Armed Forces chief Romeo Brawner has said it is his “dream” for the country to acquire submarines for maritime defense. On Oct. 8 last year, President Marcos signed Republic Act 12024, the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act. Japan, South Korea and, for that matter, even Taiwan need not be told about the importance of a self-reliant defense posture. The South Korean defense industry has become a major employer and export revenue earner, ranking among the world’s top 10 arms suppliers and aiming to be among the four defense powers by 2030. The sooner we get serious about self-reliant defense, the better for us.

Source: Philippine Star December 28, 2025 16:16 UTC