Trump criticizes PH's past admin, praises Marcos Jr.

US President Donald Trump criticized the Philippines' former administration during a joint press conference with incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying that 'they didn't know what they are doing,' without specifying Rodrigo Duterte.

Trump highlighted renewed military relationships between the US and the Philippines, emphasizing their importance for peace and security, while Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude for the strong ties with the United States.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is now detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity, having distanced Manila from its alliance with Washington and strengthened ties with Beijing during his tenure.

Marcos Jr., since taking office in 2022, has been active in calling out China's incursions into waters within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Vice President Sara Duterte said she does not expect Marcos to say anything favorable about her father during the meeting and suggested that any mention would likely be unfavorable.

Trump also emphasized his honor at having Marcos in the White House, praising him as an ally respected in the country. Despite Trump's claims, Marcos had already begun restoring ties with the US two years before Trump was elected for a second term, and US officials repeatedly assured the Philippines of Washington's 'ironclad' security commitment during this period.

While Washington provided counterterrorism support to the Philippines during the Marawi conflict, including assistance from US Special Operations Forces in 2017, other countries such as Australia, China, and Russia also provided military and humanitarian aid.