00:00Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. wants the proposed multi-role fighter jet purchase a full package acquisition before the government signs off the deal.
00:10This to include the Airborne Warning and Control System or AWACS aircraft and mid-air refueling support thrown in and not merely fighter jets that wind up only in air shows given a hefty billion dollar plus price tag.
00:26Our Patrick De Jesus tells us more.
00:30Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro wants the multi-role fighter jet or MRF acquisition program for the Philippine Air Force to be a full package.
00:40According to him, this should include an Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft and a mid-air refueling platform to ensure that acquiring MRFs will be truly effective.
00:51A lot of countries have experienced the fact that they are realizing that they need AWACS, notwithstanding the fact that their satellite capability is not enough.
01:04We need tankers and we need sustainment.
01:08I know the expectations of our people, but it is my responsibility to make sure that each peso spent can be supported and justified.
01:22Teodoro also admitted that funding is one of the challenges in buying and maintaining multi-role fighter jets.
01:31That is why he is coordinating with the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management
01:36and is considering syndicated loans and other alternative revenue sources.
01:41Ako ready, ako mag-desisyon eh.
01:45Ang pagkukunan ng bayarin at yun ang pinag-uusapan namin.
01:52It is easy to buy and make the first tranche.
01:56However, what we do not want is to buy, you know, have orders, have deliveries,
02:04and not being able to use them for their optimal use and just have them flying air shows.
02:12That, we will not countenance.
02:15Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the MRF acquisition program as part of the ongoing modernization of the Philippine Air Force.
02:25During the celebration of the 78th anniversary of the PAF, led by the Commander-in-Chief,
02:31he assured the continued support of his administration to further strengthen their capabilities.
02:37Habang umaasa ang taong bayan sa inyo, kayo naman ay may maaasahan sa administrasyong nito.
02:43Bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, titiyakin kong buo at tapat ang suporta at malasakit ko sa inyong lahat na Philippine Air Force.
02:57The President also praised and recognized the PAF's readiness in fulfilling their duties,
03:03such as responding to disasters and protecting the country's airspace.
03:07I say this with great pride, the Philippine Air Force is a force on its own right.
03:12It is a credible, agile, essential to our country's aerospace defense.
03:19As a response, the Air Force also promised to focus on external defense in line with the President's mandate.
03:26To our Commander-in-Chief, sir, when you challenge the armed forces to realign and sharpen our focus towards territorial defense,
03:34we understood the gravity of your mandate and the urgency of your vision.
03:40Together, we fly farther not just to defend the skies, but to shape a future where our Air Force stands ready, relevant, and resilient.
03:50Patrick De Jesus, from the National TV, for a new and better Philippines.
