The Philippines has expanded its foreign defense cooperation to include the United Kingdom

Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro said that the United Kingdom has formally expressed its willingness to discuss the Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines. Amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Manila is actively deepening security cooperation with its Western Allies.

Reuters reported that Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Disclosed on Tuesday (September 16) that Lord Vernon Coaker, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, delivered a letter from John Healey, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, during his meeting in Manila. London expressed its hope to reach an agreement with the Philippines to enable the deployment of troops from both sides on each other's territory, thereby enhancing military cooperation.

The Philippine Department of Defense later issued a statement saying that the two sides also exchanged views on the regional security situation, including the latest developments in the South China Sea. Frictions between the Philippines and China have been ongoing in the disputed waters. The proposed forces agreement will be similar to the arrangements that the Philippines has already reached with the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, reflecting the common security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region and the shift of Manila's defense strategy towards external dependence.

At the congressional budget hearing, Teodoro further pointed out that the Philippine Navy will receive the largest budget increase among all military branches in 2026, with a proposed increase of 8.3 billion pesos, or 16.3%. The navy budget for this year is 51 billion pesos.

He added that the newly added budget would be used to welcome the delivery of eight newly ordered frigates and support the construction of new dry docks and terminal facilities.