By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Acknowledging that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez on Sunday (28 April 2024) said the US can help the Philippines modernize and strengthen its military capabilities in exchange for the agreements with the country’s former colonial ruler.
“Ang relasyon natin ngayon sa Amerika, siyempre, ang exchange diyan ay ang EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) at ang Visiting Forces Agreement. Pero ‘yung EDCA ang pinaka-ano sa lahat. ‘Yung EDCA, kailangan din natin ‘yun dahil makakatulong sa’tin, especially for climate resiliency and preparedness,” Romualdez revealed in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
The country’s top diplomat in the US noted that the Philippines is in its “best relationship” with the US right now, with the two nations “rebooting” their relationship at the helm of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Romualdez, 76, is the second cousin of the 66-year-old PBBM.
He added that he is expecting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), with the help of the United States, will be equipped against any threats in the West Philippine Sea by the end of the Marcos Jr. administration.
Romualdez said both the Republican and Democratic parties are in support of the Philippines, believing that the AFP should be strengthened to improve its defensive and deterrence capabilities.
It was learned that the Foreign Military Financing grant assistance from the US aims to provide the Philippines with $500 million a year in the next five fiscal years up to 2029.
(el Amigo/MNM)