The US has exempted the Philippines from a security aid freeze, allowing $500 million in financing to support the modernization of the Armed Forces. Philippine officials, including Undersecretary Claire Castro and Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, praised this development as a positive reinforcement of US-Philippines relations and a significant boost for military programs.
The Philippine government expressed gratitude for the United States’ decision to exempt the Philippines from a security aid freeze imposed by former President Donald Trump. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro described this development as “good news,” highlighting its significance, particularly noting that the exemption allows for the release of $500 million in foreign financing crucial for military modernization.
Castro emphasized that this support from the US government is historic and ongoing, having been established during Trump’s presidency and continued under President Biden. She also stated that this funding would greatly assist in enhancing the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, indicated that the lifting of the aid freeze would facilitate existing projects under development. He noted that the US’s commitment means that planned programs across various military operations will proceed, focusing on sea, air, land, and cyber capabilities.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad from the AFP’s public affairs office remarked that this decision reflects the strong, enduring relationship between the US and the Philippines. A Reuters report also revealed that while the Trump administration had frozen significant foreign aid, it permitted essential military assistance, among others, indicating a strategic alignment between the nations.
The US exemption of the Philippines from the security aid freeze marks a pivotal moment for Philippine military enhancement. The $500 million in aid will support various modernization efforts of the AFP and highlights the robust ties between the US and the Philippines. This decision is crucial for ongoing military projects and collaboration between the two nations.
Original Source: asianews.network
