The Department of National Defense is focusing on the acquisition of multi-role and game-changing platforms for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong on Wednesday noted that the government will continue implementing the country's defense deals with its alliance — which were signed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The DND is likewise recalibrating the proposed projects for the AFP modernization program, he added, noting that the procurement of submarines for the Philippine Navy "is not yet" part of the acquisition priorities.

"Although submarines are on our wish list for Horizon 3, the Department is prioritizing the implementation of contracts signed during the previous administration, cognizant of the limitations in the resources available to the government," Arsenio said.

The DND earlier said it will only procure platforms that will be most advantageous to AFP's defense and security capability.

"We would like to clarify that, contrary to published reports, DND Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Jose C. Faustino Jr. said in a recent interview that the procurement of submarines is actually not yet a priority for the Department as of now," he said.

Arsenio also refuted some claims that the DND is engaging in procurement talks with its counterparts, in exchange for Philippine waters exploration.

"Many suppliers have expressed interest in selling us submarines, including France. However, there is no truth to the report that there is an offer to the Department for submarines in exchange for permission to explore Philippine waters," he said, citing the Philippines' arrangement with France on defense cooperation in 2016.

"(In) the course of the Department's engagements with representatives from France, there was never a mention or discussion of such a proposal," he added.

Arsenio assured the public that the DND will continue pushing modernization projects by acquiring multi-role and game-changing platforms that can be used for internal security, territorial defense, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations of the AFP.

"Agreements entered into by the Department shall always be in accordance with our Constitution and laws, and will always uphold our national interest," he said.