Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino renewed his call for the government to explore the option of leasing military vessels and aircraft to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
“I would like to encourage the defense establishment to consider the possibility of leasing aircraft and sea vessels,” he said.
The senator has been advocating for lease arrangements to expedite the expansion of the maritime fleet in the WPS, especially in response to the ongoing harassment by China toward Filipino troops and fisherfolk.
“Leasing allows a country to save on the substantial upfront costs of purchasing equipment. It also reduces maintenance expenses, lowers depreciation risk, and enhances operational budgeting,” he said.
The senator said leasing “movable properties” is authorized under the New Government Procurement Act (Republic Act 12009).
This category includes vessels, boats, tugboats, aircraft carriers, and submarines, among others.
Tolentino said several countries, including the United States, India, Australia, South Korea, and NATO members such as Germany and the Netherlands, have long practiced leasing military equipment.
