Marcos backs Navy modernization: PH ‘will never be intimidated’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has committed to boosting the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN) to better protect the West Philippine Sea and the country’s waters, declaring that Filipinos would “never be intimidated” by foreign powers.

Speaking during the 128th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy, the President stressed the critical role of maritime defense in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, economic lifelines, and regional stability.

“Strengthening the Philippine Navy’s capabilities remains essential to protecting our interests in the West Philippine Sea in light of the broader realities of our time,” Marcos said.

Marcos also led the commissioning of the BRP Rajah Lakandula, the latest offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in the fleet of the PN, at its headquarters at Naval Station Jose V. Andrada in Malate, Manila.

Named after one of the leaders of pre-colonial Manila, Marcos said the vessel carries forward a legacy of courage, leadership, and devotion to the country.

“May you sail her with pride and let the world know that the Filipino spirit will never be intimidated,” the President told the crew of the ship.

“Truly, this is a pivotal step towards realizing the Navy’s vision of a modern and self-reliant force. This vessel enhances our capacity to safeguard our resources and assert our sovereignty,” he said.

READ: PH Navy christens BRP Rajah Lakandula, boosting modernization

According to the President, rapid economic and political developments made the Indo-Pacific region at the geopolitical and economic center of gravity, with the seas surrounding the country becoming “arenas of competition and of conflict.”

“Global instability, shifting alliances, and emerging threats demand that we maintain a resilient maritime defense posture,” he said. “In this environment, a credible Philippine Navy is indispensable to regional peace.”

The President ordered the PN to further strengthen its capabilities.

He also instructed the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to expand and deepen partnerships, exchanges, and interactions with allies and friendly forces.

“Through the modernization of the Navy, we are safeguarding our economic lifelines, protecting our people, and enhancing our ability to contribute to security and cooperation in our region,” he said.

READ: PH Navy to expand fleet with 4 warships, 6 anti-sub helicopters

Under the 2026 national budget, the government allocated P90 billion for the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The PN gets the largest share of the budget among the main service branches with a budget of P36 billion to P40 billion.

The PN plans to use its P16 billion to P18 billion of programmed or guaranteed appropriations to purchase more OPVs, and combat systems and sensors. The funds will also be used to pay for Malvar-class frigates and naval base upgrades.

For its P20 billion to P22 billion unprogrammed appropriations, which cannot be spent unless specific conditions are met, including excess revenues, the PN plans to procure additional frigates and corvettes, OPVs with missile capability, and groundwork for its submarine program.

Last year, the PN also released its Sail Plan 2040, a 15-year strategic roadmap transitioning the fleet into a modern, multi-domain force.

The modernization “wishlist” focuses on territorial defense and building a credible deterrent against regional threats. It includes procurement of submarines, unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and missile systems. /cb