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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez explains why PBBM's latest US visit is a big deal

Romualdez explains why PBBM's latest US visit is a big deal

Published Jul 23, 2025 01:05 pm

At A Glance

  • The significance of President Marcos' visit to the United States (US), wherein he was able to engage in talks with President Donald Trump on the topic of trade, was not lost on former House Speaker and current Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez.
US President Donald Trump (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)
US President Donald Trump (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)


The significance of President Marcos' visit to the United States (US), wherein he was able to engage in talks with President Donald Trump on the topic of trade, was not lost on former House Speaker and current Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez.
According to Romualdez, Marcos' successful US visit "marked a critical moment in Philippine diplomacy", as well as helped "[place] the country on stronger footing in global affairs".
Romualdez, the Speaker of the previous 19th Congress, said the outcome of the visit and the discussions with President Trump laid a foundation for broader access to markets, deeper military partnerships and more opportunities for Filipinos at home and abroad.
“This is more than just an official working visit. This is a statement of confidence: that the Philippines is ready to compete and to stand tall among nations,” Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines and Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) president, said in a statement Wednesday, July 23.
“President Marcos has once again proven that our foreign policy can be both principled and pragmatic, firm in defending our interests, but also generous in building alliances that uplift our people,” he added.
During the visit, President Trump announced in a public message the conclusion of a trade agreement and described the engagement as a “beautiful visit” and praised Marcos as a “highly respected” and “tough negotiator".
Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) president, said this framework offers expanded market access for Filipino products and services, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to scale beyond local borders.
“Access to the US market is a game-changer,” he stressed. 
“It means more small and medium Filipino enterprises will be able to compete globally. It means more chances for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our local producers to earn and grow. We are bringing the world closer to our shores and bringing Filipino excellence to the world,” he continued.
“Nations are not built overnight. What matters is that President Marcos secured a seat at the table, and the terms of engagement can be shaped from here. This is how statesmanship works: steady, strategic and always with the people in mind,” he further said explained.
Romualdez ended by calling on all sectors to unite behind the President’s gains abroad.
“We are not a small country with small dreams. We are a nation of over 110 million strong, proud, resilient and hardworking Filipinos. With visionary leadership and a clear direction, we are building a Bagong Pilipinas, one that is respected abroad and feels progress at home,” he said.
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