Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo has pushed for “more substantial” investments by the United States in the Philippines’ defense and law enforcement capabilities during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s two-day visit to Manila.

(From left) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo hold a joint press conference after their meeting on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Associated Press screenshot)

In his speech before a joint press conference with the US official on Tuesday, March 19, the Foreign Affairs chief reiterated how capacitating the Philippines could work to Washington’s benefit.

“We reaffirmed our shared view that a strong and capable Philippines would make a formidable ally for the United States,” he said.

“On this note, I underscored the importance of more substantial US investments towards enhancing our defense and civilian law enforcement capabilities,” he added.

Manalo furthered that Blinken’s visit came “at an important juncture” in the two countries’ relations because “we’ve been on hyperdrive over the past year or so.”

“Engagements across issue areas and between and among government branches have never been better. The challenge now is how to sustain and further elevate our alliance and partnership,” he added.

Manalo admitted that they discussed the South China Sea issue, referring to China’s aggressive stance in a region it claims as entirely its own, and thanked Blinken for the US’ “consistent support” in the past year.

“In this regard, we discussed regional issues, especially the situation in the South China Sea, and I stated that the Philippines is committed to managing disputes in accordance with our national interests, the rules-based international order and international law, especially UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea),” the official furthered.

The DFA chief shared that discussions also centered on ways strengthen the countries’ alliance “through better coordination at the policy and operational levels.”

This way, it will ensure that the alliance “remains relevant and responsive to current, emerging and cross-cutting challenges in the defense, security and economic spheres.”

Manalo also underscored the need to harness Manila’s partnership with Washington through collaboration with “like-minded partners” as he confirmed President Marcos’ attendance to the first US-Japan-Philippines’ leaders’ summit scheduled on April 11 at the White House.

“Our leaders intend to capitalize on the complementarities between existing PH-US and PH-JP bilateral cooperation, notably in infrastructure, critical minerals, energy, and maritime security,” he said.

In terms of the economy, the DFA chief noted that there has been a “robust engagement” between the two countries in the first quarter of the year, especially after the visit of the US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission last week.

“That visit highlighted the growing collaboration with some of these companies and the potential for new partnerships, many in areas that would cultivate a future-ready workforce,” he said, referring to the 22 companies in the ICT, energy, infrastructure, and logistics/financial services industry.

In his speech, Manalo likewise welcomed the selection of the Philippines by the United States to be among partner-countries under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, as well as the ongoing work on the Clark-Subic-Batangas PGI corridor.

“We have our work cut out for us but I am confident we will deliver on our respective countries’ and Leaders’ commitments to giving our people the good life and future they all deserve, marked by peace and stability in the region, a thriving and resilient economy, and an empowered community,” he added.