Speaker pushes for more US-PH exercises, military financing

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez sought the expansion of joint Ph-US military exercises and appealed for increased US military financing during his series of meetings with US lawmakers, including Sen. William Francis Hagerty of Tennessee.

He made the proposals during his engagements in the past three days with US lawmakers, including Hagerty, Sen. Christopher Van Hollen of Maryland, Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama, and other US officials to promote national defense and regional security cooperation.

Romualdez 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 US 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,” Romualdez said

In a forum in Manila, Various experts, including former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Emmanueln Bautista, pushed for broader international support for the Philippines amid China’s increased belligerency in the West Philippine Sea.

They made the statement in a closeddoor forum on Thursday organized by international think tank Stratbase in partnership with the United States Institute of Peace.