Teodoro on PH defense buildup: ‘Today is not fast enough’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is not moving fast enough to strengthen its defenses, Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. warned on Saturday.

Teodoro said ambitious national security plans should have been laid out years ago.

“When national security is concerned, ambitious plans needed to have been laid down on the ground years ago. But we cannot recoup the past. We can only make the present faster,” he said in his remarks at the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) 128th founding anniversary in Baguio City.

“And today is not fast enough. Tomorrow is certainly unacceptable,” he added.

Teodoro said the Philippines was racing to strengthen its military capabilities and expand its ability to enforce laws across its maritime domain.

“We are in a race and a struggle to increase our capabilities and increase our footprint, and increase our ability to enforce our laws within a vast maritime domain that we have and we are fighting for,” he said.

READ: PMA graduating cadets spread goodwill in exposure trip to Pag-Asa Island

The defense chief also acknowledged infrastructure gaps that have hampered military operations, particularly in the maritime domain.

He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was working to secure military reservations and land for military use to address infrastructure deficiencies affecting its operations and logistical support.

READ: Gibo Teodoro: ‘Act of war’ if China tries to tow Sierra Madre

The AFP has been shifting its focus toward external defense under its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept amid continuing tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.

Teodoro urged the PMA to adapt to emerging technologies, new operational domains and the growing use of information as a weapon.

He said the academy must prepare future military officers for the AFP’s expanding missions, including through improvements in its curriculum, infrastructure and faculty.

“The Philippines cannot afford to be laid-back and non-ambitious and conservative, particularly when its territory and sovereignty are concerned,” he said.

Teodoro stressed the need to distinguish military education from training, saying education develops knowledge while training equips personnel with the skills required for their duties.

He also called on future military leaders to reject complacency and prepare for the country’s evolving security challenges.

Teodoro and PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michael Logico presented awards to distinguished officers, personnel and institutional partners during the anniversary celebration.