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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos, Rubio discuss South China Sea, energy security in phone call

Marcos, Rubio discuss South China Sea, energy security in phone call

Published Jun 1, 2026 09:44 am

At A Glance

  • President Marcos and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed security and economic priorities during a phone call on Monday morning.
  • Rubio reaffirmed Washington's commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea and the Luzon Economic Corridor.
  • Malacañang has yet to release details or an official statement regarding the conversation.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. holds a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 1, 2026. (PCO)
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. holds a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on June 1, 2026. (PCO)

President Marcos and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed bilateral security and economic priorities, including developments in the South China Sea and regional energy concerns, during a phone call on Monday morning, June 1.

In a Facebook post, President Marcos described his phone call with Rubio as "productive."

"I had a productive phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning, during which we discussed critical regional and economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters," he said.

"Our exchange underscored our countries' mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-US alliance and addressing shared regional interests," he added.

Details of the conversation were first released by the US State Department through a readout attributed to spokesperson Thomas Pigott.

“Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to discuss a range of bilateral economic and security priorities, including efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea,” the statement read.

According to the US State Department, Rubio also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the Luzon Economic Corridor — a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, the US, and Japan aimed at accelerating infrastructure and investment projects in Luzon.

“The Secretary reaffirmed US commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address the energy challenges in the region,” the statement added.

Rubio also underscored the strength of the long-standing alliance between Manila and Washington.

“The Secretary emphasized the strength of the United States-Philippines Alliance and the continued close cooperation as the two countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as Allies in 2026, the US readout stated.

The Philippines and the United States are treaty allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and have expanded defense cooperation in recent years amid growing tensions in the South China Sea.

Malacañang has yet to release an official statement or provide details regarding the phone conversation between Marcos and Rubio.

The call came days after Marcos concluded his State Visit to Japan, where he also discussed regional security, economic resilience, and strategic cooperation with Japanese officials.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos ph-us Marco Rubio Luzon Economic Corridor
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