Trump invites Philippines to join US-led Board of Peace amid financial constraints

US President Donald Trump has invited the Philippines to join his Board of Peace, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Thursday.

However, the country may not be able to make a monetary contribution to the US-led grouping due to financial constraints.

Romualdez said Trump has written to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., and that the invitation is being reviewed.

"We're looking at what kind of commitment is being asked of us. We have to find out how we can be of help. We've always been for finding a way to contribute to any kind of peace effort," Romualdez told reporters.

GMA News Online has sought a comment from the US Embassy in Manila and will publish it as soon as it is available.

Romualdez on Thursday spoke at the launch of the Philippines-US logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of their bilateral relations.

The board to be chaired by Trump is envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing his plan for Gaza’s rehabilitation, but later on evolved to be a larger grouping that seeks to become a mediator of global conflicts, similar to the functions of the United Nations.

To become a permanent member, each country would need to contribute $1 billion. Southeast Asian nations Vietnam and Indonesia have joined the group.

Romualdez said the Philippines, Washington's longest treaty ally in Asia, is looking at other non-monetary means, such as human resources, to contribute to the organization, citing a lack of funding.

"The one billion is basically for those who want to be permanent members. I don't think at this point in time we can afford to put any kind of amount of money outside," Romualdez said.

"If this is something that the Philippines can be part of, then very likely we'll accept the invitation," he added.

Romualdez said the Philippines will send its response to the White House in the next two weeks. –NB, GMA Integrated News