PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday recognized contributions and accomplishments of the Philippine Air Force and the hard work of its men that he said contributed to the country’s stability, among others.
The President, during the 78th PAF founding anniversary celebration at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, said the Air Force has monitored and kept under watch the “hundreds of unidentified tracks” in the Philippines’ air defense zone and “thousands of vessels” near the country’s waters.
The PAF also contributed in tracking insurgents, neutralizing threats, and supported law enforcement operations that resulted in the capture of criminals and stopping of smuggling operations, he said.
He also acknowledged its role in military and humanitarian operations.
“It meant taking off to the skies even when the weather was inclement; bringing supplies to typhoon-ravaged areas when help was needed; providing support to troops on the ground when morale was at its lowest. It meant showing up with consistency, competence, and integrity,” the President said.
Marcos also lauded the professionalism and dedication of the PAF personnel adding the Air Force is a disciplined and reliable force for national protection.
“So, I say this with great pride: the Philippine Air Force is a force in its own right. It is credible, agile, essential to our country’s aerospace defense,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to support the PAF’s modernization to promote the welfare of its members and their families.
Vice President Sara Duterte cited the PAF’s courage and dedication in protecting the country’s air space.
In a statement in Filipino, Duterte said, “I join you in this celebration, which symbolizes your dedication to protect the country’s air space and safeguard the Filipin people’s welfare.”
“Today, I salute you for your service to the nation, for your strength add sacrifices at any time. May you continue to be a bedrock of honest service and a strong protector of our country’s peace and freedom,” she added.
PAF chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura said the Air Force is sharpening its focus better protect the country’s airspace.
“To our commander-in-chief (Marcos), when you challenged the Armed Forces to realign and sharpen our focus towards territorial defense, we understood the gravity of your mandate and the urgency of your vision,” Cordura said at the anniversary rites.
“Across a vast and porous archipelago, your Air Force has risen to that call, flying and defending our airspace and territorial integrity,” he added.
Also, Cordura said the Air Force has transitioned “from internal security operations to territorial defense operations.”
Cordura reiterated the PAF’s commitment to its mission and said it remains “resolute in strengthening our capabilities and true to our values.”
FIGHTER JETS
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr said the defense department is seeking to address several issues before proceeding with the acquisition of multi-role fighters (MRFs) which are direly needed by the Air Force to better protect the country’s airspace.
One of the issues, he said, is funding assurance from the Department of Finance and the legislators “that they will spend annually for adequate sustainment of these platforms.”
Teodoro, in a briefing on Monday, said the assurance should be given “so that they (aircraft) will not be displaced in the gates of the air base.”
Initial reports said the budget for the acquisition of these assets is around P61 billion.
Teodoro said the MRFs should be operated as a “force package” which he said means “we need the AWACs (Airborne Warning and Control System) capability.”
“We need tankers and we need sustainment. It’s easy to buy but to maintain and to use the equipment with adequate stores, reserves, and munitions which will add considerably to the cost of the package must be all taken into account,” said Teodoro.
He said the DND is in constant coordination with the finance and budget departments to ensure the continuity of funding for the MRFs once acquired.
He said they also have to ensure there is adequate reserve of munitions per aircraft.
“Those are the considerations that we need to deal with and these are very real considerations. I know the expectations of our people, but it is my responsibility to make sure that each peso spent can be supported and justified,” he said.
Several MRF platforms are reportedly being considered by the defense and military establishments, including the US F-16 and Sweden’s Saab JAS 39.
“As to the MRF, we are still evaluating proposals,” said Teodoro, without saying when the defense department will be able to finish the evaluation. – With Victor Reyes ad Wendell Vigilia
