MANILA. The long-standing defense agreements between the Philippines and the United States will remain unchanged under U.S. President Donald Trump, according to Manila’s ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez. Speaking on Monday at a foreign media forum in Manila, Romualdez reaffirmed the strength of the alliance between the two nations despite shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
“The United States and the Philippines have always been staunch defense allies,” Romualdez stated, highlighting the continued rotation of U.S. troops in the country and the annual joint military exercises between the two nations. When asked about the future of U.S. security support for the Philippines, including military financing, maritime patrols in the South China Sea, and access to Philippine defense facilities under the alliance, he responded, “All of that will remain.”
Strengthened Military Support and Security Assistance
The Trump administration recently released $5.3 billion in previously frozen foreign aid, including $336 million allocated for the modernization of the Philippine security forces. Romualdez emphasized that this funding underscores Washington’s commitment to Manila’s defense needs. “We’re hopeful that the succeeding monies will be made available to us in the next couple of years,” he said, referring to the $500 million pledge from the United States last year to support the Philippine military and coast guard amid increasing Chinese assertiveness in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
In addition to financial aid, the United States has deployed a Typhon multipurpose missile system to the Philippines for training exercises. The move has drawn criticism from China, which claims that such deployments threaten regional stability. Despite this, Romualdez expressed confidence in the continued U.S. support for the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Potential Meeting Between Marcos and Trump
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared to travel to Washington for a meeting with President Trump once scheduling allows, possibly in the spring. This meeting is expected to further solidify defense and economic ties between the two nations.
Trade Negotiations and Economic Cooperation
Romualdez also highlighted ongoing trade discussions between Manila and Washington. He noted that the Philippines aims to increase its import of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. as part of a broader economic exchange. “Trump’s idea of what the United States wants to do is helping other countries become a real partner,” Romualdez explained. The Philippines is looking for a “give and take” approach in trade negotiations to ensure mutually beneficial agreements.
His remarks come as Southeast Asian nations, including Vietnam and Thailand, scramble to adjust their trade policies following Trump’s directive to review all U.S. trade relationships by April 1.
Impact on U.S. Aid Projects in the Philippines
Despite strengthened military cooperation, the freeze order on certain U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds could affect 29 ongoing projects in the Philippines, valued at over $600 million. These projects span critical sectors such as health, education, and economic development.
Finance Undersecretary Domini Velasquez stated that the Philippine government is actively exploring alternative financing sources to ensure the continuation of these initiatives. “The government is in discussions with other bilateral partners and state agencies to secure the necessary funding,” Velasquez said.
As Manila navigates its evolving security and economic partnership with Washington, Romualdez remains optimistic that the alliance will continue to strengthen, balancing defense commitments with economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
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