Romualdez: Trump can bring adversaries to table, resolve issues peacefully
US President Donald Trump signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday said he believes that United States (US) President Donald Trump can bring adversaries to the table and resolve disputes peacefully, amid tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Romualdez’s statement was in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s assurance that the Trump administration will remain committed to the defense of the Philippines.
“President Trump has demonstrated an ability to bring adversaries to the negotiating table, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and constructive solutions,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“This approach offers hope that tensions in the West Philippine Sea can be addressed peacefully, with respect for international law and mutual cooperation,” he added.
According to Romualdez, Rubio’s assurance in his phone call with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo is a welcome development — especially since tensions are still rising, with a large China Coast Guard vessel recently spotted in Philippine territorial waters.
“Secretary Rubio’s affirmation clearly demonstrates the United States’ enduring commitment to our partnership. This reassurance comes at a crucial time when our shared values and mutual interests face serious challenges in the region,” said Romualdez.
Romualdez, however, assured the public that despite the Philippine government pursuing strong alliances, the country adheres to an independent foreign policy.
“Our focus remains on safeguarding our sovereignty and securing the welfare of our people. At the same time, we recognize the importance of working with allies who uphold the rule of law and respect international norms,” he said.
“Through inclusive discussions and adherence to the 2016 arbitral ruling, we can build a foundation for lasting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he added.
During the earlier part of 2024, there were concerns that the renewed ties between the Philippines and the US would continue, despite the uncertainties brought by an election year in America, as a Trump victory would likely mean a different policy direction from that of then-US president Joe Biden.
Before the first-ever trilateral summit between the Philippines, the US, and Japan last April 2024, US National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said that Filipinos and its government can count on strong ties while Biden is around.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez — the Speaker’s cousin — said that he believes that the US strategy for the Indo-Pacific Region is unlikely to change under Trump.
Ambassador Romualdez, who was appointed to the post during Trump’s first term, said that one of the President’s close advisers told him in February 2024 that Washington would continue its current stance in the region.
