MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines should increase its defense spending in order for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to fully perform its mandate in securing the country’s territory, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said. ADVERTISEMENT“We just want to assure you, having come from the armed forces, that we are ready anytime but you have to capacitate us also. “It seems like we are not willing to spend for defense, but we want defense. Our defense spending is about 1.1% of the GDP (gross domestic product)…China has more,” he added. “If you want all these parts of the territory to be defended, don’t look at the armed forces.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 24, 2019 08:26 UTC