Marcos cites ‘turbulent times’ in PH-US ties but says friendship won

WASHINGTON—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  on Monday night (Washington time) said the friendship between the Philippines and the US had prevailed even after what he called "turbulent" between the two sides.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos said his visit to the US was "vital especially during the 'turbulent times' the relations between the Philippines and US went through in the past years."

“But similarly to our ambassadors' friendships, like two friendships,  you go to turbulent times when there are misunderstandings, when there are difficulties, when other forces prevail upon both sides of the partnership,” Marcos said during a dinner hosted by the Philippine Embassy at the Blair House.

“But between the Philippines and the United states, we have prevailed through all that like a true friendship," he added.

"And the reason for that I believe is that we truly have come to an understanding as to how we believe certain values and what is important, and our role in the world and that has never really been diminished,”  Marcos said.

‘Fundamental part’

Among the US officials who attended the dinner toast were officials of the US treasury and agriculture departments, and a trade representative.

At the dinner, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the importance of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans when it comes to building a strong foundation for the US.

Blinken said that Filipinos and Filipino-Americans were a "fundamental part of the fabric of the United States.”

He said the Philippines and the US forged a bond 70 years ago based on defense and security, adding that this further strengthened the two nations’ ties.

“We pledged our faith on the principles of the United Nations charter,” Blinken said.

“And just last year, thanks to the leadership of President (Joe) Biden and President Marcos, we have significantly strengthened our alliance. We’ve launched new initiatives together to create economic opportunities for Americans and Filipinos alike," he added.

"Because last year, trade between our countries was worth more than $25 billion, a new record, and today President Biden announced that he will send the first ever presidential trade and investment mission to the Philippines,” Blinken said.

He said the necessary measures had been taken to modernize security alliances “so that our forces can work even closer together despite natural disasters.”

‘Remarkable ties’

Earlier on Monday, Marcos and Biden affirmed a series of partnerships aimed at strengthening the alliance of Manila and Washington.

In a joint statement, Marcos and Biden hailed the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serve as the foundation of the U.S.-Philippines alliance.”

Marcos' predecessor former President Rodrigo Duterte during his administration enhanced the Philippines' ties with China while reserving strong words against the US.

In early 2020, Duterte ordered the abrogation of the VFA—the agreement which allowed American soldiers to regularly train with their Filipino counterparts in the country.

This developed after the US revoked the visa of his close aide and former police chief now senator, Ronald Dela Rosa.

Marcos said the ties between the Philippines and the United States need to be revisited regularly to make the most out of the friendship and partnership.

"I was telling the President, it’s very hard to categorize the partnership between the PH and US as one thing. It’s not just in the area of defense... but in terms of trade, in terms of education, in terms of culture, in terms of people-to-people as it has come to be known. All of these things have been going on for a hundred years,” Marcos said.

‘Need to revisit’

“But it still needs to be continually revisited so that we can make the most of our friendship and our partnership. And so that is the world as I see it today and the reasons that will come. That is why I am very grateful for the invitation of President Biden to come to Washington, D.C., and gain the opportunity to meet the leaders of the government,” he added.

Marcos reiterated in the dinner the need for the Mutual Defense Treaty to evolve amid the developing security situation.

"It should evolve because the situation that we are surrounded with changes and we must evolve with that. Therefore it is extremely important that we have these interactions, it's extremely important that we are constantly in communication. It is extremely important that we understand what it is we are trying to achieve,” Marcos said.

Marcos and Biden affirmed a series of partnerships aimed at strengthening the alliance between Manila and Washington.

In a joint statement, the two leaders lauded the “remarkable ties of friendship, community, and shared sacrifice that serves as the foundation of the U.S.-Philippines alliance.” —NB, GMA Integrated News