SPEAKER ROMUALDEZ SEEKS EXPANDED MULTILATERAL JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES

Romualdez made the proposals during his engagements with U.S. lawmakers, including Hagerty, Sen. Christopher Van Hollen of Maryland, Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama, and other U.S. officials from April 16, 17 and 18 to promote national defense and regional security cooperation.

The House leader underscored the importance of expanded multilateral joint military exercises in the Philippines not only to improve its defense strategies but also to foster stronger ties with other allies, ensuring peace and stability in the region.

He cited the effectiveness of the Balikatan exercises with the U.S. and related activities with other regional allies.

“These exercises have shown their significant importance in boosting our tactical and operational prowess. With this program, we can improve stability, security, and peace in the Asia-Pacific region and better safeguard our nation,” the Speaker said.

Aside from the Speaker, the Philippine delegation included Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino ll, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” Velasco, Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano, and House Deputy Secretary Generals Jennifer “Jef” Baquiran and Sofonias “Ponyong” Gabonada Jr., and other House officials and Philippine embassy officers.

Romualdez also proposed increasing United States foreign military financing (FMF) to the Philippines from USD40 million.

“Given the strength of our alliance, the complexity of our evolving challenges, and our expanding engagements, I hope you will agree that the FMF also needs an increase,” Romualdez said.

He also expressed his “deep gratitude” to Hagerty, a Republican, and Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, a Democrat, for introducing in the US Senate the PERA of 2024, a bill that seeks USD500 million a year in FMF for the Philippines from 2025 through 2029, or a total of USD2.5 billion for five years.

The bipartisan measure was introduced last Tuesday, April 10, a day before the trilateral summit in Washington D.C. of U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In filing the proposed law, Hagerty said the United States and the Philippines should deepen further cooperation and raise the decades-long alliance to even greater heights.

For his part, Kaine said it is essential that the people of the Philippines have the resources and support they need in the face of ongoing challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

The FMF program provides grants for acquiring U.S. defense equipment, services, and training. It aims to promote U.S. national security interests by contributing to regional and global stability, strengthening military support for democratically-elected governments, and containing transnational threats, including terrorism and trafficking in narcotics, weapons, and persons.

Also among the topics discussed was the status of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States, including the announcement of President Marcos of four additional EDCA Agreed Locations, which brought the total to nine all in all.

These are identified portions of the facilities and areas within Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; Basa Air Base, Pampanga; Antonio Bautista Air Base, Palawan; Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Cebu; Lumbia Airfield, Cagayan De Oro; Naval Base Camilo Osias (NBCO), Santa Ana, Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz (CMDC), Gamu, Isabela; Cagayan North International Airport (CNIA), Lal-lo, Cagayan; and Balabac Island, Palawan.