US reaffirms ‘ironclad’ ties on PH Independence Day
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed the country’s “ironclad” defense commitments and highlighted its long-standing alliance ties to mark the country’s 128th anniversary of Philippine independence on Friday.
“On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my warmest congratulations to the people of the Philippines as you celebrate your Independence Day on June 12,” Rubio said in a statement released by the US Department of State.
He said the Philippines and the United States are marking “80 years of diplomatic relations,” describing the partnership as one rooted in World War II cooperation and sustained through decades of diplomatic engagement.
Rubio also cited the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, which marks its 75th anniversary this year, saying the United States remains “unwavering in our ironclad mutual defense commitments.”
The statement also pointed to continued cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including initiatives such as the Luzon Economic Corridor and efforts to develop secure and resilient critical minerals supply chains.
“The United States stands proudly alongside the Philippines in its Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)chair year as friends, partners and allies committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.
People-to-people ties
Rubio also underscored people-to-people ties between the two countries, noting that more than four million Filipino Americans live in the United States, while over 750,000 Americans reside in the Philippines.
“The ties between our peoples and our nations have never been stronger,” he said.
He added that Washington looks forward to deepening cooperation with Manila in advancing “peace, security and prosperity in the years ahead.”
The Philippines and the United States are treaty allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, a cornerstone of bilateral security relations that has underpinned decades of defense cooperation.
