MANILA. The United States announced $500 million in military funding on Tuesday. This move aims to enhance the Philippine military’s capabilities and address shared concerns over China’s aggressive actions in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin unveiled the funding during their visit to Manila, where they met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Marcos praised the “very open” communication between Washington and Manila, emphasizing the importance of a strong U.S. military presence for regional stability. “We are continuously examining and reexamining our treaty alliance and key issues in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region,” Marcos said.
The new funding will support the modernization of the Philippine military and coast guard. It includes approximately $125 million for infrastructure improvements at Philippine military bases under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows U.S. forces to use these bases.
Blinken and Austin also discussed progress on a proposed military intelligence-sharing pact, the General Security of Military Information Agreement. Austin indicated that the agreement could be finalized later this year, which would enable the U.S. to provide advanced intelligence, weaponry, and surveillance technology to the Philippines while ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive information.
“The commitment will endure, again, irrespective of administrations,” Blinken assured. He and Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to defend the Philippines if attacked, including in the South China Sea.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the strategic value of this support. “Every peso or dollar spent on hardening Philippine capabilities to defend itself and to deter unlawful aggression will be a plus against any threat actor, whether it be China or anyone,” he said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between Philippine and Chinese forces in the South China Sea. Last week, the Philippines and China reached a temporary arrangement to avoid clashes around the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal, following a violent confrontation on June 17.
The arrangement has been supported by several countries, including the U.S., Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Singapore. However, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo stressed that the country will continue to strengthen its territorial defense with the aid of the U.S. and other allies.
“The non-confrontational resupply and rotation is purely temporary. The People’s Republic of China will not stop and we are determined just as well,” Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez told The Associated Press.
Marcos also alluded to the political divisions in the U.S. ahead of the upcoming presidential election, but Blinken assured that U.S. support for the Philippines will remain consistent. “That commitment will endure, again, irrespective of administrations,” Blinken stated.
The U.S. and the Philippines have also expanded their military cooperation under the EDCA, with increased joint exercises and deployments of American forces. This expansion has drawn criticism from China, which argues that such moves threaten regional peace and security. The Philippines has defended its right to strengthen its defense and safeguard its national interests.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
