SUMMARY

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the third phase of the military’s modernization, which includes the purchase of the country’s first submarine, in order to defend its maritime sovereignty in the disputed South China Sea.

Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Roy Trinidad, said on Thursday, February 1, the third phase of modernization reflected a shift in strategy away from internal to external defense.

“We may not be a large navy… but we would have a navy that will take care of our territorial rights and sovereignty,” Trinidad said.

The third phase of the modernization plan, which underwent revisions to make it more attuned to the country’s needs, is estimated to cost 2 trillion pesos ($35.62 billion) and will be implemented ov…

Source:https://www.rappler.com/philippines/plans-buy-submarines-defend-sovereignty-south-china-sea/