Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers believes that the United States (US) would still be a dependable ally of the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue during President Donald Trump's second stint at the White House.
US to remain a dependable ally during Trump's 2nd term; Barbers explains why
At a glance
Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (left), US President Donald Trump (MANILA BULLETIN, Facebook)
Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers believes that the United States (US) would still be a dependable ally of the Philippines on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue during President Donald Trump's second stint at the White House.
"I think both countries will benefit from each other. Meaning, the interest of the US and the interest of the Philippines in the [WPS] will both be protected," Barbers said on Monday, Jan. 20.
The controversial Trump, a Republican, convincingly beat his Democrat rival, Kamala Harris, during the race for Washington in November 2024. Trump is taking over the US presidency from Joe Biden, a democrat.
The expected shift in numerous policies under Trump has caused concern among Filipinos, particularly on whether or not the US would follow through with its oft-repeated "iron-clad" commitment to protect the Philippines.
But Barbers says there's nothing to worry about. "Being a treaty ally I believe that they will alway be there to support and, if it comes to a point, to defend us."
The US and Philippines are signatories to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951.
"The poltical, economic, and maybe military interests ng these two allies will be primordial," the Mindanaoan said.
Barbers also made a distinction between the elected president and the country or State.
"The interests of the Philippines and US are aligned in that part of the world regardless of who sits as president. It is their nation's interest, not their president's interest," the Nacionalista Party (NP) stalwart said.
Trump first term as US president was from 2017 to 2021.
The Philippines has long been embroiled in a territorial dispute with China in the WPS, which is part of the broader South China Sea. China has an expansive historical claim over the entirety of the South China Sea, which in July 2016 was invalidated by a landmark ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague.
China has never recognized this ruling. Meanwhile, the Philippines has enjoyed support from other nations, including the US, on this issue.
Barbers said differences aside, "We should still exert all efforts to be friendly and diplomatic about our relationship with all our neighbors, especially China."