Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines has been informed of the Trump administration’s decision to continue the foreign military financing for Manila.
Washington’s decision despite a foreign aid freeze policy means that the Philippine stands to receive $336 million (roughly P19.4 billion) in military assistance.
“The Philippines has been informed of the waiver issued to a portion of the US foreign military financing for the Philippines,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
The Biden administration previously pledged $500 million (P28.91 billion) under the Philippines-Security Sector Assistance Roadmap.
“Both countries are committed to the treaty alliance and to efforts to further strengthen our defense cooperation and interoperability. We will continue to engage the US government on the importance of our bilateral work in supporting our shared goals and priorities,” the DFA said.
In a report, Reuters said it obtained a list of 243 additional exemptions approved as of Feb. 13 amounting to $5.3 billion (P306.5 billion).
Most of the funds cleared for release will go to the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which manages arms sales and military assistance to foreign nations and organizations.
Security exemptions include $870 million (roughly P50.33 billion) for programs in Taiwan, $336 million (P19.4 billion) for modernizing Philippine security forces, and over $21.5 million (P1.24 billion) for body armor and armored vehicles for Ukraine’s national police and border guards, according to the list.
“We are pleased with this development. It’s another sign that our strong partnership with the US remains intact,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez told NewsWatch Plus in a text message, confirming Washington’s decision.
