Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.emphasized the need for stronger deterrence and a larger defense budget to protect the Philippines' maritime rights in the South China Sea.

Ten years after the 2016 arbitral ruling, Teodoro stressed that the Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) must continue modernization efforts to uphold the ruling and safeguard the country's territorial integrity.

He called for defense spending to reach 4% of GDP, surpassing the NATO benchmark of 2%, to address vulnerabilities in the West Philippine Sea and other strategic areas.Analysts noted that the Philippines has historically spent only 1.5% of GDP on defense, with most funds allocated to internal security rather than external threats.

Teodoro highlighted the importance of public support and international cooperation to strengthen deterrence mechanisms and ensure the Philippines' sovereignty.

The push for higher defense spending aims to counter China's influence and secure the country's maritime claims, while also raising awareness among Filipinos about the significance of the West Philippine Sea.