Manila, Sept. 3 -- Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday underscored the need to have a strong military, saying diplomacy is of no use without it.

"There is no such thing as parity dealings with other countries, particularly if there is a controversy, if you do not have a strong armed force to back up diplomacy," Teodoro said during the Victory Day Commemoration held at the US Ambassador's Residence in Camp John Hay, Baguio City.

He said the country's preparations to deter any form of conflict - whether military, non-military, against the elements, or economic competition - must be looked into.

"Those are the facts that we must review today. In my own remit with (Armed Forces chief) Gen. (Romeo) Brawne...