PH to spend $20B to modernize military

THE PHILIPPINES plans to ramp up military spending over the next 13 years, earmarking more than $20 billion to modernize its forces in the face of Beijing’s maritime ambitions in the disputed South China Sea, a top Air Force official told Reuters.

Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, military chief of plans, said the blueprint includes installing radars and sensors, and buying equipment such as submarines, frigates, fighters, surveillance planes and missile systems.

“By the time, we complete this plan, we will have complete coverage of the South China Sea,” said Del Rosario, a former fighter pilot, showing the military’s detailed plan that was approved on Friday.

“We will have 24/7 awareness of what is happening in the disputed area and we’ll be able to respond quicker to any contingency in our own exclusive economic zone.”

He said the ambitious plan was initiated in 2013, but top brass had only approved overall spending of P998 billion ($22.11 billion) last week.

Del Rosario said P83 billion had been earmarked for the first five years, P444 billion for the second five years and P471 billion for the last five years.

In 1995, Congress had earmarked P364 billion for a similar 15-year plan. Less than onetenth of that sum was actually spent by 2010.

The modernization program is designed to strengthen Manila’s claims in the South China Sea, believed to be rich in energy deposits.

China has become increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, building artificial islands in areas over which the Philippines and other countries have rival claims. The moves have sparked alarm regionally and in Washington.

President Aquino has promised the military about P34 billion this year, which will fund the purchase of two frigates and a twin-engine long range maritime aircraft.

So far, the government has given the military P9.4 billion in 2014. This has been used to pur- chase eight combat utility helicopters and as a downpayment for 12 FA50 fighter-trainers from South Korea. Two of the aircraft are expected in 2016.

Del Rosario said that between 2018 and 2023, the Philippines would buy electric-diesel submarines and advanced missile systems.

Three aerial surveillance radars with a range of 648 kilometers will also be installed in Ilocos Norte province, Lubang island and Mount Salacot in Palawan province, all facing the South China Sea to detect movements in the disputed area.

These will complement the Navy’s two surface sensors capable of detecting ship activities 200 miles away. Three surveillance planes will also be on constant patrol in the area.

“We do not aim to defeat China,” Del Rosario said. “But our goal is make any state think twice before attacking. We will make sure anybody attacking us would end up with a bloodied nose.”