MANILA, Philippines, February 25 ------ The United States has exempted a “portion” of its military assistance to the Philippines from its foreign aid freeze, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed. The DFA did not disclose the exact amount the US exempted. “Both countries are committed to the treaty alliance and to efforts to further strengthen our defense cooperation and interoperability,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement. “We will continue to engage the US government on the importance of our bilateral work in supporting our shared goals and priorities,” she added.
A Reuters report cited a list of exemptions it reviewed and the $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, mostly for security and counter-narcotics programs exempted from US President Donald Trump’s order for a 90-day pause on foreign aid. Security exemptions included $870 million for programs in Taiwan, $336 million for modernizing Philippine security forces and more than $21.5 million for body armor and armored vehicles for Ukraine’s national police and border guards.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. expressed optimism that the defense agreements between the Philippines and the US would not change even as the US State Department ordered an immediate stop to almost all US foreign assistance pending a review. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US remains focused on maintaining a strategic advantage over China and on keeping the world free, after speaking to leaders of the Philippines, Australia, Japan and South Korea. He said the focus is also on the Indo-Pacific region, citing phone calls and meetings he had with leaders of the four countries.
Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines during a call with Teodoro on Feb. 5. The defense chiefs held an introductory call to discuss defense cooperation between the US and the Philippines. They discussed the importance of reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea, including by working with allies and partners and enhancing the capability and capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The US security commitment to the Philippines was reaffirmed by Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo in his speech at the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Battle for Manila at the Manila American Cemetery last Saturday. “Our nations have stood together for decades, confronting common challenges and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region,” Paparo said. “The liberation of Manila was a triumph for universal values of human dignity, self-determination, and the human spirit. As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives, let us rededicate ourselves to the cause of freedom and our enduring partnership,” he said. “May the sacrifices of our forebears inspire us to stand firm in the face of challenges, and may our bonds of friendship and cooperation grow stronger in the years to come.” he added.
During his Philippine visit from Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, Paparo met with President Marcos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Secretary Teodoro, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Andres Centino and US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
Source: philstar.com
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