DND puts on hold plan to get third warship from US

From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): DND puts on hold plan to get third warship from US

Acquisition of a third warship from the US has been put on hold to allow the government to equip two former US Coast Guard vessels now known as BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz. The Gregorio del Pilar was acquired last year, and the Ramon Alcaraz is expected to arrive by February. Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo told The STAR existing vessels must be equipped with the necessary weapon systems. “The additional (cutter) was put on hold,” he said. “We can use the money to enhance the capability of the two (warships). We would like to equip our ships.” Manalo said the decision to hold the acquisition of a third warship is premised on the need to enhance the capabilities of the Del Pilar and the Alcaraz. “With our limited budget, we are after the capability, we are after not only the presence but we must have deterrent capability,” he said. The government remains open to acquiring warships from the US once financial resources are available, Manalo said....

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=865572&publicationSubCategoryId=63