Filipinos build navy

THE Philippines is planning a 25 per cent increase in its defence budget next year, mainly to bolster its claims in the disputed South China Sea, officials said yesterday. The proposed 2016 national budget will be presented by President Benigno Aquino to parliament for approval on Monday. Funds would be used to acquire navy frigates and patrol aircraft, budget and defence officials said. “We need to protect what is clearly within our territorial jurisdiction,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.