MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) in the Philippines has voiced a strong belief in the continued enhancement of the defense relationship with the United States during the presidency of Donald J. Trump. In a statement released on Wednesday, the DND expressed its hope that the alliance would thrive under the new leadership.
DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., in a recent discussion on Hoover Institution’s ‘Battlegrounds,’ highlighted the critical role of the partnership between the Philippines and the U.S., which he said has been directly fostered by President Trump. Teodoro anticipates that this positive trend will persist as the security dynamics between the two nations, along with other allies, continue to develop.
Teodoro emphasized the evolution of a new security ecosystem, not just between the Philippines and the U.S., but also involving other nations with similar values, such as Japan and Australia. He believes that the current momentum in these relationships will be sustained and expanded.
During a meeting with the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, the ambassador expressed his assurance that U.S. military support, including significant economic initiatives, would continue despite a temporary 90-day suspension. The DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are committed to advancing their defense capabilities in line with their strategic needs and priorities, maintaining their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, rights, and jurisdiction.