DAVOS, Switzerland — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. thought increasing the country's defense budget was not a priority, saying there was no point in the Philippines building up its armory since the exercise of military power is not always the primary consideration in addressing national concerns.
Marcos said this after being asked by World Economic Forum (WEF) President Børge Brende if he would follow in the footsteps of Japan, which has reportedly committed to doubling its defense budget from one percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to two percent of GDP.
In response, the President said there would be an increase in the country's defense budget but only to a certain extent.
"I think to an extent but not --- because the belief is that first of all, there is no point in the Philippines building up its armory," he said.
Marcos explained that the Philippines was not in an economic situation where it could build up to the levels that the Americans or the Chinese have.
More importantly, he believes that the solutions to current issues are not military.
"If they are going to be military, then they are not solutions because this will --- it will end badly if it goes that way. It will end badly for everyone involved," the Chief Executive said.
The President brought up the war in Ukraine as an example, saying the armed conflict has only adversely affected agriculture in many countries, including the Philippines.
"I guess it just goes to show how well-connected that is," he said.
"If a similar situation would arise in the region, then it would be actually --- I would say it would be disastrous for the rest of the world as well, not only for the region but for the rest of the world," he added.