Senator Robin Padilla wants to ensure ordinary Filipinos understand the particular gains and opportunities from the recently concluded Balikatan Exercises between the Philippines and United States.
Padilla, in filing Senate Resolution 1026, sought a hearing on the matter by the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media, which he chairs, to inform the public of the success of Balikatan 2024.
“It is important that every Filipino would understand the Balikatan Exercise, the need for it, the gains of the country as well as the prospects and opportunities for the people,” the legislator said in his resolution.
“Dissemination of public information as regards Balikatan Exercise should also be an indicator on the success of the conduct of the said joint exercises.”
“Dissemination of public information as regards Balikatan Exercise should also be an indicator on the success of the conduct of the said joint exercises,” the lawmaker added.
The senator noted the 39th annual US-PH Balikatan Exercise this year focused on external defense operations, cyber defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, as well as inter-agency interoperability of military units and government agencies to work together in crises – “may it be a disaster or armed attack.”
He added President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had lauded the successful conduct of the Balikatan exercises and congratulated participating troops from the Philippines and US.
“We are looking forward to next year’s Balikatan that will include full battle simulation.”
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., for his part, likewise lauded the success of this year’s Balikatan and disclosed they are looking forward to next year’s exercises that will include full battle simulation.
Yet, Teodoro said many Filipinos “are still not fully aware and informed of what the Balikatan Exercise is and how it could impact the lives of the people.”
