PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has emphasized the importance of the prevailing alliance of the Philippines and United States to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
In his opening remarks during his bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Monday, July 21, 2025, Marcos recognized the importance of the alliance of the two countries.
He raised the need for continued bilateral discussions between the Philippines and US amid rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics.
He expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of the US government through joint military exercises and the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“That forms a very, very important part of that relationship. And again, it is a proper response considering the challenges that we face in the Philippines specifically vis-à-vis the changing geopolitical forces and the political developments around our part of the world,” Marcos said.
“We must continue to be in discussion. We must continue to evolve that relationship as the circumstances, the context in which we operate has evolved,” he added.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and Defense Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., who oversees acquisition and resource management, were also present during the meeting.
Upon Marcos’ arrival at the Pentagon, he was accorded an enhanced honor cordon, a ceremonial welcome reserved for high-ranking foreign dignitaries and military leaders.
Marcos is currently in Washington, D.C. for a three-day official visit, which includes a meeting with US President Donald Trump. He is the first Southeast Asian leader to be received by Trump during his second term in office. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)