The US Senate has approved a defense measure authorizing roughly ₱147 billion ($2.5 billion) in security assistance for the Philippines over five years, included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Bill now awaiting signature by President Donald Trump.
The Philippines Enhanced Resilience Act, introduced by Sens. Bill Hagerty and Tim Kaine, aims to deepen defense cooperation amid growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.
“As the United States and the Philippines face growing challenges to security and prosperity in the West Philippines Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific, it’s critical for our two nations to deepen cooperation and raise our decades-long Alliance to even greater heights,” Hagerty said.
“The legislation will significantly increase US security assistance to the Philippines and profoundly strengthen and modernize the defense and deterrence capabilities of our alliance,” he added.
The measure authorizes up to $500 million (around ₱28 billion) in foreign military financing grants annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
It also requires annual reports from the State Department, in coordination with the Defense Department, detailing spending plans and assessments on Philippine defense needs, including coastal defense, long-range fires, air defenses, maritime security, aerial systems, ground mobility, intelligence, surveillance, and cybersecurity.
“The Philippines is a key ally of the United States, and we must strengthen cooperation with our partners across the region to counter China’s aggression and help ensure freedom, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” Kaine said.
He welcomed the inclusion of the legislation in this year’s defense bill.
Once enacted, the provision would mark one of the largest US defense assistance commitments to the Philippines in recent years, reinforcing the longstanding alliance.