Despite the ongoing review of US foreign aid, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.
In a statement Wednesday, the DND emphasized its dedication to protecting the nation’s sovereignty, saying, “While the review of US assistance is being conducted, we continue to develop our defense capabilities based on our priorities.”
The agency also expressed optimism that the Philippines-US defense alliance would remain strong under President Donald Trump’s administration. Meanwhile, the AFP assured that military engagements with the US would proceed as planned.
US President Trump recently ordered a 90-day review of foreign aid to ensure alignment with his administration’s policies, temporarily halting all foreign assistance. However, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez remains confident that military aid and economic programs will continue after the review.
Last year, the US pledged $500 million in military and coast guard funding for the Philippines, including over $128 million for infrastructure projects under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).