US Commits $66 Million For Defense Cooperation With Philippines

The US has earmarked $66 million in foreign military funding to Philippines for the construction of military facilities under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

“Let me point out that we have about $66 million in foreign military funding in process for the Philippines and we expect that there will be additional sources of funds for both carrying out EDCA to military construction funds and also to increases in what we call the maritime security initiative,” Philippine Ambassador Philip Goldberg was quoted as saying by Philstar news daily at a media forum Wednesday.

“So we will work through all of those figures and also working with our Congress, which of course you have to deal with as well in terms of what the Philippines may bring to the table,” he said.

The ambassador also pointed out there would be no new military base under EDCA.

“EDCA is designed to support what the Philippines is trying to do in terms of building a minimum credible defense, in terms of modernizing and equipping its armed forces,” he added.

He cited US assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard for the establishment and operation of a National Coast Watch Center.

Japan and Australia are also helping the Philippines as the country embarks on building a minimum credible defense system.