Manila, Dec. 29 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday welcomed the United States Senate's approval of a bill authorizing the allocation of a USD2.5-billion five-year grant to the Philippine military.

"The AFP welcomes developments that strengthen the country's defense and security posture, particularly initiatives that support the modernization, capability development and readiness of our forces," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to the media.

She assured that any support received by the AFP is "utilized transparently, responsibly, and in accordance with existing laws, policies, and alliances."

Padilla said details, policy implications and the official position on the proposed US milita...