The Philippine government's plans to modernize its military and acquire additional assets are not intended to target any specific country, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

Castro said this after Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez linked the Philippines' purchase of fighter jets from the United States to China's actions in the West Philippine Sea.

In a press briefing on Monday, April 7, the Palace Press Officer said the acquisition was part of the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization and not driven by any single nation's actions.

"Ang AFP modernization naman po ay noon pa po, wala pa naman po issue sa anumang bansa (The AFP modernization has been ongoing for a while, and there were no issues with any country before)," she said.

"Nagkataon lamang po at hindi naman po talaga nagtatarget ng anumang bansa (It's just a coincidence and we are not really targeting any country)," she added.

According to Castro, the AFP Modernization Program was already in motion before any tensions with other countries arose.

"Ang AFP modernization naman po ay noon pa po, wala pa naman po issue sa anumang bansa (The AFP modernization has been ongoing for a while, even before the issues surfaced)," she said.

"At ang pagmo-modernize po natin ng ating militar ay naaayon lamang po (And the modernization of our military is simply in accordance with the law)," she added.

Regarding Ambassador Romualdez' comments, Castro said these were just the envoy's opinion and did not reflect official policy.

Commitment to AFP modernization

Meanwhile, Castro said the Marcos administration remains committed to modernizing the AFP. She particularly cited AFP's Horizon 3 program, which includes missile systems and warships.

"Gusto po talaga natin na hangga't maaari ay mabili po natin ang kinakailangan natin for the AFP modernization (We really want to acquire what is necessary for the AFP modernization as much as possible," she said.

"'Yan po ang naisin ng Pangulo. 'Yan po ang naisin ng lahat. At gagawin po lahat ng paraan, pagkakataon, lahat ng kakayanin kung may mga budget po tayong kakailanganin. 'Yan po ay gagawin ng ating Pangulo (That's what the President wants. That's what we all want. We will do everything)," she added.