Philippine lawmaker urges US to donate missile cruiser amid South China Sea row

A Philippine lawmaker has appealed to the United States to show its commitment to Manila’s defence by donating one of its guided-missile cruisers that is set to be decommissioned next year.

Observers are divided on whether Washington would grant the request, with some questioning the viability of acquiring an outdated vessel requiring regular maintenance.

Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, representing Cagayan de Oro’s Second District in the southern Philippines, told reporters on Wednesday he had sent a letter to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin III, and ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, asking them to consider donating the USS Philippine Sea (CG-58).

Rodriguez said: “I am sure that it will be a big asset in our efforts to defend our territorial waters, our sovereign rights, and our personnel and fishermen from intruders.”

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, the second of the US Navy ships named after the Battle of the Philippines during World War II, was commissioned in 1989.

In previous pronouncements, the US has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines, including referring to the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty, which calls on both sides to help each other in times of external aggression.