A senior United States defense official praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a “model leader” during a meeting in New York, underlining the “vital importance” of the Philippines–United States security partnership.
US Undersecretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby said in a post on X that he held a “very productive discussion” with Marcos on strengthening the alliance and enhancing defense cooperation between the two countries.
“It was a great personal honor to meet with Philippine President Marcos this week in New York during his visit to the United Nations,” Colby wrote.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the discussion focused on accelerating defense collaboration, strengthening deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, and improving interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military through joint exercises such as Balikatan Exercise, scheduled to begin next month.
Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty, the cornerstone of the longstanding PH-US security partnership.
The alliance has expanded in recent years through agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), allowing US forces access to select Philippine military bases for joint training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.
Joint military exercises, including the annual Balikatan drills, remain central to maintaining regional stability, freedom of navigation, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Marcos’ two-day working visit to New York also advanced the Philippines’ campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027–2028, promoted women’s empowerment, and encouraged American investment.
The President delivered the Philippine national statement at the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, emphasizing education, gender equality, and women’s participation in decision-making.
He met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and addressed the 193-member UN General Assembly, stressing multilateralism, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Marcos also engaged with investors, including officials from the US Medical Glove Company, which could create over 2,000 jobs, and J.P. Morgan executives, discussing global economic trends, geopolitical tensions, and potential impacts on financial markets and oil prices.
“Sa pagtatapos ng ating pagbisita sa New York, ipagpapatuloy natin ang paglilingkod sa bayan nang mas mulat sa mga bagong kaalaman, pamamaraan, at mga ugnayan,” Marcos said, highlighting the importance of multilateral engagement and strengthening ASEAN regional solidarity.
The Philippines and the United States maintain a strategic defense alliance anchored in the Mutual Defense Treaty, which commits both countries to support each other in the event of an armed attack in the Pacific.
Through EDCA and joint military exercises, the alliance has expanded to address modern security threats while reinforcing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.