Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed on Monday (December 21) to leave behind a stronger and a more capable armed forces to face maritime challenges in the South China Sea when he leaves office next year.
Aquino, ineligible to run for re-election under the constitution, promised to spend about 83.90 billion pesos ($1.77 billion) in a five-year period until 2017 to strengthen the military as China asserts its claims to most of the disputed waters.
The spending plan was only approved this year, meaning the bulk of that money will be spent in coming months.
“I have mentioned the acquisition of the new C-130 and heavy landing craft, and I would like to add that this is not the last project for modernizing our military. We’re planning to acquire new frigates, strategic sea-lift vessels, long-range patrol and close air support aircraft and other equipment. we are doing this together with the U.S. and Japan, our two of three strategic partners, which are assisting us in developing the skills and abilities of our armed forces,” Aquino said at the 80th anniversary of the founding of the armed forces.
He did not mention the South China Sea dispute specifically, but the equipment has been earmarked by the military to defend Philippine territorial rights.
“I can clearly say that we are in full circle. Today, when you look at the armed forces, you will see the drastic change which proves that the Philippine government and the Filipino people are at your forefront and back,” Aquino said.
The strategic sea-lift vessel, being built in an Indonesian shipyard, will be delivered early next year and the Israeli-made radar will be completed by 2017, the same time all the fighters from South Korea are delivered.
Aquino said the United States and Japan were helping develop capacity and capability as “some countries” in Asia have been increasing defense spending amid rising tension in the South China Sea.
China has overlapping claims with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei in the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines has challenged Beijing before the arbitration court in The Hague, a case Beijing has not recognized.
Aquino said his government has already spent 56.79 billion pesos ($1.2 billion) since 2010, acquiring a squadron of light fighters from South Korea and combat helicopters from Italy. Washington has transferred two former coast guard cutters and transport planes to the Philippines.
The military has an ambitious 15-year modernization plan to spend about 998 billion pesos ($21.1 billion), acquiring frigates, submarines, advanced missile system, and radars to put the country at par with its Southeast Asian neighbors. (Reuters)