Senate President pushes for sustained funding to boost military modernization, disaster response, and cybersecurity capabilities.
Senate President Win Gatchalian is pushing for a higher budget for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to sustain military modernization, strengthen defense capabilities, and improve readiness amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
During a recent Senate hearing on the proposed budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached agencies, Senator Win stressed the need for continued investments in the country’s military capabilities, particularly in cyber warfare.
He cited ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, noting that the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape underscores the importance of maintaining a well-equipped and prepared military.
The Senate President said the AFP must continuously develop its capabilities, including cyber defense, to respond to emerging security threats.
Cyber warfare, he noted, is no longer a theoretical concern but an actual component of modern military operations, making investments in cybersecurity essential to national defense.
He emphasized that funding support must be sustained to ensure that the military can achieve its long-term modernization and capability-building goals.
Aside from defense and cybersecurity, Senator Win also called for investments to strengthen the AFP’s search and rescue capabilities, particularly during natural disasters.
He pointed out that the military plays a crucial role not only in defending the country but also in responding to emergencies, including powerful typhoons and other calamities that regularly affect the Philippines.
The senator said the AFP’s disaster response responsibilities make it necessary to equip the military with the resources and capabilities needed to assist communities during emergencies.
Senator Win underscored that sustained government support is essential to building a stronger, more modern, and disaster-ready armed forces capable of addressing both traditional security threats and emerging challenges.
