Nihon, buddy... you're losing it. I think that perhaps you misquoted me in place of another, though I greatly appreciate the information on the Philippines geographic, political and economic situation. I can't really complain about learning something, even if it was unexpected.
But... since they are an archipelago, ASM and AShM weapons and not thermobarics, which are useful in mountainous cave, are the way the Philippines needs to proceed, especially given their main threats are regional nation's naval weapons.
LOL! Yes, I decided to give some additional information and wanted to give some reasons for Manila's demographic investiture. As I have a lot of contacts in the Philippines. I should also say that I should have also tagged @mike2000 ! LOL
But yes Sven, I agree with you, for the Philippines an ASM procurement is definitely important. Tho since they are cradled into America's hands vis-a-vis the MDT, and since they are already developing strong relation with Japan and are practically home to 1/3rd of all Japan's Offshoring in ASEAN, they are clearly protected under Japanese Self Defense Law. Plus, there are over 150,000 Japanese Nationals that live and reside in the Philippines and thus any attack on the Philippines would thus force the JSDF to protect Japanese citizens there. Out of all the countries in ASEAN, it is the Philippines that is "safe" as it is under the American and Japanese defensive umbrella. Thus they have more leverage to "take their time" so to say, but they should kick it up a notch....