MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is being strategically pursued to meet emerging security threats and uphold the country’s independent foreign policy.

Speaking at a forum following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Teodoro stressed that a strong military is essential to maintaining peace, sovereignty, and diplomatic leverage.

“Ito ay isang poste ng independent foreign policy sapagkat walang bansa sa mundo na may independent foreign policy na walang malakas na sandatahan,” Teodoro said. “Ang kapayapaan, ang indipendensiya, hindi iyan libre – pinaglalabanan iyan or pinaghahandaan upang walang tangkang guluhin ito.”

He added that modernizing the AFP serves as a form of deterrence, giving the President more space to advance diplomacy and empower the country’s security institutions.

In his SONA, Marcos vowed to continue upgrading the AFP and the Philippine National Police by providing more armaments and vessels to secure the archipelago.

Teodoro said the DND is recalibrating acquisition plans to suit present-day challenges, noting that some previously planned weapons systems are no longer suitable given the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Currently, the AFP is preparing to build more bases to store new weapons systems and enhance defense capabilities over the country’s maritime domain, including areas facing the Pacific Ocean.

Efforts are also underway to boost cyber defense, secure military installations, and expand the AFP’s manpower, Teodoro added.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said that under Marcos’ leadership, the Philippine Navy has acquired new frigates, two corvettes, and several smaller vessels to bolster maritime patrols, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.