Lugar Asks $250 Million in Manila Aid
The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee asked the Administration today to increase its aid package to the Philippines by $100 million as a dramatic demonstration of U.S. support for the new government of Corazon Aquino.
Sen. Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) said President Reagan’s request for an additional $150 million in assistance for the Philippines is welcome but inadequate. Lugar is calling for $250 million.
“More is involved here than simply an infusion of economic resources,” Lugar said at a committee hearing. “What we are talking about is a demonstration of political support--a dramatic demonstration--for a friendly government in time of urgent need.”
Aquino has appealed to the United States for a substantial increase in aid to support the Philippines in a struggle to emerge from years of economic abuse, mismanagement and capital flight under President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The United States is providing the Philippine government with $236 million in assistance, including $180 million for the use of Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base. The bases are vital to U.S. strategic interests in the Western Pacific.
Reagan has proposed an additional $50 million in military assistance and $100 million in economic support funds for the Philippines.
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