Malacañang clarified on Monday that the Philippines’ procurement of F-16 fighter jets is part of the ongoing modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This after Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez had said the purchase was in response to China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro explained the AFP modernization has been going on for some time.

“The AFP modernization has been happening for a while. There has never been an issue with any country, and our military modernization is in accordance with the law,” she said.

Castro acknowledged that the timing of the jet acquisition coincided with the Philippines’ dispute with China.

“It’s just a coincidence that we are facing issues, and that’s the ambassador’s opinion. As we said, we are facing issues. But the modernization is being done in accordance with the law,” she stressed.

Castro said the Marcos administration is focused on providing the AFP what it needs to strengthen the nation’s defenses, including acquiring more missile systems and warships.

“We want to ensure that we can purchase what is necessary for the AFP modernization. Now they aim to complete AFP Horizon 3. This depends, of course, on the budget and congressional approval,” Castro said.

The AFP’s Horizon 3 phase focuses on improving the country’s defense capabilities.

While it is uncertain that the modernization will be completed by 2028, Castro emphasized that the President is committed to strengthening the armed forces.

“That’s what the President wants. We will do everything we can, if we have the budget needed, to achieve this,” she said.

No retaliation for arrest of Filipinos

Malacañang also addressed the recent arrest of three Filipinos in China, saying it was not seen as retaliation for the detention of Chinese nationals in the Philippines.

Last week, China confirmed the arrest of three Filipinos suspected of espionage.

In March, Philippine authorities arrested several Chinese nationals suspected of spying.

“We believe this is part of an initial investigation. There is no concrete evidence yet that it was in retaliation or part of retaliation by the other country,” Castro said. She added the matter was still under investigation.

Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed embassies worldwide to assist Filipinos facing legal issues.

“There is always an instruction to help our Filipino citizens abroad facing such charges. Legal assistance and all necessary support will be provided,” she said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the Philippine Consulate in Guangzhou was providing assistance to the three detained Filipinos.

The National Security Council said the Filipinos were former recipients of the Hainan Government Scholarship Program.

NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the Filipinos are law-abiding citizens with no criminal records and they were vetted by the Chinese government before they arrived in China.