Amid unprecedented challenges, our mutual support and collaboration demonstrate that this “friendship and devotion” endure and thrive today. This assistance complements long-term US investments in the Philippine health system totaling nearly P28 billion over the past 20 years. As treaty allies, we strengthened our partnership this year to support the Philippines’ military modernization to defend the nation from emerging challenges. Part of that commitment is upholding international law in the West Philippines Sea and standing up for your rights to the rich maritime resources that rightly belong to you. In July, the US reiterated its unequivocal support for the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that validated the Philippines’ rights to its waters in the West Philippines Sea.

Source: Manila Times December 29, 2020 15:56 UTC