and the administration to strengthen our defense capability.)

“Alam mo malaking bagay po sa overall security natin bilang isang bansa, hindi lang ho sa politika, hindi lang ho sa seguridad, maging sa ating ekonomiya na masigurado na kung ano mang pagbabanta ay kaya nating tumindig at meron tayong kahit lang naman na ‘yung defense capability,” he pointed out.

(You know, it is a big thing for our overall security as a country, not just in politics, not just in security, but even in our economy, to ensure that whatever threat arises, we are capable of standing our ground and at least have that defense capability.)

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement on Tuesday that the US State Department has already approved the possible sale of 20 F-16 jets to the Philippines.

The DSCA said the US$5.5 billion, or around P315 billion F-16 sale will help the Philippine Air Force boost its “ability to conduct maritime domain awareness” and “enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses.”

The sale was sent to the US Congress for approval.

READ: Procurement of F-16 fighter jets for PH defensive posture – Bersamin