MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government welcomed the United States’ decision to exempt its security assistance to Manila from a temporary freeze on global foreign aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Monday.

Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged the development in a press briefing on Tuesday.

“Natutuwa po tayo na nagkaroon nga po ng direktiba si US President (Donald) Trump na 90 days magkakaroon ng ipi-freeze ang foreign aid,” Castro said.

“Kung nagkaroon po tayo ng exemption at nagkaroon po tayo at ibibigay po at iri-release ang 500 million dollars foreign financing sa atin, ito po ay napakalaking bagay at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa suporta na iyan,” she added.

According to the DFA, Washington informed Manila that a portion of its foreign military financing would be exempted from the temporary suspension. 

The US previously announced a $500 million security assistance package for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Castro said the exemption reflects continued defense cooperation between the two countries. She also noted that AFP modernization efforts are proceeding with financial support from the US

The US State Department recently implemented a 90-day freeze on most foreign assistance following an executive order issued by President Trump. However, the Philippines’ security assistance remains unaffected by the pause.