MANILA -- Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is expecting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to highlight the government’s efforts to further modernize the defense system of the country in the latter’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

In a television interview, Secretary Teodoro clarified that these intensified efforts will deter any forms of aggression and improve the overall integrity of the Philippines’ defense system.

“He [President Marcos] will put a stress on effective modernization of our capabilities to deter any form of aggression,” Secretary Teodoro said when asked what defense achievements and programs should be expected in the President’s second SONA.

“Let me once again clarify that the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the defense establishments are not directed towards any country but towards the overall integrity of our security engagements, facilities and capabilities,” he added.

The President has previously declared his commitment not to give up even one inch of the country’s territory while pursuing an independent foreign policy.

Teodoro noted that the President may focus on the need to continuously fund the AFP Modernization program, especially the proper utilization, maintenance, and upkeep of the facilities and systems as he said that these will not come cheap for the government.

He also stressed the need to further train soldiers to operate and maintain military equipment along with ensuring their welfare.

“We’ve noticed that there needs to be an improvement in project execution and integration of our human and command and control systems with our equipment,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro added that the Department of National Defense (DND) will pursue looking for non-traditional allies that could help modernize the defense system for the country, as ordered by the President. (PND)