A lawmaker expressed confidence that the Philippines and the United States will maintain strong and strategic relations despite the recent withdrawal of the US from the World Health Organization (WHO).
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman and Albay Representative Joey Salceda noted that US aid has not been a primary source of support for the Philippines in recent years. The country has relied more on Japan, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
“US aid has been in the low single digits, even behind Korea. On that matter, we’ll be fine. Their aid is their decision to make. Nothing needs to be done on our end,” Salceda explained.
The congressman emphasized that the Philippines is not seeking aid from the US but is instead asking for fair access to US markets, which remain the largest destination for Philippine exports.
“We are not asking for aid. We are asking for fair access to US markets. If our exports face punitive rates, we should interpret that as not the act of a friend and adjust our trade and foreign policies accordingly,” Salceda stated.
Salceda is optimistic about the enduring strength of PH-US ties, citing the call made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Philippines as the first among Asian countries.
He described this gesture as proof of the strategic importance the US places on its relationship with the Philippines.
The lawmaker also noted that it would be unwise for the US to overlook the Philippines’ strategic significance in its policies and interests in Asia.
He highlighted that Japan and ASEAN countries remain the Philippines’ most vital foreign relationships.
Salceda acknowledged that while the Philippines has no control over the US potentially ending its relationship with the country, it would leave the Philippines no choice but to balance its relations with China.
“I am not sentimentally attached to China. I even led a boycott of its goods in 2011. However, when the Chinese economy is strong, the Philippine economy benefits. When it falters, so do we,” Salceda remarked.
The congressman stressed the historical context of Philippine-US relations, pointing out that while territorial disputes exist with China, only the US has invaded the Philippines’ main islands.
“We understand the US will prioritize its interests. We simply want them to be fair. The farther the US distances itself from us, the closer we may be pushed toward their adversaries,” Salceda concluded.