'No major change in PH-US alliance' — envoy
Published Feb 6, 2026 12:31 pm
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Updated Feb 6, 2026 01:09 pm
US Embassy in Manila Charge d’Affaires Robert Ewing (left) shakes hand with Philippine Ambassador to Manila Babe Romualdez during the launching of the commemorative logo for the 80th anniversary since the establishment of US-Philippines diplomatic relations in Pasay City on Thursday, Feb. 5. (John Louie Abrina/MANILA BULLETIN)
The alliance between the Philippines and the US remains significantly untouched despite observations that US President Donald Trump’s strategy is becoming more focused on the Western Hemisphere to advance his “America First” policy.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said there is no any “major change” as far as the alliance between the two countries is concerned, especially Manila and Washington’s mutual defense and regional defense treaties.
“What is happening right now in the Western Hemisphere is that I think, the administration of President Trump is just making sure, securing the Western area rightly so, because that is their neighborhood,” Romualdez said in an interview with reporters on Thursday night, Feb. 5.
Observers noted Trump’s second administration’s pivot toward the Western Hemisphere when its 2025 National Security Strategy started deprioritizing its traditional theaters, such as Europe and the Middle East, in favor of its neighborhood.
Most notably, the Trump administration reasserted its Monroe Doctrine, which sought to exclude external powers from the Americas. His administration also viewed migration and border security as a national threat, instead of a humanitarian issue.
“And in our case, we're only — not only are we working with the United States, but we're also working with other allies and friends in the Pacific region,” he added.
Romualdez’ assurance came as the Philippines and the US marked their 80th year since the establishment of their diplomatic relations with the unveiling of a new logo.
Romualdez and US Embassy in Manila Charge d’Affaires Robert Ewing launched the logo commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Philippines-US relations in an event that will start the “yearlong campaign” to celebrate the unwavering ties between the two nations as friends, partners, and allies.
“Eighty years ago, our two nations formalized a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to democracy and freedom,” Ewing said.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished side by side—balikatan—from standing shoulder-to-shoulder in times of conflict, to advancing economic growth, to joining forces on health, education, and disaster response priorities,” he added.
Ewing also noted the 80 years of Manila and Washington’s shared commitment to security, including 75 years as allies, which has enabled both countries “to achieve peace through deterrence, protect our citizens, and advance an open, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific, including in the South China Sea.”
The embassy official expressed optimism that the next chapters in the two countries’ relations “will be written by the innovative young people who are already building on our shared legacy. “
“We are confident that—as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad Allies—we will rise to even greater heights together for generations to come,” he said.