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

House Speaker Martin Romualdez welcomed on Friday, Jan. 24 the reassurance from the Donald Trump administration that the United States (US) will maintain its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines. 

Romualdez,, leader of the 300-plus strong Philippine House of Representatives, was referring to the recent remarks of newly-appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

He said Secretary Rubio’s statement, made during his first call with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo on Thursday, underscores the strength of the US-Philippine alliance, which he described as a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“Secretary Rubio’s affirmation clearly demonstrates the United States’ enduring commitment to our partnership. This reassurance comes at a crucial time when our shared values and mutual interests face serious challenges in the region,” Romualdez said in a statement. 

According to the Speaker, Rubio’s assurance is timely as tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly the recent presence of a large China Coast Guard vessel near Philippine territorial waters.

As this developed, the Philippines conducted joint naval drills with the US aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, as the two nations underscored the importance of strategic defense cooperation.

Despite the continuing tension, Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, emphasized that diplomacy must remain the primary path to resolving disputes in the WPS.

He expressed confidence that President Trump’s history of fostering dialogue with nations historically at odds with the US would lead the way to peaceful dispute resolutions and mutual benefit of all parties. 

“President Trump has demonstrated an ability to bring adversaries to the negotiating table, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and constructive solutions. This approach offers hope that tensions in the West Philippine Sea can be addressed peacefully, with respect for international law and mutual cooperation,” Romualdez said. 

While acknowledging the need for strong alliances, Romualdez reaffirmed the Philippines’ adherence to an independent foreign policy. 

“Our focus remains on safeguarding our sovereignty and securing the welfare of our people. At the same time, we recognize the importance of working with allies who uphold the rule of law and respect international norms,” he stressed.