Rising defense budget may cut social programs

Higher defense spending in the Philippines could force cuts to other government programs, according to London-based think tank Capital Economics, even as the country grapples with slowing economic growth and recurring natural disasters.

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“Defense spending across much of Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East is set to rise in the coming years, driven by heightened regional tensions and United States (US) pressure on allies to take greater responsibility for their own security,” Capital Economics senior Asia economist Gareth Leather said ina Nov. 11 report.

“The countries where fiscal constraints are most pronounced are Pakistan and the Philippines, where any substantial increase in defense spending would likely need to be matched by reductions in other areas,” the report added.