The Philippine defense budget for the new fiscal year has increased significantly
On December 30, 2024 local time, Philippine President Marcos signed the 2025 National Budget, which totaled 6.326 trillion pesos. This amount is a reduction from the previous proposed 6.352 trillion pesos, but a significant increase from the 5.768 trillion pesos in 2024.
The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Works and Highways and the Ministry of Defense are the top three. Among them, the Defense Ministry's budget reached 315.1 billion pesos, which is a significant increase from 240.6 billion pesos in 2024.
Some analysts pointed out that from the information such as the amount of defense expenditure and changes in the orientation of the Philippines' new fiscal year, we can see the strategic focus and main orientation of the Philippines' national defense construction.
According to a previous report by China National Defense News, first, the navy's budget increased the most year-on-year. Second, domestic weapons investment focuses on light and flexible. Third, military education spending focuses on leadership. Fourth, the budget performance indicators point to the state of readiness.