PASAY CITY—Senators pressed defense officials on October 19, 2026, to ensure the country maintains a strong and credible posture in safeguarding national security, as the Senate Finance Subcommittee A began deliberations on the Department of National Defense’s (DND) proposed P324.6 billion budget for 2027. Led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the DND presented its expenditure breakdown, which allocates P312.7 billion directly to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Under the proposed allocation, the Philippine Army will receive P146.8 billion, the Philippine Air Force P65.2 billion, the Philippine Navy P70.4 billion, and the General Headquarters along with AFP-wide Support Units P30.1 billion.

The executive proposal allocated P50 billion to the AFP Modernization Program a figure substantially lower than the DND’s requested P134 billion. Among attached agencies, the Office of the Secretary is earmarked P1.599 billion, the Government Arsenal P2.242 billion, the National Defense College of the Philippines P280.1 million, the Office of Civil Defense P2.5 billion, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office P1.460 billion, and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center P3.7 billion.

Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who presided over the hearing, reaffirmed his unwavering support for military modernization despite fiscal constraints.

“I remain steadfast in my belief that defending our nation’s honor and sovereignty through the attainment of a credible defense posture must transcend partisan loyalties, political considerations, and personal interests,” Senator Ejercito stated.  

Echoing concerns over funding cuts, Senator Erwin Tulfo highlighted that the DND's total proposed budget of P324.6 billion is 43% lower than the agency's original request. Senator Tulfo emphasized that every peso allocated must directly enhance defense capabilities while benefiting citizens.

“We also recognize that national defense goes beyond preparedness. It encompasses our commitment to our soldiers and their families, our support for communities affected by conflict and disasters, and our contribution to a peaceful, secure, and resilient Philippines,” Senator Tulfo said.

Addressing the defense spending gap, Senator  Panfilo “Ping” Lacson pointed out that China’s defense spending is 52 times greater than the Philippines' budget, noting the nation cannot match major power conventional assets like warships and missiles. Lacson urged the defense establishment to improvise its strategy, referencing Ukraine’s military tactics against Russia.

In response, Secretary Teodoro acknowledged the disparity, saying, “We’ll never match China in terms of pound-for-pound capability, but we will make the decision calculus as unfavorable to it as possible—that is the goal.”

Senate President Win Gatchalian highlighted foreign defense partnerships as a crucial mechanism to boost capability despite limited funds. Senator Gatchalian underscored that expanding Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) enhances troop interoperability and signals broad international alignment with the Philippines' strategic stance.

Teodoro confirmed to the panel that active negotiations for defense agreements are currently underway with the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as an undisclosed third nation whose identity remains confidential during initial talks.

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