PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expanded his predecessor's move to put the Philippines in the cross-hairs of China's People Liberation Army's nuclear missiles by giving the US military full access to nine military and civilian facilities obviously intended to be used against their rival in Asia.

However, the Philippines has been an underpaid puppet. The US economic and military aid has even been reduced, after Marcos implemented the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that authorized the use by the US military of nine Philippine bases. From an annual average in such aid ("obligation" basis, in 2016 US dollars) of $384 million from 2016 to 2021, or roughly during President Duterte's administration, US military and economic assistance averaged only $219 million from 2022 to 2024, or during Marcos' watch, according to data from the US State Department.

Register to unlock this article

Register to read this story and more for free.

Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience.

Continue

OR

See our subscription options.

Already have an account? Log in here