The West Philippine Sea represents one of the foremost security challenges of the country, with increasing foreign aggression most evident. This paper argues for the need for greater attention to national security, particularly with the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and aiming for defense industrialization (moving towards a self-reliant defense posture). With its power over the national budget, its ability to craft laws and its power to conduct oversight, Congress is all too pivotal in the realization of national security goals and in building up a military that is truly responsive to both present and future challenges. This paper takes a look at AFP modernization from a budgetary perspective and uses a cross-country comparison in its discussion of developing a self-reliant defense posture. More important than merely devoting more budgetary resources to the AFP, the paper recognizes the need for internal reforms in order for AFP modernization to succeed.