(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines to use the military-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the Clark airbase to generate money for their modernization.
“Nobody is taking your land. It’s yours. Go on a joint venture or lease it long-term,” Duterte said in a speech during the 58th change of command ceremony in Fort Bonifacio.
According to Duterte, the around P3 trillion needed for the Army’s modernization could be generated from that.
He said the money could be used to “modernize” the military, which needs to be “strong” and “capable of a simultaneous attack.”
“We need the equipment to face the challenges,” he said, citing terrorism as one of these challenges.
As for Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, who was at the helm of the 90-000 strong Army until his retirement on Oct. 8, Duterte said he was to be appointed as a member of the BCDA board.
Miranda will be replaced by Major General Rolando Bautista, current commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division that has jurisdiction over the conflict in Marawi.
Bautista at one time also headed the Presidential Security Group.
“Talagang sumasaludo ako kay General Miranda. Automatic he will be (a member of the BCDA board),” Duterte said.