President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the enduring partnership between Manila and Washington during a meeting on Wednesday, pledging to deepen ties in regional defense, economic development, and artificial intelligence.
Rubio paid a courtesy call at Malacañang while visiting the Philippine capital to attend the 59th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting alongside related diplomatic events.
In their discussions, the top US diplomat pointed to the solid foundation connecting the two nations and noted the strategic necessity of their pact in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
“We’re glad to be here today to reaffirm that relationship, the US-Philippines relationship,” Rubio stated.
Marcos voiced strong enthusiasm for uncovering fresh avenues to reinforce mutual ties, observing that the global arena is presently grappling with the “curse” of “interesting times.”
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez subsequently clarified that the President was alluding to active military conflicts and major geopolitical disruptions occurring across the globe.
Romualdez shared that the dialogue addressed China’s actions, strategies for maintaining Indo-Pacific stability, and the imperative of safeguarding free navigation and overflight throughout the South China Sea.
The leaders also reviewed key economic ventures, including the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor and participation in Pax Silica—an initiative led by the US aimed at securing supply networks for semiconductors, critical minerals, AI, and next-generation technologies.
After joining the Pax Silica framework in April, the Philippines has been liaising with US officials to create a planned 4,000-acre industrial site in New Clark City, designated to serve as the project’s inaugural economic security hub.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that expanding the domestic artificial intelligence sector was another primary focal point of the exchange.
“Napag-usapan rin ang kahalagahan ng AI ngayon at sa susunod na henerasyon, pati ang maaaring partnership ng dalawang bansa para sa pag-develop nito sa ating bansa para sa magandang investment, maraming trabaho at magpapaunlad ng ating kaalaman sa larangan ng AI,” Castro communicated to journalists.