Bongbong weaves diplomatic, security web

On 21 July, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington, D.C., for a three-day official visit to strengthen the Philippines’ strategic partnership with the United States, with a focus on defense and economic cooperation.

During the visit, Marcos secured over $21 billion in US investment pledges and a $3 billion aid package, the first since the US paused foreign aid in January, to bolster energy, maritime security, and economic growth.

US President Donald Trump announced a reciprocal trade deal, reducing tariffs on Philippine exports to 19 percent and securing zero tariffs on American products entering the Philippines, alongside endorsing a strategic ammunition manufacturing facility in Subic Bay to enhance both nations’ defense capabilities.

21 July

PBBM lands in U.S. for Trump talks

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington, D.C. for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening the Philippines’ strategic partnership with the United States, particularly on defense and economic cooperation.

The President’s plane touched down at Joint Base Andrews where he was received by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

Poverty rate down to 15.3% in 2023

The poverty rate decreased to 15.3 percent in 2023 from 18.1 percent in 2021, as government measures helped reduce the number of Filipinos living in poverty. The poverty incidence in 2023 was also better than the government’s target of 16 percent to 16.4 percent in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicated the number of poor Filipinos whose income was insufficient to meet their basic food and non-food needs decreased to 17.54 million from 19.99 million in 2021.

Security execs tackle WPS in Washington

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington, D.C., where they exchanged views on topics of mutual interest, including the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The two NSAs exchanged views on the regional security situation, particularly in the South China Sea and WPS, and future activities to further strengthen the alliance between the two nations to establish credible deterrence in the region,” the National Security Council said in a statement. Rubio concurrently sits as the US’ acting NSA, replacing Mike Waltz on 1 May.

22 July

Gov’t mobilized amid flooding

The national government activated all relevant agencies to respond to the widespread flooding caused by the southwest monsoon or habagat.

In a recorded message from Washington, D.C., President Marcos instructed key agencies to prepare for the severe weather conditions and ensure that necessary aid and services reach affected communities.

He directed the Office of Civil Defense and the Departments of Transportation, Health, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Public Works and Highways, Energy, and Interior and Local Government to coordinate their efforts.

Stability driver

The Chief Executive emphasized the vital role of the Philippines-United States alliance in preserving the peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific region, amid rising geopolitical tensions.

In his meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Tuesday (Manila time), Marcos said the longstanding partnership between the two countries continues to serve as the cornerstone for regional security.

Palace urges empathy

Malacañang ordered the suspension of all preparations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SoNA) of President Marcos.

This after Mr. Marcos expressed dismay over reports that some government personnel were installing SoNA-related materials in public spaces despite the heavy rains that caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and many parts of the country.

“The President is dismayed by reports that government personnel are putting up SoNA-related materials in public areas while many communities are battling heavy flooding,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement.

Asserting rights over WPS unwavering

The Philippines will neither yield nor waver in asserting its rights and interests over the West Philippine Sea. This was the commitment President Marcos made in his 3rd State of the Nation Address and to the country’s allies. This policy statement continues to guide government action over the resource-rich waters.

In instances where Philippine maritime missions were met with aggressive and dangerous Chinese actions, Manila was unyielding in airing its strong protest.

23 July

Reciprocal tariff adjusted to 19%

Local exports to the United States will now be subject to a 19-percent tariff, down from the 20-percent Washington initially planned to impose, US President Donald Trump announced following what he called a “beautiful visit” by President Marcos at the White House.

Part of the new deal includes granting zero tariffs for American products bound for the Philippines. “It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby the Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

Trump pushes Subic ammo plant

President Trump emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed ammunition manufacturing facility in Subic Bay, Zambales, stating that it would enhance both Philippine defense capabilities and US military readiness.

“It’s very important. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have approved it,” Trump said on Wednesday (Manila time) in a press conference at the White House after his bilateral meeting with President Marcos.

Address to highlight social programs

His fourth SoNA will focus on ongoing social and economic programs amid the changing national landscape.

The President explained the 2025 version will naturally differ from previous addresses because “the state of the nation today is different from what it was last year and the year before that.”

“We will be talking mainly about the same things — about the social projects of the government for people in need,” he said.

P3-B aid, first since pause

The US government has allocated approximately P3 billion in foreign assistance to the Philippines, the first to any country since the US paused most of its foreign aid commitments in January.

The US Embassy in Manila confirmed on Wednesday that the funding, coursed through the US Department of State, will support programs in energy, maritime security, and economic growth in the Philippines.

The aid announcement came after the meeting between President Marcos and US Secretary of State Rubio on 21 July.

$21-B investments pledged

President Marcos returned to the country on Wednesday with over $21 billion in investment pledges and renewed strategic commitments from the United States following a three-day official visit to Washington, D.C.

Marcos, in his arrival message, said the visit, held at the invitation of US President Trump, reaffirmed the “breadth and depth” of the Philippines-US alliance across security, economic and geopolitical cooperation.

24 July

Extreme weather now the norm

President Marcos called for a shift in mindset on disaster preparedness, urging government agencies to treat the country’s typhoon response system as “semi-permanent” amid the worsening effects of climate change.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at Camp Aguinaldo, Marcos emphasized that extreme weather events are now the norm rather than the exception.

“We need to change our mindset. This is no longer unusual, this is no longer an emergency. This is now the reality of our times. It will happen,” he said.

Flood relief, rescue must be faster

The President ordered the immediate mobilization of all relevant government agencies to intensify rescue, relief, and flood control operations as monsoon rains and successive weather systems continued to affect many areas of the country.

Mr. Marcos convened a situation briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in Camp Crame, Quezon City, directing a series of urgent actions to mitigate the impact of the severe weather conditions.

25 July

PhilHealth enhances package

President Marcos launched the Philippine Health Insurance Corp’s (PhilHealth) Yaman ng Kalusugan Program Para Malayo sa Sakit, an expanded package of accessible health services, including medicines and basic laboratory tests.

During the program launch, Marcos said the revitalized primary care benefit package aims to provide Filipinos, especially those in remote areas, with better access to more responsive primary and preventive healthcare.

“The truth is that this is not a new program but an old program we have expanded,” Marcos said.