Manila, Oct. 26 -- Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has urged future military leaders to pursue more ambitious defense plans and reject defeatism, stressing that the Philippines must accelerate efforts to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking during the Philippine Military Academy's (PMA) founding anniversary in Baguio City on October 24, Teodoro said the country could not afford complacency or overly conservative planning amid evolving national security challenges.

He emphasized the need to strengthen the country's defense capabilities and demonstrate its readiness to protect national interests.

Teodoro said the Philippines must make up for lost time in preparing for security challenges, adding ...