AFP chief ‘optimistic’ PH-US military ties will remain strong under Trump

Metro Manila, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner expressed optimism that military ties and defense cooperation with the United States will remain “strong” under the incoming Trump administration.

In a recent briefing, Brawner highlighted the longstanding partnership between Manila and Washington anchored on key agreements like the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

“We in the Armed Forces of the Philippines are optimistic that the relationship with the U.S. military will remain robust and strong,” Brawner said. “We share a long history of defense cooperation with the United States. We fought together during World War II, and they have continued to support us in our campaign against terrorism.”

The AFP chief also emphasized US support in addressing regional threats.

“Several statements were made by US officials even before the elections, stating that the United States would continue to support us in terms of defense cooperation, regardless of the election outcome. So, we remain very optimistic,” he added.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez echoed this optimism, looking forward to a strengthened defense alliance as Trump prepares for a new term.

Romualdez, who served as ambassador during Trump’s first term, recalled how the former US president underscored the importance of military ties between the two nations.

“During President Trump’s first term, it was made very clear that our defense alliance held significant importance,” he told NewsWatch Plus.

Romualdez also revisited a major diplomatic challenge in 2020 when then-President Rodrigo Duterte announced plans to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US. Duterte later reversed his decision amid the COVID-19 pandemic, realizing the value of the agreement.

“Fortunately, President Duterte saw the wisdom in maintaining the VFA, as it served not only our interests but also that of the United States,” Romualdez said.

He also noted the continuity of PH-U.S. ties under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden, with both nations building on the alliance forged by their predecessors.

Romualdez cited former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s assurance that the MDT is “ironclad” and pointed to the continued implementation of the VFA and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed in 2016.

“This commitment to the MDT and related agreements is stronger than ever,” Romualdez said. “I’ve spoken to officials from the Trump administration, and they assured me that these policies would likely stay consistent, possibly even improve under the next term.”