Budget cuts threaten Armed Forces modernization plans, Teodoro warns

MANILA — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro on Tuesday expressed alarm over a projected decline in capital outlay funds for the Armed Forces of the Philippines under next year's proposed budget, warning that the reduction threatens critical modernization initiatives.

Teoduoro emphasized that military modernization has become increasingly costly, with equipment and systems requiring substantial investment to maintain operational readiness. The funding constraints, he indicated, come at a time when the AFP requires sustained resources to upgrade aging defense infrastructure and acquire new capabilities.

The Defense Secretary's concerns highlight budgetary pressures facing the country's military modernization agenda, which has been identified as a strategic priority for national security. The issue underscores ongoing tensions between fiscal constraints and defense spending requirements as the government prepares its 2027 budget proposals.

Teoduoro's statement adds to broader discussions about resource allocation within the defense sector, where modernization efforts have been incremental due to competing budget demands across government agencies. Military officials have previously flagged the need for sustained funding to keep pace with regional security developments.