The Department of National Defense (DND) has expressed confidence that the defense alliance between the Philippines and the United States will continue to strengthen under the administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
In a statement released Wednesday, the DND emphasized the alliance’s enduring importance, highlighting its crucial role in regional security and the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“The DND is optimistic that the Philippine-US defense alliance will continue to flourish under the new administration,” the agency stated.
DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., in an interview with Hoover Institution’s “Battlegrounds,” emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has played a key role in strengthening defense ties with the U.S. and other allies.
“The partnership between allies that the President has personally spearheaded has been vital,” Teodoro noted.
He expressed confidence that this positive momentum would continue, stating that the Philippines is enhancing bilateral ties with the U.S. and fostering a multilateral security framework with like-minded allies such as Japan and Australia.
“I expect that the momentum at present will continue. He explained that we are strengthening our relationship with the U.S. and evolving a new security ecosystem that extends beyond bilateral engagements to multilateral cooperation with countries that share our values,” he explained.
U.S. military assistance is expected to continue
Concerns had been raised regarding President Trump’s recent 90-day suspension of U.S. foreign development assistance, which is undergoing a policy review. However, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel G. Romualdez reassured that military aid and major economic programs are expected to proceed as planned.
“The 90-day suspension is temporary. We are confident that U.S. military assistance will continue,” Romualdez said during a recent consultation with Teodoro.
Despite the temporary pause, the DND reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities, focusing on national security priorities.
“While the review of U.S. assistance is ongoing, the DND and AFP remain committed to developing our defense capabilities based on our identified needs and priorities. We stand firm in our duty to defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” the statement concluded.
With regional security challenges mounting, the Philippines remains steadfast in fortifying its defense posture, leveraging strong international alliances to ensure national and regional stability.
