US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton on Monday reaffirmed Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to Philippine security, saying the alliance between the two countries remains “stronger than ever” under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a statement following US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s visit to Cebu for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, Lipton said the visit highlighted Washington’s commitment to Southeast Asia and its partnership with Manila.
“I want to reaffirm the United States' enduring commitment to the Philippines and our shared vision for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Lipton said.
He said Hegseth’s engagements with Southeast Asian partners demonstrated the Trump administration’s determination to strengthen alliances, deepen regional cooperation and ensure that peace is backed by strength.
“Our commitment to Philippine security is ironclad,” Lipton stressed.
He added that the partnership had grown under Marcos, citing hundreds of joint military exercises and training activities conducted annually, hundreds of millions of dollars in US security assistance, and expanded maritime cooperative activities.
The cooperation also covers disaster response, public health assistance and regular engagements between senior defense and security officials, according to the ambassador.
The statement comes as the Philippines and the United States mark the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty, which serves as the foundation of their longstanding security alliance.
“As we mark 75 years of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, our message is clear: our alliance is stronger than ever,” Lipton said.
Lipton said the two countries remained committed to defending Philippine sovereignty, protecting territorial integrity and upholding freedom of navigation in the region.
“We also believe our security partnership must be matched by an equally strong economic partnership. The United States supports the Philippines' economic development and believes reciprocal, mutually beneficial trade is essential to shared prosperity,” Lipton said.
“The United States is proud to call the Philippines an ally, partner, and friend. Our relationship is not simply a matter of treaties or shared strategic interests; it is a bond between our peoples that grows stronger every day,“ he added.
