AFP modernization needed so PH won't depend on allies — Palace

Malacañang on Wednesday stressed the need to continue the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) so that the country would not be dependent on its allies.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked about the AFP's modernization following Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez's remarks that the country needs to beef up its military after Washington suspended its aid to Ukraine.

"Yes, dapat lamang po. May ally tayo o wala tayong ally, kailangan din po nating i-prepare iyong sarili natin," Castro said at a press briefing.

(Yes, that should be the case. With or without an ally, we should prepare ourselves.)

"Iyong AFP modernization ay talagang kailangan po natin iyan para hindi naman tayo masyadong umaasa sa ating mga allies," she added.

(We really need the AFP modernization so we will not depend on our allies.)

Romualdez had emphasized that the current "winds of change" in international relations favor the Philippines, highlighting its critical role in the region.

He said the Philippines would not be included in any freeze of military aid, as confirmed by the US government.

Prior commitments remain intact, with the US promising up to $500 million in foreign military financing to bolster the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The AFP had said some projects under its modernization program would continue after the US exempted the $336-million fund from its foreign aid freeze.

United States President Donald Trump has paused military aid to Ukraine following his clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last week, a White House official said, deepening the fissure that has opened between the one-time allies. — VDV, GMA Integrated News