With the United States looking toward a changing political landscape under the watch of President Donald Trump who is back in the White House for a second term, what’s the future of its relations with the Philippines — a longstanding ally in the Asia-Pacific?
As far as Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez is concerned, the Philippines’ strong partnership with the US will persist under the leadership of President Trump, citing ongoing dialogues with key members of both the Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress. While some may view this statement as a continuation of the Philippines’ foreign policy, it also raises important questions about the resilience and adaptability of international partnerships, even in the face of political polarization.
Romualdez’s message comes at a time while the US-Philippines alliance continues to undergo significant transformations. Under the previous administration, relations were tested by a more independent foreign policy, at times placing Manila’s ties with Washington in uncertain territory. However, with the Marcos administration emphasizing a return to stronger ties with the US, there has been a clear shift toward reaffirming the alliance as a cornerstone of Philippine foreign policy. This shift, as the ambassador notes, transcends political party lines in the US, with bipartisan support for the Philippines continuing to thrive.
This confidence is grounded in the reality that US policymakers, regardless of their political affiliations, recognize the strategic importance of the Philippines in maintaining regional security and upholding the rules-based international order. For both the US Democrats and Republicans, the Philippines remains a critical partner, not just in terms of defense and military cooperation, but also as a key player in the region’s economic and diplomatic dynamics.
While the statement underscores the strength of the US-Philippines alliance, it is crucial to reflect on the shifting geopolitical landscape that continues to redefine this relationship. With the emergence of new economic and security challenges, the need for a stable and enduring US-Philippines partnership has never been more pressing. For the Philippines, the US is not only an important security ally but also a crucial economic partner. Trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges continue to shape the bilateral ties between the two allies, which have been further solidified by agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and increased joint military exercises.
However, there is an important nuance in the Ambassador’s statement which we have to think about. The implication that the Philippines can count on unwavering support from the US under the Trump administration raises questions about the broader direction of US foreign policy. In his first term, Trump’s “America First” doctrine prioritized US interests above traditional alliances. Under his leadership, the US withdrew from key international agreements and questioned the value of multilateral cooperation. While Romualdez's optimism is understandable, it remains to be seen whether a second Trump administration would return to a more conventional diplomatic stance or continue with a more unilateral approach that pivots to domestic priorities.
The strength of the US-Philippines partnership under President Trump will ultimately depend on how both sides approach the shared challenges ahead. As the world continues to grapple with the implications of a shifting global order, it is clear that both countries stand to benefit from a deepened relationship — one that balances mutual respect, shared security concerns, and economic cooperation.