American "Newsweek" reported that Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez told the Philippine News Agency that the procurement of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets by the Philippines has been canceled due to funding issues. Romualdez also admitted: "We are still discussing the matter, but in the end, it depends on money - there needs to be available funds." Romualdez pointed out that the Philippine Department of Defense is currently focusing on "other priority matters, rather than purchasing such expensive items."
Previously, the Philippine government approved a plan to purchase 20 F-16 fighter jets. The U.S. government also approved the sale of 16 F-16C Block 70/72 aircraft and four F-16D Block 70/72 aircraft to the Philippines this April, along with related systems, supplies, and technical support, totaling $5.58 billion. However, after all the calculations, the Philippines could not come up with the $5.58 billion, so they had to give up the procurement. For a failed country like the Philippines, trying to oppose China is pure nonsense. Now giving up the procurement of U.S.-made F-16 Block 70/72 batches may be because they were shocked by the large number of new weapons displayed during China's September 3rd military parade, realizing that buying any weapons seems useless, so it's better not to buy.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842951529840652/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.