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PS-DBM an expert in AFP modernization?: Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon questions the capability of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) to purchase equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program. Drilon pointed out that the mandate of PS-DBM is to procure common-use supplies. “So how can funds for the AFP modernization be transferred to PS-DBM? I can't imagine how our AFP modernization program funds, to the tune of P39.7 billion, were transferred to PS-DBM for the purchase of common-use equipment… these were transferred which really went beyond the mandate of PS-DBM,” Drilon said. The minority also noted that as of December 31, 2020, the Department of National Defense (DND) has unliquidated balance of P5.2 billion parked in PS-DBM and another P4.6 transferred to the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) or a total of P10 billion. Failing to get a clear answer, Drilon asked the DND to just submit a written report to clarify the points he raised during Tuesday’s hybrid plenary session, November 16, 2021. (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)