MANILA, Philippines鈥擳he Department of National Defense remembered former Philippine president Benigno Aquino III, who died early Thursday (June 24), as a leader who saw the importance of the military鈥檚 capability upgrade.
鈥淒uring his term, Republic Act No. 10349 was enacted to revitalize our AFP modernization program,鈥� the DND said in a statement.
鈥淎s Commander-in-Chief, he recognized the importance of equipping our military to better respond to the evolving domestic and regional security challenges,鈥� the DND said.
Aquino, the Philippines鈥� 15th president from 2010 to 2016, died of a prolonged illness at 61.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines鈥� modernization has a long way to go, but Aquino, President Rodrigo Duterte鈥檚 predecessor, jumpstarted the efforts. He was the first president to give priority to the military鈥檚 capability upgrade since martial law.
The long-neglected air force and navy received more attention, although the army had its share, too. Some of the military鈥檚 acquisitions were: FA-50 trainer jets from South Korea, C-295 transport aircraft from Spain, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, military trucks, and landing dock ships.
Aquino鈥檚 decisions were triggered by China鈥檚 aggression in the West Philippine Sea, part of the South China Sea which Beijing claims almost entirely.
It was also the Aquino administration that took China to court, to contest China鈥檚 massive claims in the West Philippine Sea, after a standoff in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. The ruling, which was largely favorable to the Philippines, invalidated China鈥檚 nine-dash line and is recognized by many countries, including the United States.
The Philippines entered a deal with the United States during his term through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which allowed the US military to build facilities and preposition assets in Philippine military bases. It was an agreement that did not prosper as it was envisioned under Duterte鈥檚 term.
鈥淭he Department of National Defense joins the nation in grieving the demise of former President Benigno Aquino III,鈥� the DND said.
鈥淧resident Aquino advocated the strengthening of our defense and security capabilities to support national development,鈥� the DND added.