President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday to reaffirm the strong bilateral alliance between the Philippines and the United States, agreeing to bolster collaboration in defense, economic security, and emerging technologies to address shared regional and global challenges.
The high-level meeting coincides with two major milestones in bilateral relations: the 80th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties and the 75th anniversary of the Philippines-U.S. alliance.
Welcoming Secretary Rubio on his first official visit to Manila as Secretary of State, President Marcos expressed appreciation for the steadfast support of the U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, in reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two nations. Secretary Rubio’s visit comes alongside his participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meetings hosted by the Philippines in Manila.
“I’m glad that you have had this opportunity to engage and have exchanges with other foreign ministers, especially coming out of ASEAN,” President Marcos said, thanking Secretary Rubio for prioritizing the visit amid a busy international schedule.
During the courtesy call, President Marcos highlighted several priority areas for expanded bilateral cooperation, including energy and food security, trade and investment, disaster response, and critical emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
President Marcos also expressed deep gratitude for the United States’ continued support for the Philippines in maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding ongoing challenges in the West Philippine Sea.
Secretary Rubio commended President Marcos for his leadership in hosting the 2026 ASEAN Summit and underscored the strategic importance of the U.S.-Philippines partnership.
“This is a country that has deep ties with the United States for many, many years. It’s a partnership that is only growing and, in light of recent events, is more important than ever,” Secretary Rubio said. “We are glad to be here today to reaffirm that relationship and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance.”
Since establishing diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946, the United States has remained the Philippines’ sole treaty ally. Bilateral defense and security cooperation remains a central pillar of the relationship, anchored by the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
The relationship also drives robust economic activity:
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Trade: The United States was the Philippines’ third-largest overall trading partner and its top export market in 2025. It also stood as the leading source of international tourist arrivals for the Philippines in the first half of 2026.
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Investment & Development: Net U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $183.99 million in 2025, while Official Development Assistance (ODA) grants from the U.S. totaled $615.97 million in 2023, making it the country’s top source of ODA grant funding.
Both leaders committed to building on this foundation to ensure long-term stability, economic prosperity, and security across the Indo-Pacific region.
