A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flies over Afghanistan, March 17, 2020. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers war-winning airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Lotz

MANILA — The Philippines’ defense department said Wednesday it has yet to receive a formal offer and proposal on the potential sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets by Washington to Manila.

“Naghihintay pa kami ng formal offer and proposal. Wala pa kaming natatanggap na formal offer and proposal hanggang sa ngayon,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told reporters in Mandaluyong City.

US approves $5.58-B sale of F-16 fighter jets to Philippines

Earlier this month, the United States government approved the possible sale of $5.58 billion in F-16 fighter jets and related equipment to the Philippines.

In its statement, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said Manila had requested to buy 16 F-16s or single-seat, single-engine fighter jets and four F-16Ds or dual-seat jets that are usually used for training purposes.

Manufacturer Lockheed Martin said F-16s are the world’s most advanced fourth-generation fighters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier said it was keeping all options available for its multi-role fighter (MRF) aircraft acquisition.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military needs multi-role fighter jets to enhance the country’s defense capabilities.

“Pinag-aaralan natin lahat ng options natin. Definitely, gusto nating bumili ng multi-role fighters kasi kailangan natin sa pagdepensa ng ating bansa, whether these are the F-16, the Gripen or whatever multi-role fighters. Pinag-aaralan po natin iyan,” Brawner said in a chance interview at Camp General Mateo Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal on April 14.