President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his projected victory in the 2024 US presidential election, as reported by Fox News. In a press statement on Friday, Marcos lauded Trump’s win as a testament to the strength of American democracy and values.
“President Trump has won, and the American people triumphed, and I congratulate them for their victory in an exercise that showcased the strength of American values,” Marcos stated. The Philippine leader expressed his anticipation of collaborating with Trump on various issues, emphasizing the historical and deep-rooted partnership between the Philippines and the United States.
Marcos described the US-Philippine alliance as “unshakeable,” forged through shared experiences in both war and peace. He expressed confidence that this enduring partnership would continue to promote prosperity and peace across the Pacific.
“This is a durable partnership the Philippines is fully committed to because it is founded on the ideals we share: freedom and democracy,” he added. Marcos, recalling an earlier meeting with Trump during his youth, praised the US leader’s resilience and leadership, predicting positive outcomes for both nations.
Trump’s return marks a significant political comeback four years after leaving the White House. Despite the tumult of January 6, 2021, when his supporters stormed Congress, Trump’s 2024 campaign resonated with a wide range of voters, securing a broad base of support across the US.
Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, reassured that the alliance between the two countries would remain strong regardless of the US election outcome. He noted that both Trump’s and his opponent Kamala Harris’s camps assured continuity in foreign policy.
However, former Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. suggested that a Harris victory might have been more favorable for the Philippines’ economic landscape, citing potential trade challenges under Trump’s tariff policies. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the election result would not impact the US stance on the South China Sea, where tensions with China persist.
The US State Department has reiterated its commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines amid rising incidents in disputed waters, underscoring their joint defense responsibilities.
Ambassador Romualdez confirmed that the treaty’s implementation will remain unchanged, regardless of the US election outcome.
