MANILA - Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana believes that the Philippines will face challenges if it pursues President Rodrigo Duterte’s plan to get arms from Russia and China instead of the United States.

Duterte is seeking closer ties with China and Russia, as he intends to be less dependent on US, the Philippines’ long-time ally.

• READ: Duterte seeks Russia's help in 'crossing the Rubicon with U.S.'

Duterte said he will pursue bigger trade partnerships with China and Russia, and possibly procure firearms from these two countries.

But Lorenzana said turning to China and Russia for arms will not come easy for soldiers who are accustomed to US technology.

"I think it will be a problem, if we decide to procure military equipment from Russia or China," Lorenzana said during a forum with foreign correspondents.

Lorenzana said, for one, the ammunition that China and Russia can provide are not compatible with the firearms of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Lorenzana said incompatibility issues will also arise if the Philippines decides to get sophisticated equipment, such as fighter jets and ships, from Russia and China.

Lorenzana said he will go to Russia in compliance with the president's orders. The date of his visit, however, is not yet set.

"Because they're the ones offering kasi ngayon eh… Pinupuntahan si presidente, specially yung Chinese ambassador nakakausap niya. Siguro they are offering. Very generous terms daw eh, sabi nya," said Lorenzana.

NO MORE US, EU AID?

Intensifying his anti-Western rhetoric which was prompted by criticisms on his war on drugs, Duterte said yesterday the Philippines can manage without the aid of the US and European Union.

• READ: Duterte dares US, EU: Withdraw assistance, go ahead

Lorenzana said he does not see any possible backlash from neighboring nations in the region due to Duterte’s decision to distance from US. He is confident that American allies such as Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia will not turn their backs on the Philippines.

Lorenzana noted that the Philippines will lose P50 to P100 million in annual aid from the US, but he said this amount is used mostly to support US troops visiting the country.

"If he finally decides na wala na tayong exercises, I think we can do without those aid," said Lorenzana.

Lorenzana said the defense department would have to go back to Congress to ask for additional funding that will offset the loss of American aid.