House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

The Marine Exercise (MAREX) 2025 and "Salaknib" exercises between the Philippines and the United States (US) shouldn't be viewed as an action against anybody in particular, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said.

This, as Romualdez hailed the conduct of the military drills that, according to him, would bolster the Philippines’ defensive capabilities in cooperation with its long-standing ally, the US.

“Ang mga pagsasanay ito ay hindi patungkol kaninuman. Ang tanging layunin nito ay ang pagpapalakas ng kasanayan ng ating mga tropa at pagpapahusay ng koordinasyon sa ating mga kaalyado para sa seguridad at kapayapaan,” Romualdez said in a statement Friday, April 11.

(These trainings are not directed at anyone. Their sole purpose is to enhance the skills of our troops and improve coordination with our allies for security and peace.)

“Ang mga ganitong pagsasanay ay mahalaga para maging matatag ang kakayahan nating protektahan ang ating teritoryo at ang ating mga mamamayan sa pakikipagtulungan sa ating mga kaibigan. Gayunman, mahalagang tandaan na tayo pa rin ang may hawak ng ating kinabukasan bilang isang bansang nagsasarili,” the leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives noted. 

(These kinds of training are essential to strengthening our capability to protect our territory and our citizens in collaboration with our friends. However, it is important to remember that we are still the ones who hold our future as an independent nation.)

The MAREX 2025 began on March 30 and will officially end Friday, April 11. 

Organized by the Philippine and US Marine Corps, MAREX 2025 involves 179 US Marines, 189 Philippine Marine Corps personnel, 57 Philippine Army soldiers, 11 Coast Guard officers, and 40 reservists. This training focuses on maritime rapid response, counter-landing operations, and coastal defense.

Concurrently, “Salaknib”—an Ilocano term meaning “shield”—is taking place under the auspices of the Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC). Phase 1 of Salaknib is from March 24 to April 11, with Phase 2 slated for May 19 to July 20. 

The Salaknib joint exercises involves communication systems, field artillery live fire, sling load helicopter operations, and medical evacuations. 

Meanwhile, Romualdez reiterated the commitment of the House to allocate sufficient funding and clear guidelines for the country’s defense modernization, aligned with the strategic security vision of President Marcos.

“Suportado namin ang layunin ni Pangulong Marcos na maisulong ang modernisasyon ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Handa kaming maglaan ng karampatang pondo para dito at masusi naming babantayan ang paggamit para masigurong maayos ang implementasyon,” he said. 

(We support President Marcos' goal of advancing the modernization of our Armed Forces. We are ready to allocate appropriate funds for this and will closely monitor their use to ensure proper implementation.)

Romualdez also renewed his call for all Filipinos to reman united in upholding the country’s sovereignty and defending its territorial integrity. 

“Patuloy tayong magkaisa sa pagtatangol sa interes ng ating bansang Pilipinas. Ang ating lakas ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa pwersa ng ating Sandatahang Lakas kundi pati na rin sa ating pagkakaisa bilang mamamayan," said the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president. 

(Let us continue to unite in defending the interests of our nation, the Philippines. Our strength does not only rely on the power of our Armed Forces but also on our unity as citizens.)