File image of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a Hamilton-class cutter of the Philippine Navy.

Malacañang stressed that modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is needed following Washington’ freezing of military aid to Ukraine.

Palace statement was in reaction to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez’s remarks that the country needs to beef up its military after US n suspended its aid to Ukraine.

We really need the AFP modernization so we will not depend on our allies, Malacanang said.

But, Romualdez had emphasized that the current “winds of change” in international relations favor the Philippines, highlighting its critical role in the region.

He said the Philippines would not be included in any freeze of military aid, as confirmed by the US government.

Prior commitments remain intact, with the US promising up to $500 million in foreign military financing to bolster the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The AFP had said some projects under its modernization program would continue after the US exempted the $336-million fund from its foreign aid freeze.