Noy vows to make military more efficient

MANILA, Philippines - There is no slowing down efforts to modernize the armed forces although such efforts are not meant to stir tensions in the region, President Aquino said yesterday.

“All that we have achieved in this sector is not only because of our all-out support for our troops, but also because we are guaranteeing companies a level playing field – that our decisions will be made based on which bid offers maximum benefit to our troops for the best possible price,” Aquino said at the opening of the Asian Defense, Security and Crisis Management Exhibition (ADAS) in Pasay City.

He said the government would seize every opportunity to make the military – regarded as one of the weakest in the region – more efficient.

“Clearly, if this event is any indication, we have no plans of slowing down,” he added.

He clarified that the Philippines, which is embroiled in a territorial dispute with China, is not shifting towards a more militaristic position.

“I must emphasize: Our efforts seek to modernize the capabilities of our security sector is to address the needs in human disaster response arenas and for our own internal defense,” he said. “None of these actions are meant to increase tensions in the region; rather, they are meant to address our domestic problems and issues.”