AFP: US foreign aid pause won't affect VFA, 'Balikatan'
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
January 28, 2025, 1:54 pm
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Tuesday that long-standing agreements such as the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which allows the conduct of the "Balikatan" exercises between the Philippines and the United States, will not be affected by President Donald Trump's order of a temporary suspension of foreign assistance.
"Sa side ng AFP kasi, ito yun ating mga long-standing agreements with them, which is we have our VFA, diyan nakapaloob ang 'Balikatan' and through the years, solid naman ito, kahit nung una pang umupo si President Trump nagtuloy-tuloy naman ito (On the side of the AFP, we have our long-standing agreements with them, which is VFA which includes the 'Balikatan' and through the years, this has remained solid even during President Trump's first term)," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Trump has ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance, pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his foreign policy.
Padilla, however, said the effects of Washington's move "would be assessed by higher authorities".
She also said the VFA and the "Balikatan" are treaties and not part of the US assistance program.
"Basically what will be under review are financial programs funded by the US. Through the years (the VFA), it's been continuing," Padilla said.
'Balikatan' 2025
As this developed, the AFP spokesperson said this year's 'Balikatan" will be among the largest in history.
Padilla added that more nations have expressed interest to "participate actively" in the annual drills.
She, however, did not reveal these countries as planning for the activity is still ongoing.
Padilla added these nations have yet to give their commitments on what kind of assets they will try to bring for the exercise.
She also said the exact figure of participating nations and troops has yet to be determined.
The annual "Balikatan" drills now cover air, land, sea and cyber maneuvers. (PNA)
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