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U.S. Increases Military Spending in Philippines
Sunday, July 28, 2002
(07:00)
Radio Australia News

Location -- Source
The United States has announced it will increase military spending in the Philippines.

As Shirley Escalante reports, Manila is set to receive 55-million U-S dollars - that's 30-million dollars more than the Bush administation requested from Congress.

The Philippine Ambassador to Washington reports an increased military aid to the Philippines for this year. Ambassador Alberto Del Rosario says 55-million U-S dollars has been allotted by the United States in military financing. U-S President George Bush initially requested Congress to approve 25-million U-S dollars for the Philippines. On top of this the Bush administration is also asking Congress for an additional 15-million U-S dollars in economic support for the impoverished Philippine island of Mindanao. The Ambassador says augmented financial support is in appreciation of President Gloria Arroyo's support for the U-S led global war against terrorism, and signals America's desire for sustained military cooperation with the Philippines.
(ABC.net.au News Source)
2002 © Radio Australia News.

Dan