US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment' to its alliance with the Philippines during a courtesy call to President Marcos in Malacañan on Friday, March 28.

In his remarks, Hegseth, who made his first official trip to the Indo-Pacific as Pentagon chief, highlighted the importance of the US' partnership with the Philippines in ensuring regional stability.

"I had a chance to speak just a few minutes ago to our president, President Trump, who sends his regards to you as well, thinks very fondly of this great country, is very committed to the alliance that we have, to the friendship that we have, the cooperation that we have," he said.

"He and I both want to express the ironclad commitment we have to the mutual defense treaty and to the partnership, economically, militarily, which our staffs have worked on diligently for weeks and weeks and months," he added.

Hegseth said the decision to visit the Philippines first was intentional and significant.

"There is a very real reason why our first trip and our first visit is here to visit you in your great country," he added.

President Marcos welcomed Hegseth and described the visit as a "very strong indication" of the two countries' shared commitment to peace in the region.

"Your visit to the region, and especially the fact that you have come to the Philippines as your first stop, is a very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together, to maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific Region within the South China Sea," he said.

Strong military ties

In his remarks, the US Defense chief stressed the need for strong military ties, citing threats posed by China in the disputed waters.

"Peace through strength is a very real thing," Hegseth said.

"Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the Communist Chinese and that friends need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there's free navigation," he added.

Hegseth likewise acknowledged the Philippines' firm stand in defending its territorial waters.

"Whether you call it the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, we recognize that your country has stand very firm in that location and in defense of your nation," he said.

The US official also expressed Washington's desire to enhance military-to-military cooperation with Manila, calling it a "critically important" endeavor.

"We will be spending time meeting with you and your Defense Minister and your team, but also meeting with a lot of our troops that are here in a meaningful military-to-military cooperation, which we have great interest in expanding even more, where it is mutually beneficial," Hegseth said.

For his part, President Marcos noted that the US remains the Philippines' sole treaty ally and a key partner in maintaining peace in the region.

"You are our only treaty partner and continue to be the supporter for peace in this part of the world," he told Hegseth.

"We have always understood the principle that the greatest force for peace in this part of the world would be the United States," he added.

Friends

Secretary Hegseth thanked President Marcos for his "leadership in being a friend to the United States," saying they look forward to many more opportunities to work together with the Philippines.

In response, Marcos highlighted the deep historical ties between the two nations, saying friendship with the US is "inherent" among Filipinos.

"Well, being a friend to the United States is something that is inherent with most Filipinos, considering the relationship that we have had over a hundred years in various forms," he said.

According to Hegseth, he took part in a physical training session with Philippine troops, which Marcos humorously mentioned during their meeting.

"[Defense] Secretary Gilbert [Teodoro] was a little worried because we were anticipating that you will join the troops in their PT training and go on a run, and he was worried that he would have to keep up," Marcos jokingly said.

Hegseth confirmed his participation and praised the Philippine troops, saying that they, like their American counterparts, were in "great shape."