Defense Sec. Teodoro stresses need for stronger defense, more VFA deals

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized the necessity of a strong national defense and credible deterrent for smaller countries like the Philippines to be respected globally.

Teodoro stated that no nation is taken seriously without a robust defense posture, stressing that smaller countries must invest in strong defense capabilities.

He called visiting forces agreements (VFA) the 'highest expression of support' for Philippine sovereignty, pushing for additional deals to bolster the country's defense posture.

The Philippines currently has three active VFAs with the United States, Australia, and Japan, and four more are in the pipeline with New Zealand, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom.

Teodoro highlighted the need to ramp up the Philippines' defense posture, arguing that such agreements are a clear signal of international backing for the Philippines' position in the South China Sea.