Marcos: PH proud to call US a ‘trusted friend’ for 80 years 

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Monday that the Philippines is proud to call the United States a “trusted friend” for the past 80 years. 

“The United States also marks its 250th anniversary of their Declaration of Independence. For 80 of those 250 years, the Philippines has been proud to call the United States a trusted friend, a steadfast partner and an unwavering ally,” said Marcos during the presentation of the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of Philippines-US diplomatic relations at Malacañang. 

The Philippine chief executive noted that the cooperation between the Philippines and US is broad and comprehensive in various sectors such as defense, maritime security, trade, investment, tourism, culture, among others. 

“Any enduring relationship requires commitment and sustained effort, and we have certainly done the needed work,” said Marcos. 

“More importantly, we seize opportunities through bilateral, unilateral, and multilateral channels, while expanding our partnership into new frontiers such as cyber and outer space,” he added. 

Further, Marcos thanked the visionaries in the shared history of the two countries. 

“And finally, we would not be here today were it not for the visionaries in our shared history who believed in liberty, equality, and justice—the values that continue to guide our common pursuit of peace and prosperity for both our peoples,” he said. 

“We honor their legacy today and reaffirm our commitment to uphold these principles alongside the United States for the next 80 years and beyond.” 

Marcos is also looking forward to welcoming US President Donald Trump in the upcoming ASEAN Summit in the Philippines later this year. 

“We look forward to continued support for ASEAN community building in particular from the United States through our comprehensive strategic partnership, and we hope to welcome President Trump once again in Manila for the ASEAN Summit later this year,” he said. 

“I am confident that this alliance will move forward with even greater conviction and commitment to the security, prosperity, and resilience of our peoples and of our region,” Marcos added. 

For his part, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Y. Robert Ewing also recognized the friendship of the Philippines and the US. 

“Since 1946, that partnership has evolved from a formal diplomatic tie into something so much deeper. Today, we are not just treaty allies but we are partners in prosperity and most importantly, bound by the unbreakable bond of friendship,” he said. — BM, GMA Integrated News