AFP leaves possible MDT upgrade to PH, US policy makers
Published Aug 12, 2026 04:52 pm
At A Glance
- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said any decision to update the 75-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) rests with policymakers in Manila and Washington as both countries face evolving security challenges.
- AFP spokesperson retired admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the MDT undergoes constant review and may be upgraded by both parties if needed to reflect current realities, including developments in the West Philippine Sea.
- The Philippines and US have also approved their 2027 defense activities, with the plan covering joint training, capability development and maritime security cooperation. The AFP is still finalizing the number of activities, including those in the WPS.
A Philippine Navy (PN) AW109 naval helicopter with tail number NH434 maneuvers to lay down a sling and net of external load during a Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) operation involving the PN missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FFG15) and the United States Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL-757) in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea on May 30, 2026. (Photo: PN)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said any decision to update the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) rests with policy makers in Manila and Washington as the two allies confront growing security challenges in the region.
AFP spokesperson retired admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the 75-year-old treaty is subject to regular review to ensure that it remains relevant to current conditions.
“The Mutual Defense Treaty is an agreement between both countries. This undergoes constant review to make [it] relevant to the times,” Trinidad said.
“If necessary, both parties review and upgrade to make them reflect the current realities. So we leave it up to the policy-level decision makers of both countries on whether the MDT has to be enhanced or to be made more relevant to current challenges,” he added.
The admiral was asked whether the MDT should be reviewed or modernized as China continues to carry out “aggressive” activities in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The MDT was signed by the Philippines and the United States on Aug. 30, 1951 to serve as the foundation of the two countries' mutual defense commitments.
The treaty is set to mark its 75th anniversary on Aug. 30, as Manila and Washington continue to strengthen military cooperation amid tensions in the South China Sea.
Relatedly, the AFP and US military recently approved a new slate of bilateral defense activities for next year.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and US Pacific Command (Pacom) chief Admiral Samuel John Paparo Jr. signed the 2027 Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) Plan of Activities during their meeting at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Aug. 7.
The plan covers joint training and exercises, defense capability development, and maritime security cooperation, among other areas.
Trinidad said the AFP was still consolidating the figures on the number of activities approved for 2027, including those that will be held in the WPS.
The MDB-SEB serves as a mechanism for coordinating the defense and security interests of the Philippines and the United States, and the MDB-SEB meeting focused on improving interoperability between Filipino and US forces while addressing evolving regional security concerns.
The AFP said Nafarrete and Paparo also reaffirmed the importance of sustained bilateral engagement in dealing with security challenges and advancing defense capabilities.