Amb. Romualdez: US values Philippines amid global ‘winds of change’

In a significant acknowledgment of the Philippines’ strategic importance to the US, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez emphasized that the current "winds of change" in international relations favor the Philippines, highlighting its critical role in the region. This comes in the wake of recent US military aid suspensions to Ukraine, amidst political upheaval.

Following a controversial exchange between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the White House announced a halt to all military assistance to Ukraine as it continues to combat Russian aggression. This unprecedented change in US support has sparked concern among world leaders as well as foreign and defense experts regarding potential shifts in America's commitment to its allies, including the Philippines.

"Yung mga ihip ng hangin, siyempre laging pumapalit 'yan," Romualdez stated in an interview with GMA Integrated News. “Pero ang ihip ng hangin ay nasa atin ngayon dahil importante para sa ating bayan, sa Amerika, para sa mga iba pang bayan sa Europe, at saka sa ating mga neighbors na Japan, South Korea, Australia, even New Zealand, na mapayapa dito sa ating area na hindi pwedeng isang bayan na pwede mag-dominate sa atin,” he added.

(“The winds of change, of course, are always shifting,” Romualdez stated in an interview. “But the wind is with us now because it is important to our country, to America, to other nations in Europe, and to our neighbors like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and even New Zealand, that our region is peaceful and that no single nation should dominate us.")

Despite the unfolding situation in Ukraine, Romualdez clarified that the Philippines would not be included in any freeze of military aid, as confirmed by the US government. Prior commitments remain intact, with the US promising up to $500 million in foreign military financing to bolster the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard. "The whole amount has been already approved for exemption," said Romualdez, emphasizing the seriousness of US-Philippines relations.

Additionally, the Philippine and US governments are working to arrange a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Romualdez disclosed that both nations have been in communication to discuss the meeting and its agenda, which may address key issues like the aid freeze impacting education and health programs in the Philippines.

Trump’s own personal connections with the Marcos family, including his prior interactions with Imelda Marcos in New York and a young Marcos Jr., was noted by Trump himself during his first presidential tenure.

The discussions between US and Philippine officials are expected to cover various strategic topics, including a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA), particularly relevant given Trump's current focus on tariffs for imports into the US

It is expected that these matters will also be discussed between the Philippines’ foreign and defense secretaries, Enrique Manalo and Gilberto Teodoro, and the US State and Defense Secretaries, Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, likely before or after the planned meeting between Trump and Marcos. — BM, GMA Integrated News