Philippines to borrow Usd 5.58 billion for F-16s instead of getting another Bridge

Philippines to borrow Usd 5.58 billion for F-16s instead of getting another Bridge like the Usd 3.83 billion Bataan-Cavite Bridge

The Philippines' Ambassador the United States (US) Jose Manuel Romualdez said recently that they plan to ask for a Long Term Loan to buy 20 brandnew F-16 Fighter Aircraft and other Defense Equipment from the US Government.

He said that they will soon be discussing the Terms of the Loan with the US. He also said that if the Deal pushes through, the F-16s will be delivered in several Batches just like the Philippines' acquisition of the S-70i Black Hawk Helicopters.

MY NOTES:
Ambassador Romualdez, who actually acts more like the US’ Ambassador to the Philippines, is referring to the recent offer of the US to the Philippines of 20 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 70/72 Fighter Aircraft that is worth Usd 5.58 billion.

That’s Php 319 billion by the Way, assuming an Exchange Rate of Php 57.17 per US Dollar. Note that the proposed Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge which is 32 km long and is set to be the longest Bridge in the Philippines cost much less than than, only Php 219 billion or around Usd 3.83 billion.

Put it another Way, the Railway Line that China helped fund and build for Laos costs about as much as these F-16 Aircraft, around Usd 6 billion. But that Railway is 414 km long, with around 75 Tunnels and 157 Bridges, with Trains that can run up to 160 kph.

So, instead of spending on our much-needed Infrastructure, we will instead borrow Money to buy such expensive Aircraft that probably won’t be able to get off the Ground if they, their Airbases and their Runways are destroyed by Chinese Missiles anyway in times of War.

When it comes to the US, we really can’t expect anything from them aside from War, War and more WAR!!! I am just shaking my Head for our beloved Philippines right now under this Bangag Administration ...

SOURCES:
* https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/941484/ph-eyes-possible-u-s-financing-to-acquire-20-u-s-fighter-jets-envoy/story/
* https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1228763
* https://constructionreviewonline.com/project-timelines/the-completion-of-the-china-laos-railway-project-and-all-you-need-to-know/

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