Defense Secretary Teodoro says F-16C Fighter Aircraft not formally offered yet to the Philippines

Defense Secretary Teodoro says F-16C Fighter Aircraft not formally offered yet to the Philippines, not sure if they will get it

Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro told the Press in Singapore recently that they haven't formally received an Offer for the sale of the F-16C Fighting Falcon Aircraft from the United States (US), and that even if they did, they are still not sure if they will get it.

Quoting from him directly: "As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing on the Table for me to consider. We have not even decided, number one, when we will acquire a Multi-Role Fighter and what Model". He also dismissed the possible sale as just "Media Hype".

You can access the Article at the "Defense News" Website here: https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2025/06/02/philippines-defense-boss-throws-cold-water-on-large-f-16-buy-from-us/

MY THOUGHTS:
If there is no formal offer or request from them for those F-16 Aircraft, then clearly by approving its sale, the Administration of Donald Trump is indirectly saying or implying to the Philippines that they want us to buy it.

Probably in exchange for all the Troop and Missile deployment they have been doing in our Country which they see as a “Favor” to us, but actually benefit them more as it will help protect Taiwan which the United States (US) loves so much.

I also found it amusing that Gibo is trying to act tough against the US when he is likely depending on them when he is acting tough against China. He is the second Philippine Government Official to put doubts on the acquisition of the F-16s though, the other one being Ambassador Jose Romualdez as I posted about recently.

If they don’t really want the F-16s, I think they are hoping that acquiring other Weapons and Equipment from the US instead will keep the US “happy”. But if the US insists so and starts pressuring them, then I am not sure if they will be able to resist it since they are literally depending so much on them right now.

#defensesecretary #giboteodoro #f16c #philippines #singapore #unitedstates #fightingfalcon #donaldtrump #china #joseromualdez