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Romualdez welcomes US assurance of 'ironclad' commitment to PH

Philippine News Agency

By Zaldy De Layola
January 24, 2025, 5:24 pm

MANILA -- House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday welcomed the assurance from the newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the Trump administration will continue to uphold its "ironclad" commitment to the Philippines.

He said Secretary Rubio's statement, made during his first call with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Thursday, underscores the strength of the US-Philippine alliance, a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

"Secretary Rubio's affirmation clearly demonstrates the United States' enduring commitment to our partnership. This reassurance comes at a crucial time when our shared values and mutual interests face serious challenges in the region," Romualdez said in a news release sent to reporters.

Romualdez who is in Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum, said Rubio's assurance is timely as tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea, particularly the recent presence of a large China Coast Guard vessel near Philippine territorial waters.

As this developed, the Philippines conducted joint naval drills with the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and demonstrated the importance of strategic defense cooperation.

Despite the continuing tension, Romualdez emphasized that "diplomacy must remain the primary path to resolving disputes in the West Philippine Sea."

He expressed confidence that President Donald Trump's history of fostering dialogue with nations historically at odds with the United States would lead the way to peaceful dispute resolutions and mutual benefit of all parties.

While acknowledging the need for strong alliances, Romualdez reaffirmed the Philippines' adherence to an independent foreign policy.

"Our focus remains on safeguarding our sovereignty and securing the welfare of our people. At the same time, we recognize the importance of working with allies who uphold the rule of law and respect international norms," he said, underscoring the importance of multilateral engagements in resolving disputes.

"Through inclusive discussions and adherence to the 2016 arbitral ruling, we can build a foundation for lasting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific."

Romualdez also highlighted the importance of legislative collaboration in addressing shared challenges between the Philippines and the United States.

"Legislative bodies play a critical role in shaping policies that protect our nations and promote mutual prosperity. The Philippine Congress is ready to work closely with its US counterparts to advance initiatives that benefit our people and strengthen regional stability," he said. (PNA)