Speaker says trilateral meet to accelerate AFP modernization, capacitate PH with credible defense posture in WPS; cites bipartisan bill in US Senate seeking $2.5 billion security aid to PH

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez today expressed optimism the historic trilateral summit between US President Joe Biden, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Romualdez believes would help accelerate the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He said the assistance and security cooperation with the US and Japan would enhance our country's ability to maintain a credible defense posture in the face of increasing aggressive provocations by China in the West Philippine Sea.

"The trilateral meeting presents a significant opportunity for strategic collaboration among like-minded allies in the Indo-Pacific region," said Speaker Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.

"I am optimistic that the discussions between President Biden, Prime Minister Kishida, and President Marcos, Jr. will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in advancing our defense capabilities and ensuring regional security and stability."

He noted that on the eve of the historic trilateral meeting US Senators Bill Hagerty (Republican) and Tim Kaine (Democrat), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act of 2024 (PERA Act), a bill to strengthen and modernize the U.S.-Philippines alliance through significantly increased U.S. security assistance.

Among others, the bill annually authorizes $500 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to the Philippines for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029—a total of $2.5 billion over five fiscal years.

Speaker Romualdez emphasized the urgency of bolstering the AFP's modernization efforts to effectively address evolving security challenges, particularly in the West Philippine Sea to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He noted that last March 28, President Marcos, Jr. issued a statement saying the Philippines will now implement a “response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable” against increasing illegal and dangerous provocations by China.

"By working closely with our allies, we can expedite the modernization of the AFP and enhance our ability to respond effectively to any potential threats to our national security."

Furthermore, Speaker Romualdez highlighted the trilateral meeting as an opportunity to deepen diplomatic ties and foster greater cooperation in addressing common security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.

He expressed confidence that the discussions would push forward concrete initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Speaker Romualdez noted following separate high-level dialogues held last year, the Philippines and the United States agreed to develop the Philippine Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR) to support the Philippines’ defense modernization efforts.

Expected to be signed this year, the P-SSAR will facilitate US investments in the modernization of the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard by providing a clear picture of our country’s capability requirements throughout 5 years as well as technologies the U.S. can provide to match funding facilities. 

Likewise, Speaker Romualdez noted that on 5 November 2023, during the official visit to the Philippines of PM Kishida, an OSA—a new cooperation framework for security cooperation—was signed between the two countries for a grant of 600 million Yen or over USD4 million, for a brand-new Coastal Radar System,

The new Coastal Radar Systems will capacitate the AFP with additional Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

"As we confront the challenges posed by aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea, it is imperative that we stand united with our allies to uphold the rules-based order and defend our shared values and interests," Speaker Romualdez said.

He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the House of Representatives to supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the Philippines' defense capabilities and ensuring the nation's security and sovereignty. 

“The House of Representatives has been proactive in ensuring that our Armed Forces are sufficiently and properly equipped to safeguard our nation while also prioritizing the welfare of both retired and active-duty personnel,” he earlier assured AFP officials. 

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