Ping: We can’t withdraw dependence on US abruptlySen. Panfilo M. Lacson downplayed yesterday the position of Defense Secretary Delfin M. Lorenzana that the Philippines can survive should it withdraw its military dependence from the United States. Severing military dependence from the US would force the Philippines to improvise or make substandard parts, he said. Lalongayonang first horizon sa AFP modernization program, na-procure nagaling (South) Korea(If we withdraw military dependence from the US, it should be gradual, not abrupt. Now that we are in the first horizon of the AFP modernization program, we procured from Korea),”Lacson pointed out. The national government has set aside P25 billion for the 2017 AFP modernization program, a multi-year purchase program.

Source: Manila Bulletin October 11, 2016 14:09 UTC