Rubio to visit Philippines to strengthen US alliance

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is planning to visit the Philippines next month. His visit aims to strengthen the alliance between the United States and the Philippines during the Trump administration. Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manuel Romualdez, mentioned that the exact date of the visit is not confirmed yet, but it is likely to be in April. Romualdez said the relationship between the two countries is very important. He emphasized that both nations face challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The ambassador believes Rubio's mission will be similar to that of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is visiting Manila next week. Hegseth's visit, scheduled for March 28, marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a Pentagon chief will include the Philippines in their first trip to the region. Romualdez noted that this is a good time to discuss and enhance the relationship with the Trump administration. During Hegseth's visit, he and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. plan to discuss the needs of the Philippines' armed forces. Romualdez added that the US is focused on creating a strong deterrence against potential conflicts. Hegseth may also meet with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his trip.