On February 11th, The Philippines made the official announcement, the longtime U.S Ally, Washington, is at loss with their security blanket now.

One article provides information on the cause of the issue:

“It’s about time we rely on ourselves. We will strengthen our own defenses and not rely on any other country,” Philippine presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said at a regular press briefing, quoting Duterte.”

To end this pact will also mean South China will be given a win.

“If the mutual defense treaty collapses, it would be a huge win for China,” Grossman said. “This would send exactly the wrong message to Washington’s remaining allies and partners – that is, you simply shouldn’t trust that the US will defend or assist you against China, and it is, therefore, right to question the value of the American presence in the Indo-Pacific in the years to come.” A second article states.

Over the years, there had been threats to abandon the Philippines military alliance with the United States. The announcement to terminate the agreement was interpreted as:

“An attempt by Duterte to extract concessions from Washington, which regards military cooperation with Manila as crucial to countering Beijing’s activities in the South China Sea.”

U.S President Donald Trump, however, does not have any concerns about the issue.

“I really don’t mind, if they would like to do that,” Trump said on Wednesday. “We’ll save a lot of money.” Another article states.

From 2016 to 2019, the U.S had spent over 500 million on military assistance towards the Philippines. This is a top recipient of U.S aid.

“Trump’s willingness to let the agreement end certainly hurts US credibility,” said Amy Searight, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia who is now a senior adviser at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “Being so dismissive of alliance relationships hurts our image in Southeast Asia.” Claims an article.

The pact, which has been running since 1999, is now scheduled to end in 180 days.

“the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] will now support his [Duterte] move since he has increased the defense budget, funded the military’s modernization program, and promoted senior officers who will be loyal to him,” Another article finalizes.