Gibo pushes defense reforms, industry cooperation

Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. on Thursday called for deeper collaboration between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) to strengthen transparency, trust, and joint growth in the fields of defense and industrial development.

Speaking before ECCP members during a luncheon meeting in Makati City, Teodoro stressed that the Philippines stands “at the spearhead” of current threats to the international order, particularly amid China’s continued illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea.

“The President has instructed us to be unyielding and to reshape our defense ecosystem as quickly as possible into a multi-threat, multi-domain system,” he said.

Teodoro outlined two major directions for the DND such as the building internal defense resilience and expanding strategic engagements with like-minded nations. He revealed that the Philippines is in advanced talks for Visiting Forces Agreements (VFAs) with France and the United Kingdom, and is exploring a similar arrangement with Canada.

“The more convergence of like-minded countries at the spear’s tip, the better,” he added. “We must resist and deter any attempt to change the international order to the detriment of our people and future generations.”

The Defense Chief also highlighted the urgent need to reform the country’s defense acquisition and funding systems, noting that defense spending has long been “miserably low.”

He said the DND will prioritize the development of strategic bases and pursue government-to-government arrangements for defense procurement and joint industrial production, ensuring that the Armed Forces focus on essential, high-impact capabilities.

“We will focus on what we truly need, not just what’s available,” Teodoro said, emphasizing that defense self-reliance depends on “reliable, diversified, and secure supply chains” aligned with national interests.

Further, Teodoro invited the ECCP to engage in a structured partnership with the DND rooted in transparency and mutual trust.

“For many a time, even with partner government agencies, we have always been the whipping boy. And that ended when Ferdinand Marcos took office and when he appointed me as the Defense Secretary,” he remarked. 

“That is the obligation I owe to the Filipino people, and that is the standing order of the President.”

The event gathered European diplomats, business leaders, and Philippine officials, focusing on potential collaboration in defense technology, industrial innovation, and strategic logistics.