By Mortz C. Ortigoza, MPA
Because a significant part of the government funds -- ₱700 billion annually or equivalent to roughly 20% of the national budget -- goes to the pockets of plundering Philippines officials, I pity seeing our airforce joining the yearly Cope Thunder being held at either Clark or Basa Air Base with our lightfigher cum trainer FA-50s operates with either the American F-16 multiple role figher (in years 2024 and 2025) and the superiority fighter’s F-22 Raptor for this year’s exercise.
Exercise Cope Thunder 26-1 started in April 6 and concluded on April 17, 2026 at Clark by bringing together the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) for intensive two-week joint air combat training. The exercise featured PAF FA-50s and U.S. F-22 Raptors, focusing on interoperability, defensive counter-air operations, and combat readiness in Northern Luzon.