PH hopes for more US military aid despite global aid freeze – Romualdez

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez answers questions during a press briefing at the embassy’s Romulo Hall, on April 10, 2024, a day before the first-ever trilateral meeting between the Philippines, United States, and Japan.  INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO/Gabriel P. Lalu

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is hoping to receive additional military assistance from the United States (US) despite the global pause on foreign aid announced by President Donald Trump.

This was disclosed by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez on Tuesday, adding that the pause on global security foreign aid would not affect the Philippines.

“There will be no major changes for the Philippines. In fact, we are hoping to receive even more assistance as we push to modernize our Armed Forces as quickly as possible due to the challenges we face in the Indo-Pacific region,” Romualdez said in an interview with Radyo 630.

READ: US to continue military aid for PH despite global pause – DFA

“And our message to our friends in the US Congress is very simple: If our Armed Forces are strong, we can truly be a partner of the US,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday confirmed that the US has exempted the Philippines from its pause on global security foreign aid.

According to Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Teresita Daza, the Philippine government has been informed of the “waiver issued to a portion of the US foreign military financing for the Philippines.”

READ: Impact of US aid freeze on PH: It’s small anyway

She said the Philippines and the US remain committed to their treaty alliance and to efforts to further strengthen defense cooperation and interoperability.