Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacanang has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will visit the Philippines for the ASEAN summit in November but declined to provide details of his trip, including whether Manila and Washington would sign an agreement under the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the visit during a Palace briefing after being asked about an announcement from the White House.
“It is confirmed, pero ‘yung details, siguro hindi po sa akin manggagaling,” Castro said.
[Translation: It is confirmed, but the details will probably have to come from someone else.]
“Basta kinonfirm ko lang po na pupunta po ang U.S. President Trump. Ang detalye, kapag nabigyan na po ako ng pagkakataon na magbigay ng detalye, saka ko po sa inyo ise-share,” she added.
[Translation: I am only confirming that US President Trump will visit. I will share the details when I am authorized to do so.]
Trump last visited Manila in November 2017, when he attended ASEAN-related meetings and held talks with then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
The upcoming visit would bring Trump back to the Philippines amid continuing tensions in the South China Sea and efforts by Manila and Washington to expand economic and security cooperation.
The Philippines and the United States are longtime treaty allies, with their defense relationship strengthened in recent years through expanded military access arrangements and joint exercises.
