Revised military modernization plan sought

A PHILIPPINE congressman on Sunday urged Congress to approve a successor to the country’s military modernization law, set to expire in 2027, saying early action is needed to maintain defense readiness amid South China Sea tensions.

House Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. Marcelino C. Libanan said enacting a follow-up modernization framework now would ensure a smooth transition to the next phase of the armed forces’ buildup.

“Congress should enact a successor modernization framework ahead of the current program’s expiration,” Mr. Libanan said in a statement. “By acting early, we can ensure the military remains capable, credible and responsive while maintaining a stable and coherent modernization strategy.”

The Philippines’ military modernization program, known as Horizon, was launched in 2012 after a naval standoff with China at Scarborough Shoal. Manila has earmarked roughly $35 billion over the next decade to upgrade its forces, including advanced warships, aircraft and missile systems in a bid to counter China’s growing military presence in the region.

Manila and Beijing have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. While a 2016 United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal ruled that China’s expansive claims under the so-called “nine-dash line” are illegal, Beijing has rejected the decision.

The sea dispute has sparked repeated confrontations at sea, including reported ramming and water cannon incidents against Philippine vessels.

The modernization law was first enacted in 1995, initially funding the military for five years with P50 billion. A 2024 report by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department highlighted a P2.1-trillion shortfall in funding for the program, with about P348 billion spent on hardware upgrades since 2002.

Under the 2026 budget, the Marcos administration allocated P40 billion for defense modernization. Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. has urged Congress to amend the law to better adapt the modernization framework to changing threats and modern warfare technology.

Mr. Libanan’s call underscores the administration’s challenge to balance upgrades with fiscal planning, as Manila faces regional security pressures and a pressing need to maintain a credible military posture. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio