The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila has officially confirmed that the United States has made an exception for its security assistance to the Philippines, despite a broader pause on global foreign aid. This announcement was made public on Monday, highlighting a significant development in the ongoing bilateral relations between the two nations.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza communicated this update via a text message to the Philippine News Agency. She revealed that Washington DC had informed Manila of a waiver issued for a segment of its foreign military financing designated for the Philippines. However, Daza did not verify the specific amount of USD336 million that was previously mentioned by Reuters, leaving the exact figures of the aid package undisclosed.
Daza emphasized the mutual commitment of both countries to their treaty alliance, stating, “Both countries are committed to the treaty alliance and to efforts to further strengthen our defense cooperation and interoperability.” She further elaborated on the importance of continued engagement with the US government to support shared objectives and priorities, underscoring the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States.
The backdrop to this exemption includes a significant financial commitment made by the US last year. Former US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III and State Secretary Antony Blinken had announced a grant of USD500 million aimed at modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. This move was part of a broader effort to enhance the military capabilities of the Philippines, reflecting the deep-rooted security ties between the two nations.
Reuters reported on February 22 that the Trump administration had released approximately USD5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid. These exemptions were approved as of February 13, just before a US federal judge ordered a temporary halt to the funding pause on programs that were in existence as of January 19. This judicial intervention added a layer of complexity to the global aid landscape, making the exemption for the Philippines even more noteworthy.
During a meeting in Germany on February 14, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the importance of US-Philippines development cooperation. This meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the two countries, further solidifying their commitment to mutual development and security goals.
The exemption of security aid to the Philippines from the US’s global aid freeze is a testament to the enduring alliance and strategic partnership between the two nations. It highlights the priority placed on defense cooperation and the shared commitment to regional stability and security.