U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed he will visit the Philippines next year as the country prepares to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
The announcement was made by Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez during a recent interview with NewsWatch Plus PH. According to Romualdez, Trump personally expressed his intention to come to Manila during a private conversation at the Oval Office following a lunch meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“He said, yes, I will definitely go… If I’m invited, I’ll go,” Romualdez shared.
The ambassador emphasized the growing rapport between the two leaders, noting that Trump and Marcos share a “good personal relationship.” He recalled how Trump even asked about former first lady Imelda Marcos during their exchange, a gesture Romualdez said hinted at a deepening connection.
President Marcos was in Washington, D.C. from July 20 to 22, making him the first Southeast Asian leader to visit Trump since the U.S. president took office in January. While in the capital, Marcos also met with State Secretary Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Romualdez also addressed concerns over the recent announcement that a 19 percent tariff will be imposed on Philippine exports to the U.S., up from the previous 17 percent. While acknowledging the hike, he urged the public not to panic or respond negatively.
“Pag ganun lagi ang isip natin, ano makukuha natin, walang mangyayari sa atin sa ganyan,” he said, encouraging Filipinos to focus instead on long-term benefits and regional cooperation.
He clarified that discussions on the tariff rates are ongoing and that what has been announced is merely an initial figure.
“It’s just a, I would call it a beginning balance,” he noted, adding that further negotiations will determine the final terms.
