The Philippine government is actively increasing its defense spending to enhance its military capabilities and strengthen cooperation with allies, particularly in response to US President Donald Trump's appeal for increased defense expenditures among allies.
The Philippine government is actively bolstering its defense spending to empower its military in forging stronger partnerships with allies, according to a senior National Security Council (NSC) official.
Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General of the NSC and spokesperson for the National Task Force on Women, Peace, and Security, made this statement in response to United States President Donald Trump's appeal to allies, including NATO members, to increase their defense expenditures to a minimum of 2 percent of their gross domestic product.Malaya stressed the Philippines' commitment to this goal during the Utak Forum held at the New Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City. 'We have demonstrated to the United States that we have been progressively increasing our defense spending,' he stated. 'We now possess a comprehensive and clearly defined Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) which necessitates substantial investments in Philippine defense, military, and security spending.' Under the CADC, the Philippine military aims to secure the nation's territories, including its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone. Malaya explained that Manila has been allocating more funds to continue the Horizon 3 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, which focuses on acquiring advanced equipment and weapon systems for external defense and territorial security. 'Therefore, if we follow the logic behind his (Trump's) request to NATO members to allocate more resources, I believe we are doing the same,' Malaya stated. He emphasized that the Philippine government's increased defense spending is intended to enhance military capabilities and strengthen cooperation with allies. Malaya also clarified that the presence of the US Medium Range Capability Typhon missile system in the Philippines is not for offensive purposes. 'The Philippine government has clearly articulated its position that the deployment of the Typhon missile system in the Philippines was part of the 'Balikatan' exercises,' he stated. 'The objective was to train Filipino troops in utilizing this system, and it is primarily for defensive purposes, to ensure that the Philippines has the capacity to operate such a weapon system.'The Philippine government has expressed interest in purchasing the Typhon missile system, similar to its acquisition of the BrahMos missile system. The missile system arrived in the Philippines last year and was utilized for training purposes during joint Filipino-American exercises. 'It is unequivocally for defensive purposes, as stated by the AFP, this is a sovereign act, a decision made by the Philippine government, and it is not intended for any other state but for the territorial integrity of the Philippines,' he asserted. China had previously criticized the deployment of the missile system to the Philippines, alleging that it threatens regional peace and security. However, Malaya's statement reaffirms the Philippine government's commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities and fostering stronger partnerships with allies.
Defense Spending Philippines Allies US National Security Military Cooperation Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) Typhon Missile System Balikatan Exercises
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