AFP: Push for modernization program shows PBBM's strong political will

By Priam Nepomuceno

MANILA--President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has demonstrated "strong political will" in his continuous support to the ongoing modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said Friday.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, Padilla said Marcos' commitment to the AFP modernization program "is both clear and consistent."

"His administration has demonstrated strong political will in pushing for a credible defense posture by supporting capability upgrades, personnel development, and sustained funding for the AFP's modernization goals," she said.

Padilla added that Marcos' support to the military is an indication that the "Commander-in-Chief recognizes that a modern Armed Forces is essential to national security and regional stability."

No specific details regarding the ongoing military upgrades and its processes were provided due to security reasons, but among the likely highlights of the AFP modernization this year is the signing of a USD700-million contract between the Department of National Defense (DND) and Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) for the acquisition of 12 FA-50 Block 70 light combat aircraft.

Padilla's views were echoed by Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo, who said Marcos has always "demonstrated firm and unwavering support" for the air service's modernization.

In a message to the PNA, Castillo said the Chief Executive expressed this support during PAF's 78th anniversary where he stressed that the government will do everything it can to provide the service with the best equipment, training and facilities.

She said this pledge shows Marcos' commitment in beefing up the PAF's capabilities in response to evolving security challenges.

"As Commander-in-Chief, he made it clear: the administrations support is not only full it is relentless and deeply rooted in trust, respect, and shared duty to the Filipino people. For this, your PAF is deeply grateful," Castillo said.

The AFP has repeatedly underscored the need to build a credible defense posture for the Philippine military amid territorial and maritime issues with China regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In dealing with the WPS situation, Padilla said the AFP draws from Marcos' leadership direction, which is "a balance of diplomacy and defense," as they continue to fulfill its constitutional mandate with professionalism and unity.

She noted that Marcos has taken a "calibrated, strategic, and firm approach anchored on international law, particularly the 2016 Arbitral Ruling and UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)" in preserving Philippine sovereignty in the WPS.

"His actions reflect a balance of diplomacy and defense, guided by the paramount interest of protecting our territory and the welfare of our people," Padilla said.

Philippine Navy spokesperson for WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, earlier said the AFP modernization program is for bolstering the country's defensive capabilities and not for offensive purposes.

"Just because we have our modernization program does not mean we have any intention to fight another country," Trinidad said in an interview with reporters on Thursday. (PNA

(2025/07/22-10:58)

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