Marcos: PH-US reaffirm alliance on economy, security after visit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday that he, US President Donald Trump, and other key American officials had “productive discussions” during his three-day official visit as Manila and Washington, D.C. reaffirmed their commitments. 

“We’ve reaffirmed our mutual commitment to further strengthening our long-standing alliance and growing our economies for the benefit of the people and in pursuit of our national interests,” said Marcos in a statement following his arrival on Wednesday evening. “We exchange views on key regional and international security issues, focusing on how the two countries could cooperate and contribute towards addressing common challenges and priorities.”

Security 

Marcos said he and Trump reaffirmed the two countries’ “ironclad commitment” to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty amid growing tension in the Indo-Pacific region. 

“I thank the United States for its consistent support for the preservation of regional peace and stability and for upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea,” said Marcos. 

“We discussed enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity, energy supply, resilience and critical infrastructure. I underscored the importance of our multilateral engagement, especially with neighboring countries to continue to reinforce the network of common alliances in the region,” he added. 

Economy

Marcos also welcomed the US government’s pledge of an additional $15 million for private sector development under the Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative and an additional $48 million in foreign assisted projects. 

“We will continue to work with the State Department as well with the US Congress for the implementation of these programs,” he said. 

“I conveyed to President Trump that we remain positive about the future of Philippine-US trade, including investment relations, especially in the context of economic security and a fair, balanced reciprocal trade. We expressed our commitment to continue engaging his team to further bolster Philippine-US ties and strengthen Philippines economic security.” 

Marcos also met with business leaders and top executives of leading global investment, healthcare, infrastructure, and semiconductor companies. 

“We return to the Philippines with over $21 billion in investment pledges that have the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos within our country,” he shared. 

Further, Marcos was also welcomed by Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in different meetings where they discussed maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. 

Following his visit, Marcos also expressed his intent to host Trump next year to attend the ASEAN Summit in Manila, which also coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Philippines and US diplomatic relations and the 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty. 

“The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally, and my visit to meet the new president is important in advancing our historic and dynamic cooperation, mutual respect and shared strategic interests,” the Philippine leader said. 

Relief efforts

 Moreover, Marcos thanked the US government for its assistance to the Philippines in relief efforts as most parts of the country are affected by the heavy downpour and flooding due to the Southwest Monsoon. 

“Finally, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the US government and its people, not only for their warm hospitality during my short visit, but also for extending support to our response efforts in aiding communities and areas affected by the Southwest Monsoon,” he said. 

“Sa gitna ng kalidad, inuuna ng inyong pamahalaan ang kaligtasan, kalusugan at kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino. Patuloy ang ating pagtugon sa epekto ng malakas na pag-ulan at pagbaha dulot ng Habagat sa iba’t-ibang panig ng bansa,” Marcos added. 

(In the middle of calamity, your government prioritizes the safety, health and welfare of every Filipino. Our efforts to respond to the heavy rain and flooding caused by the Habagat in different parts of the country will continue.)  — RF, GMA Integrated News