President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the critical importance of the Philippines-United States alliance in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region during his bilateral meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Monday.

“I believe that our alliance, the United States and the Philippines, had formed a great part in terms of preserving the peace, in terms of preserving the stability of the South China Sea. But I would even go as far as to say in the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Marcos said in his opening remarks.

Marcos emphasized the need for continued bilateral discussions amid rapidly shifting geopolitical dynamics.

He expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of the US government through joint military exercises and the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“That forms a very, very important part of that relationship. And again, it is a proper response considering the challenges that we face in the Philippines specifically vis-a-vis the changing geopolitical forces and the political developments around our part of the world,” said the President.

The President also recalled Hegseth’s visit to Manila in March, describing it as an “important symbol” of the enduring PH-US partnership and a reaffirmation of both nations’ commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty.

“We must continue to be in discussion. We must continue to evolve that relationship as the circumstances, the context in which we operate has evolved,” Marcos added.

Accompanying the President at the Pentagon were Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and Defense Undersecretary Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., who oversees acquisition and resource management.

Marcos was accorded an enhanced honor cordon upon arrival at the Pentagon.

Marcos is currently in Washington, DC for a three-day official visit from July 20 to 22 upon the invitation of US President Donald Trump. He is the first Southeast Asian leader to be received by Trump during his second term in office.

This visit marks the first in-person meeting between Presidents Marcos and Trump since the latter began his second term in January. Presidential News Desk