Proposed defense budget up 14%; P40 billion for AFP modernization
The defense sector has received a total of P430.87 billion in the proposed 2026 national budget, almost 14% higher than its P378.89 billion actual budget in 2025, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
Under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) FY 2026, the DBM said most of the amount is intended for the defense programs of the land, air, and naval forces to boost the country's capabilities.
A total of P40 billion budget is also set for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Revised Modernization Program.
'The Defense sector will receive Php 430.87 billion, reflecting a Php 51.98 billion or 13.72 percent increase from the FY 2025 GAA level to strengthen our defense capabilities, mostly for the Land (Php 116.31 billion), Air (Php 54.10 billion), and Naval (Php 53.73 billion) Forces Defense Programs of the AFP, including provision for the Revised AFP Modernization Program (Php 40.00 billion),' the DBM said.
The DBM on Wednesday submitted the P6.793-trillion NEP to the House of Representatives.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. last week said the Philippines is in the process of procuring more BrahMos missiles from India.
''The Philippines is in the midst of modernization of our military and so we are looking to see what's most suitable for our defensive needs. Let me be clear, we are not gearing up for war, we are simply reacting to the challenges that we are facing,'' he said.
On Wednesday, a Chinese fighter jet intercepted and conducted dangerous maneuvers against a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) aircraft near Bajo de Masinloc.
On Monday, several Chinese vessels also harassed Philippine vessels by using a water cannon, performing dangerous maneuvers, and shadowing.
Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."
China has refused to recognize the decision. — BM, GMA Integrated News
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