Manila, April 11 -- The expanded joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States will strengthen the country's defense capabilities while preserving its independent foreign policy.

In a statement on Friday, Speaker Martin Romualdez lauded the joint efforts as a display of commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and "an investment in preparedness and mutual trust."

"Ang mga ganitong pagsasanay ay mahalaga para maging matatag ang kakayahan nating protektahan ang ating teritoryo at ang ating mga mamamayan sa pakikipagtulungan sa ating mga kaibigan. Gayunman, mahalagang tandaan na tayo pa rin ang may hawak ng ating kinabukasan bilang isang bansang nagsasarili (These types of exercises are important to strengthen our abil...