PHILIPPINE STAR/ WALTER BOLLOZOS

A FORMER CONGRESSMAN on Wednesday disapproved of the Philippines’ involvement in joint exercises with the United States, citing that it would only raise tension in the region.

“The Balikatan and Salaknib exercises are not about defending the Philippines; they are about projecting US power in the region,” former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate said in a statement.

Mr. Zarate added that these exercises undermine the Philippines’ sovereignty and expose it to “heightened geopolitical tensions,” particularly in the South China Sea.

“The presence of foreign troops and the conduct of war games on Philippine soil are an insult to our people and a direct threat to our peace and security,” he said.

Manila and Beijing have repeatedly clashed in the South China Sea, with both sides accusing each other of raising tensions.

A United Nations-backed tribunal based in The Hague in 2016 voided China’s claims to more than 80% of the waterway, for being illegal.

Amid the increasing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea, the Philippines has been seeking more foreign defense deals with countries like the US, Australia, Japan, and Canada.

Mr. Zarate added that the resources being used for the military exercise should instead go to funding poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education.

“The Marcos Jr. administration’s eagerness to participate in these war games reveals a dangerous lack of independent foreign policy and a willingness to sacrifice our national interests for the sake of US patronage,” he said.

The Philippines and the US Army are conducting a three-week joint military exercise, mainly focusing on territorial defense and commanding large-scale deployments of forces. About 5,000 soldiers from the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific will participate in the drills. — Adrian H. Halili