The $500-million military financing pledged by the Untied States to the Philippines would definitely give the country’s defense posture a big boost, especially in defending its territory and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific region, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said.
In welcoming the military grant from the US, the former Senate leader said he hopes this grand gesture won’t be misconstrued as a means to agitate neighboring countries, but as a move to secure peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The US is in a position to help, and the Philippines is in a position to receive it,” said Zubiri in a statement.
“This is not agitation, it is assistance. They are helping us boost our military capability and our defense posture,” he reiterated.
Zubiri has long championed the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly as tensions began to rise in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
It was Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who publicly announced the US military aid to the Philippines in their visit to the country recently.
The US, the former Senate chief said, is the oldest treaty ally of the Philippines.
Zubiri pointed out that under his leadership, the Senate allocated over P6-billion for the AFP and P2.8-billion for the Philippine Coast Guard for their modernization efforts in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“Despite our best efforts, we of course have other pressing priorities for national spending, and we have thus far been unable to devote the adequate budget needed for the full modernization of our Armed Forces,” Zubiri explained.
“Our outdated vessels and lack of military equipment have held us back from establishing a credible defense posture. So, we gladly welcome all military assistance from our close allies and like-minded countries such as the US, Japan and the European Union,” he further said.
“Our partnership with the US is particularly special, given how they are our treaty ally, and they share with us the same vision of democracy and the same respect for the rule of law, freedom of navigation, sovereign rights, and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he further noted.