The Philippines is planning a 25 per cent hike in its defence budget next year, mainly to bolster its claims in the disputed South China Sea, officials said on Monday. The proposed 2016 national budget, which President Benigno Aquino is to present to parliament for approval yesterday, would reserve a record 25 billion pesos ($552 million) for defence spending.
Funds would be used to acquire navy frigates and patrol aircraft, budget and defence officials told AFP.
“We need to protect what is clearly within our territorial jurisdiction,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said, when asked if the increase was due to the Philippines’ maritime row with China.