The Philippine military is currently navigating a complex modernization roadmap intended to bolster its defense capabilities, particularly regarding its territorial claims in the South China Sea. In 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. authorized a revised 1.9 trillion Philippine peso (approximately US$30 billion) plan. This initiative is designed to span a decade, concluding in 2034, and focuses on acquiring advanced military hardware to improve the nation's power projection.

However, the program is facing scrutiny due to persistent budget constraints. Observers and critics of the administration have raised concerns regarding the feasibility of these goals, suggesting that the current financial support may be insufficient to meet the stated objectives. Some critics have characterized the government's rhetoric as "lip service," arguing that there is a disconnect between the administration's public support for military strengthening and the actual fiscal resources being allocated to the modernization roadmap.

While the government maintains that the plan is a priority for national security, the potential for delays remains a central point of discussion among defense analysts. The debate centers on whether the current economic climate and budgetary priorities will allow for the full implementation of the acquisition plan, or if the military will continue to operate with assets that fall short of the requirements needed for modern regional defense challenges.