(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday shared having a “productive” talk with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday as they discussed further strengthening the Philippines-United States alliance.
“I had a productive phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio this morning, during which we discussed critical regional and economic priorities, and bilateral trade matters,” Marcos said in a social media post.
“Our exchange underscored our countries’ mutual commitment to strengthening the PH-US alliance and addressing shared regional interests,” he added.
Meanwhile, the US State Department, through a readout attributed to spokesman Thomas Pigott, noted that the conversation also touched on bilateral security and economic priorities, including developments in the South China Sea and other regional concerns.
“The secretary reaffirmed US commitment to developing the Luzon Economic Corridor and exploring ways to address the energy challenges in the region,” it said.
The Luzon Economic Corridor is an international infrastructure and supply chain initiative meant to connect Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila, and Batangas.
Originally launched by the US, Japan, and the Philippines, its priority projects include rail and port modernization, clean energy, and agribusiness and digital connectivity.
“The secretary emphasized the strength of the United States-Philippines alliance and the continued close cooperation as the two countries commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years as allies in 2026,” the US State Department said.
