Philippines vows stronger military to back South China Sea claim

Philippines' President Benigno Aquino reviews a military platoon upon arrival during the 80th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines held inside Clark Air Base, formerly a U.S. base, in Angeles city, Pampanga province, north of Manila December 21, 2015.
REUTERS/ROMEO RANOCO

Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed on Monday to leave behind a stronger and a more capable armed forces to face maritime challenges in the South China Sea when he leaves office next year.

Aquino, ineligible to run for re-election under the constitution, promised to spend about 83.90 billion pesos ($1.77 billion) in a five-year period until 2017 to strengthen the military as China asserts its claims to most of the waters.

Source: Reuters