TRUMP TO PBBM: ‘MAKE THE PHILIPPINES GREAT AGAIN’

UNITED States President Donald Trump expressed strong support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s independent foreign policy approach, particularly the efforts to build partnerships beyond traditional alliances.

In a joint press conference at the White House on Tuesday, both leaders underscored the strength of U.S.-Philippine relations and mutual respect for sovereign rights.

As the Philippines prepares to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, President Marcos stressed the Philippines’ commitment to national sovereignty and international cooperation.

“There is no need to balance our relationship between the United States and China. Our foreign policy is an independent one,” President Marcos said.

The President noted that while the United States remains the Philippines’ “strongest partner,” it is also important to build multilateral relations with other nations that respect international law and shared democratic values, particularly in upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In response, President Trump welcomed the Philippines’ foreign policy, noting that the United States supports President Marcos’ freedom to act in the best interest of the Philippines.

“I don’t mind if he gets along with China, because we’re getting along with China very well,” Trump said.

“I think he has to do what’s right for his country. I’ve always said, you know, make the Philippines great again. Do whatever you need to do,” he added.

President Trump expressed his profound respect and admiration for President Marcos, citing the latter’s strong leadership and family legacy.

“It’s a great honor to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. Great family, great family legacy, and highly respected in his country,” Trump said.

President Marcos was invited by Trump for a three-day official visit from July 20 to 22 and was shown importance as he was hosted at the historic Blair House, the U.S. President’s Guest House for select visiting heads of state and top dignitaries.

MARCOS US VISIT STRENGTHENS PH GLOBAL STANDING THROUGH TRADE, SECURITY, DIPLOMACY – ROMUALDEZ

President Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the United States marked a critical moment in Philippine diplomacy, with a new trade and defense arrangement placing the country on stronger footing in global affairs, according to reelected Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.

Romualdez, the Speaker of the 19th Congress, said the outcome of the visit and the discussions with President Donald Trump laid a foundation for broader access to markets, deeper military partnerships and more opportunities for Filipinos at home and abroad.

“This is more than just an official working visit. This is a statement of confidence: that the Philippines is ready to lead, to compete and to stand tall among nations,” Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines and Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) president, said Wednesday.

“President Marcos has once again proven that our foreign policy can be both principled and pragmatic, firm in defending our interests, but also generous in building alliances that uplift our people,” he added.

During the visit, President Trump announced in a public message the conclusion of a trade agreement and described the engagement as a “beautiful visit” and praised Marcos as a “highly respected” and “tough negotiator.”

Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) president, said this framework offers expanded market access for Filipino products and services, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to scale beyond local borders.

“Access to the US market is a game-changer. It means more small and medium Filipino enterprises will be able to compete globally. It means more chances for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our local producers to earn and grow. We are bringing the world closer to our shores and bringing Filipino excellence to the world,” he added.