BBM believes there’s no point for PH to build up its armory

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday (Manila time) said there is no point for the Philippines to build up its armory, saying that a military solution is not always the answer to issues.

During a dialogue with World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende in Davos, Marcos was asked if he is considering doubling the country’s defense budget like what Japan is doing.

Japan is raising its defense spending to 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) within five years.

READ: Japan unveils record budget in boost to military capacity

In response, Marcos said: “I think to an extent but not – because the belief is that first of all, there is no point in the Philippines building up its armory.”

He explained that the Philippines is not in an “economic situation” to be able to build up its armory.

“More importantly, perhaps is our abiding belief that the solutions are not going to be military,” the President said.

READ: Expert calls for 2% increase in defense budget to boost national security

He added that resorting to militaristic solutions will “end badly for everyone involved and even those who are not involved,” as he cited the Russia-Ukraine war, which affected other nations including the Philippines.

“I think all of us were quite surprised, especially us in the Philippines, to think that a war in Eastern Europe would affect agriculture in the Philippines and I guess it just goes to show how well connected that is,” he said.

“If a similar situation would arise in the region, then I would say it would be disastrous for the rest of the world as well, not only for the region but for the rest of the world,” Marcos said.