Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday expressed hope that he will be able to create for the country an "irreversible trend towards building a credible deterrent posture and positioning" before the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration.

According to Philippines News Agency, the defense chief mentioned in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas that he aspires for the "coming administrations" to benefit from this initiative along with the Filipino people, emphasizing it is in the country's best interests. Teodoro stated, "We will have achieved, I hope, an irreversible trend towards building a credible deterrent posture and positioning in (the) coming administration in a converged position with the Filipino people (and) hope for their best interests."

The DND chief acknowledged the magnitude of the task and the time required to complete it. He stressed the importance of establishing foundational elements that are resistant to changes driven by partisan politics, noting, "Kaya kailangan talaga mabilis ang pagbangon ng mga building blocks na hindi mababago dahil sa partisan politics lamang."

Teodoro emphasized the necessity for the DND to act swiftly to ensure that the Philippines develops a credible deterrence capability that can keep pace with technological advancements. He concluded by stating, "Agility is the name of the game."