An appraisal of the Philippines’ self-reliant defence posture under the Duterte administration

The Philippines continues to grapple with complex internal and external security challenges, ranging from urban insurgencies to maritime territorial disputes. Evolving internal and external threats have prompted the Philippine government to pursue capability upgrades through a dual-track approach: modernising the AFP and reinforcing security alliances, most notably with the United States. While this two-pronged strategy has provided immediate relief, its long-term sustainability remains questionable due to persistent institutional bottlenecks, reliance on foreign partners, and unclear alignment with national security objectives. Against this backdrop, the revival of the Self-Reliant Defence Posture (SRDP) programme under the Duterte administration presents an alternative path towards a more autonomous and sustainable defence framework. This study assesses the SRDP as both a policy concept and an operational doctrine, situating it within the broader dynamics of alliance management and defence modernisation. Drawing from comparative cases of self-reliant defence initiatives worldwide, it argues that a genuinely Filipino self-reliance model requires the integration of state institutions, private sector industries, research and development ecosystems, and a skilled workforce, supported by enabling laws and procurement mechanisms. By examining the implementation of the SRDP between 2016 and 2022 under the Duterte administration, the study identifies critical gaps and strategic opportunities that could shape the future trajectory of Philippine defence policy.