Hegseth’s visit comes at the ‘right time’ – Ambassador Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines comes at the “right time” when both nations are working earnestly to bring forward its relationship.

For the very first time, Hegseth will be in Manila from March 28 to 29 to meet Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

READ: US DND chief coming over to ‘advance security objectives with PH leaders’

“Even starting from the time of President [Donald] Trump’s first administration, there was a lot of excitement already as far as that was concerned—so the planned visit of Sec. Hegseth comes at the right time when we are trying to bring forward this new relationship that we have with the Trump administration.

According to Romualdez, strength and deterrence would be among primary topics between the high ranking officials.

“In other words they would like to strengthen the alliance and not only that, they would like to strengthen our armed forces,” said Romualdez.

Apart from the Philippines, the US Embassy in the Philippines earlier disclosed that Hegseth’s trip also included visiting Hawaii, Guam and Japan.

“These engagements will drive ongoing efforts to strengthen our alliances and partnerships toward our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” it said.