AFP modernization to lessen dependence on allies - Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines – A modernized military is the way for the country to wean itself from relying to a large extent on its allies, Malacañang said on Wednesday, March 5.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said that the modernization of the armed forces remains a priority.

"May ally tayo o wala tayong ally kailangan din po nating i-prepare iyong sarili natin," said Castro.

[Translation: Whether we have an ally or not, we still need to prepare ourselves.]

"Iyong AFP modernization ay talagang kailangan po natin iyan para hindi naman tayo masyadong umaasa sa ating mga allies," she added.

[Translation: The Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization is truly necessary so that we do not rely too much on our allies.]

Castro’s statement somewhat echoed an earlier interview of Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez about the "ironclad" alliance between the Philippines and the United States.

"It is ironclad. But we have to always be ready for, you know, there's only one thing that's permanent in this world and that's change. And so everything changes as time goes by," he said.

Romualdez said the Marcos administration is committed to strengthening defense capabilities and self-defense posture amid growing challenges in the region.