Manila, April 3 -- Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday defended the government's plan to acquire US-made F-16 fighter jets, saying it is a necessary step to bolster national defense amid escalating security concerns, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Escudero said the proposed USD5.5 billion deal, although costly, would not be implemented all at once and should be seen as a long-term investment in the country's defense capabilities.

"It won't be a lump-sum payment. The purchase will be staggered, and the terms of payment are not even final yet. What we have now is only an authorization to sell - we still don't know the delivery schedule or the payment scheme," he explained.

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