In a recent statement, Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General of the National Security Council (NSC), highlighted that the Philippines is intensifying its defense budget. This move aligns with the country’s efforts to enhance military collaboration with its allies. Malaya’s comments came in response to a call from U.S. President Donald Trump, urging NATO members to increase their defense spending to a minimum of 2% of their GDP.
During the Utak Forum at New Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City, Malaya emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), which necessitates significant financial investment in national defense. The CADC aims to safeguard the Philippines’ extensive maritime zones, including its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
The NSC official also pointed out that the Philippines is advancing the Rehorizon 3 phase of its Armed Forces Modernization Program, which focuses on procuring equipment and weapon systems to bolster external defense and territorial security.
Addressing the deployment of the U.S. Medium Range Capability Typhon missile system in the Philippines, Malaya clarified that its presence was strictly for defensive and training purposes during the ‘Balikatan’ exercises. He stressed that the system’s deployment was a sovereign decision by the Philippine government, aimed at enhancing the country’s defense capabilities and not directed against any other nation. The Philippines has shown interest in purchasing such systems, similar to its acquisition of the BrahMos missile system.
Despite criticism from China, which views the missile system’s deployment as a threat to regional peace, Malaya reiterated that the move was solely for the defense and territorial integrity of the Philippines.