HOUSE leaders on Wednesday welcomed the historic $500-million military financing commitment from the United States to the Philippines, highlighting its significance for the nation’s defense capabilities and the strong alliance between the two countries.
Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Assistant Majority Leader Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr., and Committee on Dangerous Drugs chairman and Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers praised the announcement made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during their meeting with Philippine officials in Malacañang.
Suarez, who represents the second district of Quezon province, emphasized the importance of the U.S. commitment, especially given the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.
He noted that the unwavering support from the U.S. for the Philippines, regardless of the election outcome, reinforces the long-standing, iron-clad relationship between the two nations.
“Ikinatutuwa po natin ito kasi alam na po natin na pagdating ng November magkakaroon ng halalan sa Estados Unidos at hindi naman natin malalaman kung ano ang magiging resulta, kung sino ang mananalo doon sa dalawang maglalaban,” Suarez told a press conference.
“But ang mahalaga dito ay kung anuman ang maging resulta, hindi rin dapat magbago ang posisyon ng Estados Unidos at ng ating bansa,” he added.
Suarez also highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and national sovereignty, as emphasized during his recent State of the Nation Address.
“This is a welcome development for us because this further shows that the position of the President is also shared by other world leaders pagdating sa soberanya ng ating bansa,” Suarez said.
He said the funding will bolster the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) amid tensions in the WPS.
Dionisio, representing Manila’s first district, noted that any addition to the country's defense resources is a positive development.
“Well, ako any addition is positive. So, you know it’s a welcoming thing na magdo-donate ang America ng P29 billion that can really be used to upgrade our capabilities ng WPS team natin, ng Coast Guard at ng Armed Forces,” he said.
“It also shows that iyong bond ng Pilipinas at America, like what DS Jay-jay Suarez said, na it’s iron-clad, na there is really a strong bond in relationship between the two countries regardless of who the President is in both countries,” Dionisio emphasized.
Barbers, the representative of Surigao del Norte’s second district, welcomed the U.S. military funding commitment as it would provide critical support to the PCG.
“Para sa akin naman, isang magandang development ang nangyaring ito. Bakit? Kasi magiging beneficiary dito iyong ating [PCG] and we all know na meron po tayong kakulangan sa ating capabilities ng ating Coast Guard,” he explained.
“Now that funds will be extended to the Philippine government, that will purposely upgrade the capability of our Coast Guard," Barbers said.
The USD500-million military financing from the U.S. marks a significant investment in the Philippines' defense infrastructure, reinforcing the mutual commitment to regional security and sovereignty.
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