Teodoro calls for defense buildup beyond 2028 amid WPS tension

Marywin Julito

“The longer we take, we are just postponing the inevitable with more pain.” 

These were the words of National Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. as he urged for sustained investments in defense infrastructure amid persistent tension in the West Philippine Sea during an ABS-CBN Headstart interview, September 11.

Teodoro said the country’s defense requirements should remain a national priority regardless of who assumes power after the 2028 elections.

“Our capital outlay was neglected,” Teodoro said, pointing to gaps between the country’s military modernization and the infrastructure needed to support new equipment.

He said the Philippines needs to develop major naval facilities capable of supporting the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard, along with roads, logistics facilities, secure communications networks and reliable electricity.

Teodoro said some military equipment can weigh as much as 60 tons, while some Philippine bridges can carry only 15 to 20 tons at a time, highlighting the infrastructure limitations faced by the armed forces.

Beyond politics

Teodoro said the proposed defense investments should not be treated as projects tied only to the current administration.

He said the country’s maritime interests would remain regardless of changes in political leadership because protecting the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone is a fundamental national concern.

“Our exclusive economic zone, I do not think we can change or reverse regardless of administration because it is fundamental and existential to the Philippines,” Teodoro stated.

He said delaying investments would only increase the difficulty of addressing the country’s defense requirements later.

The defense secretary also emphasized that strengthening the country’s military capacity should complement its efforts to work with other security partners.

Maritime pressure

Teodoro’s call for sustained defense investment comes as Philippine and Chinese forces continue to face tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

He said the Philippines must remain firm in protecting its maritime rights while responding to what he described as continuing Chinese pressure in the region.

“We should not expect any change in their behavior; what we should change is the way we react,” Teodoro said during the 2nd Manila Strategy Forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Parañaque City on Sept. 10.

He said the Philippines must remain resilient in asserting its position not only in the West Philippine Sea but across its maritime domain, including its extended continental shelf.

Teodoro also said the country’s security partnerships could contribute to its deterrence as it develops its own defense capabilities.

“We cannot deny the fact that as many coalition partners we have, it adds to our deterrent posture in this country,” he said during the Manila forum.

He cited the Philippines’ defense cooperation with countries including France, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, India and South Korea as part of its broader security engagement.

Teodoro said the combination of domestic defense modernization and sustained partnerships would help the Philippines address its maritime security needs over the long term.