PBBM's US visit strengthens PH global standing--Romualdez

By Jose Cielito Reganit

MANILA--President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s official visit to the United States that resulted in a new trade and defense arrangement has placed the country on a stronger footing in global affairs, Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday.

In a statement, Romualdez said the outcome of Marcos' visit and discussions with US President Donald Trump laid a foundation for broader access to markets, deeper military partnerships, and more opportunities for Filipinos at home and abroad.

"This is more than just an official working visit. This is a statement of confidence: that the Philippines is ready to lead, to compete, and to stand tall among nations," he said.

"President Marcos has once again proven that our foreign policy can be both principled and pragmatic, firm in defending our interests, but also generous in building alliances that uplift our people."

   Expanded market access, security in the WPS

During the visit, Trump announced in a public message the conclusion of a trade agreement and described the engagement as a "beautiful visit" and praised Marcos as a "very good and tough negotiator."

Romualdez, who is expected to again sit as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 20th Congress, said the trade agreement offers expanded market access for Filipino products and services, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to scale beyond local borders.

"It means more small and medium Filipino enterprises will be able to compete globally. It means more chances for our farmers, our fisherfolk, and our local producers to earn and grow. We are bringing the world closer to our shores and bringing Filipino excellence to the world," he said.

He also noted that the strengthened defense ties discussed during the visit align with regional efforts to maintain security in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and neighboring waters.

The WPS issue, he said, is not just about defending Philippine territory, but, more importantly, also about "fighting for the rights of Filipino fishers, the right of every Filipino to live in peace and the right of the next generation to obtain what is rightfully ours."

"Through this partnership, we are reinforcing peace, not provoking conflict," he added.

   Global relevance

Romualdez also called Trump's remarks a reflection of how the Philippines is reasserting its relevance in global affairs.

"President Marcos is not just earning respect abroad: he is using that respect to uplift every ordinary Filipino back home. It's easy to talk big in international forums, but harder to deliver real benefits to the people. This President is doing both," he said, adding that diplomacy must be rooted in impact.

"When diplomacy results in lower prices for goods, more jobs for our workers, more protection for our borders, and more investments in our communities, that is when it becomes real.

"Nations are not built overnight. What matters is that President Marcos secured a seat at the table, and the terms of engagement can be shaped from here. This is how statesmanship works: steady, strategic, and always with the people in mind." (PNA)

(2025/07/24-11:23)

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