AFP: Unfreezing of aid proves strong PH-US ties
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
February 25, 2025, 4:07 pm
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the exemption of the country's security assistance from the US global foreign aid freeze highlights the "strong relationship" between the two nations.
"This is a welcome development on our part, and we are glad to continue. And it also signals basically our long-standing relationship with the US and the Philippines. It has further strengthened the ties between the two countries," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said when asked for a reaction on the US declaration of the Philippine exemption, during a media briefing Tuesday.
This security aid amounts to USD336 million.
"On the development or its particular use, we leave it to our top leadership (especially on the) acquisition and development of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites and other programs," Trinidad added.
Meanwhile, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad called the unfreezing of the US aid a "welcome development."
"The unfreezing of the aid to the Philippines by the US government is a very much welcome development. This has been planned in advance. So, there are already particular programs that higher headquarters (have) mapped out for this year and even in the years to come," Trinidad said.
"And with this particular unfreezing of the support by the US government, it only means that our programs that have been initially planned out will push through. This will include activities on sea, air, and land, and even our support systems, cyber, and other areas."
The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier confirmed that the US issued a waiver for part of its military financing to the Philippines. (PNA)
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