US exempts $336-M Phl aid from freeze

Visit of Japan defense chief to boost security cooperation

- PIA LEE-BRAGO

The United States has exempted a "portion" of its military assistance to the Philippines from its foreign aid freeze, the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed yesterday. The DFA did not disclose the exact amount the US exempted.

"Both countries are committed to the treaty alliance and to efforts to further strengthen our defense cooperation and interoperability," DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement.

"We will continue to engage the US government on the importance of our bilateral work in supporting our shared goals and priorities," she added.

A Reuters report cited a list of exemptions it reviewed and the $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, mostly for security and counter-narcotics programs exempted from US President Donald Trump's order for a 90-day pause on foreign aid.

Security exemptions included $870 million for programs in Taiwan, $336 million for modernizing Philippine security forces and more than $21.5 million for body armor and armored vehicles for Ukraine's national police and border guards.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. expressed optimism that the defense agreements between the Philippines and the US would not change even as the US State Department ordered an immediate stop to almost all US foreign assistance pending a review.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US remains focused on maintaining a strategic advantage over China and on keeping the world free, after speaking to leaders of the Philippines, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

He said the focus is also on the Indo-Pacific region, citing phone calls and meetings he had with leaders of the four countries.

Hegseth reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad" commitment to a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines during a call with Teodoro on Feb. 5.

The defense chiefs held an introductory call to discuss defense cooperation between the US and the Philippines.