The Philippines and the United States (US) are reinforcing peace, not provoking conflict.

Thus, said Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez following the meeting between President Marcos and American President Donald Trump in Washington.

Romualdez, the House Speaker during the previous 19th Congress, highlighted the strengthened defense ties discussed during President Marcos' US visit. He said this aligned with regional efforts to maintain security in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and neighboring waters.

“Hindi lang naman tungkol sa pagtatanggol ng ating teritoryo ang issue sa [WPS]. Higit sa lahat, ito ay ang pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng bawat mangingisdang Pilipino sa kabuhayan, sa karapatan ng mga kababayan nating maging ligtas at sa karapatan ng susunod na henerasyon na mapasa-kanila ang tunay na atin,” he stated.

(The issue in the [WPS] isn’t just about defending our territory. Above all, it’s about fighting for every Filipino fisherfolk’s right to livelihood, our people's right to safety, and the next generation’s right to inherit what is rightfully ours.)

“Through this partnership, we are reinforcing peace, not provoking conflict,” underscored Romualdez.

The Philippines and US are long-time allies under a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). The pact--signed just six years after the end of World War II--has been symbolic of the indomitable ties between the two nations.

The US is the economic and trade rival of China, which has a blanket claim over the entire South China Sea. The WPS is located in this body of water.

Romualdez called Trump’s remarks a reflection of how the Philippines is reasserting its relevance in global affairs.

“President Marcos is not just earning respect abroad: he is using that respect to uplift every ordinary Filipino back home. It’s easy to talk big in international forums, but harder to deliver real benefits to the people. This President is doing both.”

The ex-House chief, who has led legislative efforts to align international partnerships with national development, said diplomacy must be rooted in impact.

“When diplomacy results in lower prices for goods, more jobs for our workers, more protection for our borders and more investments in our communities, that is when it becomes real. That is when the global becomes local,” he added.