PH-US defense ties seen stable amid potential Trump return

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez believes the defense relationship between the Philippines and the US will remain stable, even under a potential second Donald Trump administration.

Romualdez stated that the US defense establishment considers the Philippines a crucial partner, particularly given Manila's territorial dispute with China.

He highlighted that US presidents generally heed the advice of their defense establishment regarding national security interests, suggesting this consistency will continue.

Romualdez is convinced that Trump's administration will maintain its "ironclad commitment" to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), noting that such a commitment was also present during the first Trump term.

He further believes that Trump values the alliance between Washington and Manila.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla previously stated that the MDT and ongoing defense activities will persist regardless of the US election outcome.