US reaffirms ‘ironclad’ commitment to Philippines after Hegseth’s Cebu visit

CEBU, Philippines — The United States has reaffirmed its “ironclad” commitment to the Philippines, citing its longstanding defense alliance and expanding cooperation following the visit of US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to Cebu for the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.

In a statement yesterday, November 2, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said Hegseth’s visit underscored Washington’s commitment to strengthening its alliances, deepening regional cooperation and promoting peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lipton said the Trump administration remains determined to ensure that peace is backed by strength, with Hegseth’s engagements with Southeast Asian partners reflecting the importance the U.S. places on the region and its alliance with the Philippines.

“Our commitment to Philippine security is ironclad,” Lipton said, emphasizing the strong partnership between the two countries under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He cited the annual conduct of hundreds of joint military exercises and training activities, hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. security assistance, expanded maritime cooperative activities, disaster response support and public health assistance as proof of the alliance's continuing strength.

The partnership is also reinforced by frequent engagements between senior defense and security officials of both countries, he added.

“We’re in this for the long-term,” Lipton said.

His statement came as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of the signing of the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

He said the alliance remains stronger than ever, with Washington standing firmly with the Filipino people in defending the country's sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and upholding freedom of navigation, which is vital to global commerce.

Beyond defense and security, Lipton said the U.S. also wants to strengthen its economic partnership with the Philippines.

He said Washington supports the country's economic development and considers reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade essential to achieving shared prosperity.

“The United States is proud to call the Philippines an ally, partner, and friend,” Lipton said.

He added that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond treaties and shared strategic interests, describing it as a bond between their peoples that continues to grow stronger. — (FREEMAN)