When US Vice President Kamala Harris visited on Monday and met with President Marcos in Malacanang, the two discussed potential investment deals which will help the Philippines expand its use of renewable energy and its potential contribution to job creation.
“We will talk more about what that means in terms of the opportunities that are presented through our mutual concern about the climate crisis and what we might do in terms of investments and renewable energy and thinking about clean power and the industries that will come about because of that commitment,” Harris said.
She also gave assurances the US will continue to honor its defense agreement with the country amid its ongoing territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea.
“An armed attack on the Philippines armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke US Mutual Defense commitments. And that is an unwavering commitment that we have to the Philippines,” Harris said.
“So again, I will reiterate that the alliance between the United States and the Philippines is a strong one and enduring one, and only under your leadership continues to be strengthened,” she added.
US always in PHL future
For his part, Marcos stressed the country continues to consider the US as its indispensable ally.
“I do not see a future for the Philippines that does not include the United States. And that really has—that really has come from the very long relationship that we have had with the US,” Marcos said.
However, Marcos reiterated his previous statement that the country’s relationship with the US must “evolve” with the “rapidly” changing global situations.
“That is why it is very important that we continue to progress, that we continue to strengthen, and we—as we redefine those relationships,” the President said.
Harris also spoke with women about empowerment and their rights and then flew to Palawan to meet with fisherfolk to end the illegal fishing, by granting the fishing sector assistance from the US government as well as the Coast Guard to upgrade its capability to monitor Philippine waters.
Her trip to Palawan, which is near the disputed territories in the South China Sea, aims to signal the US commitment to support the country in case its disagreement with China escalates.