Sokor fighter jet deal part of military build-up amid territorial rows — Valte

From the Daily Tribune (Feb 23): Sokor fighter jet deal part of military build-up amid territorial rows — Valte

While the Aquino administration was at first reluctant about acquiring fighter jets from South Korea, Malacañang yesterday said that this notion has now changed.

The Palace said the acquisition of additional jet aircraft for the Philippine Air Force is part of the country’s efforts to improve its military capability amid territorial disputes with China over parts of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Recent reports showed that Malacañang has already approved of the payment mode for 12 F/A-50 fighter jets after “the kinks have been ironed out.”

Deputy presidential spokesman Abigail Valte said in an interview on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Palace’s approval usually means President Aquino’s questions about the transaction had been addressed.

“Usually po kapag ganyan, that means na-ironed out na po ang mga kinks or at least the President’s questions had been sufficiently answered by the department concerned,” she added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/sokor-fighter-jet-deal-part-of-military-build-up-amid-territorial-rows-valte