Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 17) — Amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, a former Foreign Affairs secretary proposed obtaining new equipment through operational lease of defense assets, allowing the country to build a “credible defense posture” at a lower cost.
Albert Del Rosario, also a former Philippine ambassador to the US, said the “worrisome” laser-pointing incident of the Chinese Coast Guard on a Philippine vessel near Ayungin Shoal demonstrated the need for a better defense posture “to deter further bullying in our own waters.”
“As part of the options of our leadership, may we respectfully suggest the possibility of operational lease of defense assets, which may allow us to obtain newer equipment at lesser cost and with faster delivery time,” Del Rosario said in a statement.
The former foreign affairs chief under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also said the country has “long relied on ‘excess defense articles,” which are excess equipment donated by other countries.
He noted that reconditioning and maintaining these assets are costly and commonly takes nine to twelve months.
Del Rosario said that although the articles remain useful in increasing the country’s capabilities, it narrows down choices on the kinds of defense assets to acquire.
Outright new purchase of assets, meanwhile, are ideal but comes at a higher cost.
Aside from being able to use a relatively new asset, Del Rosario said, “Operational leases may also give us more possibilities in terms of the types of defense assets to acquire.”
“Our leadership should also engage with our allies to explore the possibility of operational leases of defense assets, as part of our calibrated options to increase our country’s defense capabilities,” he added.
Although he backs the administration’s move to establish “joint patrols with our allies,” the ex-ambassador said the country should now expect the US and other allies to “fight our battles for us.”
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Del Rosario said the country should rather count on their “strong and unwavering assistance” in building the Philippines’ defense resources.
Some nations have expressed support for Manila and called out Beijing’s recent actions in the West Philippine Sea — particularly the CCG’s use of a blinding laser against a Philippine ship last week.
