House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), US President-elect Donald Trump (Facebook)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed belief that maritime security--one of the biggest and constant concerns of the Philippines--will remain a priority under the new Donald Trump administration in the United States (US).

Romualdez had this to say on Wednesday night, Nov. 6, shortly after media outlets in the US called the race for the White House in favor of the Republican candidate.

"On behalf of the House of Representatives and the Filipino people, I extend warm congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on his recent victory. The American people have spoken, and we look forward to strengthening our enduring relationship with our oldest ally," the Speaker said.

"We are optimistic that under President Trump, maritime security and regional stability will remain priorities, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). The Philippines values a strong defense partnership with the US supporting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific," he said.

The Philippines has constantly turned to the US for support--both moral and otherwise--when it comes to China's aggressive acts in the WPS.

This, as Chinese incursions in local maritime territory have arguably intensified since the start of the Marcos administration in 2022.

According to Romualdez, Trump’s leadership "brings renewed opportunities to deepen ties between the Philippines and the US particularly in economic partnerships that can open doors for trade and investment, benefiting countless Filipino lives".

"We also welcome continued US support in counter-terrorism, which has greatly assisted our fight against extremism," added the House leader and top lieutenant of President Marcos. 

"As we enter this new chapter, the Philippines remains committed to a strategic alliance with the US, founded on mutual respect, shared interests, and the common goals of security and progress," Romualdez said.

"Congratulations once again, President Trump. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership," he added.

Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea 

Later that same evening, Romualdez would take up the WPS issue during the Manila Dialogue on the South China Sea held at the Grand Hyatt Manila Hotel in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. 

The WPS is located within the bigger South China Sea.

During the event, Romualdez reaffirmed the Philippines’ unwavering commitment to upholding its sovereignty and rights in the WPS, as well as underscores the need for an ASEAN Code of Conduct grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to secure the region’s future for all member states.

ASEAN stands for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional bloc where the Philippines is a founding member.

“Our stance on these waters is not merely geographical; it represents our national pride, economic security, and the legacy we wish to pass on to future generations,” said the Speaker

Romualdez emphasized a peaceful and rules-based approach, as he cited the landmark 2016 Arbitral Award based on UNCLOS, which invalidated China’s extensive territorial claims.

“This ruling establishes our rights under international law, affirming them as legitimate and recognized. It refutes any claims beyond the bounds of UNCLOS, safeguarding our sovereign rights within our exclusive economic zone,” he stated.

'Unacceptable' actions

While celebrating the legal victory, Romualdez acknowledged the continued need for vigilance and action amid escalating provocations in the WPS. He cited incidents involving the ramming and interference with Philippine vessels and fishermen, calling these actions “unacceptable” and underscoring the nation’s firm diplomatic stance.

Romualdez reiterated the Philippines’ dedication to diplomacy and a peaceful resolution, and stressed the importance of international support from partners like the US, Japan, Australia, and European nations.

“When international partners support the validity of the Arbitral Award, they uphold principles benefiting all nations that value fair, peaceful, and rules-based maritime boundaries,” he noted.