Photo courtesy: Department of National Defense
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. on Thursday called for stronger collaboration between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) to promote transparency, trust, and shared growth in defense and industrial development.
Speaking at an ECCP luncheon meeting in Makati City, Teodoro said the Philippines is “at the spearhead” of threats to the international order, citing China’s latest “illegal actions” in the West Philippine Sea.
“The President has instructed us to be unyielding and to reshape our defense ecosystem as quickly as possible into a multi-threat, multi-domain system,” Teodoro said.
The Secretary said the DND is pursuing two key priorities – building internal defense resilience and expanding strategic engagements with like-minded nations. He said the Philippines is in advanced talks for Visiting Forces Agreements with France and the United Kingdom, and is pursuing a similar arrangement with Canada.
“The more convergence of like-minded countries at the spear’s tip, the better,” Teodoro said. “We must resist and deter any attempt to change the international order to the detriment of our people and future generations.”
Teodoro also called for reforms in the country’s defense acquisition and funding systems, noting that defense spending has long been “miserably low.” He said the DND will prioritize the development of strategic bases and adopt government-to-government arrangements for defense procurements and joint industrial production.
“We will focus on what we truly need, not just what’s available,” he said, adding that defense self-reliance will depend on reliable, diversified, and secure supply chains aligned with the Philippines’ national interests.
Teodoro said the DND is ready to engage the ECCP in a structured partnership rooted in transparency and trust.
“For many a time, even with partner government agencies, we have always been the whipping boy. And that ended when Ferdinand Marcos took office and when he appointed me as the Defense Secretary,” he said. “And I think that is the obligation I owe to the Filipino people, and that is the standing order of the President.”
The event gathered European diplomats, business leaders, and Philippine officials to explore areas of cooperation in defense, technology, and industry development.
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