President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced his intention to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss recent shifts in American policies concerning foreign aid, trade, defense, security, and immigration. Speaking to the media in Cebu City, Marcos emphasized the necessity of the meeting, highlighting the significant issues at stake for the Philippines.
Marcos pointed out the impact of U.S. immigration policies, noting that several hundred Filipinos have been repatriated. He stressed the importance of resolving these issues, as Filipinos in the U.S. play a crucial role in the American workforce. Marcos also mentioned that the Philippine government aims to influence U.S. immigration policy decisions.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has indicated that the deportation of approximately 300,000 undocumented Filipinos in the U.S. is highly unlikely before the end of Trump’s term. The DFA reported that only a few hundred undocumented Filipinos were deported monthly during Trump’s first term.
Regarding the U.S.’s temporary halt on foreign assistance, Marcos found it challenging to comment due to the policy’s ambiguity. He noted that even U.S. government agencies are struggling to understand the full implications of the policy, including which areas will be affected and where aid funds will be cut.
Marcos described these policy uncertainties as the ‘growing pains’ of a new administration, expressing confidence that clarity would emerge over time. He anticipates that by the time he meets with Trump, a better understanding of these policies will facilitate more productive discussions.
Cesar Chavez, Acting Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office, stated that the meeting between Marcos and Trump has not yet been scheduled.