PH-US relations at an all-time high, says some lawmakers

STRENGTHENING TIES US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accompanied by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson and other officials, meets with President Marcos in Malacañang on Tuesday as part of his two-day visit that aims to strengthen US-Philippine relations. (Photo from MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine-United States (US) relations appear to be at an all-time high.

Some lawmakers made the observation on Wednesday after noting the holding of several engagements between the two countries that are aimed at mutually strengthening trade and security goals.

A day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Manila, Deputy Speaker David Suarez said that it seems the ties between the old allies are prospering.

He said this situation will be good for the Philippines, especially in the light of territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea (WPS)

Blinken on Tuesday told Philippine officials that the US will adhere to its “ironclad” commitment of defending the archipelagic country amid heightened tensions in the WPS.

He reiterated that China’s behavior has threatened visions for a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

READ: Blinken assures PH of US ‘ironclad defense commitments’ 

“This is (Blinken’s visit) good for the country because it shows that the ties between the Philippines and US are strong and healthy,” Suarez said in a press briefing.

“And to show this ironclad commitment is a show that they support Philippine sovereignty, especially in what is happening in the West Philippine Sea and in certain parts of our country,” he pointed out.

“Number two, it’s also a positive development because other than the recent visit of Secretary Blinken, we know that last week we had a trade mission from the US which visited the Philippines, and they showed support through pledges in the billions of dollars,” he recalled.

“So, if we put both together, we see that the partnership and the relationship of the US and the country is at an all-time high, when it comes to security and when it comes to the economy,” he added.

READ: Blinken, Marcos and Manalo to review US-PH economy, security ties 

La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the stronger ties are a good sign as the Philippines needs all the support it can get in the territorial disputes.

“For me, that’s a good sign. We have seen the President visit other countries, which shows that he is not only doing project-fishing, investment-fishing, but of course, the President is doing his job in terms, of course, strengthening our ties with our allies. And this is a practice not only of the country, but other countries as well. So this is a big deal,” Ortega said.

“Well, we’ve been asserting our rights, our sovereignty in territorial integrity over the West Philippine Sea. And any support to push further that assertion is a welcome and positive development, specially coming from the longest ally of the Philippines, which is the United States of America. It only reaffirms the commitment of our allies in the West to make sure that the Philippine territorial integrity and sovereignty is respected,” Adiong said.

While the Philippines and the US have been long-term allies, several analysts saw that the in the past administration, the government abandoned a supposed reliance on the west, and instead, pursued an independent foreign policy — which eventually led to stronger ties with China.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., observers believe relations with the US were repaired — as signified in the announcement of new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites, and the possibility of more being inaugurated in the future.

Marcos, however, said while ties with the US have improved, the Philippines remains a friend to all and an enemy to none.