AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla (PNA file photo)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public on Tuesday that the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which governs the long-standing “Balikatan” military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, will remain unaffected by the recent suspension of US foreign assistance.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla emphasized that the VFA and its associated programs are treaties independent of the US foreign aid program.
“On the side of the AFP, we have our long-standing agreements with the US, including the VFA, where the ‘Balikatan’ exercises are anchored. Through the years, these agreements have remained solid, even during the early days of President Trump’s administration,” Padilla said during a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The clarification came after reports that former US President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day suspension of foreign development assistance to review its alignment with his foreign policy goals.
Padilla noted that the potential impact of this suspension “will be assessed by higher authorities” but reiterated that it does not affect treaties like the VFA or military exercises such as “Balikatan.”
‘Balikatan 2025,’ one of the largest in history
In a related development, Padilla announced that the upcoming “Balikatan” exercises for 2025 are expected to be among the largest ever held.
The annual military drills, which traditionally focus on strengthening the interoperability of Philippine and US forces, are set to expand further as more nations have expressed interest in actively participating.
“Planning for this year’s ‘Balikatan’ is still ongoing, and some countries have shown interest in joining. However, these nations are yet to confirm what assets they will bring to the exercise,” Padilla said.
She added that the number of participating nations and troops is yet to be finalized, but early indications suggest it will surpass previous years.
The “Balikatan” exercises, which initially focused on air, land, and sea operations, now also include cyber operations, reflecting the evolving nature of global security threats.
These drills serve as a critical platform for joint training, disaster response, and regional defense readiness. With the inclusion of new participants, the scope of the exercises is expected to broaden further, enhancing collaboration among allied nations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Military partnership remains strong
The AFP’s assurance of continuity in the VFA and “Balikatan” underscores the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the United States in promoting regional security and stability.
Despite geopolitical uncertainties and shifts in foreign policy, the military alliance remains a cornerstone of both nations’ strategic interests.
As “Balikatan 2025” gears to be a landmark event, the AFP reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong international defense ties while addressing modern security challenges.