5 Critical Ways The Department Of National Defense Philippines Is Reshaping Its Security Strategy In 2025
The Department of National Defense (DND) Philippines is currently undergoing one of its most critical periods of transformation, driven by an urgent need to secure its maritime domain and adapt to evolving geopolitical realities. As of late 2025, the agency is aggressively pursuing a multi-pronged strategy that significantly increases its budget, fast-tracks the long-delayed modernization program, and deepens strategic alliances with key international partners.
This comprehensive overhaul, led by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., is centered on a new National Security Policy (NSP) and a strategic shift toward a more credible deterrent posture, particularly in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The following article delves into the five most critical areas where the DND is reshaping the nation's defense ecosystem, providing fresh and unique insights into the Philippines' future security landscape.
The Architect of Modernization: Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The leadership of the DND is crucial to its current trajectory. The incumbent Secretary of National Defense, Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., is a prominent figure whose background as a lawyer, politician, and business executive provides a unique blend of political acumen and strategic thinking to the department. His focus since assuming office has been on accelerating the defense modernization program and ensuring the political neutrality of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
- Full Name: Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo Cojuangco Teodoro Jr.
- Nickname: Gibo
- Date of Birth: June 14, 1964
- Place of Birth: Tarlac, Philippines
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Commerce, De La Salle University; Bachelor of Laws, University of the Philippines; Master of Laws, Harvard Law School; Member of the State Bar of New York.
- Political Career Highlights: Former Representative of Tarlac's 1st congressional district; Presidential candidate in the 2010 Philippine election; Former Secretary of National Defense (2007–2009); Current Secretary of National Defense (since 2023).
- Key Focus: Military modernization, archipelagic defense, and upholding the Constitution.
1. The Massive P258.2 Billion Budget and Horizon 3 Acceleration
A cornerstone of the DND's current strategy is a significant financial injection into its capabilities. The proposed expenditure program for the Department of National Defense in 2025 is a substantial P258.2 billion, with P254.1 billion allocated for new appropriations. This massive budget underscores the government's commitment to making the AFP a more credible and self-reliant force.
Crucially, the DND has been actively pushing to fast-track the third and final phase of the Revised AFP Modernization Program, known as Horizon 3. This phase, officially approved by the President in January 2024, shifts the focus from internal security to external defense, particularly maritime and air domain awareness, a concept known as the Archipelagic Defense Strategy.
The Re-Horizon 3 initiative is not merely about procurement; it is a fundamental change in strategic thinking. It aims to acquire high-impact, multi-role assets to project power and secure the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The program is designed to be valid until December 2026, allowing the DND flexibility to pool and utilize funds, including unprogrammed funds, for major, long-term acquisition projects.
2. Major Procurements Under the Re-Horizon 3 Initiative
The modernization effort is now moving beyond conceptual planning into tangible hardware acquisition. The DND is prioritizing assets that are integral to its Archipelagic Defense concept, which emphasizes protecting the entire Philippine archipelago from external threats.
A key procurement under the revised phase is the acquisition of four Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) from PT PAL. These large vessels are essential for transporting troops, equipment, and disaster relief assets, significantly enhancing the Philippine Navy's logistical and amphibious capabilities.
While the full list of Horizon 3 projects remains extensive and classified, the general direction points toward acquiring advanced multi-role fighters, naval frigates, surface-to-air missile systems, and sophisticated C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems. The goal is to develop a minimum credible defense posture that deters aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
3. The Pivot to External Defense and the West Philippine Sea Strategy
The DND's new strategic direction is a direct response to escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Secretary Teodoro has explicitly stated that the Philippines is "reshaping" its defense ecosystem to be more capable and resilient against modern and emerging threats, with the WPS being the central focus.
This involves two key thrusts: internal transformation and external engagement. Internally, the DND is working with the AFP to test and implement new battle plans for fending off invaders, moving away from purely counter-insurgency operations. The new strategy emphasizes a "whole-of-nation approach" to maritime defense, integrating civilian and military assets to monitor and secure its maritime territory.
The DND's commitment to the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 further solidifies this pivot. The NSP serves as the overarching framework for the nation’s security agenda, prioritizing territorial integrity and sovereign rights in the face of persistent challenges. The department has also been vocal in slamming foreign disinformation campaigns and "lies" regarding incidents in the WPS, maintaining a firm, transparent, and rules-based approach to its defense.
4. Deepening Strategic Alliances and International Engagements in 2025
International cooperation has become a critical pillar of the DND's strategy, particularly in late 2024 and throughout 2025. The Philippines is actively engaging with its allies to enhance interoperability, share intelligence, and secure foreign military financing to support its modernization drive.
Key diplomatic and defense engagements in 2025 include:
- Quadrilateral Meetings: A joint readout of Defense Ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States took place in November 2025, underscoring a united front in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- US-Philippines Bilateral Talks: Meetings between Secretary Teodoro and his US counterpart, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in March 2025, focused on security aid and deepening the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).
- Australia and Regional Partners: Joint press conferences with officials like Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles highlight the growing strategic partnership beyond the traditional US alliance.
- ASEAN Leadership: The Philippines is taking the lead in ASEAN Defense Engagements, focusing on maritime security and regional stability, showcasing its growing influence in Southeast Asia’s defense architecture.
These engagements are vital for the DND as they provide access to advanced technology, joint training opportunities, and a strong diplomatic shield against external coercion.
5. The Focus on Political Neutrality and Institutional Resilience
Beyond hardware and foreign policy, the DND is also concentrating on institutional integrity. In a public statement, the Department of National Defense, alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines, reaffirmed its full commitment to upholding the tenets of the Constitution and maintaining political neutrality.
This internal focus is crucial for ensuring stability and public trust during a period of intense geopolitical pressure and domestic political maneuvering. The DND's strategy includes modernizing its internal processes and ensuring that the AFP remains a professional, non-partisan institution dedicated solely to national defense and security. The department is also working to improve the welfare of its personnel, recognizing that a strong defense force starts with a resilient and well-supported military personnel base. The continued modernization of the military is seen as key to fostering professional pride and operational effectiveness, allowing the DND (Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa) to effectively manage the complex challenges of the 21st century.
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