President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a productive phone call on trade, the Luzon Economic Corridor, energy cooperation and South China Sea security, underscoring the deepening United States-Philippines alliance ahead of key diplomatic anniversaries. 
NATION

Marcos Jr., Rubio tackle trade, South China Sea security in phone call

Jason Mago

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed bilateral economic and security priorities, including trade issues and efforts to maintain peace and security in the South China Sea, during a phone call on Monday.

In a social media post, Marcos described the conversation as “productive,” saying the two officials discussed critical regional and economic priorities as well as bilateral trade matters.

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“Our exchange underscored our countries' mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-U.S. alliance and addressing shared regional interests,” Marcos said.

According to a statement from U.S. State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott, Rubio and Marcos discussed a range of bilateral economic and security priorities, including efforts to advance peace and security in the South China Sea.

Rubio also reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address energy challenges in the region.

The U.S. Secretary of State emphasized the strength of the United States-Philippines alliance and the continued close cooperation between the two countries as they commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as allies in 2026.