Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri declared on Thursday (September 26) his full support to the view of key defense officials in the country to keep in the Philippines the US Typhon midrange capability (MRS) missile left by the American military during the recent Balikatan exercises.

“At this point in time, with due respect to our neighbor China, as long as they do not stop the provocative nature of their actions, they are doing in the West Philippine Sea, yes, I am in favor of retaining the missile systems in our country as a deterrent to any future provocative action,” said Zubiri during the Senate news forum.

“Remember it’s a defensive weapon system and not an offensive weapon system,” the former Senate president said.

He stressed that the Philippines should welcome similar offers of defense from countries like the US.

However, Zubiri clarified that nuclear weapons should not be included because these are barred under the 1987 Constitution.

Responding to reported criticisms over the retention of the US weapon systems after the Balikatan exercises, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the Typhon MRC is welcome to overstay in the country.

The MRC is reportedly capable of firing Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles.

Zubiri said one of the most ideal weapon system for the country is the iron dome defense that is similar to the one used by Israel against aerial missile attacks from its enemies the Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Hamas in Gaza.

However, the Filipino legislator admitted that the Philippines does not have the financial capability to procure it.

He lamented that for the 2025 AFP Modernization Program expenditure, a ‘meager’ P25 billion was approved by the House of Representatives.

Describing the allocation as a “pittance”, Zubiri vowed to push for an additional P10 billion for the program.