Romualdez, House colleagues say summit with US, Japan a big win for PH

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrive at the White House on April 11 for a first-ever trilateral summit—and show of solidarity—in the face of China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. (AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The recently-concluded trilateral summit between the Philippines, United States, and Japan is a big win secured by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr for the country, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers said.

In a statement, Romualdez said that the clear-cut collaboration between the three countries on economic progress, increasing defense capabilities, and maritime security would ensure that the Philippines is ready for whatever regional challenges it may face.

“On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, I extend my warmest congratulations to President Marcos Jr. for his remarkable achievement in securing a monumental diplomatic victory through the recent historic trilateral meeting with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida,” Romualdez said on Sunday.

“The collaboration and dialogue fostered during this meeting pave the way for enhanced cooperation in addressing regional challenges, particularly in promoting maritime security, safeguarding our territorial integrity and improving the lives of the Filipino people,” he added.

Romualdez also reiterated that the meeting stresses the need for a rules-based order and a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.

“This historic meeting signifies a strong and united commitment of the three nations to upholding the principles of international law and ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight in the region which are vital in ensuring peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I reaffirm our unwavering support for the President’s efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” he added.

During the trilateral meet between the three countries, US and Japan committed to assisting the Philippines in the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor, and to the linking of major hubs in the island group. 

Both countries also vowed to help in the field trials of a next-generation internet system.

Part of the discussions also focused on maintaining maritime security in the West Philippine Sea, with all three countries condemning China’s aggressive actions in the region — asking the Asian superpower to stop using its Coast Guard in a coercive manner.

No less than President Biden assured Filipinos that any attack on a Philippine aircraft, vessel, or armed force will trigger the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines.

Other Majority lawmakers like Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario, Taguig 2nd District Rep.  Amparo Maria Zamora, and PBA Party-list Rep. Migs Nograles called the trilateral agreement a success for the Philippines.

“The summit underscored the importance of multi-layered collaboration among allies to strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law amid the various crises in the world right now,” Almario said.

 “We look forward to significant progress in our bilateral and trilateral cooperation, including the conclusion of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan,” Zmaora added.

 La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun said that the meeting bodes well for the country.

 “This cooperation guarantees the commitment of each of the three countries to ensure freedom of navigation on the western side of the Philippines,” Khonghun said.