SEN. Alan Peter Cayetano has filed a bill seeking to boost the capability of the AFP and the PNP by providing each unit a P25 billion budget over five years to modernize and upgrade their camps and facilities.
Cayetano said his proposal recognizes the roles of the military and police forces in safeguarding national security, territorial integrity, and law enforcement.
He refiled his proposed AFP and PNP Camp Development Fund Act to ensure a dedicated and sustained funding source for their development.
“Peace and order is essential to not just the stability of the country, but also its continued growth. We help our military and police personnel perform and realize their mandate by ensuring that the AFP and PNP has sufficient funding for its programs, including the development of their camps and headquarters,” he said.
The AFP and PNP Camp Development Fund seeks to provide a five-year program with P5 billion annual funding for each agency to modernize, develop, and upgrade military and police camps in accordance with development plans – totaling P25 billion for both AFP and PNP over the implementation period.
Cayetano said the measure will ensure that all development plans and related procurements will be carried out with transparency, with access to sensitive information appropriately restricted to protect national security and public order.
The proposed fund will cover construction and enhancement of key infrastructure, including training centers, lodging areas, wellness and sports facilities, internet connectivity, and security systems such as CCTV.
Cayetano underscored the multiplier effect of infrastructure investment, citing its potential to generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and help reduce poverty.
“Investing in infrastructure produces a multiplier effect in terms of generating employment, increasing foreign exchange earnings, and stimulating the local economy, all of which help to alleviate poverty… For said reasons, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought,” he said.
