Marcos optimistic ‘ironclad’ US-PH defense pact is beyond politics

Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and American President Joe Biden (AFP FILE PHOTOS)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed optimism that the “ironclad” commitment of the United States to its defense treaty with the Philippines will remain constant and is “beyond politics.”

Marcos made the remark when asked if he is concerned that, former US President Donald Trump, should he get reelected, would not offer the same “ironclad commitment” to theMutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between Manila and Washington.

“I believe what we have agreed with the United States are beyond politics,” Marcos said in a forum in Manila Hotel, adding that “those treaty agreements must be honored.”

Marcos, however, noted that US President Joe Biden’s reelection will provide a “solid ground” due to both leaders’ previous engagements.

“If President Biden is reelected, then we have a fairly solid ground to base our positions on because we have already spoken with him,” Marcos pointed out.

Signed on August 30, 1951, the MDT states thatboth nations would support each other if an external party attacked either one of them.