Teodoro: Government must prioritize Navy modernization

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales – Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called yesterday for a modern Philippine Navy that could promptly respond to security threats on the nation’s vast coast.

Speaking after swearing in 23 new Navy ensigns at the Naval Education and Training Command here, Teodoro said the government must prioritize the Navy’s modernization by acquiring modern ships equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.

“The Navy modernization could take some time due to the material requirement. I mean re-equipping alone would cost a substantial amount and because of the possible effects of the global financial downturn on the utilization of resources of the Armed Forces, there is a need to rethink the Navy modernization,” he said.

Teodoro said the original plan to replace old ships by 2017 would be a “little late,” especially when the Navy is faced with the challenge of maritime threats like poaching, smuggling and terrorism.

“If we continue at the current pace, we would run short of time,” he said.

“We need them now, but because of the global crisis, it might take some time because the cost might go up. That is why we call on the policymakers to see the importance of having a strong Navy,” he added.

On the other hand, Navy chief Vice Adm. Ferdinand Golez said the Navy’s material capability of 60 to 70 percent is sufficient “as of this time” to carry out maritime security.