Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is confident the Philippines’ alliance with the United States will continue to thrive under the second term of President Donald Trump, citing the enduring commitments and shared interests of the two countries.

In an interview with CNA, a Singapore-based multinational news channel, Manalo was asked about the future of the military cooperation between the two nations under the incoming Trump administration.

Manalo emphasized that the robust military cooperation during President Joe Biden’s tenure was anchored on the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), a longstanding agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

He noted that this collaborative effort was not tied merely to one administration but was rooted in decades of shared defense and strategic interests.

“So I think these are really based on commitments which we have had with the United States for the past what, 75 years, and even in the first Trump administration this continued,” Manalo said.

“I believe that because these are based on commitments, on perceived common interests that the type of relationship we will have with the United States will continue because they’re really based on agreed commitments between both our countries,” he added.

He cited the telephone call between Trump and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last November where the latter congratulated him on his successful reelection bid.

“Well, President Marcos and President Trump had a very good conversation where they both indicated their commitment to our alliance and our important partnership. So I think that’s really a good basis to work forward,” Manalo said.

He continued: “Well, I hope the situation improves, but I think that our alliance will be maintained, of course, and it appears we have also very common perceptions of this situation here in the region.”

Meanwhile, Manalo defended the country’s bid to procure missiles similar to the US mid-range missile system currently deployed within Philippine territory.

“I just want to say that these missiles are really an attempt to modernize our defense forces and that they would certainly be intended only to enhance our defense capabilities. That’s the only reason if that were ever to occur” he said.

China protests missile deployment

China in December cast doubt on the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, citing the deployment of a US mid-range missile system within Philippine territory.

Beijing also criticized Manila for depending on others for its national security and defense, as well as allegedly causing geopolitical tension in the region.

“Let me stress that the Typhon MRC (mid-range capability) missile system can carry either conventional or nuclear payloads. It is not a defensive weapon, but a strategic and offensive one,” said Mao Ning, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

“The Philippines has worked with the US to bring in the Typhon system. It’s placing its national security and defense in the hands of others, introducing geopolitical confrontation and arms race into the region and posing substantive threat to regional peace and security,” Mao added.