President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed a “very friendly” and “productive” phone call with US President-elect Donald Trump, focusing on enhancing the longstanding alliance between their countries. Speaking in Catanduanes, where he was assessing Typhoon Pepito’s damage, Marcos stated, “I expressed our continuing desire to strengthen that relationship between our two countries.” He emphasized the deep historical ties between the nations and conveyed plans to meet Trump soon.
Marcos noted Trump’s interest in the Philippines, adding that he mentioned the significant support from Filipino-Americans in the recent US elections. Trump also inquired about Marcos’s 95-year-old mother, Imelda Marcos, to which Marcos responded, “She’s congratulating you.”
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Palawan to reaffirm the US commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. At a press conference, Austin underscored, “The Mutual Defense Treaty applies to armed attacks… including our coast guards, anywhere in the South China Sea.”
Austin’s visit concluded with significant engagements, including the signing of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, enhancing military information-sharing. The two also led the launch of a new Combined Coordination Center (CCC) and observed US-provided unmanned vessels in action.
Both nations reiterated their stand against provocations in the South China Sea, where Chinese actions have raised regional tensions.
